Nauru Government urges reforms to sustain Pacific air link

By Andrew Curran.

Nauru Air Corporation minister Asterio Appi has warned that the North Pacific Connector service must be commercially sustainable over the long term.

Speaking at the recent North Pacific Aviation Summit, Appi said it was essential to ensure the long-term viability of the Australian Government-supported service.

Operated by Nauru Airlines, the North Pacific Connector links Brisbane (BNE) with several Pacific island nations, including Nauru (INU), Tarawa (TRW), Majuro (MAJ), Pohnpei (PNI) and Palau (ROR).

The service has been running since 2015 and has received Australian Government support since 2022 through the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade’s Australia - Pacific Partnerships for Aviation programme.

It connects the central and northern Pacific regions with Australia and Fiji, and is intended to improve air connectivity, stimulate economic growth, and strengthen people-to-people links.

Other nations needs to pitch in to keep North Pacific Connector service viable

Appi told the summit, held in Canberra last month and attended by ministers from Micronesia, Kiribati, the Marshall Islands and Palau, that revenues from the service must increase while operating costs are reduced.

He said countries served by the route should contribute to lowering costs, a proposal that was supported in principle by other ministers.

Suggested measures include waiving government charges, permitting night-time landings, and encouraging greater use of the service by public officials.

Appi added that Nauru Airlines could also improve scheduling and reliability, increase freight volumes, and better support tourism initiatives.

The airline operates a fleet of six Boeing 737 aircraft serving seven South-West Pacific airports. Earlier this year, Appi said the state-owned carrier would implement significant changes in 2026 as part of a broader business review aimed at ending “business-as-usual” practices.

In the 12 months to 30 June 2025, Nauru Airlines reported an after-tax loss of more than AUD12.5 million (USD8.9 million).

The various ministers will submit their proposals during a virtual meeting scheduled for mid-May.

Photo: Nauru Airlines.

Contact the writer: andrew@aerosouthpacific.com