Wot's happening at Air Nauru?

[amos2]

So, any info guys on the report in The Australian re repossession of RON.

Hope it's not true...some top guys and gals out there!

what's the score coco nuts?

:confused: :sad:

[Full Noise]

Mate it seems that it is true,
All tho the boys are hoping to get there hands on a QF 737 to get them threw untill the air line can buy back RON

[Centaurus]

Is it true that the lease payments on their 737 haven't been paid to the tune of 12 million dollars? That's an awful lot of money which means the banks have been very generous in allowing the airline to operate for so long when owing so much.

However, the airline has always recovered from these crisis in the past and I hope for the sake of those living on Nauru who depend on the airline for vital services, that some kind benefactor will pay off the lease. If not, it may be final crunch time for a small airline that gave so many happy memories to its pilots over the years.

[Moniker]

If this is so, the folk on Norfolk are going to be island bound as well seeing as how it picked up those flights x BNE after NJE tripped and fell earlier ths year.

[Foreign Worker]

The last I saw of coco-nuts he was giving advice on an Indian 737 operator.
Perhaps he's already flown the coop?

Air Nauru has been doing this sort of stuff for about the last 30 years.
The reason there's no money in the kitty is because of the number of fingers that dip into it.

[coco-nuts]

Amos2, (to put it in words that only you would understand and i won't guild the lilies, we have f**ked up, the aeroplane is lost and so it should be!!)

how are ya? long time no see. hope all is well with you and the missus. my last flight on ron was on the 2nd dec. i have indeed left for greener pastures. i never saw this coming but it is true that the aeroplane has been flown to melbourne to be handed back to the exim bank.
it was quite sad to be informed by our ex-colleagues of the goings on with ron. the so called smart people ie new gov't folks who have been in power for the last 12 months have promised a lot and delivered pitifully little with regards to the airline.
the exim bank had simply had enough of the unpaid debts and simply wants to sell the aircraft to retrieve the money it is owed.
on a more cheerful note, the airline was audited two weeks ago by a casa flt inspector who had left the airline in 1981 because he thought the airline was about to go under. if this is any indication of the airlines future, then lazarus or maybe even phoenix are words to keep in mind.
however, i think that this is potentially the mother of all challenges that my country faces alongside the many other equally important challenges simultaneously bombarding the island as we speak.
the timing of my resignation from the airline two weeks ago could not have been more impeccable, but i was really getting nervous about the future of the airline.
as you know the locals are allowed to go on 'leave without pay ' for up to a year but i handed my resignation in because for the first time in over a decade of flying with my national carrier and after having personally spoken to the president of the country as well as the minister responsible for aviation (who had no control of his board of directors and the chairman who happened to be his uncle), i KNEW the end was nigh.
the gov't, the board and more importantly the highly paid senior management who were supposed to be aces in their fields, were simply duds and/or totally out of their depth. with the exception of just one or two of the managers in the past, most were the source of sad jokes amongst the pilots who had seen first-hand the results of their efforts. in fact, the flight operations department is probably the only professional and functioning arm of the airline!!!
to give you an example of incompetence, after having known that the court case was lost months ago, a replacement aeroplane was only being sourced through a broker (probably for a huge fee as usual) within the last few days and weren't they surprised that a replacement aircraft could not be available within a moments notice. quite simply, how stupid is this? i can go on and on forever and a day about the incompetence that has been air nauru but most people, especially the pilots who have flown for the airline know this already.
the lack of any contingency planning for the last two years is now bearing fruit. i say fruit because i would simply not run a grocery shop let alone any business based on this model!!!
so is this the airlines last gasp? i hope not. pinch me and wake me up from this nightmare caused by a greedy/incompetent/ignorant/inept/etc etc etc few but affecting the several nations who relied on this crucial service.
my heart as a local boy goes out to the people who are quite literally severed from the rest of the world. they have trusted the untrustworthy, had faith in the faithless, lead by the blind, deaf and dumb, and sometimes greedy (one is currently living in his penthouse in the melbourne cbd as i write this), to this sorry end.
the fallout of thirty years of mismanagement of the gov't and it's coffers is now being felt especially for the last couple of years and is now entering it's terminal stage.
the nation is down to it's last handful of millions. the white knight has to show up soon or i fear the country will literally sink.
so many big airlines have failed that the end of air nauru would simply be a little, insignificant plop in the history of airlines. it's only positive outcome would be as a study for prospective airline managers of how not to run an airline.
i already have enough knowledge and information to write my thesis for a masters degree in aviation business studies....aren't i lucky.
i apologise if this sounds like the ramblings of a bitter and twisted pilot, because quite simply, i am bitter and i am twisted with what has happened to my national carrier.
cheers to all, it's been a pleasure flying with you and hope to see you soon.

coco

[Animalclub]

I had a short time in operations at Air Nauru and even I could see the demise at sometime soon... not only through non-operational management incompetance but also the government policies and direction... not to say anything about the availability of capital through government debt to the airline.

It was staffed by some good people, both expat and local, and I'm sorry to see it go - if in fact that is the case.

[Dale Harris]

Nuts, long time no hear. I'm stoked you've got alternate employment, but what a sad, sad day it is. Although I know you, I can't pretend to know how it feels to watch what has happened there. Please get in touch mate.

[Poto]

are the lads going to be looked after or what? Some good boys in that troop!
:ok:

[Binoculars]

I echo Dale's sentiments, Nuts. I'm glad you got out, but I understand how sad it must be for you to watch the "businessmen" screw it up for a whole country, your country. Good luck to you mate, and I hope one day to raise a glass with you again.

[Misty Air]

The Education and Health sectors were gutted and pillaged decades ago by those who still controlled the purse strings;it's a wonder that ON has lasted this long. But then again one must have be able to commute regularly to their nest eggs,doesn't one.:cool: ;)

[Sal-e]

The latest with Air Nauru is that they are first and foremost protecting their routes with the help of Air Vanuatu, Air Pacific, Alliance and a dry leased Qantas aircraft.
The Brisbane to Nauru, Majuro and Tarawa route is currently being chartered to Air Vanuatu and Alliance whilst the Nadi-Tarawa, by Air Pacific.
The Norfolk flights from Brisbane and Sydney will be operated by Air Nauru on a temporary arrangement with a leased Qantas 737 using Air Nauru crew.
Solomon Airlines had cancelled their codeshare partnership with Air Nauru.
It comes as a surprise to me I suppose, that potentially rival airlines had been willing to lend a hand. But they have and I guess Air Nauru would be grateful.
Meanwhile, it seems an agreement is being worked out by the Minister of Transport of the Nauru and the ExIm bank of America through a diplomatic appeal with the US Government and a restructured financial arrangement with several millions being paid up front already.
There seems to be talk of either continuing with the payments of VH-RON with payment in full within sight or getting rid of RON and straight out leasing a new -700.
There has also been a change of the Chairmanship with the Chief Pilot Capt K.P being appointed by the Nauru Government. That by far is possibly the most signficant change of all. This position had traditionally been exclusive to Nauruan nationals in the past 30 some years.
With this extraordinary choice, the Airline may well rise up from the ashes (Coco-nuts) for this gentleman is regarded as highly suited and qualified for this position and is respected in many circles within and without the industry.
So will the airline survive in light of the above with many more developments by the day? I dare think so. It is unfortunate that recent events had prompted.....no....forced some radical decisions to be made. But then again, N-a-u-r-u always stood for No Action Unless Required Urgently, and they do excel at that!
Meanwhile, sit back, relax, and watch this space.
Happy flying.

[coco-nuts]

KP as chairman, well my word that does impress me. ive heard that the minister has finally replaced his uncle... this move will help the airline although to be honest how much KP can do will depend on the govt keeping right out of the decision making process. if i know the man well enough he would have told the govt that if he takes the job then he must run the show without any interferance. the melbourne crowd must be running scared that their jobs might be repositioned to brisbane. cant be soon enough!!!!

cheers
coco

[Sal-e]

Totally agree with you c'nuts. Capt KP would never take the position with bumbling governmental interference. But I think the Minister for Transport knows that and I feel he'd be sensible enough, having come from the reformist government that had made many unorthodox decisions.
The example to refer to would be as you mentioned, the replacement of his own uncle of the chair.
Unfortunately, this government had made too many unpopular but painfully necessary decisions for the betterment and indeed the future of this island nation, that I doubt they would be around after the next elections!
If this is to occur, a new government would either take credit for any good outcome should any materialise between the short time between now and then, or, go against all the good but incomplete work done by the present government.
Re the Melbourne office staff, the current CEO had been instrumental in keeping that office in place since he is based there, apparent for cost purposes (go figure). It's akin to having the Singapore Airlines main office in Peru!!! For those unaware, Air Nauru doesn't even fly to Melbourne!
I believe that by doing so, the CEO had shot himself in the foot. The new Chairman KP would, I presume, be targeting the Melbourne office as one of his first objectives.
The argument by the CEO in keeping it open was the cost of paying out the 16 or so staffers there. Of course what he failed to mention to previous boards was the option of offering their currnet positions to be relocated to Brisbane, in which case the company would not be obliged to pay anyone out if the offer was refused.
Like I said, watch this space. Things are unravelling by the day.

Once again, happy flying.

[Kwaj mate]

Well, what can one say?
The Nauru Government has not paid lease payments for over 2 years; have thumbed their noses at their obligations; and are now running around in a flap looking for a new aircraft. Like the rest of the industry, we wonder what they are going to pay with, if they have not been able comply with previous commitments.
The marketing bloke ('figjam'?) has been running around for years telling all who'd listen that the airline was very profitable & a lot of making money. It appears that he was right. It is always very easy if you never pay the bills!
What a mess the airline is today. Not too many years ago they were providing a much valued and economical service to the rest of the South Pacific; the passenger mix was very diverse; markets connected the South Pacific to Asian ports; the fares were balanced; and the system worked.
The new Chairbloke is a worry. He has a reputation for being very arrogant; one-eyed; and has excessive demands. It will be interesting to see if he is as good as his view of his own ability.
Only time will tell who is right and what the future will hold for our friends in Nauru.

[colmac747]

Seems these radio hams have been left stranded enroute to Kiribati:

http://www.ohpacificdx.com/?p=12

[Moniker]

re the stranded radio boffins - I'll bet there's a charter flight that will take care of them.

[El Oso]

Reminds me of another debacle in late 2000 / early 01' when TG "left": Arguments with the board, RON grounded, loss of routes, CASA and FAA chasing hard... I recall meeting one F/O had just bought a B737 endorsement at QF with a bank loan, for a job offer given personally in the MEL office, that then vanished. Welcome to the world of Pacific Islands airline management!

In my experience in 4 different SW Pacific countries, if the locals are in charge its better to trust in nothing and believe it will turn to sh*te sooner or later.

Hope the guys at Air Nauru can ride this one out, they are top blokes. Still maybe VB can take some more to replace those off to Emirates?

On ya KP - is it power by the hour?

:yuk:

[mourgo]

I must say what a great friendly crew. About 3 years ago I had the chance to sit in one of the Air Nauru simulator training sessions at Essendon. Thankyou RB for that once in a lifetime dream (and the 2 other pilots i dont remember your name.. sorry)

I hope all goes well.

[Centaurus]

I was fortunate enough to be on board a fairly recent flight to Tarawa with Air Nauru. It was top class cabin service and a highly professional Australian licenced flight crew. There has always been lingering doubts about the local government management of the airline from the time the it first started (1973?), but apart from a dodgy period back in the late Eighties when Indian Airlines pilots crewed the aircraft (shudder...) the flight crew have always had an enviable safety record. I sincerely hope the operation gets back on its feet because there is no doubt that it is a lifeline to those who live in the central pacific region.

[GAFA]

Looks like they have lost the NFI route;

Effective WED 28th DEC 2005 all flights from BNE and SYD to Norfolk Island [vv] will be operated by Jetconnect on behalf of Qantas.

Flight numbers are as follows:

BNE-NLK: QF 243
NLK-BNE: QF 246

SYD-NLK: QF 245
NLK-SYD: QF 244

Apparently the BNE-HIR route is under threat plus Air Pacific/Pacfic Blue are sniffing around a few of their other routes. It would appear that when (if) they start flying again it will be a much smaller outfit.

[coco-nuts]

ok from the grape vine...all are on two weeks leave with pay on Nauru...tis sad to hear the NLK flights are lost..having spoken to a few people in INU via email..nobody knows whats going on...i think the pollies are in damage control on Island trying to make it sound like the big bad bank has it in for them....nothing about the fact that they sat on the issue without doing anything constructive... like putting their money where their mouth is.
I wonder how long they can keep blaming the previous regimes...on the state of the island..its about time they come up with some damn good ideas on how to save the whole place from sinking...


cheers
coco

[Sal-e]

Yup, all seems bleak right now....All staff except the absolute essential are on forced leave as of this Wednesday. Pity for those who do not have leave credits for they will go without pay from Wednesday onward.
There still seem to be no break through in sight.
At the rate things are going, I won't be surprised if the Nauruan people finally break out in riot! That had never happened in the past for they knew that they were the ones who voted monkeys into government. The standard blaming of previous governments is overused but unfortunately still sooo true.
Yes, they've had a couple of years to figure this one out. But, to give you an example of the balancing act that government goes through all the time, they have the choice of paying public service their already drastically reduced salaries which would be recieved ungratefully, or pay instalments on the aircraft.
There seems to be an anti airline sentiment amongst the pollies for the airline staff are still recieving full pay from the airline whilst all other departments of government are recieving a mere $140/fornight So I can imagine a bit of jealousy there as well.
Anyways, once the airline gets back on its feet, I don't feel that any of the lost routes are irretrievable for the operating cost of Air Nauru would never be more than prospective rivals.

[Rabbit 1]

http://www.pacificmagazine.net/pina/pinadefault2.php?urlpinaid=19117

Biribo. Guess the knives are out for the festive carving of routes that ON flew. Biribo was once the CEO of the local Kiribati airline.

[Sal-e]

The Minister Biribo makes good sense in the interest of Kiribati. What will immidiately change his mind is when Air Nauru becomes fully operational again. Air Pacific has always had rights to the Kiribati but never wished to compete against Air Nauru, profit wasn't there for two airlines. Air Fiji and their Brasillia could never compete because seat/miles cost.
When Air Nauru becomes fully operational, Kiribati, as always will come running back. Their attempt at international air travel was a dismal failure and their reliance on a fair priced carrier such as Air Nauru is too great.
It is a pity when loyalty comes into question for Air Nauru had faithfully for the greatest part serviced the Kiribati for over thirty years, of which around half the time unprofitabally. Rather than look for alternative carriers, maybe the Kiribati should look at assisting if not morally, then financially the service that has been for three decades.
Despite Air Naurus failings financially (all through governments grubby fingers in the till and shonky lease arrangements), the airline is certainly viable, professional, profitable, most experienced in the region, and most importantly the SAFEST!!

[Moniker]

Anyone know of any news from the meeting this morning?

[BPA]

Leane7

I've heard the same regarding Jetstar and the NFI run. I believe they are waiting for the airport upgrades to be completed.

Solomon Airlines are looking at returning to B737 ops within the next 6 months and in the mean time will make use of Air Vanuatu, Qantas and Alliance to operate the BNE-HIR run, so it would appear ON have lost that route. If Air Pacific take the Kiribati routes, it would only leave ON with Nauru and the Marshall Islands which I don't think would support ON having their own B737.

[Sal-e]

Like I've mentioned before, the other carriers can not possibly compete with Air Nauru on any of the routes they've taken. Air Nauru's overheads are beyond competing against. It is really a matter of reliability once they start again. From this debacle, surely they will bounce back stronger and wiser than ever, at least one would think so.

[captain moonlight]

I guess this is why it's called the rumour network. 95% rumour5% fact . from one who knows

[Sal-e]

Captain Moonlight, please elaborate...."from one who knows.."

[Sal-e]

The latest on Air Nauru is that the airline has requested the Nauru government to pay for the charters of the various airlines who are assisting in maintaining the Air Nauru routes.
Seems to me that the airlines coffers are fast approaching "E".
Anyone know further?

[coco-nuts]

well sal-e you and i know whats going to happen here hey. i have a funny feeling that the big wigs are going to allow this airline to fold. what a pity!

[Boliver]

I hear they're getting a B757!

[coco-nuts]

Well it would appear that the Nauruan people are agreeing to buy the plane from the bank. They are going to use the money from the sale of the remaining assets to do so. I hope that the people actually get a seat on the board. Actually it is probably best that they run the airline themselves with KP as chariman, ie take the reigns right away from government. Relocate the main office to Brisbane and run it like a real business for once. I can see the managers in Melbourne all trying to make a case for the main office to remain in Melbourne. What a laugh those people are. Parasites the lot of em!

cheers
coco

[DeltaSix]

Does anyone know of any B737-400 Captain in Air Nauru ?
Just wanting to ask a question what really happened. I know they have lost their 734 but was the reason market driven having difficulty to put bum on seats or is it mismanagement ?


Thanks
D6

[amos2]

Yeah! I'm with Nuts here!...

he speaks good sense!

Especially regarding the Melbourne office!! :*

Regards for the future Nuts. :D

[Sal-e]

Can you all imagine Air Nauru without the bumbling interferences from it's government? This is unchartered waters for Air Nauru! If the airline "unshackles" itself from government, Air Nauru will be in danger of actually making real, sustainable profit!!!!
Alas, I fear government will continue to grubby it's fingers in the till. They will continue to have a say on who goes in the directors seats arguing that THEY are the people.
The new Chairman will continue to push shiez up a hill with a stick unless things take a U turn by government.
I lack faith that drastic good changes that MUST occur overnight WILL NOT occur overnight.
Air Nauru is certainly not out of the woods. In fact they're probably right in the middle of the woods about now.
Word of paying off the ExIm is an option. There's also word on an affordable B757. Maybe even a B727. Whatever the option, it really needs to happen sooner than later, for the sake of the Nauru people.
More importantly, may this be a lesson to them on bad governance, corruption, nepotism, transparency (or lack thereof) and all things bad that had brought this proud little airline to this point.

[Sal-e]

try [email protected]

[DeltaSix]

So, would they consider a 734 operator to fly under the Air Nauru flag even with an Australian AOC ? Or would they prefer to use their own AOC if a company raised their hand to fly the route ?

[BlueEagle]

And there again, you could look about three posts up and read this:http://www.pprune.org/forums/showthread.php?t=202560

[tipsy2]

Poor old Air Canoe:{

Hey Woom's, what's this interloping mod from elsewhere doing here on your (and our) patch. Back to the Erlines, Flagrant Harbour & The Fur East with him.

tipsy:ooh:

[Woomera]

tipsy2

Please, some respect for your elders, our esteemed colleague BlueEagle is most welcome here any time, he does after all live in Dunnunda and a source of much sage advice for us.

W

[Animalclub]

So, would they consider a 734 operator to fly under the Air Nauru flag even with an Australian AOC ? Or would they prefer to use their own AOC if a company raised their hand to fly the route ?

Last I heard is that Air Nauru operates under an Australian AOC.

[tipsy2]

Animalclub is/was correct and possibly had something to do with the aircraft being registered in Aus, does the VH in VH-RON ring any bells. Think about it, imagine having a regulatory authority (like CASA) just for one aircraft. I can't remember how they did it when there were C2-RN?'s bouncing around the Pacific all those years ago. There was probably allot more bird poo still to be sold as well.

Hey Woom's, respect for elders ummm, he must be very old then:ok:
I expect:ooh: your visits to other Forum's will be equally 'welcomed':eek:

tipsy

[DeltaSix]

Oops, didn't realize it was a VH rego.

So, are they chartering aircraft from QF and other sources to keep flying ?

If they are in financial trouble, wouldn't this just compound the problem not being able to pay the company flying for them ? Or are the operators just flying the route without Air Nauru's financial arm involved - meaning collecting the revenue themselves ?

D6

[amos2]

Delta 6 shows an unusual interest in Air Nauru...

I wonder why? :confused:

[Sal-e]

Delta6,
I believe Air Nauru tickets are used on these leased aircrafts. The Nauru government, not Air Nauru, are now paying for these leases.

[Animalclub]

D6
Air Nauru is a Government Airline. All staff are emplyoyed by Air Nauru.

[GoGirl]

Hi NUTS!!!!
It's sad to rekindle our acquaintance under such circumstances :(
(his) and my thoughts are with you ;)

[email protected]

Drop me a line at you convenience :ok:

Cheers
GG xxx

[DeltaSix]

g'day Amos2,

Nothing wrong with learning from other people's experience ( good or bad ) isn't it ?

Animal Club - when you say "Air Nauru a government airline " were they then responsible for it's financial woes ?.... no offence intended, just curious.


Ta
D6

[Animalclub]

D6
From what I know... Yes

[BlueEagle]

tipsy2 - I used to work for Air Nauru so of course I'm interested!
and yes, I'm very old too;)

Thanks Woomera!

[DeltaSix]

Thanks for the reply Animal Club.

It looks bleak from where I sit, sorry guys.
Even if the Nauru government promises to pay the outside operators, what guarantee do they have of getting paid as well if the government can't even pay the outstanding lease from the bank. QF and others only becomes unsecured creditors if they don't collect the airfare themselves. But how can they if Air Nauru has already collected the funds and have used it ?

No need to do a credit check I reckon. Their financial state is a bit worrying.

I just hope they still have enough sulphates to trade with.

D6

[captain moonlight]

D 6 If it looks bleak from where you sit then maybe you need to change seats. The Pacific is not a place for the fainthearted and/or inexperienced. This airline and its loyal staff have been operating in this enviroment for many years and if all goes to plan will continue to offer a safe and superior service to the region for long to come.At the chance of repeating myself all who don't know all the facts are welcome to express an opinion but should not profess to be armchair experts when there is far more to this than is publically supposed. So please be patient and hope the years of loyalty to this region by this small airline are rewarded and the vultures are kept at bay until the phonex rises.

[amos2]

Hmmm!...so, having worked for Air Nauru...

I wonder who Blue Eagle might be...

thinks, thinks, ponder, ponder!!!

:confused: :confused:

[coco-nuts]

Well i think he might be before our time Amos. Like well before our time.
Maybe late 80's and early 90's.

cheers
coco

[captain moonlight]

coco how is the curry diet going ?

[coco-nuts]

Moonlight check your pms mate. Curry diet, well im trying to get used to the sting of the food, the mornings after are interesting. I hear from a friend who is still with ON that they are optimistic about another plane. We shall see.

cheers
coco

[tipsy2]

amos2, don't we all.

At a guess, are you familiar with the birth of sheep perhaps.

This is NOT a reference to the private lives of Kiwi's.

Woom's, naturally the obligatory "tongue in cheek" disclaimer applies here.

Hey Coc's, GG is screaming for a PM/message from you.

tipsy:p

[BPA]

It has now been 3 weeks since ON ceased operating the B734 and there is still no real information on when they will recommence operations using their own aircraft. During the last 3 weeks, Qantas (and Jetconnect), Air Pacific, Air Vanuatu and Alliance Airlines have operated all the previous ON routes without any problems at all. So why does an Island of less than 10000 people require its own Airline? Why doesn’t the Government wake up and realize they can’t afford to their own airline, the country is flat broke, and the good times (of having 4-5 jets) are long gone.

Why don’t they look at turning the past 3 week arrangement into a permanent solution to their air needs (and those of the other islands that ON served), rather than lease a B757 or B727. If they were to put either aircraft into service it will take months to add them to their AOC. If they take the B757 option it will be even longer as there are currently none on the Australian register, so they will have to go through the first of type process (huge dollars). Then they have to train all their current pilots on type, unless the Government decides to employ new pilots already type rated. The 727 option is the cheapest option us they have already operated them in the past and a few of their currently captains have flown the type, but it requires a 3 man crew, so further training (and therefore costs) were occur.

It’s time the Government (and those running the airline) took a reality check.

[captain moonlight]

BPA you're an angry fella. Again very few correct facts in your statement but I defend your right to an opinion no matter how incorrect. I hope you're not an old bush pilots boy as I thought they weren't so bitter. I see at least 6 errors in your statements and don't know why you are wishing 120+ employees onto the street and a whole country to oblivion

[BlueEagle]

How about late seventies!:ok:

[Sal-e]

BPA,

You were absolutely right in some of those statements......a coupla decades ago!!! Air Nauru, even with the 734, just broke even with the two services from Australia to Nauru with all else as is......Had it been one service from Australia per week, it would've made a nice little profit.

[coco-nuts]

Tipsy, tell GG to check her email, thanks. Blue eagle i bet you left ON back then because you saw the airline folding didnt you? Well you were right, but about 20 some years too early.


cheers
coco

[DeltaSix]

Captain Moonlight, I wish Air Nauru all the best for the future. Keep on Flying.

As you said, keep the vultures at bay so the Phoenix can rise....


D6

[BlueEagle]

Hi CoCo,
In those days it was the B737-200 and a couple of B727s We would often fly to Hong Kong from Nauru with no more than six or seven fare paying pax and the fact that all flights had to start and stop in Nauru with no code share or access to other carriers like Air Pacific or Polynesian meant that commercially they didn't stand a chance. The only time we flew anywhere near full was around Christmas time. The Nauru manager in Saipan was really chuffed to be able to tell the President when he visited that the new service was selling like hot cakes, when the President got back to Nauru he ordered the Saipan office to close!
It was those sort of things that made me realise I didn't really have a future there and I doubt if I would have survived the redundancies in about 1983.
Lovely people, great routes etc. but just not practical from a career point of view.

Best of luck with your new venture.:ok:

[coco-nuts]

You know there are a few of us out there who know that none of this need have happened if some chances were taken. I am sure that we all have some good stories to tell, so ill start with mine.
Here is one deal that fell through that i was invloved with. It was in March last year and things were beginning to get desperate. We knew we had lost the case in court and something had to be done. I personally approached through a contact the Minister of Transport in Kiribati to see if he would be interested in buying half the airline, and sure enough the answer was positive, but on the stipulation that the airline change its name.
I then flew home and told the president what the Kiribati wanted. The Nauruan president did meet the Kiribati but only offered them a share in AIR NAURU. Needles to say the Kiribati government rejected the offer. I remember sitting in the presidents big office thinkiing what has this idiot done. I hope for the islands sake that he had an answer. The interesting thing is that within a day he had met the Taiwanese President in the Marshall Islands who probably offered him the world ie save your plane etc etc if our mission is re opened in Nauru and you kick out those nasty commies form the mainland. The mainland Chinese were gone within a week. Well the plane is gone too Mr President and the Taiwanese dont seem to be coming up with the Lobsters. I suspect that if they need Nauru's vote in the UN etc they will, but for the time being nada! The Taiwanese however have been helpful, but in the airlines case i dont know, maybe they think that after paying the members of parliaments wages for the last year they dont have to help out with the plane.lol Oh thats another sore point with the locals because while they have all had their wages cut to 140dollars a fortnight the MP'S are being paid their old salaries. The salaries the MP's promised they would forgo in order to be one with the people.
Yes thanks blue eagle, okay seventies hey, so i can hold you responsible for inspiring me to get into airlines and flying. Whenever i saw you guys with a polynesian beauty or three hanging around you i knew this was the job for me :) I was only about 10 then so i was easily inspired lol
You know Bluey my father was the only guy in parliament who told Hammer as far back as 1972 to stop being an idiotic meglomaniac as it would only turn to doom. Hammer the old c@#ts dead now of course but my father still feels sorry for the island and the people who were led to believe that all the riches could last forever. My dads nickname btw amongst the local people was Doomsday Bobby. He sent his 3 boys to be educated in OZ and amongst 8000 we are probably amongst a handful who can get jobs overseas.
Whatever happens i have told my father that i am never going back to the island, and in a couple of months my brothers and our families will depart the island for good. My family and i are being called traitors by our people and our ex colleagues behind our backs but i could not care less, i am way beyond it. I am looking for a place to live, one like oz where i grew up and allows for people to be what they want to be, and wont be outcast because they speak their mind.

cheers
coco

[Sal-e]

Hear hear!!!!

[Sal-e]

A grand young crusty ex Air Nauru boy did a check ride for CASA on a recent Air Nauru flight. The question was put to him as to why he left the airline. The FOI replied"..well I left Air Nauru back in '79 because it was about to fall over"....interesting.
Ladies and Gentlemen, Air Nauru is not leaving the building....(fingers crossed, please God,.....please!!!)

[mourgo]

Does anyone know any of the Air Nauru pilots?

Aparently one is the son of someone famous?

A Nauru prince? hehe

[Binoculars]

coco-nuts, I wish you well once again with your endeavours. Sometimes we have to accept the inevitable in life; it sounds as though you did all you could. Australia should (though who knows these days?) welcome you with open arms and I hope that is the case. I repeat my earlier offer to raise a glass with you at any time of your choosing; hope it happens. Good luck!

[coco-nuts]

Sorry Binos mate, with all thats been bottled up ive totally forgotten your offer of a glass of 5 lol. Cheers to you and thanks for all the support. However i dont drink these days but i do partake in that Fijian Muddy Water called Kava. I feel so much better too these days. Amazing lol!
Well i must admit that the expat life is really great for me. I amdoing what i always wanted to, fly and learn different cultures. What can i say i am now a citizen of the world!

cheers
coco

[Le Pilot]

Sir Nuts
Only muddy water now comes out of the tap.
Are you feeling tropical?;)
Miss you.

[Tarkeeth]

History-Hammer in 68 asked me to be GM and set up Air Nauru,I was with FJ on the commercial side and had set up FJ ops to Nauru via Tarawa.Polically FJ was a pawn. Hammer offered to buy QF and BA share holdings, It looked like 5 countries could end up owning FJ with no airlines with a stake.QF was never going to sell, BA -maybe- sold to QF in the end. Apart from national interest taking top honours, the big stumbling block was US rights.They wanted extra UK rights for allowing Fiji and Nauru to fly Nauru/Marjero/Tarawa.
May be nuts but I still believe today "we" could have had a great combined
Pacific Airline if the self interest of some countrys had been able to be overcome.
Great times like the Inderpendence ; Asked to help so stayed as no ATC /Parking/Anything-with 5 A/C inbound 2 Hercs, 2 DC 4s and VIP 748 .Sent our FJ 748 to Tawara.Stopped Ist Herc on strip asked them to act as ATC and would they mind letting their tyres down and backing over to the tennis courts where the fencing had been torn down to let the 2 Hercs park side by side off the strip.
TN 4 taxied down the road with full police escort to park in the school yard, QF 4 parked on road with wing over small building. Always stayed at the Virgins Castle. Memorable times.

[coco-nuts]

Le Pilot, sir i am not feeling very tropical because it is about 2 degrees celcius at night at a whopping 15 daily. I miss you heaps mate. 350 planes bought in the last year, you work out the maths. Not enough pilots and worse not enough infrastructure, but what wonderful times itis in India.
Happy New Year to you and yours LP.

[Sal-e]

As I've mentioned earlier, Air Nauru is by no means out of the game. A few months from now, watch this space.

[Trained Monkey]

Coco-nuts,

I am relieved to hear you have landed on your feet after having your world turned upside down...

So what youre really saying is you have a thousand new f/a's??? :eek: I cant wait to hear about this...

Regards,

TM