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Star Marianas promotes Cruz to VP of Operations and Safety
Cruz
Star Marianas Air, Inc. announced today that Jose Cruz has been promoted to the position of vice president of Operations and Safety for the Tinian-based airline. Cruz, a native of Tinian, has served as the manager of the airline’s safety department, overseeing the company’s safety management system since he joined SMA in 2017.
“I am excited to start this new chapter in my career with Star Marianas Air,” Cruz said. “Working with this company has been a sincere pleasure and has allowed me to participate in something that benefits our community.”
Cruz also shared the importance the airline plays in the economic development of the three islands in the CNMI. “We’ve just wrapped up one of our busiest operational weekends since the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic with the successful completion of Tinian’s 2021 Pika Festival. From Friday the 12th through Sunday the 14th SMA transported over 1,000 passengers, carried nearly 20,000 lbs of cargo, and facilitated an emergency patient transfer from Rota to Saipan.” He also added that “We take our responsibility with diligence and intentionality, to provide safe, reliable, and sustainable air transportation to the islands’ communities.”
Prior to joining SMA, Cruz held key positions for various governmental agencies such as the advisory team for the Office of the Mayor, Tinian Municipal Council, CNMI Department of Commerce, Department of Public Works, Tinian Public Market, Dog Control Program, Third Constitutional Convention, Tinian Casino Gaming Commission, and has served on various boards of directors. He is also an active volunteer member of the community, donating his time and resources to contribute to the beautification of Tinian.
Star Marianas Air is a U.S. Regional Commuter Airline serving the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands and Guam. The “Star” in Star Marianas Air comes from the first letter of the islands of Saipan, Tinian, Aguiguan, and Rota. SMA operates a fleet of 14 aircraft and is the only airline based in the CNMI. (PR)
