HK Airlines discusses add’l flights to Saipan

The monumental return of Hong Kong Airlines yesterday morning was a huge success with the company’s chairman himself stating that discussions are already being had about adding additional flights.

Early yesterday morning, Hong Kong Airlines’ inaugural flight back to Saipan after a five-year hiatus touched down at the Francisco C. Ada/Saipan International Airport bringing in 292 passengers from Hong Kong.

The Commonwealth Ports Authority, in welcoming the flight, performed a water salute as the huge, over 200-seater, plane pulled into the Saipan airport.

The most significant part of the inaugural flight was that Hong Kong Airlines chair Jianfeng Jeff Sun himself captained the flight so he could also personally meet with CNMI dignitaries.

In a media briefing after the flight landed at the airport, Jianfeng shared that due to the success of the first flight (which was at full capacity) and due to the demand, discussions are already being had to add additional flights from Hong Kong to Saipan as early as this summer.

Currently, Hong Kong Airlines is committed to providing two flights per week from Hong Kong to Saipan.

Meanwhile, Saipan Tribune learned that over 200 seats per flight have already been secured by travel agencies for the next year.

Greeting the flight yesterday morning were Lt. Gov. David M. Apatang, Marianas Visitor Authority representatives led by managing director Christopher A. Concepcion, and Commonwealth Ports Authority officials including executive director Leo Tudela.

In addition, members of the community came out to welcome Hong Kong Airlines’ inaugural flight to Saipan.

Apatang, in his speech, extended a warm welcome to all those aboard the inaugural flight.

“On behalf of the administration and the people of the CNMI, I want to extend our warmest welcome to all those aboard the Hong Kong Airlines inaugural flight to our beautiful island of Saipan. This inaugural flight is a much-welcomed visit to our islands,” he said.

Concepcion, for his part, said the return of HK Airlines bodes well for the tourism industry of the CNMI.

“We are very pleased to welcome Hong Kong Airlines back to Saipan. There is a feeling of excitement and optimism in our community (especially the private sector) with the launch of these flights) we want to extend our sincerest thanks to HK Airlines for their confidence in our destination and for making these flights a reality. We’re excited about the bookings, about the discussions of additional flights, we believe this bodes very well for the tourism industry in the commonwealth and for greater expansion of connectivity between China, Hong Kong, and the Marianas,” he said.

Meanwhile, MVA board chair Gloria Cavanagh (who had the opportunity to be part of Hong Kong Airlines’ inaugural flight back to Saipan) shared her experience with the airlines and added that she hopes its partnership with the CNMI continues to succeed.

“I’m very proud to be part of this inaugural flight back to the CNMI. I have to tell you, I’m very impressed. First, the chairman captained the flight. It was a very smooth flight and when we did experience an inkling of turbulence even the crew were told to be safe and to sit down. It was a very professional flight, the crew was excellent, the customer service was something we can say is part of the Marianas spirit. So, we thank Hong Kong Airlines for that. We hope that because of HK Airlines, this partnership will be successful and bring us bringing us different kind of tourists to enjoy our islands,” she said.