Asiana flights’ suspension in October

Asiana Airlines has been told that their seven-day suspension of flights between Incheon and Saipan will be administered from Oct. 14 to 20, according to Sung-nam Park, general manager of their Saipan regional office.

Last June, South Korea’s Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, and Transportation ordered the seven-day suspension because of a violation of safety regulations by the airline during a flight to Saipan.

Park said that, although appeals were submitted, it appears the decision to impose the sanctions were already set.

“Despite our efforts and support from local societies, we couldn’t stop this decision,” he said.

Gov. Eloy S. Inos earlier wrote the Korean ministry to ask for an alternative penalty in the form of monetary fines instead of a suspension of flights, citing its potential negative impact on the islands’ tourism industry.

A petition signed by 120 members of the local Korean business community echoed this desire.

Park said that, while these appeals were rejected, he believes the ministry wanted to emphasize the importance of safety and that is why they did not want to be “flexible” with the sanction imposed on Asiana Airlines.

While there would be no operations on Asiana’s part during those seven days in October, Park said that Jeju Air, a low-cost carrier flying in from Korea, would be operating flights to Saipan by Oct 1.

However, he compared the 450 seats provided by Asiana in a week versus the 180 seats Jeju Air would provide, and estimated that Jeju Air would only cover about a third of their total seat configuration.

Park said he expects a loss of around $4 million to $5 million during that week.

Asiana passengers who have made bookings for the affected period have been transferred to another day or route.

“We don’t have many passengers who have booking on this period,” he said.

Park said because of the violation and subsequent sanction, the airline has been diligent in making sure they implement all the necessary measure and regulations for safety.

He has no doubts about the safety and security of Asiana flights, adding that the airline is proud to have contributed to the islands with over 20 years of its service here.

“I deeply appreciate the local support to try to stop [the suspension] but despite efforts we couldn’t stop this one. We continue to serve and contribute to the development of this island, and have reinforced our safety and security system,” he said.

In response to the issue, the Marianas Visitor Authority issued this statement through its managing director, Perry Tenorio: “The CNMI, through Governor Inos, requested the Minister of Lands, Infrastructure and Transportation to consider another from of sanction for the safety violations that were charged against Asiana Airlines. Regretfully, the [ministry] opted to move forward with its original decision in the form of Asiana Airlines not flying for seven days in October 2014. We absolutely respect that decision.

“The absence of air service in those seven days will have a negative impact on the CNMI travel industry and economy. That said, however, access to the CNMI from South Korea will be available through Jeju Air as they are expected to launch daily service beginning Oct. 1, 2014.”

Ed Mendiola, acting director of the Commonwealth Ports Authority, said while it is unfortunate that “sales would go down” as there would be a lower number of passengers that week, the airport would run its operations as usual.