Nauru Airlines (Nauru) is relaunching its self-styled island-hopper flights two-and-a-half years after suspending them, having recently won Australian government subsidisation via the Pacific Flights Program. From October 16, the airline will operate flights linking Brisbane - Nauru - Tarawa - Majuro - Pohnpei every second Sunday with the reverse sectors flying on Mondays. From October 23, it will also operate a monthly round-trip Brisbane - Nauru - Nadi service.
“We want to expand our Central Pacific services to everyone and provide accessibility, and excellent service on all our routes. Our goal is to unite the Pacific community, connecting the islands and bringing people together,” said Nauru Airlines CEO Robert Eoe.
Nauru Airlines previously operated these flights until Covid-19 resulted in their suspension in early 2020. As small Pacific nations now reopen, the Australian government is pivoting its Pacific Flights Program towards the Northern Pacific and concentrating on improving connectivity with island nations located there. Historically, air links between Australia and the Northern Pacific islands have been poor and often financially unviable. But recognising the importance of flights to connect people and maintain supply chains, Australia is supporting certain routes that would otherwise be loss-making.
"Australia’s Pacific Flights Program assures connectivity across the Pacific and to Timor-Leste to enable regular, reliable, and scheduled flights across our region," says a statement from Australia's Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT).
According to the ch-aviation fleets module, through its Nauru Airlines (Australia) (ON, Brisbane International) subsidiary, Nauru Airlines operates two B737-300s, two B737-300(SF)s, and one B737-700. In addition to maintaining its primary passenger route between Brisbane and Nauru, the carrier also operates extensive cargo operations around the Western and Northern Pacific.
