Air Kiribati is a small airline based in the Republic of Kiribati, an island nation in the central Pacific Ocean. The airline began operations in 1978, and since then, it has played an important role in connecting the remote island nation to the rest of the world.

Originally, Air Kiribati operated as Kiribati Air Service. The airline was established with just one aircraft, a single-engine Cessna 402. This aircraft was used to provide essential services to the island nation, including medical evacuation and air cargo services. The airline was later rebranded as Air Kiribati in 1982.

Over the years, Air Kiribati has steadily grown its fleet size and expanded its operations. Today, the airline operates a fleet of four aircraft, including two ATR 72-500s, one ATR 42-500, and one Cessna 402. The airline operates regular flights to several destinations in the Pacific region, including Fiji, the Solomon Islands, and the Marshall Islands.

The airline has also experienced several important milestones since it began operations. In 1988, Air Kiribati became the first airline in the world to use the ATR-72 aircraft, which allowed the airline to expand its service to more destinations. In 1994, the airline launched its first international service to Fiji. In 2004, Air Kiribati became the first airline in the world to be certified under the International Air Transport Association's new safety standards. And in 2011, the airline became the first airline in the world to be certified under the new International Civil Aviation Organization's safety standards.

Air Kiribati has also experienced its share of incidents. In 1995, one of its ATR-72 aircraft crashed in the Line Islands, killing all 19 passengers and crew onboard. In 2011, the airline experienced another incident when one of its ATR-72 aircraft was forced to make an emergency landing due to a mechanical failure. Fortunately, no one was injured in this incident.

Despite these incidents, Air Kiribati has remained a reliable and safe carrier, and it has been able to provide essential services to the people of Kiribati. Today, the airline continues to play an important role in connecting the remote island nation to the rest of the world.