Gov’t divided over protest lodged vs Continental

Acting Gov. Jesus R. Sablan yesterday downplayed the protest lodged by the Commonwealth Ports Authority against Continental Micronesia over its treatment of Saipan and Guam as co-terminals, saying the CNMI does not intend to cut off its relations with the region’s largest carrier.

“The matter is already resolved,” he said, without elaborating, after meeting with CPA Executive Director Carlos H. Salas in his office.

According to Mr. Sablan, the protest was filed in relations to the requirement of the Federal Aviation Administration as the Guam-based airline had sought approval for resumption of regular flights to Sapporo and Sendai in Japan.

Mr. Salas and Board Chair Roman S. Palacios sent the letter to the federal transportation department on Friday, the first formal protest against the Continental’s decision to scrap direct international flights to and from the Northern Marianas.

They said that CPA could not support Continental’s application to renew those flights as its intention to operate five weekly Saipan-Guam-Sapporo and daily Saipan-Guam-Sendai services will not benefit the CNMI at all in terms of having direct flights from those Japanese cities.

In an apparent attempt to calm potential harm in the CNMI’s 30-year long ties with the carrier, Mr. Sablan said the government will continue its dialogue with Continental officials on issues affecting its services here.

“We will do our best in trying to regain a good working relationship. We need them also to service the islands. They are working hard on that,” he explained.

“I hope they will not be offended [by our letter]. This is only sensible in that we have to raise our worries and concerns. This is [a fact] that we want them to service the islands through direct international flights,” added the acting chief executive.

He, however, stressed air service is still “a big concern” on the island, noting that the Tenorio administration through its Aviation Task Force has already initiated efforts to lure other airlines into the Commonwealth.

Due to declining passenger load, Continental dropped direct flights to Saipan from key Asian cities, such as Tokyo. Osaka, Seoul, Manila, Taipei and Hong Kong, to reduce costs.
It only now operates four daily flights from Guam to ferry passengers who wait for hours at its A.B. Won Pat International Airport.

The move has strained its relations with the CNMI, prompting island leaders to seek other carriers to fill in the gap left by Continental which began its services to the islands in the late 1960’s.

Among the international carriers being eyed by the CNMI are the Philippine Airlines, Thai Airways, China Eastern, Far Eastern and Air Nauru.

Last week, Mr. Sablan accompanied CPA officials and other local leaders as well as executives of the Tinian Dynasty Hotel and Casino to forge an agreement with Mandarin Air to provide the Saipan-Taipei service. The charter flights are scheduled to begin next month.

Mr. Salas was not available when contacted to seek comment on his meeting with Mr. Sablan.