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Saipan helps Nagoya inaugurate new airport
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Posted on Feb 17 2005
Over 200 Japanese passengers and media representatives made a brief visit to Saipan early yesterday morning, as they take part in the historic flight that marked the last departure from the old Nagoya airport and the first landing at the new Chubu Centrair International Airport.
The passengers of the Japan Airlines charter flight received a warm welcome from the Marianas Visitors Authority and the Commonwealth Ports Authority, who provided food and entertainment for the visitors.
The visit lasted less than three hours, giving the passengers only enough time to avail of their $15 discount coupon at the DFS Galleria at Saipan International Airport. The flight arrived at 1:10am and departed by 3:55am the same day.
“We are very excited to be a part of this historical event celebrating the grand opening of the Chubu International Airport. We recognize the importance of the visitors from the Chubu region who visit the Marianas using the direct flight service,” MVA managing director Vicky Benavente said in a brief welcome ceremony. “We understand that you will not be able to enjoy the islands during this brief visit, but we hope that you will come back and visit us again in the near future.”
JALPAK and the Japan Travel Bureau are the main organizers of the charter flight.
As part of the tour package, passengers will receive a $15 discount coupon at the DFS Galleria, a 5-course meal that is served on the Nagoya to Paris route, and a free ticket to the hot spring bath at the Centrair Airport Terminal, among other things.
Located in an island 35 kilometers south of Nagoya, Centrair is Japan’s third major international airport and fifth round-the-clock airport.
The airport has a 3,500-meter runway that can accommodate jumbo jets used for long-haul flights and will allow airplanes to carry heavier loads.
Centrair began with 271 weekly international flights to 25 destinations abroad and 94 daily flights to 24 cities in Japan, according to the airport’s web site.
