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 |
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 |
4 |
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 |
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 |
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 |
||
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.
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 – |
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 |
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 |
NGO and/or UN Presence at Airport? |
No |
Runway(s)
Runway #5/23 |
|
---|---|
Runway Dimensions |
7000 x 150 ft. / 2134 x |
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.