By Moneth G. Deposa
Variety News Staff

THE Commonwealth Ports Authority has approved the Tinian Dynasty Hotel & Casino’s additional land request for the expansion of its hangar in anticipation of more international flights to the island
In April, the CPA board approved the hotel’s initial request to construct a temporary shelter adjacent to the permanent hangar for Taga Air’s operations.
Tinian Dynasty later asked for a revision of the space requirement from 8,211 to 20,000 square feet.
During the Dec. 28 regular board meeting, CPA Executive Director Clyde Norita said the decision was made following the hotel’s submission of a new site survey.
“The request was approved on the condition that no building can be built on the property without CPA approval,” Norita told Variety, adding that the board also asked Dynasty to provide the new design of the project.
According to Dynasty, the requested space is needed due to the devastation caused by a typhoon, and the need to protect its aircraft and anticipation of new casino investors and a possible military buildup on island.
Norita said the 20,000 square feet approved is based on the plan and specifications the hotel provided to CPA.
The additional land request was granted based on Dynasty’s justification that it flows with the seaport master plan and no security will be compromised at the airport.
Taga Air has an overall investment exceeding $1.5 million.
It has nine aircraft as assets — four Piper Cherokee 6’s, two Cessna 172’s, a Cessna 150, a Beech Baron 55, and a Cessna 402.
Taga Air said that due to its fast growing pace, an expansion of the hangar is necessary.
The hanger is not only used for daily and periodic scheduled maintenance, but also provides a safe shelter for the aircraft during typhoons.
The hanger space on Tinian can only accommodate five aircraft and Taga Air said “it is imperative to find extra space for its other planes when typhoons occur.”.