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CPA to petition US DOT for ‘open skies’ policy in the CNMI
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Posted on Jan 22 2006
The Commonwealth Ports Authority’s board of directors voted to petition the U.S. Department of Transportation for an “open skies” policy in the CNMI to enhance air traffic to the CNMI.
CPA executive director Lee Cabrera disclosed this development Friday following the ports authority’s board meeting. He said the petition is in the process of being drafted.
“That will allow the CNMI to service aircraft traveling from foreign airports and the United Sates airports without further restrictions,” Cabrera said.
Under the current situation, Cabrera said foreign aircraft that lands in a U.S. airport has to exit to a foreign port and could not head directly to that of another U.S. territory or jurisdiction. This means, for instance, that a foreign aircraft that lands in the CNMI may not head to Guam or vice-versa.
Both the CNMI and Guam have pooled efforts to commission a study for the establishment of an air route development strategy following the pullout of Japan Airlines’ regular flights to Saipan.
The Marianas Visitors Authority and the Saipan International Airport, together with the Guam Visitors Bureau and the Guam International Airport Authority have requested the Pacific Asia Travel Association for technical assistance.
“The announcement of the forthcoming withdrawal of JAL service to Guam and CNMI has confirmed the sometimes fragile nature of tourism markets and air routes,” PATA said.
The study will serve as a “blueprint” by which air route opportunities could be pursued and secured for the islands, PATA added.
