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Flight cancellations draw ire of lawmakers
The cancellations of flights by Cape Air drew the ire of CNMI lawmakers who are now demanding that the airline operator give a more detailed explanation for the cancellations.
Sen. Teresita A. Santos (R-Rota) said her office has received many complaints on the cancellations and “poor customer” service by Cape Air crew in Guam.
The senator said she has sent a letter to David Baker, the regional director of Cape Air/United Express Micronesia, detailing the complaints and asking for an explanation.
According to Santos, Baker has replied to her letter and promised to bring the matter to the airline management.
The lawmaker said these cancellations and poor service “might be an opportunity for the CNMI to explore engaging the services of other airlines.” She noted that “less fortunate passengers such as the CNMI Medical Referral patients are at most impacted by this issue.”
Rep. Joseph “Lee Pan” Guerrero (R-Saipan) said the executives of the airline should come to the CNMI and “face the music” instead of just issuing press releases.
“They are not being fair,” the lawmaker said, adding that he does not see the logic why ticket prices continue to rise every time an airplane breaks down.
“If the airline really cares, then they should take every opportunity to come to Saipan and explain why they are having these issues,” Guerrero said, adding that the stipend being given to stranded passengers is also not enough.
Cape Air flight cancellations have continued into Monday from last weekend, after flights were canceled last Friday, reportedly due to a technical issue with their aircraft.
Yesterday, United Airlines provided an extra flight on a Boeing 737-800 to accommodate passengers. Cape Air and United are code-share partners.
