Air & Sea
Air & Sea
Seaport Security
Bush's Pacific Tour Stresses Security
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Jason Aubuchon
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The face of the Pacific, like that of the rest of the world, has changed since Sept. 11, 2001. While Islanders may have adjusted to security changes in air travel, much effort is still being devoted to securing seaports, often described as the biggest hole in U.S. security. Port security in many Pacific locations has been virtually non-existent until recently. Pedestrians in some ports can enter loading areas with relative ease. While American jurisdictions will likely have access to U.S. Federal grant money to upgrade seaport security, other Pacific nations may struggle to meet Washington's expectations.
John MacLennan, Chief Executive of Pacific Forum Line, Ltd., a shipping line that operates in the South Pacific, says there have been great improvements in port security since Sept. 11th. "Security in some form exists in all ports, and continues to improve with the stringent requirements of U.S. authorities. Identification tags and cargo inspections are just a few of the more recent security additions. I hasten to add there's still much to be done, and the nations of Australia and New Zealand are quite mindful of these things."
As Washington continues to make it clear that security is a top priority, the nations of the Pacific that trade with the U.S. will continue to be asked to make it theirs-especially at airports and seaports.
Jason Aubuchon can be contacted at jasona@pacificbasin.net.
American Samoa to Increase Port Security
American Samoa has received $5.8 million in grant money from the U.S. Dept. of Homeland Security to put in place systems that will prevent, respond and recover from potential acts of terrorism. A large portion of that money is expected to be used to enhance security at the seaport in Pago Pago. The grant money has been awarded under a controversial formula that benefits low-population states and territories. Gov. Togiola Tulafono says that "remote territories can not be expected to develop a credible homeland security program with population-based funding levels," and added, "instead of criticism, the Bush administration should be commended for this move."
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Courtesy Air Tahiti Nui
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In a six-month survey of 4.4 million airline passengers, SkyTrax Research, Inc. has recognized Air Tahiti Nui as the Best Pacific Airline for 2003. Polynesian and Aloha Airlines were awarded second and third place, respectively. Having only been in operation for five years and quadrupled its fleet since 9/11, Tahiti's international airline polled first for "Best Cabin Crew Pacific/Australia," "Best Long-Haul Newcomer," and "Most Comfortable Long-Haul Aircraft" for its Airbus A340-300. Air Tahiti Nui Vice President Wally Sumner says, "It is particularly pleasing to receive such overwhelming approval from the traveling public, those who vote with their trust and wallets."
New Holiday Routes
In anticipation of the holiday rush, Pacific airlines are making changes to flight schedules. Beginning early December, Continental Micronesia will introduce two additional weekly flights between Guam, Saipan and Manila. In addition, Japan Airlines has commenced daily service from Saipan to Haneda, Tokyo and Kansai, Osaka. Aloha Airlines has announced direct flights to Pago Pago, American Samoa, beginning mid-December, with an onward connection to Rarotonga in the Cook Islands. Air Nauru is in negotiations with the Marshall Islands Government to operate a weekly Brisbane, Nauru, Majuro, Kiribati, Nadi route. And Royal Tongan Airlines is poised to commence weekly flights between Tonga and Honolulu in early December.
Palau Micronesia Air Set for Take Off
The Republic of Palau's new flag carrier has pushed back its launch date to April. The company announced its first Boeing 737 will be available at mid-month. The carrier is partnering with Air New Zealand, which will provide flight crews and other support. The airline had hoped to get its first flight off the ground this month, but that date was pushed back in large part because of previous commitments by Air New Zealand staff, which is overseeing the ramp up in Palau.
Vanuatu's Vanair for Sale
The Republic of Vanuatu's sole domestic airline, Vanuatu Internal Air Services, known popularly as Vanair, is seeking buyers. Government- owned and operated, Vanair offers domestic service to 28 locations in the 20 islands of Vanuatu. Former Prime Minister Barak Tame Sope called for a closer relationship between Vanair and Vanuatu's international carrier Air Vanuatu earlier this year, and there is some speculation that Air Vanuatu will attempt to acquire Vanair as a subsidiary, according to the Port Villa Presse. Vanair's acting CEO Meto Nganga says his shareholders would like to see the domestic and international airlines remain separate, www.airvanuatu.com
