By Bernadette H. Carreon
Horizon news staff

A Guam-based helicopter company will service routes within the island-nation.
Jon Walker, owner and president of Hansen Helicopters said that the company will be flying anywhere in Palau or within 250 miles.
The company will be using a Hughes 500-C helicopter which will fly to Kayangel, Peleliu or Angaur.
Walker said there is indeed a need for helicopter services in Palau.
The owner has also discussed the venture with the Ministry of Commerce and Trade, the agency responsible for approving aviation permits.
Walker said his company has 28 helicopters in Guam and one will be arriving here in Palau to start the company’s operation here.
Vice President Elias Camsek Chin met with the proprietors yesterday who informed him that the helicopter which will be utilized to fly to other states in Palau will be arriving on Wednesday.
Chin said that the company is a welcome relief to Palau’s need of an aircraft.
He said an aircraft is necessary in cases of emergency use such as search and rescue missions.
He said an aircraft will also help the police patrol Palau’s exclusive economic zone.