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New airline gets a name
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Posted on Jun 02 2022
Photo shows artist’s rendition of Marianas Southern Airways’ first airline, the Spirit of Saipan. (CONTRIBUTED PHOTO)
Marianas Southern Airways. That will be the name of the CNMI’s newest interisland airline.
The unveiling of the airline’s name came following approval from the U.S. Department of Transportation, according to co-founder Keith Stewart.
Stewart said the DOT approval completes the last of the formalities that the airline needed to achieve to be able to commence operations in July.
“Our first new aircraft, the Spirit of Saipan, left Italy today on its ferry flight to the [U.S.] mainland, where it will be painted in the airline’s livery before arriving in Saipan next month” said Stewart, adding that “the second aircraft will follow shortly behind.”
Additional aircraft will join the fleet over the next six months, according to Stewart, as the airline increases its services.
“Marianas Southern Airways has commenced recruitment for staff to be based on Saipan, Tinian, Rota, and Guam,” said Bill Giles, vice president, CNMI and Guam. “Our roots are firmly based in the CNMI, and we are excited to be able to offer local employment opportunities on each island.”
The airline will announce its initial schedule, launch its website, and open ticket sales in the next two weeks. At launch it will offer over 90 weekly flights serving Saipan, Tinian, Rota, and Guam and, through Southern Airways’ interline agreement with United Airlines, provides the ability to make a seamless reservation from Tinian, Rota, or Saipan to anywhere in the United network.
Marianas Southern Airways is a joint venture between Saipan’s MP Enterprises and Southern Airways Express, one of America’s largest regional airlines.
It will operate the all new Tecnam P2012 Traveler aircraft, known as the world’s most advanced twin-engine turbocharged piston aircraft. The nine-seat aircraft features generous luggage allowances to complement its sleek and modern interior design, which includes LED reading lights, over-head air conditioning controls, and ergonomic seats with a USB port, armrest, and cup holder for each passenger. (PR)
