2.2 Palau Aviation

2.2 Palau Aviation

Aviation Overview

Key airport information may also be found at: http://worldaerodata.com/

Palau has only 3 airport/airfield facilities throughout the country. The main international airport in Palau is in Airai State, near Koror, and is operated under FAA and US air traffic control. There are also two small airfields located on the islands of Peleliu and Angaur to the South of Babeldoab. Both airfields are managed and operated by their respective states. 

The aviation sector in Palau is small and relies primarily on tourism. There are approximately 30 flights per week into and out of Palau.  Palau is an international tourist destination, and is serviced by United Airlines, Japan Airlines, Korean Air and China Airlines through international scheduled flights that all land at Palau International Airport.

Charter carriers also service Palau with Smile Airlines providing tourist charters from China. Boeing 737-600 are the most common type of aircraft used.

Cargo services are provided by United Airlines Cargo, as part of the almost daily scheduled route, and by Asia Pacific Air (APA), a subsidiary of Tan Holdings, who provide Air Cargo charter out of Guam. 

Domestic carriers are limited to small tourist charter airlines Belau Air and Pacific Missionary Aviation (PMA). PMA is based in Yap, in Federated States of Micronesia (FSM), who provide charter services to outer islands and around Palau if required.

The Main Palau International airport is regulated by the US FAA, and routinely undertakes operational and safety compliance reviews. The airport has two aprons and approved future improvements include:

  • Hanger construction at North Parking Apron (Commenced)
  • Fuel Banker installation at North Apron
  • Main Terminal extension

For more information on government agency and airport company contact information, please see the following links: 4.1 Government Contact List and 4.5 Airport Companies Contact List 

Procedures for Foreign Registered Aircraft

Foreign Aircraft operating in Palau are separated under two different regimes for the purposes of registration. They are:

 1. Aircraft operating in Palau as a domestic service, and,

 2. Aircraft operating internationally but flying into Palau.

 

Aircraft operating on commercial domestic routes in Palau are required to register with the National Aviation Authority through the Bureau of Aviation. Application is up to public notice; over a 15-30-day period objections are determined and a ruling is made after the 30-day period.

In each case the carrier is required provide the following:

- Aircraft Operational Certificate

- Insurance

- Airmen certification

Once this documentation has been provided multiple landing application can be applied for through the Bureau of Aviation.

Please refer to link for information and documentation: https://skyvector.com/airport/ROR/Babelthuap-Koror-Airport

2.2.1 Palau International Airport – Roman Tmetuchl International Airport

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 Location and Contact 

Country 

Republic of Palau  

Province or District

Airok 

Nearest Town or City with Distance from Airport

Koror, 10km

Airport’s Complete Name

Roman Tmetuchl International Airport 

Latitude

072.202N

Longitude 

134.3239E 

Elevation (ft and m)

176ft/54m 

IATA Code

ROR 

ICAO Code

PTRO

Managing Company or Airport Authority

Bureau of Aviation

Management Contact Person

Peter Polloi 

Open From (hours)

6pm (Scheduled operating hours) 

Open To (hours)

4am (Scheduled operating hours) 

The airport remains open with emergency

services on 24/7. The airport is open as per charter flight requests as required. 



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.

 

  Performance for 2017  
  Per Year

Per Month 

Per Day

Total Aircraft Movements

1440 

120

Total Passengers  

200,000 inbound and outbound

   

Total Capacity of the Airport (mt)

   

10-50 

Current Activity of the Airport (mt) 

     

Current use by Humanitarian Flights

(UNHAS)

None

 
   

 

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.

Runway # 9 

Runway Dimensions 

2195m X 60m 

Orientation

090 magnetic, 091 true 

Surface 

Asphalt/Concrete

Runway #27 

Runway Dimensions 

2195m X 60m 

Orientation

270 magnetic, 271 true

Surface

Ashphalt/Concrete 

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.

 

Customs

Yes

JET A-1 fuel

Yes, available through Blue Bay Petroleum 

Immigration

Yes

AVGAS 100

Not publicly available. Aircraft operators

have their own supply. 

Terminal Building

Yes

Single Point Refuelling

Yes, 3 points, one on each hard stand 

Passenger Terminal

Yes

Air Starter Units

Yes 

Cargo terminal

Yes

Ground Power (mobile)

Yes 

Pax Transport to Airfield

Airbridge

Ground Handling Services 

Yes 

Control Tower

ARFF tower

Latrine Servicing

Yes

Weather Facilities

Yes

Fire Fighting Category (ICAO) 

ARFF

Catering Services

Yes, upon request

De-icing Equipment

N/A 

Base Operating Room 

Yes

Parking Ramp Lighting

Yes 

Airport Radar 

No

Approach & Runway Lights

Yes 

NDB 

 

VOR

 

ILS

     







Airport Operating Details

Operating Details

Maximum Sized Aircraft that can be Offloaded on Bulk Cargo

C130/737 200 

Maximum Sized Aircraft that can be Offloaded on Pallet 

C17/C130 

Total Aircraft Parking Area (m²)

25,000 m2  

256 x 100m 4 hard stands North Apron 

Storage Area (m3 and mt)

 
 

Handling Equipment 

Elevators / Hi Loaders

Yes 

 

Max Capacity (mt) 

4mt

Max Height (m) 

5m (estimate) 

Loading Ramps 

Yes 

Other Comments 

Forklifts - 4: 3mt to 7 mt

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.

Charges 

 

0 – 13000

Class A

13000 above

Calls B 

Navigation (per journey) USD - $

N/A

N/A

Landing USD - $

$1.20/400kg

$250

Night Landing USD - $

N/A 

N/A 

Night Take-Off USD - $

N/A  

N/A

Parking

$0.35/400kg 

$1.75 for each use

Handling Charges/Apron/Gate

$0.25/400kg 

$250

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.

 

Price per Litre USD - $ 

Jet A-1 

$ 0.92

Avgas

N/A

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.

Import Charges   

Type of Charge 

Rate USD - $ per kg

Comments

Handling Charge

$1.00Kg indicative rate only

Consignment-dependent: 

$3 per consignment for customs clearance. 

Break Bulk Fee

N/A

 

Diplomatic Mail

N/A

 

Strong Room – per consignment

N/A

 

Cold Storage Fee

Unknown

 

Delivery Outside Normal Working Hours

N/A

 

Preparation of substitute AOA –

Invoice – Receipt

Unknown

 

Storage per Day

N/A

 

Export 

Handling Charges – Unpalletised Cargo

N/A

Handling charges for export are consignment-dependent for all goods.

International Air Waybill

   

Local Air Waybill

   

Air Way Bill Amendment - Cancellation

   

Air Way Bill Documentation 

   

Diplomatic Mail

   

Storage Charges per Day 

   

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.



2.2.2 Palau Peleliu Airfield

Airport Overview

The airport resides at an estimated elevation of 9 feet (3 m) above sea level. It has one runway, designated 4/22 with a gravel surface measuring 6,000 by 40 feet (1,828 m x 12 m). In 1987, the airport had 1,500 air taxi aircraft operations, however today the runway is in poor condition, has not been maintained and has no scheduled flights.

The airfield is in generally fair condition and can only be used with some maintenance and clearance activities, due to vegetation inundation on the runway. There are no facilities or support infrastructure at the airfield.

 

Airport Location and Contact 

Country

Republic of Palau

Province or District

Peleliu 

Nearest Town or City with Distance from Airport 

Kloulklubed, 5 km 

Airport’s Complete Name

Peleliu Airfield

Latitude

07.00000000 N 

Longitude

134.235197 E

Elevation (ft and m) 

9ft / 3m

IATA Code

 

ICAO Code 

 

Managing Company or Airport Authority

Peleliu State Government 

Management Contact Person

 

NGO and/or UN Presence at Airport? 

No

Airport Picture(s)

 

Vegetation on Peleliu Airfield (2018)

Runway(s)

Runway #4/22 

Runway Dimensions 

6000 x 40 ft. / 1829 m x

  12 m

Runway Orientation 

SW-NE 

Runway Surface

Gravel and Grass 

Runway Condition 

Poor, first 1000 ft unusable

Airport Infrastructure Details

Infrastructure  

Passenger / Cargo Security Screening

 

No

Runway Lighting 

No

Refuelling Capacity 

No

Ground Handling Services

No

Air Traffic Control

HONOLULU CONTROL FACILITY CENTER

Fire Fighting Equipment  

No  

Weather Information 

 

Aircraft Parking Space 

Yes

Navigation Aids

No 

Perimeter Fencing

No  

Windsock 

No 

   

Fuel Services Charges

There is no fuel available.

Royalties / Non-Objection Fees (NOFs)

NOFs to be negotiated with the Peleliu State government.

2.2.3 Palau Angaur Airfield

Airport Overview

The airport resides at an estimated elevation of 9 feet (3 m) above sea level. It has one runway designated 4/22, with a gravel surface measuring 6,000 by 40 feet (1,828 m x 12 m).  

The airfield only receives infrequent tourist charter flights but has the capacity to accommodate larger aircraft such as C130s, should the need arise. Any such arrangement must be made through the state government.

Airport Picture

 

 

Airport Location and Contact

Country 

Republic of Palau

Province or District 

 

Nearest Town or City with Distance from Airport 

Ngaramash, 1 km 

Airport’s Complete Name

Angaur Airfield

Latitude 

6.9000000

Longitude

134.1500000 

Elevation (ft and m)

 

IATA Code

 

ICAO Code

 

Managing Company or Airport Authority

Angaur State Government

Management Contact Person

A. SUZUKY

PO BOX 100

KOROR REP OF PALAU 96940 

NGO and/or UN Presence at Airport? 

No 

Runway(s)

Runway #5/23 

Runway Dimensions 

 

7000 x 150 ft. / 2134 x

  46 m 

Runway Orientation

 

Runway Surface

Gravel

Runway Condition 

Fair 

Airport Infrastructure Details

Infrastructure  

Passenger / Cargo Security Screening

No 

Runway Lighting 

No 

Refueling Capacity

No

Ground Handling Services

No 

Air Traffic Control

No 

Fire Fighting Equipment  

No

Weather Information 

No 

Aircraft Parking Space 

Yes

Navigation Aids

No

Perimeter Fencing

No

Windsock

No

  

 

Fuel Services Charges

There is no fuel available.

Royalties / Non-Objection Fees (NOFs)

NOFs need to be negotiated with the state government.