KOROR (Palau Horizon) — Seeing the need for increased flight service across the Micronesian region, the 12-member Association of Pacific Legislatures strongly supported the formation of Rock Island Airlines in Palau.
In a report presented by APIL’s Committee on Commerce and Trade chaired by Palau Del. Okada Techitong, the lawmakers said there is a need for additional flight service and healthy competition in the air transportation industry.
“The need for increased service and competition in the transportation industry in our region, together with a corresponding reduction in prices, has long been recognized by APIL and each of its individual member jurisdictions,” the panel said in a report.
The committee noted several problems affecting the passengers in the region such as high prices and inconveniences during departure and flight connections.
“Shippers of cargo have similarly experienced difficulty or complete inability to get their goods from one island to another on time and at a supportable price,” the report said.
The committee strongly believes that Rock Island Airlines can meet the needs of people in the region.
“Establishing a regional airline is a costly and ambitious task but it is one that should be embraced and supported to the extent possible by APIL. A regional airline with appropriate business plans and growth potential can better accommodate the transportation needs of the Pacific islands people than can the larger carriers. We believe Rock Island Airlines has such potential and merits the full support of this body,” the committee said.
