Kiribati Charter Operators
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Kiribati Charter Operators
Can anyone give me information on the state of air charter service in Kiribati, the Cook Islands, or any of the nearby US possessions?
Specifically, I am hoping to charter a flight between Kirimati and Teraina (formerly known as Christmas Island and Washington Island) in the Line Islands. The flight is needed for about 5 personnel and 100 kg of cargo supporting a scientific (geophysics) expedition from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology.
Unfortunately, I haven't had much luck getting ahold of Air Kiribati (the local scheduled-service airline) or anyone in the local aviation authority. So... Do any of you folks know pilots operating in the area or anyone with information on aviation in the central pacific? Anything would be greatly appreciated!
Thanks!
Specifically, I am hoping to charter a flight between Kirimati and Teraina (formerly known as Christmas Island and Washington Island) in the Line Islands. The flight is needed for about 5 personnel and 100 kg of cargo supporting a scientific (geophysics) expedition from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology.
Unfortunately, I haven't had much luck getting ahold of Air Kiribati (the local scheduled-service airline) or anyone in the local aviation authority. So... Do any of you folks know pilots operating in the area or anyone with information on aviation in the central pacific? Anything would be greatly appreciated!
Thanks!
Join Date: Jan 2002
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Although there are operators that service tarawa/funafuti/majuro internationally , I am not aware of any existing domestic charter or rpt service within the kiribas island group.
last i heard of air kiribati was that they had wet leased an ATR42 from a french company but i have not seen this aircraft for some time.
your options may be -
1. try to convince someone with a private aircraft in the marshalls (majuro) to run you down there for a wad of cash and a crate of rum.
2. there is always constant US military activity from Majuro to ALL the outer islands and seeing as this is an MIT project you might do well to get on the phone to the right people (polititians/government officials etc ) to organise military assistance for a patriotic cause . I would have some administration senior call the local base comander on majuro and have a polite (grovel , bribe etc ) conversation about thumbing a ride.
3. take a boat.
last i heard of air kiribati was that they had wet leased an ATR42 from a french company but i have not seen this aircraft for some time.
your options may be -
1. try to convince someone with a private aircraft in the marshalls (majuro) to run you down there for a wad of cash and a crate of rum.
2. there is always constant US military activity from Majuro to ALL the outer islands and seeing as this is an MIT project you might do well to get on the phone to the right people (polititians/government officials etc ) to organise military assistance for a patriotic cause . I would have some administration senior call the local base comander on majuro and have a polite (grovel , bribe etc ) conversation about thumbing a ride.
3. take a boat.
Join Date: Jan 2005
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LtDoolittle,
There is no air service between the line islands. There was an Aloha charter once a week between Honolulu and Kiritimati but I think it has ended now due operational and security problems. I understand the government were looking for someone else to do the flying between HNL and Kiritimati.
Air Kiribati have a Casa 212 and a Harbin Y12, turboprop aircraft. The ATR 72 is gone, cost way too much money to keep running. I would doubt that Air Kiribati has the capacity to get you from Tarawa to Washington Island, it's a long way, I think it is more than 2000 miles! They pretty much do the Gilbert Island group with odd charters to Nauru and Majuro. There used to be an Air Kiribati air service between the line islands using a Casa212, based at Kiritimati, but the Casa was sent back to Tarawa, this was some time ago(early 90's). I have heard the airstrips on Washington and Fanning are now unserviceable, and would need to be cleared of overgrowth.
Your best bet is to probably charter a boat from Honolulu or Kiritimati, if you can get there. Contact the Honorary consul to Kiribati in Hawaii, his name is Bill Pope, he will know who is flying the route to Kiritimati now. He will also issue your visas.
Boat charters from Fiji are also possible.
I have also sent you a Private Message.
Regards,
WP.
There is no air service between the line islands. There was an Aloha charter once a week between Honolulu and Kiritimati but I think it has ended now due operational and security problems. I understand the government were looking for someone else to do the flying between HNL and Kiritimati.
Air Kiribati have a Casa 212 and a Harbin Y12, turboprop aircraft. The ATR 72 is gone, cost way too much money to keep running. I would doubt that Air Kiribati has the capacity to get you from Tarawa to Washington Island, it's a long way, I think it is more than 2000 miles! They pretty much do the Gilbert Island group with odd charters to Nauru and Majuro. There used to be an Air Kiribati air service between the line islands using a Casa212, based at Kiritimati, but the Casa was sent back to Tarawa, this was some time ago(early 90's). I have heard the airstrips on Washington and Fanning are now unserviceable, and would need to be cleared of overgrowth.
Your best bet is to probably charter a boat from Honolulu or Kiritimati, if you can get there. Contact the Honorary consul to Kiribati in Hawaii, his name is Bill Pope, he will know who is flying the route to Kiritimati now. He will also issue your visas.
Boat charters from Fiji are also possible.
I have also sent you a Private Message.
Regards,
WP.
Last edited by Wanikiba_pilot; 2nd Mar 2005 at 15:27.
