Tinian officials welcome Mandarin Air

Tinian — Local officials here on Saturday hailed the establishment of the direct flight service between Saipan and Taipei after the Taiwan-based carrier Mandarin Air began its operations.

Expressing relief over the speedy action by the Federal Aviation Administration to grant permit to the airline to fly the route, they said this new service is a boost to their island’s economy, particularly to the fledgling casino industry.

Martin DLG San Nicolas, chair of the Tinian Casino Gaming Control Commission, vowed to pursue other markets that can be tapped by the island municipality to provide high-rollers who will be the casino’s mainstay.

He said now that Tinian Dynasty Hotel and Casino has opened the Taiwanese market, it should be a priority by Tinian officials to expand further the promotion, such as Hong Kong tourists and those from the People’s Republic of China.

“This is the right time to start negotiations now with airlines that will be interested to service the CNMI, particularly Tinian,” Mr. San Nicolas told in an interview, noting that the soon-to-begin airport expansion could take two more years to complete the job.

He added that other programs, such as training for casino inspectors as well as for customs and immigration officers who will man the new Tinian international airport, must begin immediately as what has been espoused by the commission.

Mayor Francisco M. Borja, on the other hand, believed the new flight service will be good not just for Tinian, but the entire Commonwealth as well as visitors will not just come to the Dynasty but to other attractions on Saipan and Rota.

“We help them, they help us. It will definitely be a big boost to our tourism industry,” he said in a separate interview.

Sen. Jose M. Dela Cruz prodded other airlines to consider the viability of Tinian as a prime destination as he expressed confidence this is just the beginning for the municipality. “As we open new markets, every single visitor coming to our island is a big push to our economy,” he said.

The three officials attended a reception given by the Dynasty to Mandarin Air last Saturday to welcome its first ever charter flight to the CNMI. It has scheduled two weekly flights every Monday and Friday, bringing in up to 158 passengers per flight.

Also on hand during the event were Lt. Gov. Jesus R. Sablan, CPA Board Member Roman Tudela, Saipan Chamber of Commerce President Lynn Knight and Mandarin Air President Michael Lo.