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Heinz bids JAL goodbye
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Posted on Oct 05 2005
Independent candidate for governor Rep. Heinz S. Hofschneider said that Wednesday’s final regular flight by Japan Airlines from Saipan to Osaka is “a sad tribute” to 28 years during which the airline helped pioneer and build up the tourism of the CNMI.
“I know that there are other factors influencing moves by the multi-national company,” Hofschneider said, “but the nearly complete pullout from the Commonwealth tells me we haven’t been doing the thing right.”
The JAL pullout, which has been public knowledge since early this year, has been a factor in the steady departure of Japanese businesses and retrenchment of those who remain, in anticipation of sharply lower tourist arrivals. JAL has been bringing nearly a third of all the visitors from Japan.
“After watching all this unfold,” Hofschneider said, “I have concluded that what really counts is having a competent and efficient Commonwealth government at work here at home. “If the Japanese investors and airlines start to see clean beaches, pleasant landscapes, and an administration that truly is business friendly, I believe that they will come back. If they don’t, it won’t be for lack of trying on our part. We’re aware that JAL plans to fly limited charters to the CNMI and we haven’t given up on getting their regular service back.” (PR)
