Previous Story
JAL resumes charter flights to Saipan
|
Posted on May 01 2009
Japan Airlines has resumed its charter flights to Saipan and brought in last Monday the first charter flight scheduled beginning this month, according to Commonwealth Ports Authority executive director Efrain F. Camacho.
Camacho disclosed yesterday that the JAL flight that arrived on April 27 was a B-747 with an estimated capacity of 400 passengers.
The airline company, Camacho said, confirmed with CPA four more charter flight schedules, using the same aircraft. These flights are expected to come in anytime this week.
JAL pulled out regular operations in the CNMI in October 2005 after posting millions of dollars in losses. The move instantly resulted in a significant drop in Japanese arrivals to the CNMI, hurting the islands’ tourism industry.
On top of the JAL charters, Camacho said that CPA is anticipating additional charters from signatory airlines Delta/Northwest and Asiana Airlines.
The additional flights, he said, are slated for the Golden Week celebration in Japan.
“Golden Week” is one of Japan’s longest and busiest holidays, spanning a one-week period from April 29 up to May 5. It is an ideal time for the Japanese to travel.
“Several charter flights from China are also being planned and are scheduled toward June,” Camacho said.
Last week, Tinian Dynasty Hotel and Casino confirmed reviving its Guangzhou flights from China after it suspended the market in September 2008.
Camacho, however, said that while all these marks an increase in traffic at the airport, revenue versus operating cost is still a concern for CPA, particularly when Rota and Tinian operations are factored in.
Just recently, Taga Air was replaced by Star Marianas.
“It is a charter operation, at least for now, but it is looking at eventually providing scheduled flights between Saipan and Tinian. This will improve air traffic between Saipan and Tinian,” Camacho said.
