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Chinese carrier’s entry stirs excitement
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Posted on Apr 19 2002
The Commonwealth Ports Authority yesterday expressed optimism over the anticipated growth in economic activities that may be spurred by the entry of the China Southern Air into the local tourism industry.
This, as the CPA and the Marianas Visitors Authority have joined hands in preparing a reception party for the delegation that will arrive on Saipan on board the Chinese carrier’s maiden flight at 2am tomorrow, April 20.
CPA Board Chair Roman S. Palacios is particularly excited over the entry of two additional carriers into the CNMI air transport market – the Korean Airlines in January 2002 and the Southern China Air this month.
Palacios also mentioned recent decision by the Asiana Airlines to deploy additional flights between Korea and Saipan earlier this year.
He said, however, that the CNMI government, along with agencies directly connected with the travel sector, should continue exploring other markets such as Taiwan and Europe in order to completely revive the Commonwealth’s tourism industry.
On the entry of the China Southern Air, Palacios said the Northern Marianas is anticipated to witness a major increase in tourism-related business activities akin to the expected influx of Chinese travelers into the islands.
“We welcome them. This is a good news for the Commonwealth,” the CPA Board Chair added.
He is also optimistic that the Chinese carrier, with the assistance of the Tinian Dynasty Hotel and Casino, will be able to secure a flight permit from the United States Department of Transportation for the earlier agreed 104 chartered flights between Guangzhou, China and Saipan.
Palacios will join CPA and MVA officials, along with Gov. Juan N. Babauta, in welcoming the Chinese delegation who will arrive on Saipan from Guangzhou at 2am tomorrow.
Local government officials led by Lt. Gov. Diego T. Benavente are in China to join the Chinese carrier’s inaugural flight to Saipan. The China Southern Air will be using Boeing 757, which has can sit 198 passengers.
China Southern Air will serve the Guangzhou-Saipan route twice a week.
