A petition signed by 120 members of the Korean business community in the CNMI asked the Korean government to impose monetary fine instead of suspending flights to Saipan for seven days over safety rule violation. The Korean community\u2019s sentiment is also reflected in Gov. Eloy S. Inos\u2019 separate letter to the Korean government asking for an \u201calternative penalty\u201d on Asiana Airlines, given that a seven-day flight suspension to Saipan has a potential negative impact of at least $6.7 million on the CNMI economy.<\/p>\n
The petition\u2019s cover letter was signed by Saipan Times president Hong Kyun Kim and Korean Tour Guides Association Chan-Sik Park.<\/p>\n
The petition letter, a copy of which was obtained yesterday, is dated June 16, preceding the governor\u2019s June 20 letter also to Korea\u2019s Minister of Land, Infrastructure and Transport Suh Seoung-hwan.<\/p>\n
The letters acknowledge Asiana Airlines\u2019 violation of safety rules, but also noted that the Korean government\u2019s proposed penalty of flight suspension would cause economic injury to the CNMI.<\/p>\n
Visitor arrivals from Korea account for 35 percent of the CNMI\u2019s total visitor mix, and Asiana Airlines is the sole carrier between the CNMI and Korea.<\/p>\n
The Korean community said yesterday they appreciate the CNMI governor\u2019s letter to the Korean government.<\/p>\n
Asiana Airlines acknowledges its safety violation \u201cand will not dispute the government of the Republic of Korea\u2019s action,\u201d the governor added.<\/p>\n
Marianas Visitors Authority managing director Perry J. Tenorio earlier said suspending Asiana Airlines\u2019 flights to Saipan for seven days could result in an estimated $6.7 million economic loss to the CNMI based on a load factor of 80 percent. Asiana Airlines is currently providing 3,774 seats per week to the CNMI.<\/p>\n
Korea\u2019s Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transport announced two weeks ago a suspension of Asiana Airlines\u2019 flights to Saipan for seven days for continuing with a passenger jet flight, OZ603, from Incheon to Saipan on April 19 despite discovering signs of engine trouble after takeoff. A warning light came on, signaling a problem in one of the plane\u2019s two engines.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
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