Cape Air will fly two planes now

Cape Air/United will now fly two planes on its Guam to CNMI route, the Commonwealth Ports Authority and Delegate Gregorio Kilili C. Sablan (Ind-MP) said.

In a Facebook post, Sablan announced that a second Cape Air/United airplane arrived on Saipan Monday afternoon and will take about a week before it flew. Cape and United Airlines are code share partners for the Guam-CNMI route.

He said Cape Air would have two airplanes to service the Northern Marianas-Guam route.

Near press time yesterday, the Commonwealth Ports Authority confirmed the arrival of the second airplane.

CPA said the second aircraft was stationed at the Francisco C. Ada-Saipan International Airport.

CPA said the aircraft first has to flight checks before flying. The ports authority could not yet provide a date when the second plane would fly.

Sablan’s statement follows:

“I have been working with United Airlines officials on the frequent disruption to air travel between Saipan and Rota to and from Guam. It was about three years ago when one of the two airplanes underwent required major maintenance in the East Coast of the mainland. When that airplane returned, the one that’s been flying for over a year now, the other airplane then also [had to] undergo the required major maintenance.

“I never let up with United Airlines. I did this for several reasons. There is a need for reliable air service to and from Guam. I wanted an airline where people flying to or from Rota can make reservations and purchase tickets online. Only United Airlines has Rota as a destination where one could book online.

“I have asked United to please review their airfare and to please provide a Y-UP fare for passengers originating from the Northern Mariana Islands.

“I am pleased to announce that the second airplane that went through the required major maintenance arrived in Guam yesterday afternoon. It will take about a week or so to remove the extra fuel tank they installed and to retrofit the airplane for passengers. After some testing, Cape [Air] will have two airplanes to service the Northern Marianas-Guam route.

“And I have asked United to bring high level executives to Saipan to meet with Commonwealth officials to discuss their plans for the future and the possible need to use newer planes.

“I can only do so much to influence private businesses. But I was glad to continue working with United to get two airplanes servicing the route. And I am glad that we have done that.”