10 Oct 2003

Japan to open flight academy in Palau

4:49 pm on 10 October 2003

The oldest flight training school in Japan is to open an academy in Palau.

As a former United States trust territory, Palau falls under the jurisdiction of American aviation administration, which means Japanese flight students who train in Palau can get their US pilots licence.

And locals will be able to attend the academy through the Palau community college.

The Palau president, Tommy Remengesau, says the academy could be up and running by next April, and will bring resources to the country, like a helicopter and seaplanes, that can be used in emergencies.

He says tourists, after September 11, charter planes to islands like Palau as a safeguard against terrorism, and for the country to be a destination, it needs the mechanics and pilots the academy can provide.