BIKINI ATOLL, Marshall Islands (16 Dec 2007) — Debt-ridden Air Marshall Islands failure to keep its two airplanes properly maintained and flying could force Bikini Atoll Divers to shut down. Officials at Air Marshall Islands told CDNN repairs to their two grounded aircraft would take at least $700,000. The government has refused to provide additional funding to the troubled airlines after it defaulted on existing bank loans. Earlier this year, CDNN reported that mechanical problems grounded Air Marshall Islands planes numerous times, which forced Bikini Atoll Divers to cancel bookings by scores of divers. Bikini Atoll Divers started 11 years ago and since then has established the remote atoll as one of the world's premier wreck diving destinations. But in recent years, there have been frequent problems with airlines serving the Marshall Islands making the trip dicey. In January 2005, Aloha Air discontinued its service to the Marshall Islands because the flights were losing money due to insufficient demand. Continental Airlines has also dropped some flights to the Marshall Islands due to heavy losses. © CDNN - CYBER DIVER NEWS NETWORK | 
