Nauru Airlines, a national airline of Nauru, is the oldest continually operating airline in the Pacific Islands. The airline was established in 1969 by the Nauru government, and has since grown to become an important part of the island’s economy and culture.

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Nauru Airlines began operations with a single leased plane, a nine-seater Britten-Norman Islander. The airline’s first route was from Nauru to Fiji, and after a few months, the airline was operating services to seven other South Pacific countries, including Australia, New Zealand, and Papua New Guinea.

The airline grew steadily throughout the 1970s and 80s, adding more routes and larger planes to its fleet. In 1987, Nauru Airlines began operating international flights to the United States, making it the only airline in the South Pacific to offer flights to the US.

In the 1990s, Nauru Airlines faced financial difficulties due to the country’s economic crisis. The airline was forced to downsize its fleet and routes, but it still managed to stay afloat. In the late 90s, the airline underwent a major restructuring, which included the purchase of two Boeing 737s and the addition of a new route to Hong Kong.

The 2000s saw a period of growth and expansion for Nauru Airlines. The airline purchased a new Airbus A319, which allowed them to expand their services to include destinations in Asia and Europe. The airline also launched a frequent flyer program, which allowed passengers to accumulate points for every flight they took.

In 2015, Nauru Airlines faced its greatest challenge when an Air Nauru flight crashed in the Marshall Islands. The accident resulted in the deaths of two crew members and the destruction of the plane. The incident was investigated by the US National Transportation Safety Board, and the airline was found to have not been at fault. Following the crash, Nauru Airlines implemented new safety protocols to ensure the safety of its passengers.

Nauru Airlines continues to expand its operations, now offering flights to a range of international destinations in Asia, the Pacific, and Europe. The airline’s fleet has grown to include Boeing 737s and Airbus A319s, and its frequent flyer program is still popular with passengers.

Nauru Airlines is an important part of the history of the South Pacific, and it continues to provide reliable and safe services for passengers travelling to and from Nauru. The airline has come a long way since its inception in 1969, and it looks set to continue to grow and expand for many years to come.