Star Marianas awaits timeframe for access to Guam int’l airport

The Guam International Airport Authority has already identified an interim location for Star Marianas’ proposed entry into the CNMI-Guam airline market but, according to airline president Shaun Christian, no fixed time has been set on when they can start using the site.

GIAA has notified Star Marianas, according to Christian, that the location, designated as the “Yellow Cargo Building,” would have to be renovated first. On top of this, Guam Customs would have to approve the location, he said.

He also believes the Federal Aviation Administration would need to ensure that the facility meets standards and statutes to be used as a passenger terminal.

Star Marianas would like a timeframe for when these things would be accomplished. In an Aug. 28 letter, GIAA first proposed the use of the building as an interim terminal. But until now, according to Christian, Star Marianas has not received word from GIAA on when this location would be provided. They have been trying for about two years to gain access to the Guam airport.

Previously, they sought the use of GIAA’s commuter terminal. But it was reported that the terminal would not pass certain safety clearances for regular flights. GIAA proposed the YCB building in its stead.

Star Marianas currently provides chartered flights to Guam. But this does not mean true access to the airport, according to Christian.

“We still do not have any right to self-access at the Guam airport,” he said.

Currently, Star Marianas is stuck with using third party handlers for its flights and passengers, according to Christian.

Use of third party, he said, amounts to “substantial costs.”

In earlier negotiations, Star Marianas proposed a launch date of Sept. 15. According to Christian, they are ready to begin regular scheduled flights as soon as the matter is resolved.

Right now, only United/Cape Air flies the Guam-CNMI route.

In a press conference in September, Christian said Rota has the beauty and scenery that is ready for a successful tourist economy. All the island is missing, he said, are tourists.

“It has to have an airline that’s willing to work with that market to be able to have the frequency and reliability and schedule that is necessary. [There is] no opportunity to do a day tour of Rota using Cape Air’s product. We are the only airline that could provide that,” he had said.