Lee told reporters that the first phase of Taiwan’s China Airlines will be to operate charter flights in Palau and eventually plan for regular flights.
He said that the airline taking over the Palau route is good news because China Airlines has several international flights in Asia, North America and Europe.
China Airlines executives attended hearings with airport officials and the Ministry of Commerce and Trade to make final arrangements for the inaugural flight.
The inaugural flight will take off Taiwan on May 31 and will arrive in Palau at around 4 a.m. Sunday.
President Remengesau will be arriving to Palau via the airline from his trip from Germany.
Lee said the resumption of the flights contributes to Palau economic development and further strengthen the friendship between the two countries.
Taiwan’s Civil Aeronautics Administration, Ministry of Transportation and Communication have recently designated China Airlines to provide the chartered flights service starting May 31 between Taiwan and Palau.
China Airlines will initially fly to Palau three times a week.
This was apparently a result of a meeting between Remengesau and Taiwan President Ma Ying-jeou last week.
It was learned that a Boeing 737-800 aircraft will be used for the new Taipei-Palau passenger service, offering single-class cabin service.
The first two charter flights are devoted to passengers who already booked a flight to Palau with the defunct Far Eastern Air Transport (FAT).
He said initial charter flights are scheduled up to August 31 to give China Airlines time to organize itself and plan for regular flights.
