US Awards $8.3M to Air Marshall Islands for Fleet Upgrade
The United States has pledged USD 8.3 million to Air Marshall Islands to support the modernization of its aging fleet, the Department of State announced on September 20. Coordinated with Taiwan, the grant is part of a broader aid package covering defence, infrastructure, and humanitarian initiatives for the Marshall Islands.
Specific details of how the funds will be used have not been released, but the grant follows bilateral discussions in Majuro. Air Marshall Islands, the national carrier of the Republic of the Marshall Islands, has yet to comment on the announcement.
According to fleet data, the airline currently operates two 35-year-old DHC-8-100s and two 33-year-old Dornier 228-212s, primarily serving 23 domestic destinations with 31 routes from its Majuro hub. The carrier provides vital connectivity across the scattered islands of the Pacific nation.
The grant complements earlier commitments from Taiwan. In December 2024, President Lai Ching-te pledged a preferential loan to help expand Air Marshall Islands’ fleet. The airline has already ordered two Cessna 408 SkyCouriers scheduled for delivery in December 2025 and January 2026, marking its first step toward renewal.
Washington’s support underscores its longstanding security and economic ties with the Marshall Islands. The U.S. maintains a significant military presence in the country, including a missile defence test range at Kwajalein Island. By helping modernize Air Marshall Islands, the U.S. and Taiwan aim to bolster reliable air service, improve regional connectivity, and strengthen the nation’s aviation infrastructure.
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Sources: AirGuide Business airguide.info, bing.com, ch-aviation.com