Sichuan Airlines eyes direct flights to Tinian

Representatives of Sichuan Airlines have expressed their intention to bring direct flights to Tinian within the year during a recent meeting with Tinian Mayor Ramon Dela Cruz and Commonwealth Ports Authority executive director Edward Deleon Guerrero.

Dela Cruz confirmed yesterday that he met with airlines officials about two weeks ago, along with Tinian Dynasty Hotel and Casino chair Michael Kwan, during which Sichuan Airlines affirmed its commitment to fly to the island.

Sichuan Airlines already flies to Saipan, with four weekly charter flights from Guangzhou and Shanghai that are jointly chartered by Tinian Dynasty Travel and Century Tours.

“They have indicated their desire to explore the possibility of direct flights to Tinian. As a matter of fact, that would be the catalyst for the municipality’s decision to invest in ground support for these anticipated direct flights,” said Dela Cruz.

The Tinian Legislative Delegation recently cancelled plans to install an instrument landing system at the Tinian airport, diverting the $3.5 million funds to other airport projects.

Dela Cruz said the municipality is now awaiting a formal plan from Sichuan Airlines before it moves forward with procuring airport equipment such as cargo conveyor, ladder for the deplaned passengers, and the construction of a fuel farm.

“I am now waiting for Sichuan Airlines and Tinian Dynasty to turn in their written solid commitment specifically mentioning their plans so we can ask the delegation for the commitment of some monies for the improvement of the airport ground terminal,” said the mayor.

Dela Cruz also confirmed that Sichuan Airlines has indicated that it could fly to Tinian without the ILS, a ground-based instrument approach system that provides precision guidance to an aircraft landing on a runway.

Although airline representatives did not provide a specific timeframe as to when they are coming to Tinian, Dela Cruz is optimistic that it will start flying within the year—probably during the holiday season in December.

Because of budget constraints, the municipality had suspended holding its traditional grand fireworks display during New Year’s Eve. Dela Cruz promised to revive this tradition if Sichuan Airlines will fly in during the holidays.

If there’s a concern for the Sichuan Airlines, it is the lack of a fuel storage tank, Dela Cruz said. Once plans are ironed out, Tinian will build the fuel farm, he added.

Dela Cruz added that the airline will also consult with the Customs and Border Patrol and Transportation Security Administration to seek guidance for its planned direct flights to Tinian.

CPA’s Deleon Guerrero also confirmed meeting with the airline officials. “Sichuan Airlines said that they do not need an ILS system to land at the Tinian airport and have been working on a schedule to begin service to the island,” he said Tuesday.

Deleon Guerrero said the anticipated direct flight to Tinian is a result of increasing load demands from China.

Saipan Tribune learned that Sichuan Airlines is planning to use a Boeing 757 for its flights to Tinian. The airline is currently using an A-330 for its weekly charter flights to Saipan.