Int’l airline for CNMI in the wings

The CNMI may soon have its own Saipan-based international airline if plans by MP Enterprises come to fruition, according to the company’s president, Keith Stewart.

MP Enterprises recently established the CNMI’s newest successful domestic operator, Marianas Southern Airways.

The proposed airline has been named Northern Marianas Airways to emphasize its local focus.

Stewart said that Northern Marianas Airways could commence services as early as next March, provided appropriate route support could be provided.

“As a company with several local business interests, we are acutely aware of how important direct international air links into Saipan are if we are to grow the local economy and provide a sustainable future for our children and grandchildren,” said Stewart.

He also said that it was important that the CNMI looked to open up new tourism markets and that in order to do so it was essential that the airline was Saipan-based.

“Australia is a market that we have closely researched, and we believe it has great potential. Australians spend an average of 6.2 nights per visit, making them one of the longer staying tourists,” said Stewart. “We know that post-COVID, Australians are looking for alternative tourist destinations and with a direct flight of just six 3/4 hours, Saipan with its pristine beaches, excellent water-based activities, first-class golf courses, cultural history, and mild climate is a very attractive option” he added.

According to Stewart the airline would provide capacity for nearly 50,000 Australian passengers alone each year. “With Marianas Southern Airways we have provided affordable fares to Tinian, Rota and Guam,” said Stewart, “and we plan to do the same with fares to Australia and other parts of the world to help jumpstart tourism in the CNMI.”

While Sydney and Brisbane in Australia are the first targets for the proposed carrier, it also plans to provide affordable travel to Saipan from several Japanese cities as well as Seoul and Manila. Stewart says that they could have these additional routes up and running before the end of calendar 2023.

“We have been in discussions with Anchorage-based Northern Pacific Airways to provide a turnkey aircraft and supply solution,” said Stewart, adding that “as the new airline would be Saipan-based and controlled, decisions as to where it operates to will be made with the interests of the CNMI at the forefront.”

With Northern Pacific Airways’ own services scheduled to bridge the U.S. with Japan and South Korea, flights through Saipan will give travelers from Australia, the Philippines, and the CNMI an innovative way of connecting destinations East and West through Anchorage, Alaska, according to Stewart.

Northern Marianas Airways proposes to operate a Boeing 757-200 aircraft with 16 business class seats, 36 premium economy seats and 129 economy seats. The B757 has exceptional performance, allowing it to operate from almost any airport in the world, including noise-restricted airports, short runways and airports in hot and high locations. It is quiet and fuel-efficient, is environmentally friendly and meets worldwide standards for engine emissions. (MP Enterprises)