Alii Palau Airlines Takes Flight: Inaugural Journey Connects Palau to Global Skies 24 November 2023
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In a historic moment, Alii Palau Airlines marked its inaugural flight at Singapore Changi Airport on Thursday, November 23, 2023, welcoming guests from Palau including Palau's Vice President Jerrlyn Uduch Sengebau Senior.

Photo caption: Akanksha Johri, Managing Partner of Alii Palau Airlines, Glenn Seid Board member, Alii Palau Airlines, Vice President Jerrlyn Uduch Sengebau Senior, Palau, Dhondup Gyaltshen, Chief Pilot for Drukair and Hayato Sugiyama, Board member of Alii Palau Airlines.

Earlier the same morning, there was a spectacular water cannon salute at Palau International Airport, when the plane arrived from Singapore at local time 6.40am.

Palau's Unique Sustainable Initiatives

Palau, renowned for its commitment to environmental protection, stands as the first nation on Earth to modify immigration laws for the cause of ecological preservation. The implementation of the Palau Pledge in 2017 requires visitors to commit to acting responsibly towards the island's ecology and culture upon entry. To raise awareness, Palau even has a short film about Palau Pledge can be viewed here.

Palau's pioneering environmental initiatives extend to the ban on sunscreen harmful to reefs, effective since January 1, 2020. Additionally, Palau established the world's first shark sanctuary in 2009, covering over 200,000 square miles of ocean, influencing global conservation efforts.

Akanksha Johri, Managing Partner, Alii Palau Airlines said:

"As a local Palauan company, Alii Palau Airlines takes pride in connecting Palau to the rest of the world via Singapore Changi Airport, and we have a deep commitment to serve as a bridge connecting cities, people, cultures, and opportunities."

Vice President Jerrlyn Uduch Sengebau Senior, Palau

“In this era of interconnectedness, this direct route serves as a conduit for cultural exchange, educational and training opportunities, economic growth, and collaborative ventures. It's a testament to our vision of a world where distances no longer limit our potential but rather serve as the canvas for innovation, cooperation, and shared experiences. We are confident that being connected with this new route by Alii Palau Airlines will pave the way for a brighter and more interconnected future for Palau and the global community."

Operational Details

Alii Palau Airlines once-weekly roundtrips between Singapore and Palau is operated by Drukair, utilizing an A320neo plane with 140 passenger seats, including 20 Business Class seats.

Flight Details:

  • Departure from Singapore at 0020 hrs; arriving in Palau at 0640 hrs

  • Departure from Palau at 0740 hrs; Arriving in Singapore at 1130 hrs

Frequency: The flight between Singapore and Palau will operate once a week on Thursdays from 23 November to 20 December. From 21 December 2023, Alii Palau Airlines will fly twice a week on Thursdays and Sundays.

Palau's economy relies on tourism, fishing, and subsistence farming. Renowned for its marine conservation efforts, Palau offers world-class diving experiences and has been named one of the seven underwater wonders of the world. Palau stands as a unique and family-friendly destination, inviting travellers to explore its ancient sites, pristine beaches and a UNESCO-protected Rock Islands marine lagoon, home to stunning coral reef, and wildlife that include over 700 species of fish, sharks, manta rays, jellyfish and endangered marine species like the dugong, Nautilus belauensis and Hawksbill sea turtle.

Palau, officially the Republic of Palau, is a sovereign nation comprised of approximately 340 islands, islets, and atolls, with eight of them inhabited. Positioned in the western-most part of the Micronesia region of the Pacific Ocean, Palau gained independence in 1994. Home to around 18,000 people, Palau's vibrant culture and history date back to the 4th millennium BC, characterized by rich trading and cultural exchanges with neighboring Pacific nations.

The Palauan people deeply cherish their connection to the environment, considering it a blessing that sustains life and forms the basis of the nation's economy. With a profound sense of extended family, Palauans engage in traditional gatherings and ceremonies, fostering a strong community bond.

Throughout its history, Palau experienced Spanish, German, and Japanese occupations before becoming part of the United Nations Trust Territory of the Pacific Islands under U.S. administration. In 1994, Palau achieved full independence, becoming an active member of the international community.

About Alii Palau Airlines

Alii Palau Airlines is committed to making Palau, "Paradise of the Pacific," more accessible to travellers from around the world. With an unwavering focus on safety, reliability, and exceptional service, Alii Palau Airlines aspires to be the preferred choice for those seeking to explore the pristine beauty of Palau and a vital link connecting connecting cities, people, cultures, and opportunities. Alii Palau Airlines flies direct from Singapore to Palau, with flights operated by Drukair. Passengers can enjoy a convenient and seamless journey of just 5 hours.