Aviation History
Aviation in Nauru, one of the world's smallest nations, has always been closely tied to the country's phosphate-mining fortunes. Air Nauru was established in 1969 and briefly operated a large leased fleet funded by phosphate wealth before the industry's decline in the 1990s forced severe route cuts; the carrier was rebranded Our Airline in 2006 and Nauru Airlines in 2014, and remains wholly state-owned, now providing the country's only scheduled international air link via Brisbane.
Air Nauru was founded on 17 September 1969, with operations beginning in February 1970, funded by the country's phosphate mining revenues.
During its 1980s peak, Air Nauru operated a fleet of up to seven aircraft, an outsized fleet for the tiny nation, funded by phosphate export earnings.
As phosphate reserves depleted in the early 1990s, combined with financial mismanagement, Air Nauru was forced to cease unprofitable routes and shrink its network.
The national carrier was rebranded 'Our Airline' as part of a restructuring effort.
The airline adopted its current name, Nauru Airlines, continuing as the wholly state-owned national carrier.
Nauru Airlines (formerly Air Nauru / Our Airline)
Wikipedia, Nauru Airlines corporate history, Government of Nauru media releases