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CPA to renew talks with Mandarin Air
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Posted on Apr 24 2002
The Commonwealth Ports Authority will renew negotiations with Mandarin Airlines for the possible reinstatement of the Saipan-Taipei flights, in efforts to diversify the islands’ tourism market.
CPA Executive Director Carlos H. Salas said the agency is hoping to negotiate with Mandarin Air officials in either May or June, in line with the ports authority’s planned roundtable discussion with representatives from airline companies.
Salas said the CPA would launch a series of discussions with airline companies, as well as come up with its own promotional efforts, to entice more foreign carriers to provide air transport services to the Northern Marianas.
“We are beefing up our efforts to entice more airlines especially with the opening of the new Narita Airport runway,” he said.
Included in these series of negotiations is the renewal of discussion with Mandarin Air executives. The carrier stopped flying the Taipei-Saipan route in March 2001.
Salas noted the potentials of the Taipei market as he stressed that the CPA will solicit the help of Mandarin Air to tap and serve Taiwanese travelers who may be interested in visiting the Northern Marianas.
CPA Board Chair Roman S. Palacios also said that the inauguration of the new Narita Airport runway last April 18 would open new opportunities for the CNMI’s tourism sector.
“There will be additional flights scheduled with the cities in a short and mid-haul destinations. Particularly, major cities in China and Korea will benefit from the opening of the Narita runway,” said Palacios.
He explained that several airline companies have increased flight frequency between Japan and other countries, including Guam, with at least seven additional flights a week.
Palacios noted that this is the right time that CNMI increase its promotional efforts to lure more tourists to visit the Northern Marianas.
“We will try to convince Mandarin Air officials to reconsider their decision and reinstate the Taipei-Saipan flights,” he said.
