A small airline doing big things—with the right tech partner by its side. Passenger, cargo, charter and multi-stop routes—Nauru Airlines relies on Ink to manage complex flights and stay connected across the Pacific.
For Nauru Airlines, technology isn’t just a support system—it’s a lifeline. Based on one of the world’s smallest island nations, the airline connects communities across the Pacific and ensures essential supplies, medical care, and freight keep moving.
Thomas Bennett, Head of Ground Operations at Nauru Airlines:
“Ink is more than just a system. It’s a partner. It adapts with us, grows with us, and helps us stay agile in one of the most complex regions to operate in.”
Keeping Nauru connected to the world
“Nauru Airlines is more than an airline. We are an essential service provider. If it wasn’t for the national carrier supplying Nauru with frequent air services, the Republic would be short of perishable goods, critical time deliveries such as medicines and essential IT equipment,” shares James Blake, Head of Commercial at Nauru Airlines.
Every flight carries more than people. A single passenger service might include medical cargo, exam papers, fresh produce, or aircraft parts for neighbouring island fleets.
Godwyn Debao, Ground Operations Manager at Nauru Airlines:
“We do lots of charter work on behalf of businesses and governments around the Pacific, Australia. We carry a mixture of passengers and cargo all on one aircraft. It’s unique to our operation, and Ink makes it possible.”
Built to adapt. Easy to trust.
Nauru Airlines has been using Ink systems for over 15 years. That partnership has evolved through growth, change, and even crisis.
In his first few months on the job, Thomas faced a complete airport outage in Brisbane.
“It wasn’t an Ink issue—it was the airport. But we were able to adapt fast. We checked in passengers using mobile phones and printed bag tags in the queue using mobile printers that Ink had recommended. We were boarding while other airlines were still getting their manual systems up.”
Ink’s cloud-based Departure and Load Control systems are designed for exactly these kinds of environments. Many of Nauru’s destinations only receive one flight a week. “The system has to be easy to use—even if staff haven’t touched it since the previous Saturday,” James explains.
Load control that works how the airline works
That flexibility is essential for Nauru’s operations—especially when it comes to baggage.
“Sometimes we’ll have a flight with 60 passengers and nearly 300 bags,” says James. “Our customers shop in Brisbane and take everything home—from clothes and food to electronics.” Managing that kind of volume, especially when return flights might carry far less, requires a Departure Control System (DCS) and Load Control that are responsive in real time.
Before switching to Ink Load Control, the team used pen and paper to calculate trim sheets. It was slow, manual, and risky.
“It enables us to quickly produce a load sheet within 10 minutes,” says Godwyn. “And as soon as check-in closes, all the passenger, baggage, and cargo data is there—ready to go.”
That’s especially critical for Nauru’s complex multi-sector flights, which can span five countries in a single run. “All those ports have the same visibility. We’ve worked with Ink to develop the system so everyone sees the same map.”
Even last-minute charter work is no problem. “We can create new schedules on the fly, and the load control system handles both freight and passenger aircraft,” Godwyn says.
Lasting partnership. Real results.
Thomas, James, and Godwyn all describe Ink as more than a vendor—it’s a partner.
“We have monthly service meetings,” says Thomas. “It’s very personal. First-name basis. And when we need something, they respond.”
That collaboration extends to continuous development. “We provide the feedback, and they’re very receptive,” adds Godwyn. “Over the years, they’ve customised the system to fit how we work. It’s grown with us.”
And the results show.
“We’ve seen very few check-in errors. Ink has built-in warnings that prevent mistakes. For us, key metrics like on-time departures and reducing compliance risks are directly supported by the system.”
Ready for what’s next
Looking ahead, Nauru Airlines sees even more potential in connected passenger journeys.
Thomas Bennett: “The biggest opportunity in digital transformation is off-airport check-in. We do a lot of charters and conferences, and having the ability to check in at hotels or venues makes for a much more convenient experience. A digital boarding pass, baggage tracking—that’s where the future is. And Ink’s ecosystem and mobile capabilities are a huge advantage.”
James agrees:
“Ink is reliable, flexible, and helps us improve our customer experience. It fortifies our revenue collection opportunities, especially with tools like excess baggage collection.”
For a small airline doing big things, every bit of agility and simplicity counts.
“We’re not just checking people in. We’re connecting communities. And we do it with Ink.”
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