By Moneth G. Deposa
Variety News Staff

THE installation of the instrument landing system at Tinian airport is facing a new delay and may not even be realized after it was placed on hold pending an investigation to be conducted by the Fitial administration.
The Tinian mayor’s financial consultant, Rex I. Palacios, yesterday said Gov. Benigno R. Fitial, upon learning that the Federal Aviation Administration did not recommend the installation of ILS on Tinian, has placed the project on hold until necessary information is gathered.
The Tinian municipality was supposed to pay for the $3.5 million project with the Commonwealth Ports Authority and the FAA providing technical assistance. Funding will come from federal capital improvement project funds reprogrammed by the Tinian mayor with the authorization of lawmakers.
Fitial, some two months ago, met with the China transportation minister and discussed Tinian’s ILS.
A meeting with China Air and Southern China Air as well as Continental also took place.
“The project is on hold,” said Palacios, who is also CPA’s board chairman. “But we’re continuing the negotiations and discussions about whether we will pursue this or stop it,” Palacios said, adding that the governor and the mayor are scheduled to discuss the matter.
Variety was told that Tinian Mayor Jose P. San Nicolas is now reconsidering the project which may only benefit “one interest” — the Tinian Dynasty Hotel & Casino which disclosed its plan to open a flight school which will need an ILS.
The casino remains the highest revenue contributor on Tinian.
Last year, CPA and FAA officials conducted surveys and stated that the Tinian airport was already open to direct international flights and could safely accommodate landing aircraft even without an ILS.
“Technically, the FAA says that the ILS ranges six miles out by radar so they can hook up to and get directed from Saipan. They can direct the flight to Tinian from there,” Palacios said, adding that the FAA has refused to provide funding for the project but is willing to provide technical assistance if Tinian will push for it.