The airline was established on June 5, 1998, and started operations with the Boeing 727-200 on June 3, 1999. It was formed as Aero Micronesia, Inc.[2] and is an affiliate company of the Tan Holdings Corporation. The primary aspect of the airline's operation was transport for the US Postal Service, and other cargo, throughout Micronesia, as well as the importation of fresh high grade tuna for transshipment to worldwide fish markets.[3][4]
As of January 2015 the airline has begun the process of bringing the Boeing 757-200 into service as part of fleet modernization and expansion.[5]
In February 2023, the Federal Aviation Administration suspended the operating authority of the airline, after they "failed to produce records showing that the two individuals who provide proficiency checks for company pilots were properly trained and qualified for the past two years," making any approvals of the airline's pilots invalid.[6] The grounding led to supply chain disruptions across Micronesia, particularly in the Marshall Islands, where the airline was the sole air cargo carrier. Mail disruptions and shortages of medical supplies were reported, leading to state of emergency being declared by President David Kabua.[7] The airline resumed operations on May 5, 2023.[8]
Destinations
Asia Pacific Airlines flies to the following destinations:[9]