United Airlines has inaugurated a new direct, year-round service connecting Palau with Tokyo's Narita International Airport. This new route provides one-stop connections for travelers from five major U.S. hubs: New York/Newark, Houston, Denver, Los Angeles, and San Francisco. The inaugural flight was celebrated with ceremonies at both Narita and Palau International Airports. The service will initially be operated by a Boeing 737-800 aircraft. The President of Palau, Surangel Whipps Jr., stated that the new flight is a significant milestone for expanding travel and commerce and has been crucial to the nation's economic revival post-pandemic. This route is part of United's broader strategy to expand its presence in the Pacific, with the airline planning to operate flights from 32 cities in the region by the end of 2025.