Nauru Airlines (Nauru) took delivery of its first B737-700, although its entry into service is not expected before the fourth quarter of 2021.
N348NA (msn 34538) was ferried from storage at Miami Opa-Locka via Van Nuys, Honolulu, and Nauru to Brisbane International over the course of June 28-30, 2021, Flightradar24 ADS-B data shows. The 15.5-year-old aircraft was previously owned by DAE Capital and operated by Surinam Airways (PY, Paramaribo International) through the end of February 2021. Nauru Airlines said it purchased the aircraft.
The aircraft will be formally operated by Nauru Airlines (Australia) (ON, Brisbane International) as VH-INU. The carrier said the induction, certification, and registration procedures would take another three to four months before the aircraft can start operating.
As Nauru Airlines' first B737NG, the jet joins the rest of the carrier's fleet of two B737-300s, two B737-300(F)s, and one B737-300(SF), all of which are operated under the Australian AOC, the ch-aviation fleets module shows.
The Deputy Minister for Nauru Airlines, Asterio Appi, said in a statement in May that plans to acquire a second 2006-build B737-700 have been pushed back given the need for the state-owned carrier to familiarise itself with its operations.
“The airline will push the focus on the second new aircraft to the latter half of 2021 and after ensuring the first aircraft is well on its way to flying for Nauru,” he said.
The fleet renewal drive is being funded by the Taiwanese government through its EXIM Bank.
