MVA promotes Russian charter flights

  New charter flights beginning in October 2012 from Vladivostok, Russia to Saipan have been announced by Aviacharter DV and the Marianas Visitors Authority.

An educational Marianas Seminar and press conference were held in Vladivostok on June 25, 2012, to announce bi-weekly service from the eastern Russian city beginning October, to be increased to weekly service in January 2013. Over 30 travel trade partners and 20 media reps attended. Similar events were also held in the regional cities of Khabarovsk and Sakhalin.

During the seminar and press conference, the MVA introduced the Northern Marianas as a premiere destination of choice for Far East Russia travelers and held a raffle. Prizes for the raffle were provided by DFS, Joeten Stores, Pacific Islands Club, Saipan World Resort, Mariana Resort, Stars and Stripes, and others. The events were conducted by MVA marketing specialist Tatiana Babauta.

“After several months of evaluating different destinations, Aviacharter DV chose the Northern Marianas as a comfortable family destination offering many attractions for Russian travelers: a visa-free destination, some of the world’s best beaches, diversity of optional tours, restaurants, night life, shopping, hotels, a pollution free environment and safety,” said Aviacharter DV general director Roman Chernyavskiy.

The packages for the charter flights will be family oriented. Families with two or more children under the age of 12 will be given one free ticket for one child. Packages that include the neighboring islands of Tinian and Rota will be also offered to the travelers.

“As of now, the company plans to have charter flights from October 2012 to March 2013. If the demand for this charter program continues, the company has expressed an interest in continuing the flights,” said MVA marketing manager Bruce Bateman. “As a community, we must work together to make the most of this opportunity by keeping our islands clean, safe, and inviting.”

Aviacharter DV will flight 737-700 aircraft with 137-passenger seating. As part of the flight route, the aircraft will also conduct regular flights between Yakutsk-Vladivostok. Regular flights face very high penalties if delayed or cancelled. The charter services are contingent upon TSA’s certification of the Vladivostok airport, which is expected by September 2012 and before the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation summit. (MVA)