The government of the Commonwealth of the Northern Marianas Islands (CNMI) and business groups led by conglomerate Tan Holdings Corporation assured Philippine Airlines of their all-out support in promoting the new service between Saipan and Manila.
During arrival ceremonies at the Saipan Airport marking the return of PAL to Saipan on Wednesday, CNMI Governor Ralph Torres said, “Thank you Philippine Airlines for having this new hub here. It is truly a new opportunity not just for our tourism market, but also for our medical referral program.”
He called the new flights “an excellent opportunity for us and we are going to work closely with the airlines and all entities involved.”
For his part, Jerry Tan, President of Tan Holdings, said, “I have informed my colleagues, friends and business associates to fly Philippine Airlines. This direct flight is indeed beneficial to the people of Saipan because it is non-stop with good schedules.” Tan Holdings Corporation engages in airlines, amusement, fast food, fishing, hotels, information technology, real estate, travel and tourism businesses.
Christopher Concepcion, Managing Director Marianas Visitors Association, stressed: “This new service has the support of the travel and business community. We vow to work towards ensuring the long-term success of this new service.”
PAL’s twice weekly flights leave Saipan every Monday and Thursday 4:35 a.m. local time and arrive in Manila at 6:45 a.m. Its return trip departs Manila every Wednesdays and Sundays at 9:20 p.m. and touches down in Saipan at 3:35 a.m. local time the following day.
READ: PAL Saipan–Manila service: A direct link to ‘home’
PALex President Bonifacio Sam, PAL SVP-Airline Operations Ismael Augusto Gozon and PAL SVP–Legal, Corporate Communications Atty. Siegfred Mison and PAL VP-Marketing Ria C. Domingo together with Saipan officials led the ceremonial ribbon-cutting to celebrate the milestone journey from Manila to Saipan.
“Your flag carrier aims to please. Our cabin crew will offer inflight service with the Heart of the Filipino shining through. This service will allow Filipino kababayans, Saipan residents and other foreign nationals living in Saipan and neighboring islands to fly non-stop to Manila to visit family and friends or enjoy the capital city before traveling to other parts of country. The early morning Manila arrival allows convenient forward connections to Asian countries like China, Thailand and Singapore,” the PALex President said.
An inaugural gala dinner followed with close to 200 industry stakeholders from the Saipan government, business community, travel and trade sectors in attendance. A city tour for the PAL delegation was likewise carried out to allow officials and media guests the chance to enjoy the sights and experience Saipan’s nature adventures.
Saipan has a population of over 40,000 with Filipinos comprising a third of the population. The non-stop service from Saipan to Manila has been a clamor among residents after the service was stopped./rga
READ: PAL set to fly to Saipan