Asian Spirit

What do you guys think about the chances of Asian Spirit flying to Pohnpei? Any recent updates on this besides this old news from Nov 2006?

A Philippine-based regional airline that currently flies between Davao, Philippines and Koror, Palau is looking at expanding service as far east as Pohnpei in the Federated States of Micronesia, the Palau Horizon reports.

The newspaper says Asian Spirit executives have met with Pohnpei state government officials to discuss a Palau-Pohnpei route. But Jack Po, the airline's executive vice president, in the press report says the carrier's current aircraft, a British Aerospace 146-100 regional jet, would need refueling facilities in Yap and Chuuk. Po is quoted as saying the airline might consider acquiring a longer-range plane to service the route.

If service is initiated, Asian Spirit could use the air service rights currently held by Palau Micronesia Air, a Palau-based carrier that no longer flies. The airline would be competing indirectly with Continental Micronesia, the region's dominant airline. Continental Micronesia, however, does not fly directly between Palau and Pohnpei. Passengers currently would have to fly from Pohnpei to Palau with stops in Chuuk, Guam and possibly Yap.

The Palau Horizon says the new route could serve Filipino contract workers. They must currently go through Guam, a U.S. territory that requires transit visas. By flying from the Philippines to Pohnpei via Palau, the workers could avoid having to acquire the U.S. visa.

Also, increasing numbers of FSM citizens are getting medical care in the Philippines rather than Guam or Hawaii. They currently fly to Manila via Guam.

Asian Spirit now flies three times a week between Palau and Davao City. It has announced it will add flights to Cebu. Both cities are in the southern Philippines.

Apparently Asian Spirit now also flies from Manila.

I am always suspicious about any of these startups into Micronesia lasting very long, so I wouldn't bet on it, or not for long. There are signficant politics involved in the airlines in Micronesia- and the big guys are with Air Mike. There have been numerous airlines who have tried. None have lasted too long. Some never even took off a single time. So, twould be nice, and might bring down prices, but that is just what Air Mike doesn't want.

It would be simply great - but I am not sure I should wait till/if it happens...

This is an ok but not great airline

Any competition is great. It's not a long trip- if they get you there cheaper it would be great. But, see caution above.