Hong Kong / Palau route enriches holidaymakers' choices

(HONG KONG, 30 July 2005) - This Summer, holiday planners will have one more resort destination added to their choices with the launch of Palau Asia Pacific Air's service today at Hong Kong International Airport (HKIA).

Palau is a group of islands in the North Pacific Ocean, southeast of the Philippines.  This exotic destination is one of the world's most beautiful tropical paradise resorts and a heaven for diving aficionados with clear water, unspoiled reefs and a rich array of marine life.

"The Hong Kong/Palau route is the first service offered by Palau Asia Pacific.  We are confident that, as the busiest hub in the region, HKIA will bring to our airline and Palau a diversified source of customers," said Mr Ho Wai Kong, President of Palau Asia Pacific Air at the inauguration ceremony.

Dr David J Pang, Airport Authority Hong Kong (AA)'s Chief Executive Officer, welcomed Palau Asia Pacific Air to the family of operators at HKIA.  "We have great pleasure in learning that Palau Asia Pacific Air has chosen HKIA as the first step in launching its business.  It has been a promising year with the carrier being the fifth new airline to operate from HKIA. We will continue to strengthen the airport's connectivity through enhancing the choices of destinations and frequencies."

Recently established, Palau Asia Pacific Air is Palau's new and only home-based carrier.  Twice weekly services will be operated on Wednesdays and Saturdays between Hong Kong and Palau. Flights will depart Hong Kong and Palau at  2:10pm and 6:35pm respectively and the flying time is around 4 hours.