In more good news for Palau, the Journal has verified that the route United initially planned for May will still fly between Palau and Japan, but now in Oct. 29 according to Journal sources.
The new route will reconnect Palau with its traditional key market of Japan. It was previously serviced by Delta Airlines until 2018, though the airline has seen some Japan airline charters.
“We welcome United Airlines and this new route, which will re-establish the direct flight between Japan and Palau,” President Surangel S. Whipps Jr. said in October, describing United as “a good partner.”
United's Japan-Palau route is slated to begin in October.
Palau has also seen success with its direct flight between Australia and the country, as Australians have taken to the route with enthusiasm. Qantas now offers a new direct flight service from Brisbane to Palau, with that route launched Dec. 7.
The route, known as the ‘Palau Paradise Express,’ was a contract awarded to Qantas by the Australian Government as part of a larger outreach to bring Australia, Palau and other Micronesian states closer together and support people-to-people links, development and economic outcomes, Australian officials said at the time, according to Journal files.
In related news, United launched its twice weekly flight between Guam and Taipei April 2, with high hopes for the route. mbj
