Alii Palau Airlines Set for November Debut with Drukair-Chartered A320-200neo

Alii Palau Airlines is gearing up for its debut on November 23, 2023, with a strategic move to secure an A320-200N on charter from Drukair. The Palau-based carrier initially intended to launch services earlier this year, utilizing a luxury-configured A319-100 from an Abu Dhabi-based lessor. However, the revised plan involves a twice-weekly service between Singapore Changi and Koror, with the frequency increasing to twice weekly from December 21.

The chartered A320-200N from Drukair will operate an extension of the Bhutanese carrier’s existing scheduled flights between Paro and Singapore. This partnership leverages the once-weekly roundtrip service, with plans to enhance connectivity between the Southwest Pacific region and Singapore.

Changi Airport’s Executive Vice President of Air Hub and Cargo Development, Lim Ching Kiat, expressed enthusiasm about the new city link to Palau, emphasizing its positive impact on Changi’s network. The twice-weekly service will provide travelers from Palau with opportunities to explore Singapore and other destinations, leveraging Changi Airport’s extensive connectivity to Southeast Asia and beyond.

The strategic scheduling of flights accommodates after-dark landing restrictions at Paro Airport. The Druk Air A320neo, operating Alii Palau’s services, departs Singapore just after midnight, arriving in Koror before breakfast and returning to Singapore by lunchtime before continuing to Paro. This optimized schedule enhances operational efficiency and offers a seamless travel experience for passengers.

Notably, Drukair previously utilized downtime during overnight stays in Singapore to operate flights for other carriers, including Singapore – Dili – Singapore for Air Timor. The collaboration with Alii Palau signifies a new chapter for both carriers, emphasizing strategic partnerships for mutual benefit.

Alii Palau was reportedly in discussions with a Myanmar-based operator for the aircraft but opted for the Drukair charter due to geopolitical considerations and sanctions. The imminent launch of Alii Palau Airlines marks an exciting development in the aviation landscape, creating new travel options for passengers between Singapore and Koror.