Star Marianas unsatisfied with Guam talks on direct flight access to airport

Star Marianas Airlines left discouraged from their most recent talks with the Guam International Airport Authority for self-access to the airport there. GIAA has proposed a facility for use that would be noncompliant with the Federal Aviation Administration, and is less than ideal for travelers and tourists between the CNMI and Guam, according to SMA.

The talks come amid an FAA informal investigation of the Guam airport over alleged violations SMA filed them in September, according to documents obtained by the Saipan Tribune.

SMA met with GIAA Property Management division on Guam last Monday. President Shaun Christian, chair Robert Christian, and Rota treasurer Frank Atalig were in attendance, along with individuals from GIAA, according SMA.

GIAA or Atalig could not be reached for comment over the holiday weekend. According to SMA, Guam airport wanted to give an update on the proposed “Yellow Cargo Building” for SMA use. A layout of the facility was provided to SMA in October.

However, during the meeting, they learned that the proposed facility currently has no handicap or disabled parking, and very limited parking in general, they said. Also, the soonest it would be available was in April next year.

The only thing availably present was a hallway, according to SMA.

“Currently it’s not American with Disabilities Act-compliant,” SMA president Shaun Christian told Saipan Tribune. He said they were told this would be addressed.

Also, they were told that Guam Customs would not approve of inbound or outbound cargo, according to the president. Despite all of this, Guam airport asked them to approve the plan during their meeting, he said.

But SMA did not believe that “it was in our operational authority to approve or disprove” the plan. They said this would have to be worked out with Guam and the FAA.

The FAA investigation of Guam airport comes through an informal complaint filed by SMA in September.

SMA alleges that the Guam airport has violated FAA grant assurances in using their commuter terminal for “non-aeronautical purposes,” among other things. This terminal is reportedly used as a human resource department.

In November, FAA responded to SMA’s request for a “formal” investigation of the Guam airport. But SMA was essentially told that a formal complaint would not be considered until an informal process was completed and no resolution reached.

According to FAA, “a person directly and substantially affected by the alleged noncompliance must engage in good faith efforts to resolve the disputed matter informally” with those responsible for the noncompliance, before filing a formal complaint.

This complaint would not be considered until these “good faith efforts” were shown, and unless there was no prospect for the dispute being resolved.

Saipan Tribune asked the FAA’s regional office in Honolulu when a decision for the informal process would be expected. An FAA public affairs specialist said they do not have “have a specific timeline for completing our informal investigation.”

“We are aware that the GIAA is trying to work out an arrangement with Star Marianas,” the specialist said.

But SMA chair Robert Christian, in an interview last Thursday, called GIAA’s efforts to work with them “disingenuous.”

SMA has for the last two years tried to gain access to the Guam airport. Right now, only charted planes are flown to Guam, with SMA restricted to third party ground handlers for passengers.

This amounts to $40 more one way for passenger tickets, according to SMA. With their recent meeting with GIAA concluded, the SMA chairman said he sees little reason to work Guam again.

He now believes the issue should not be one of “us against Guam airport.” He believes the real resolution now lies with Guam and CNMI leadership.

“If Rota’s leadership—the Northern Marianas, the governor, and the mayors—are all happy to utilize a hallway with no waiting room, then far be it for us to deny them that.”

“Guam airport has no interest whatsoever in putting together a program where there is a nice facility for people who want to visit the Northern Marianas to come to. There is no place to park; no place to wait…The building’s noncompliant. Guam’s noncompliant. We’re not satisfied,” he said.

Saipan Tribune, in talking with residents of Rota, heard an expressed desire for direct flights from Rota to Guam, as they believe their economy is dependent on tourism, and direct flights would improve on this.

Rota mayor-elect Efraim Atalig earlier spoke of his intention to work with Guam for direct flights. But the depth of this commitment is yet to be proven.

“It’s going to become something [CNMI leaders] are going to have to deal with,” chairman Christian said. “Because you really have the economy of both the Commonwealth and Guam that really need to come together and work to getting something that basic—to open up free trade between the territory up there and here.”

“It shouldn’t be us against the airport,” he added. (With Thomas Manglona II)