The corporation now provides aviation services and products to three airports in the Federated States of Micronesia.
Aviation services and refueling operations commenced following a review of its Yap operations by ExxonMobil Aviation and Continental Airlines.
“The transition could have been smoother but we were under time pressures so we did experience some service disruptions while we awaited Continentals inspection and verification of our systems and procedures. This has now been addressed and we can now focus on improving services and leveraging economies of scale in the FSM,” Petrocorp Chairman William Hawley said.
Aviation products including jet fuels are among the most critical products that Petrocorp distributes from the standpoint of exacting quality requirements.
Strict precautions are taken to see that these products are maintained to the proper specifications and delivered safely into aircraft in the same condition.
Frank Perez, Continental’s inspector, completed the final review of systems, procedures and documentation last week.
“We have a strategic partnership with ExxonMobil Aviation through a technical services agreement ensures that we maintain product reliability through the diligent application of ExxonMobil Aviation’s quality assurance systems; however, the efforts of Mr. Perez and the Continental team were instrumental in minimizing any further disruptions in this transition,” Hawley said.
Mobil Oil Micronesia Inc. ceased aviation refueling operations in Yap, saying that the small market with high costs did not continue to justify further investment in the state.
In 2004, a decision was made by the Yap state government to invest in the facility and to train staff to ensure that essential air services to the state were maintained.
“Although Mobol continued to provide diesel and gasoline in Yap, a lack of aviation fuel drastically affected our access to essential air services. We experienced first hand the effect that this had on the people and businesses here in Yap, and had little alternative but to step in and provide the service. Any step backward toward embargo on cargo is not only against the spirit of the amended Compact, but an economic sanction of immeasurable proportions,” said Yap Gov. Sebastian Anefal.
In Jan. 2009 an agreement was signed by Anefal and William Hawley for the transfer of aviation operations and services from the Yap Public Works Department to Petrocorp.
“Petrocorp already operates two airport storage and refueling operations in the FSM, and have the assistance of ExxonMobil to support operations in Yap. We are pleased that we have been able to successfully transfer operations from Public Works to a corporation who’s primary role is the storage and distribution of petroleum products in the FSM,” Anefal said.
The personnel now responsible for Yap Aviation Services are Juanito Hasugulmal, the officer-in-charge of FSMPC’s Yap operations, John Gilsowuth, and aviation fuel technicians John John Rumwol, John Noph and Anthony S. Sigeyog.
