A passenger walks to a Micronesian Air Connection Service aircraft at the Francisco C. Ada/Saipan International Airport Commuter Terminal.
MICRONESIAN Air Connection Services will commence its initial service within the next 30 to 60 days, according to John Stewart, owner of J&P Holdings (CNMI) LLC, which operates the new airline.
In a WhatsApp interview on Monday, Stewart said the Commonwealth Economic Development Authority’s recent issuance of a qualifying certificate to MACS “marks an important milestone for air transportation in the CNMI.”
He said as 30-year residents of these islands, “our family and team understand the vital importance of reliable air service to our community’s prosperity.”
MACS, operating under Szabo Aerospace, will add new transportation options for island residents, Stewart told Variety. He said increased competition and choice in air transportation will create positive opportunities throughout the community.
In a separate interview, Gov. Arnold I. Palacios said the CEDA board’s approval of the qualifying certificate for MACS is now being reviewed by the Office of the Attorney General.
In December 2024, the CEDA board unanimously approved J&P Holdings’ request for a qualifying certificate, which will grant the company 100% abatement on business gross revenue, corporate income and individual income taxes.
Stewart said they are “looking forward to working alongside other tourism stakeholders, as well as the CNMI government, as the CNMI rebuilds its tourism sector. Additional flight options will support our hotels, restaurants, tour operators, and local businesses as we work to reestablish our islands’ pre-Covid position in the Pacific tourism market.”
He added, “While we prepare for our scheduled service launch, our charter services are available to serve immediate travel needs. Community members can email Info@FlyMACS.com to arrange charter flights or to join our notification list for updates on our upcoming scheduled services.”
J&P Holdings plans to invest $8.2 million in the first three years of its inter-island transportation business.
