Government celebrates inaugural flight into FSM
Nauru's national air carrier -
Nauru Airlines - flew to Kosrae and Pohnpei in the Federated States
of Micronesia for the inaugural flight at the weekend, 12 June
connecting the north and south on a weekly basis.
The new route will provide more travel options and facilitate and
encourage trade between the north, central and southern Pacific
region.
The new destinations will connect with existing services to
Brisbane, Nauru, Nadi, Tarawa and Majuro.
As the plane landed in Pohnpei on 12 June it was received with a
water salute from the Pohnpei fire service as it taxied along the
runway.
The Nauru delegation led by His Excellency President Baron Waqa
was greeted and welcomed with the traditional sakau drinking
ceremony at the airport.
The official event for the inaugural flight was hosted the
following evening (13 June) by Nauru Airlines at the Mangrove Bay
hotel.
In his welcome address Nauru Airline's Chief Executive Officer
Geoffrey Bowmaker said the airline has seen great support for its
development and the foundation laid for progress, thanks to the
support of President Waqa, Minister David Adeang and the government
Cabinet.
President Waqa was personally encouraged with the partnership
between Majuro and the FSM and the development of air services in
the region.
"It has been 15 years since Air Nauru last serviced Pohnpei with
regular flights. The absence of an operator linking south,
central and north Pacific has hampered the development of business,
trade and family links because of the high cost and long travel
times between our countries.
"These flights will offer our people even more choice of travel
opportunities between our nations and bring more overseas visitors
into our countries as well.
"I understand as well that studies are proceeding whereby Nauru
Airlines is reviewing the possibility of services that will reach
further into the other FSM states, and perhaps, beyond," President
Waqa said.
Other speeches followed including the presentation of the Nauru
Airlines air services permit to President Baron Waqa by FSM
President Peter Christian.