Alii Palau Airlines announces inaugural flight from Singapore to Palau operated by Drukair

SINGAPORE, 27 October 2023 – Alii Palau Airlines and Changi Airport Group today announced a new route directly connecting Singapore to Koror, Palau, which will be operated by Royal Bhutan Airlines (Drukair) - the national carrier of the Royal Government of Bhutan. This service, to commence on 23 November 2023, will connect three destinations - Bhutan, Singapore and Palau - and is testament to the cooperation between nations.

The launch of the new service follows the signing of an open skies agreement in October 2022 between Singapore and Palau. With the new direct service, travellers can now experience the beauty of Palau, "Nature's Paradise”, in just five hours. Flying from Bhutan via Singapore Changi Airport to Palau, Drukair will connect Singapore to two of the world’s most pristine destinations.

Palau, an archipelago in the western Pacific Ocean, is renowned for its untouched natural beauty. With crystal-clear waters, thriving coral reefs, and lush forests, it offers a variety of outdoor adventures, including snorkeling, diving, hiking, and wildlife encounters. The Rock Islands Southern Lagoon, a UNESCO World Heritage site, boasts some of the most picturesque landscapes on Earth.

Alii Palau Airlines Managing Partner, Ms Akanksha Johri said, “Alii Palau Airlines is delighted to introduce a new era of convenience with our direct flight, effectively opening the gateway to paradise. Palau is now just a five-hour flight away from Singapore, and we firmly believe that this new route will be a gamechanger for those who were previously deterred by long flight durations. With our non-stop route from Singapore to Palau, this pristine paradise becomes effortlessly accessible from any corner of the world, facilitated by the unparalleled connectivity of Singapore Changi Airport.”

Mr Lim Ching Kiat, Executive Vice President of Air Hub and Cargo Development at Changi Airport Group said, "Changi Airport is happy to welcome a new city link to Palau, which enhances Changi’s network with the Southwest Pacific region. With the launch of this non-stop flight, Singapore travellers can now enjoy a seamless travel experience to Palau and visit this island paradise in just five hours. Travellers from Palau can also use the new flight to visit Singapore and other countries, leveraging on Changi Airport’s connectivity to Southeast Asia and beyond. Changi Airport is happy to partner Drukair for this new flight to Palau - we have forged a strong partnership over the years. We look forward to welcoming passengers on the Singapore-Palau route with Alii Palau.”

Mr Tandi Wangchuk, Chief Executive Officer of Drukair remarked, “As we launch our new route from Bhutan to Palau via Singapore's Changi Airport in partnership with Alii Palau Airlines, we're forging a path of unparalleled connectivity. This partnership symbolizes our commitment to opening the world to travellers, making the extraordinary journey from the heart of the Himalayas to the pristine shores of Palau more accessible and enjoyable than ever before. We're thrilled to unite these incredible destinations, offering a gateway to adventure, culture, and natural wonders."

· The inaugural commercial flight from Singapore is scheduled for 23 November 2023.

· The aircraft utilised will be the Airbus A320neo, a 140-seater carrier with a two-class configuration comprising 120 Economy class seats, and 20 Business class seats.

· Frequency: The flight between Singapore and Palau will operate once a week on Thursdays from 23 November to 20 December. From 21 December, flights will be increased to twice-weekly on Thursdays and Sundays.

Flight Details[footnoteRef:2]: [2: Palau is one hour ahead of Singapore (+9 UTC).]

· Departure from Singapore (SIN) at 0020 hrs, arriving in Koror (ROR) at 0640 hrs

· Departure from Koror (ROR) at 0740 hrs, arriving in Singapore (SIN) at 1130 hrs

Tickets for this new service will be available on www.flyaliipalau.pw from 30 October 2023. 

[1]Palau is one hour ahead of Singapore (+9 UTC).

For more images, download here.

For more information, please contact:    

Florence Ang
Alii Palau Airlines
+65 96911404
florence@flyaliipalau.pw

Sharon Chia
Changi Airport Group 
+65 9229 0545  
sharon.chia@changiairport.com

Sonam DekiDrukair
+975 77977816
sonamdeki@drukair.com.bt

Alii Palau Airlines is committed to making Palau, "Nature's Paradise," more accessible to travellers from around the world. With an unwavering focus on safety, reliability, and exceptional service, Alii Palau Airlines aspires to be the preferred choice for those seeking to explore the pristine beauty of Palau. Starting from 23 November 2023, Alii Palau Airlines will fly from Singapore to Palau, with flights operated by Drukair. Passengers can enjoy a convenient and seamless journey from Singapore to Palau in 5 hours to discover the wonders of Palau with Alii Palau Airlines.

For more information, please visit www.flyaliipalau.pw

Follow Alii Palau on social media: Facebook | X | Instagram | LinkedIn

About Changi Airport Group     

Changi Airport Group (Singapore) Pte Ltd (CAG) (www.changiairportgroup.com) was formed on 16 June 2009 and the corporatisation of Singapore Changi Airport (IATA: SIN, ICAO: WSSS) followed on 1 July 2009.  As the company managing Changi Airport, CAG undertakes key functions focusing on airport operations and management, air hub development, commercial activities and airport emergency services. CAG also manages Seletar Airport (IATA: XSP, ICAO: WSSL) and through its subsidiary Changi Airports International, invests in and manages foreign airports.   

As one of Asia’s most connected international aviation hubs, Changi Airport links Singapore to some 150 cities globally, with close to 100 airlines operating more than 6,400 weekly flights. Jewel Changi Airport, a multi-dimensional lifestyle destination, opened in April 2019, adding to Changi Airport’s shopping and dining offerings of more than 600 F&B and retail outlets across the airport. The world’s most awarded airport, Changi has won over 660 accolades for its consistent and excellent airport staff service, passenger experience and safety standards. 

Follow Changi Airport on social media: Facebook | X | Instagram | LinkedIn | YouTube | Telegram | TikTok 

Drukair Corporation Limited, operating as Drukair - Royal Bhutan Airlines, is the national flag carrier of the Kingdom of Bhutan. It was founded on the 5th of April 1981 through a Royal Proclamation issued by His Majesty the Fourth King Jigme Singye Wangchuck.

With its Headquarters in Paro, Bhutan, Drukair presently operates scheduled flights to 9 International destinations spanning 5 countries within the South Asian region, from its operational base at Paro International Airport. Additionally, Drukair operates to 3 domestic destinations within Bhutan and extends its offerings to include helicopter services, expanding its scope beyond fixed-wing operations.

For more information, please visit www.drukair.com.bt