MVA board questions Cape Air services

Cape Air’s unreliable reputation is no longer confined to just residents, as the Marianas Visitors Authority board recently questioned the poor services of Cape Air and how it impacts the Japan market.

MVA board member Jerry Tan brought up the discussion on Guam-CNMI air services, specifically Cape Air. He said Cape Air’s erratic Guam-CNMI service impacts the Japan market because tourists transit from Guam to the CNMI.

Japanese tourist heading to Saipan need to transit in Guam “reliably and smoothly” but when you talk to Japanese agents about Cape Air, it’s always their last resort, according to MVA board member Chris Nelson.

“Japanese agents no longer have confidence in a smooth transit from Guam to the CNMI and the concern would be taking the flight,” MVA managing director Perry Tenorio said.

In the past, majority of the complaints about Cape Air’s unreliable service was mostly how it impacts local residents. MVA believes that’s no longer the case.

“It impacts tourism, which is MVA’s responsibility. So when Cape Air cancels [its flights], it impacts the Japan market. No matter how small that number may be, it is still a negative impact and we always talk about how to address the Japan market,” Tan said.

One of the biggest statements MVA has made in the past in regards to improving the Japan market is reliable air service.

Tan recommended to Tenorio to bring the issue up with Cape Air, its code-share partner, United Airlines, and the CNMI government.

“I’ve had discussions with United and recently they came out with added dialogues, but I will follow up with them on the second plane and the issue with the rescue flights,” Tenorio said.

Aside from questioning the impact on the Japan market, Nelson questioned Cape Air’s hotline and how it is answered inconsistently. He said he can’t imagine someone selling a “product or giving someone a product” especially at a premium of $450 and the phone can’t be answered.

“Customers need to know whether the flights are going or not,” Nelson said.

Aldan-Pierce also asked who or what ultimate power or decision-maker can help push United or Cape Air to get another plane or push for someone else to provide the service.

Nelson said there isn’t any interest from other airlines and that pushing Cape Air to improve its services could inevitably force them to pull out of the CNMI entirely.

“My point is that if the airfare is $99 it is one thing, but if the airfare is over $400 for a 30-minute flight, even a 30-percent load factor they will make money…I am not sure if United experienced that there isn’t any interested party, but a $400 airfare is ridiculous but not getting the reliable service is another thing,” Tan said.

“I think MVA needs to look at what we should be putting out because it does impact our market and you have the community behind you,” he added.