The new Pacific Mission Aviation hangar in Airai paves the way to medical evacuation for outlying islands, sea searches and other air-related services in Palau.
On Oct. 21, President Surangel S. Whipps, Jr. joined the PMA team and national along with state government dignitaries to celebrate the completion and opening of the hangar. Construction on the hangar started in 2018 and like other projects was delayed by the pandemic.
“Thank you for your perseverance in seeing this project through,” President Surangel S. Whipps, Jr. said during the ceremony. “This partnership is an example of the government and the community working together to help a rechad er Belau,” President Whipps stated. “We look forward to our partnership with you for years to come.”
Under a memorandum of understanding between PMA and the government, PMA will assist with medical evacuations from outlying islands like Angaur and Sonsorol, ocean searches, and enforcement of Palau’s exclusive economic zone, as well as use of hanger facilities during disasters.