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CPA moves to make Tinian, Rota airports self-sufficient
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Posted on Aug 17 2000
The Commonwealth Ports Authority is aiming to increase the share in overall revenues of Rota and Tinian Airports to become self-sufficient within the next two years, according to Board Chair Roman S. Palacios.
At present, only Saipan International Airport generates the bulk, or 96 percent of the combined airport revenues.
Saipan International Airport services four international carriers and two commuter carriers offering both passenger and cargo service. Rota and Tinian Airports only serve commuter air carriers between Saipan and Guam.
Over the next two to three years Rota’s revenues have to be increased five fold, or $1.4 million, while Tinian’s airport revenues have to be increased three-fold, or $980,000 per year.
Mr. Palacios said this can be increased by improving non-aeronautical revenues such as looking at new concessions and land development projects.
In Fiscal Year 2001, the ports authority projects total airport revenue to reach $12.8 million, a six percent increase over FY 2000.
This will be primarily used for the operation and maintenance of airport facilities as well as payment for debts to the bondholders and creditors.
The ports authority has set aside $1 million for next fiscal year to finance the CIP projects in the airport division in Saipan, Tinian and Rota which is on top of the $8.1 million to be disbursed from the 702 CIP Funds.
As part of its staff training development, CPA management hopes to offer fire fighting classes to island entities in the Pacific under the approved Federal Aviation Administration program.
The ports authority also hopes to pursue more funding from the federal government for personnel training in specialized areas to enhance employee’s skills for safer aviation in the CNMI.
This fiscal year, the ports authority completed the renovation of terminal area in Rota with air-conditioning system and baggage carousel. Tinian also refurbished the terminal for inbound and outbound passengers.
CPA has also obtained funding for runway overlay and re-grooving of the Rota airport runway to address the safety issue for wide bodied aircraft.
