“This definitely diversifies the tourist base,” said David Kendell, Director of Sales and Marketing in Micronesia and Asia of Continental Airlines. “We support competition; we support their efforts. It’s a good thing for Palau.”
Kendell was even at the airport when the first Pacific Flier flight landed on Koror. “I notice that they did land the plane the day I was at the airport. I actually saw the final approach,” he said in an interview.
Pacific Flier flies from Clark Field, Pampanga, Philippines, and is offering a special rate of $339 round trip for its first three flights. The regular airfare will be $399.
Kendell, however, thinks it’s too early to comment on the competition’s pricing. “There are so many factors that determine the price point. I need not comment on their current pricing,” he shared.
Continental Airlines has been in the business for over 40 years now; and Kendell said any support that they can provide for the competition, they will do so. He said they welcome the addition.
“Currently, Palau already has good connectivity,” Kendell added. Although they are definitely expanding the network, providing additional flights in and out of Guam, Kendell said they have to grow smart.
“We cannot put a day time flight if it doesn’t have a sufficient demand to support it,” he said, referring to some suggestions that they provide day flights to generate more tourists for Palau. “We calculate what opportunities we’ve got out there. But right now, we think Palau already connects well.”
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