DOI’s help sought for regional carrier

Senators have asked the assistance of the U.S. Department of the Interior in drumming support from other federal agencies that could help the CNMI and other Micronesian islands establish an alternative regional airline.

The move is part of the efforts by island leaders to seek other carriers to service the Micronesian region following cutback in direct flights by Continental Airlines from key Asian destinations.

In a resolution, the Senate urged DOI’s Office of Insular Affairs to coordinate with the Department of Transportation, Federal Aviation Administration and other agencies in seeking alternate airlines for the CNMI for both domestic and international routes.

They also asked OIA for help in directing Air Carrier Fitness Division and Foreign Air Carrier Licensing Division of both DOT and FAA, to review Continental’s current service to the CNMI and other islands in the region to see whether it complies with its agreement.

Noting that regional transportation is crucial to the economic development in the CNMI and the entire Western Pacific, the resolution also requested OIA to assist the islands boost commerce and other economic development in the region.

“[T]he need to get an alternative air carrier for the CNMI and the Micronesian region is urgent to prevent further degradation of local and regional air transportation system and prevent further decline of the local and regional economy,” it said.

The resolution, sponsored by Senate Floor Leader Pete P. Reyes, is the latest attempt by CNMI officials to improve air transportation to the island from other countries, particularly Asia and Japan, its main source of tourists.

Continental, the largest carrier servicing the region for the last 30 years, has abandoned direct flights to Saipan from key Asian cities due to declining passenger traffic for the last two years and the decision to make Guam its hub.

Local legislators have joined efforts by other leaders in the region to push the creation of a new regional airline but there has not been any major breakthrough since the Association of Pacific Island Legislatures revived the plan in April last year.

The plan has already become a two-year battle by both leaders from the CNMI and other island governments with calls for feasibility studies and meetings with other airlines amid efforts by Continental to bridge differences.

So far, Air Nauru has expressed interest to fill in the void left by Continental and talks have been conducted between representatives of the carrier and officials of various island governments to draw up the plan of making them the regional airline. (BS)