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CPA retains DC law firm for ‘open skies’ petition with DOT
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Posted on Mar 23 2006
The Commonwealth Ports Authority means business in petitioning the U.S. Department of Transportation for an “open skies” policy in the CNMI. It has retained the services of a Washington D.C.-based law firm to represent the agency and begin petition work.
CPA board members who attended yesterday’s board meeting unanimously voted to retain the services of Hogan & Hartson L.L.P. to represent the authority in petitioning the Transportation Department for expanded air services to the CNMI. The firm estimates the cost of its services at $15,000.
George U. Carneal, former general counsel of the Federal Aviation Administration, is a partner to the firm. Carneal represented Tinian Dynasty Hotel & Casino in the application of China Southern Airlines with the DOT for an exemption authority to engage in scheduled flights services from China to the CNMI.
Board members who were present at the meeting at the Saipan Seaport Office included acting chair Antonio Camacho, directors Barbara Yamada and Serafin Dela Cruz, and treasurer Benigno Fejeran.
According to CPA executive director Lee Cabrera, a foreign aircraft that lands in a U.S. airport has to exit to a foreign port and cannot head directly to that of another U.S. territory or jurisdiction under the current policy. This means, for instance, that a foreign aircraft that lands in the CNMI may not head to Guam or vice-versa.
Cabrera said an open skies policy will solve the problem and enhance air traffic to the CNMI.
