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Air Saipan postpones news briefing
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Posted on Feb 07 2006
Air Saipan, Ltd. has postponed its scheduled press conference tomorrow to a still unspecified date.
Air Saipan vice president for international marketing and corporate development Craig Champion earlier announced that the company would be holding a press conference at the Fiesta Resort & Spa’s Azucena Hall supposedly tomorrow.
Champion did not disclose details about any major announcement that the company plans to release in the media briefing. However, Commonwealth Ports Authority executive director Lee Cabrera earlier disclosed plans by the company for its chartered aircraft to land at the Saipan International Airport’s tarmac on Feb. 15.
Champion said the press conference will not materialize tomorrow, saying that Air Saipan board chair Dean Mills is still in Chicago to finalize details regarding the chartered aircraft. Reportedly, the company is chartering a Boeing 757 aircraft from U.S.-based Ryan International Airlines, but Air Saipan officials have yet to confirm the veracity of the information.
CPA’s Cabrera had disclosed that the chartered aircraft would be emblazoned with “tropical colors” and with the word “Saipan,” following a meeting with Air Saipan officials.
Based on the company’s initial marketing plan, Cabrera said Air Saipan would provide charter services between Japan and Saipan. The company plans to eventually tap other tourist markets, including Korea, China, Hong Kong and even Australia.
Air Saipan’s representatives have also informed the CPA of its plan to secure an Air Operating Certificate from the U.S. Department of Transportation to eventually become a full-fledged airline.
Air Saipan’s stakeholders include Mills, Champion, and Dave Raybould, who earlier placed the company’s initial investment at $3 million. POI Aviation will provide ground-handling services for Air Saipan’s planned charter flights.
