Air Kiribati

Infobox Airline
airline=Air Kiribati
logo=
logo_size=
fleet_size=2
destinations=17
IATA=4A
ICAO=AKL
callsign=
slogan=
founded=1 April 1995
headquarters=Tarawa Atoll (Kiribati)
key_people=Baraniko Baaro (CEO)
hubs=Bonriki International Airport
frequent_flyer=
lounge=
website= [http://www.kiritours.com/Travel/AirKiribati/Index.html kiritours.com/Travel/AirKiribati/Index.html]

Air Kiribati is the national airline of Kiribati operating local passenger services within the Kiribati Islands. It also operates charters, medical evacuation and search and rescue services. Its main base is Bonriki International Airport, Tarawa AtollFlight International 27 March 2007] .

History

The airline was established and started operations on April 1 1995, after the collapse of the previous national airline Air Tungaru, which had been formed on 31 October 1977. In March 2004, Air Kiribati ended its international operations. It is owned 100% by the government of Kiribati.

Destinations

Air Kiribati operates only domestic flights since 2003 (and most of the Gilbert Islands are linked except Banaba Island). The Line Islands and Phoenix Islands are too far for direct flights. Until 2004, Aloha Airlines connected Honolulu to Kiritimati on behalf of Air Kiribati, but, because of Aloha difficulties, there have been no more flights since April 2004. Since October 4, 2005, a new service is operated by Fijian Air Pacific, every Tuesday, from Honolulu, with 24 places chartered on each flight by Air Kiribati. Flight diversions can also be arranged when required. Medevac and SAR are always considered priority.

Air Kiribati's 17 destinations are the following:

* Abaiang (Abaiang Atoll Airport)
* Abemama (Abemama Atoll Airport)
* Aranuka (Aranuka Airport)
* Arorae (Arorae Island Airport)
* Beru (Beru Island Airport)
* Butaritari (Butaritari Airport)
* Kuria (Kuria Airport)
* Maiana (Maiana Airport)
* Makin (Makin Airport)
* Marakei (Marakei Airport)
* Nikunau (Nikunau Airport)
* Nonouti (Nonouti Airport)
* Onotoa (Onotoa Airport)
* Tabiteuea North (Tabiteuea North Airport)
* Tabiteuea South (Tabiteuea South Airport)
* Tamana (Tamana Airport)
* Tarawa (Bonriki International Airport) Hub

Fleet

The Air Kiribati fleet consists of the following aircraft (at March 2007) :

*1 CASA C-212-200
*1 Harbin Y-12 II

In December 2007, the Kiribati Government approved a request by Air Kiribati to purchase two Canadian made Twin Otter aircraft [ [http://www.rnzi.com/pages/news.php?op=read&id=37232 Kiribati government gives their national airline the green light to purchase planes] . Radio New Zealand International, 2007-12-26. Retrieved on 2008-09-16.] . Each plane is reported to cost USD 3.3 million, but Air Kiribati's CEO Baraniko Baaro reports the purchase is a wise move which will save money currently used for the frequent repairs the aging air fleet requires. In addition, the new planes boast higher fuel efficiency, have room for more passengers and cargo and require less runway length than the current fleet, which may be of benefit on the airstrips of Kiribati's outer islands [ [http://www.pacificmagazine.net/news/2007/12/22/air-kiribati-to-acquire-two-twin-otters Air Kiribati To Acquire Two Twin Otters] . Pacific Magazine, 2007-12-22. Retrieved on 2008-09-16.] .

Previously operated

*1 Britten-Norman BN-2A Islander

For one year, it also included 1 ATR 72-500. Its huge costs eventually led to a change in the President of Kiribati. [ [http://www.pacificislands.cc/issue/2004/01/01/why-kiribatis-switching-alliance Why Kiribati's Switching Alliance] . Pacific Magazine. Retrieved on 2008-09-16.] .

External links

*en [http://www.kiritours.com/Travel/AirKiribati/Index.html Official website]

References