Airport Overview

The airport covers an area of 480 acres (190 ha), at an elevation of 176 feet (54 m) above sea level. It has one runway, designated 9/27 with an asphalt and concrete surface and measures 7,200 by 150 feet (2,194 x 45 m). The airport handles about 200,000 passenger movements per year, and operates  approximately 30 flights per week scheduled and chartered.

The main passenger carriers are United Airlines, Korean Air, Delta Airlines, and Japan Airlines. Scheduled air cargo freight services are provided by United Airlines as part of their passenger services, with APA Asia Pacific Air providing chartered cargo services.

The airport maintains ARFF emergency rescue services compliant with FAA regulations. The ARFF maintains two quick response tankers on call 24/7, located at the airport.

Airport Picture

Airport Features:

• Terminal
• Maintenance Facilities
• Ground Handling Services and (Old Terminal)
• Palau Helicopters
• Hard Stand (South and Main Apron)
• North Apron
• Parking
• Emergency Services- ARFF services and flight control monitoring
  
  

Description and Contacts of Key Companies

Airport Operation

The airport is operated by the Bureau of Aviation (BoA), and the Director also undertakes the role of airport manager. The BoA is responsible for overseeing all activities at the airport, for all flight service and flight permit cargo, as well as passenger related activities and services.

International Carriers

The main international carriers are United Airlines, Japan Airlines, Korean Airlines and China Airlines. Delta Airlines also currently service Palau, however, the company has indicated that it will withdraw services by mid-2018. Charter airlines such as Smile Airlines from China also fly charter routes into Palau for tourists.

Asia Pacific Airlines (APA) also fly into Palau on freight charter services using 767-200 and 737-200, but do not provide a regular schedule.  

Cargo Handling

United Airlines provides the main freight air services out of Palau to Guam. Cargo is then transhipped in Guam to other international carriers. United has its own ground handling services for its flights.

Belau Transfer and Terminal services (BTTC) provides ground handling services for all other airlines.

Passenger Services:

• Aircraft Receipt & Dispatch
• Missing Luggage Assistance
• Crew Transport Arrangement
• Load Control Facilitation
• Passenger Check-In
• VIP Handling
• Special Needs Passenger Assistance
• Boarding Gate Passenger Reconciliation
• Charter Service Facilitation
• Departure Control
• Passport Control

Ramp Services:

• Cabin Cleaning
• Aircraft Marshalling
• Lavatory Servicing
• Cargo Handling
• Baggage and Cargo Loading & Unloading
• Aircraft Pushback & Towing
• Aircraft Receipt & Dispatch
• Food & Beverages Catering (if requested)

CTSI – Handles Air Pacific Asia Japan Airlines

Fuel

Blue Bay refueling services provide all Jet A1 refueling services at the airport. Supplies of Avgas must be arranged privately.

For more information on airport contacts, please see the following link: 4.5 Airport Companies Contact List 

Information on some aviation service providers can be found at: http://www.azfreight.com/

Passenger and Cargo Performance Indicator

The airport currently handles 200,000 passengers per year. The old terminal is currently used as the freight and customs terminal, adjacent to the passenger terminal. Extensions to the passenger terminal are due to commence in 2018, to improve passenger flow and capacity. These extensions will cover the area of the cargo terminal. The cargo terminal will be relocated to the western side of the passenger terminal.

The airport handles a small amount of incoming cargo through the scheduled United Airlines flight service. UA also has the contract to provide postal services to Palau. The predominant cargo movement (by weight) is that of fresh fish exports, which are sent via UA to different destinations and are hubbed in Guam. Fresh fish makes up approximately 4 mt per day, shipped in 120 kg boxes.

Charter flights via APA are available, with export orders over 20 mt.

The airport ground handlers maintain a range of handling equipment from HiLo platforms to 5-7 mt forklifts. HiLo handling equipment is in a fair condition, but forklifts and loading conveyor ramps are well maintained.

Runways

Runway condition is excellent with resurfacing having been undertaken in 2008.

Helicopter Pad(s)

There are no dedicated helicopter pads at the airport. Helicopters services (Palau helicopters) use the main apron and hard stand for flight operations.

Airport Infrastructure Details

The airport operates under US FAA standards and as such operates at an international standard. The airport has two aprons; the main apron has 3 hard stands and 3 air bridges. The north, or secondary apron is currently used for charter aircraft parking. Facilities are well maintained and all are operational. Ground handling equipment is operated by United Airlines and BTTC, and are in fair to good condition.

Airport Operating Details

Customs Guidance

The Bureau of Customs and Border Protection has an office located at the cargo terminal, and handles customs clearance for all passenger flights and clearance for all incoming cargo. As long as all documentation is provided, cargo clearance is completed in a matter of hours and can be facilitated on-site if the consignee is present in the office. Opening hours are 8.00-4.30pm daily.

For more information on customs in Palau, please see the following link: 1.3 Customs Information 

Storage Facilities

Currently, the only storage facilities available are at the old terminal building where Belau Transfer and Terminal Services are based. United Airlines maintain a small storage facility for incoming freight.

United Airlines storage                                                                                                                         Belau Transit and Terminal Co Offices and storage

Airfield Costs

NAVIGATION CHARGES

Navigation charges are moderate, with basic charges covering requirements.

FUEL SERVICES CHARGES

Blue Bay Petroleum provides all Jet A1 fuel at the airport. Avgas supplies, however, must be arranged and provided privately. Fuel brokers are commonly used for the provision and charges for fuel.

Fuel brokers can also be used to facilitate supply and payment for fuel.

https://www.wfscorp.com/en

CARGO TERMINAL CHARGES

United Airlines handle the bulk of incoming cargo due to their regular service, however rates can only be provided on a case by case basis.

AIRBRIDGE CHARGES

Airbridge charges are $200 per use.

Security

The airport perimeter is fully fenced and entry to the apron area is through a security gate between the passenger and cargo terminal. Photo ID must be shown to enter and access is for authorised personnel only.