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Tinian refueling facility project moves forward
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Posted on Feb 04 2005
Plans are underway to construct a new refueling facility at the Tinian International Airport, an added feature expected to attract more international airlines to come to the island.
Commonwealth Ports Authority executive director Carlos Salas said a conceptual design is now in place for the project, which has an estimated cost of $1 million. EFC Engineers and Architects has been asked to work on the itemized design based on the initial plan created by CPA’s in-house engineers.
Construction is expected to begin within six months, Salas added.
He noted that the refueling facility is a major consideration for airlines in deciding whether to fly to a particular destination.
“Obviously, it’s a very important facility in terms of economic development here on Tinian. There’s no question about that. We’re trying to work not only within our means but with the plans that are ongoing to bring in the flights,” Salas said.
Currently, only China Eastern Airlines operates flights on Tinian.
China Southern Airlines had asked the U.S. Department of Transportation for a permit to operate scheduled service between China and Tinian, but the application was put on hold until the Transportation Security Administration deploys screeners and sets up a security system at the airport.
Interim TSA-Saipan federal security director Stanford Miyamoto reportedly visited Tinian last week to conduct an assessment of the airport.
