Tinian leaders complain vs delayed direct flights

TINIAN—Local leaders here are complaining about the delayed installation of necessary aviation safety instruments at the Tinian International Airport, preventing the airport from receiving direct flights three years after the completion of its runway.

In particular, the Tinian leadership said the instrument landing system or ILS and the setting up of a fuel station are two requisites by airlines for them to consider flying into the island.

“Why the delay with ILS? We all know that we can’t have direct flights without ILS. Why can’t we fill the fuel tank? What’s the problem? Is it incompetence? Is it funding? Is it bias and prejudice? Why are our projects so behind?” asked Tinian Mayor Jose P. San Nicolas during a meeting with local leaders and the Commonwealth Ports Authority officials on Wednesday.

He said that, if indeed the airport needs $3.5 million for the landing system, as cited by the CPA, then it should be produced at all cost to enable the airport to operate as designed.

He cited that the Tinian delegation had already spent $18 million for the runway project alone.

“$3.5 million, if that’s the real figure, is small compared to what we’ve invested for this facility and the potential revenues that we’d get if we install ILS,” said San Nicolas.

CHEAPER ILS

Former Tinian mayor Ike Quichocho, who now works as a consultant for San Nicolas, also disclosed that, based on their research, an ILS can actually be acquired at a much cheaper rate of $1.3 million, not $3.5 million as CPA had cited.

CPA reportedly got the $3.5 million amount from the cost estimate provided by the Federal Aviation Administration.

In his presentation, Quichocho said that the municipal office has contacted a U.S.-based company that sells FAA-compliant instrument landing systems.

“We can get ILS for $1.3 million. Why do we have to go for $3.5 million? I don’t think FAA would require us to purchase it from one supplier,” said Quichocho.

Former CPA executive and now consultant Carlos Salas said there are different types of ILS, thus the varying prices.

He said the delay in the acquisition of the equipment was partly due to the fact that it’s not an “eligible” FAA program.

‘AIRPORT IS FAA-CERTIFIED’

CPA Tinian board member Serafin Dela Cruz said that FAA has actually certified the airport, allowing it to land jet planes.

He added that Palau, which has no ILS, “has been flying without an ILS.”

The local leadership said having an ILS is a must to ensure the safety and protection of the flying public.

Quichocho said that two airlines, China Southern Airlines and China Southern Airlines—the two chartered-flights of Tinian Dynasty Hotel & Casino—will be landing on Tinian once the ILS is installed.

Meantime, the Tinian Mayor’s Office said that a potential ILS vendor will be coming to Tinian on March 10 to 12 to inspect the site.

CPA and FAA representatives are expected to meet with the visiting team to discuss ILS issues.