Saipan Tribune

Tuesday, May 21, 2013

Monday, October 22, 2012

One-year waiver on landing fees for charters sought

Sen. Ralph Torres (R-Saipan) is proposing to exempt airlines providing charter flights from paying landing fees at CNMI airports for one year starting on Jan. 1, 2013.

In his Senate Bill 17-109, Torres said this proposed exemption would entice airlines to fly charter flights and new routes and therefore help enhance the CNMI's tourism industry.

“The Commonwealth Ports Authority shall exempt the payment of the landing fee by existing airlines for charter flights that are not included in the airline's current approved scheduled flights and route. The exemption shall begin on January 1, 2013 and end of December 31, 2013,” Torres said in his bill.

SB 17-109 could be acted on during the Senate's next session which may be next week.

The Senate leadership said yesterday once this bill becomes law, it will include not only those airlines providing services to Saipan, but also Rota and Tinian.

For example, if Korea-based Jeju Air Co. Ltd. moves on with its plan to start twice-a-week flight between South Korea and Rota next summer, then it could be exempted from paying CPA the landing fee.