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CPA AIMS TO RE-OPEN NIGHTTIME FLIGHTS TOMORROW
Saipan airport obtains temporary CUC power
United still only commercial aircraft with incoming passengers
With the Commonwealth Ports Authority setting its sights on resuming regular nighttime flights tomorrow, Tuesday, at the Francisco C. Ada/Saipan International Airport, the Commonwealth Utilities Corp. has temporarily restored island power at the airport.
CPA has already resumed regular daytime flights at the airport since Thursday week and wants nighttime regular flights this week. So far, United Airlines is the only commercial aircraft that comes in with passengers.
CPA executive director Christopher S. Tenorio said that, as of Saturday, the airport’s main generators are awaiting parts and will undergo maintenance.
Tenorio said CPA is also repairing its riser—a truck with an attached stair that could be extended—and that materials have been ordered.
The commuter building, which handles flights from Saipan to and from Tinian and Rota, is still totally closed due to extensive damage. Commuter tenants are still operating out of tents in the commuter parking area.
Tenorio said that CPA is working with a vendor to remove the damaged canopy from the bus parking to the commuter building.
With all of the airport’s jetways damaged, CPA is working on getting those removed. A jetway is an enclosed, movable footbridge that extends from an airport terminal gate to an airplane.
Tenorio said that majority of the taxiway/runway lights have been replaced.
However, he said, the taxiway/runway signs need replacement.
Tenorio said the water running to the terminals is being pumped by generators, but there are some issues with the water pump as it is not maintaining the needed pressure.
CPA is alternating between two water pumps.
While 30 percent of the fence line went down, 95 percent of that has been temporarily fixed, he said.
Ports police officers are being posted for additional security measures.
Tenorio said the port of Saipan is back to normal operations.
On Tinian, the Tinian International Airport’s generator is awaiting a backup and that a request has been submitted to the Federal Emergency Management Agency.
He said CPA is still waiting parts to replace broken taxiway and runway lights.
He said temporary fencing repair has been completed.
At the Port of Tinian, Tenorio said the dock has no power.
He said incoming vessels will need to bring their own lights and power supply.
