Previous Story
Marianas marks 30 years of partnership with Asiana
Today marks 30 years of partnership between the Marianas and Asiana Airlines, the flagship carrier of South Korea.
Asiana Airlines made its inaugural flight to Saipan in the Marianas on May 27, 1992, as South Koreans began travelling internationally in increasing numbers. The tropical weather and unspoiled nature of the islands was appealing, along with the relatively short flight time of four hours from Seoul.
“Asiana Airlines is one of the highest rated airlines in the world, and the Marianas is extremely privileged to have shared a strong partnership with them over the last three decades,” said Marianas Visitors Authority managing director Priscilla M. Iakopo. “Asiana has been instrumental in growing South Korea from a small, exploratory source market for the Marianas in 1992 to our largest source market today. In addition, they facilitate strong business partnerships between South Korea and the Marianas and have made their own significant investments in our destination. They bring our peoples together, and for all this, we celebrate 30 years of partnership and look forward to many more years of working together.”
Asiana was established in 1988 and flies to 74 cities around the world with an 81-plane fleet. With the reboot of international flights to Saipan suspended during the COVID-19 pandemic, Asiana now operates two flights a week as the only full-service carrier from Seoul-Incheon to Saipan. The airline also flew direct flights from Busan to Saipan prior to the pandemic. Iakopo noted there are plans for Asiana to add more flights in the near future.
On May 27, 2007, Asiana also launched its first daytime flights to the Marianas four times a week, reflecting growing demand in South Korea for the Marianas. The airline’s parent company, Kumho Asiana, also acquired LaoLao Bay Golf & Resort, reaffirming its commitment to the Marianas tourism industry. (MVA)
