On May 8, the new Palau International Airport Terminal, constructed through the “Palau International Airport Terminal Expansion and Operation Project” (Overseas Investment and Loan), was fully opened at the Palau International Airport in Koror City, Republic of Palau. The opening ceremony was held in the presence of Palauan President Surangel S. Whipps and Japanese Foreign Minister Yoshimasa Hayashi and JICA Director Shinichi Yamanaka.
The existing terminal building at Palau International Airport was constructed in 2003 with JICA’s grant assistance and has been used for about 20 years. In order to address these issues, this project will construct a new departure terminal building and renovate the existing terminal building to be used exclusively for arrivals, while introducing Japan’s excellent airport operation and maintenance management technology. This is the largest-ever Japanese-supported infrastructure development project in Palau and the first public-private partnership (PPP) project in a Pacific island country.
Sojitz Corporation’s extensive knowledge and network in the aviation industry, Japan Airport Terminal Corporation (JATCO)’s expertise in operating Haneda Airport, and support from Japan Overseas Transportation and Urban Development Corporation (JOIN) were utilized in this project, with airport expansion/renovation contractor Taisei Corporation in charge of construction. The all-Japan team, including JICA, worked together with the Palauan government to overcome the many challenges faced in the Korona disaster, and the airport is now fully open for business. The airport will continue to be operated with Japanese expertise.
Palau International Airport is expected to play an important role in Palau’s economic growth as a gateway for people and goods to the island nation of Palau, where tourism is a key industry. JICA will continue to cooperate with Palau in achieving sustainable economic growth and stable social development.
© Source JICA