SYDNEY — Airline Qantas will fly passengers from Brisbane to Palau’s capital, Koror, as part of an Australian government-supported push to boost aviation and tourism in the Pacific island country, which diplomatically recognizes Taiwan but has heavily relied on visitors from China.
Foreign Minister Penny Wong and Palau President Surangel Whipps Jr. announced on Wednesday that Qantas had been selected to operate the Palau Paradise Express, the first direct route from Australia to the nation that started in May under an initial contract whereby flights were operated by Nauru Airlines.