Australia - North Pacific Connector

DFAT, through the Australia - Pacific Partnerships for Aviation (P4A) program, provides support to the Australia – North Pacific Connector (Aus-NPC) flight route.  Australia is now seeking improved air connectivity with Pacific Island Forum members in the Central and North Pacific through the next phase of the Australia – North Pacific Connector.  The North Pacific Connector provides a vital link between the North Pacific and Australia and the South Pacific. Regular and scheduled commercial connectivity between Australia, the Republic of Nauru, the Republic of Kiribati (Tarawa), the Republic of the Marshall Islands (Majuro), the Federated States of Micronesia (Pohnpei) and the Republic of Palau (Koror) facilitates strong people to people links and cultural exchanges, supports greater access to health and education services and strengthens economic growth through tourism and trade opportunities.  DFAT seeks proposals for a weekly commercial flight service, capable of carrying at least 75 passengers and 1,000kg of cargo on each sector, connecting Australia with: • Republic of Nauru • Republic of Kiribati (Tarawa) • Republic of the Marshall Islands (Majuro) • Federated States of Micronesia (Pohnpei), and • Republic of Palau (Koror) The flight service will operate ongoing for a period of 24 months with an option to extend for a further 24 months. The successful operator must be ready to commence within 180 days of agreement with DFAT, with earlier operations preferred. The successful operator will sell seats and freight at commercial prices with revenue being deducted from flight operational costs to DFAT.