STAR Marianas Air Inc. announced Tuesday that it was rescinding its notice of intent to terminate air services to Tinian and Rota.
On July 24, 2024, SMA Chairman Robert Christian notified Gov. Arnold I. Palacios, Tinian Mayor Edwin P. Aldan and Rota Mayor Aubry Hocog that the airline would stop its inter-island flights effective Oct. 15, 2024, due to the “unsustainable airport fee structure imposed by the Commonwealth Ports Authority, which renders continued service economically unviable.”
On Tuesday, SMA issued a press statement announcing that it had rescinded the notice “after a constructive meeting held on August 26, 2024, with the Honorable Governor Arnold I. Palacios, Lieutenant Governor David M. Apatang, and their legal counsel.”
During the meeting, SMA said the governor and his team “demonstrated a deep understanding of the issues contributing to the long-standing dispute between Star Marianas Air and CPA. The productive dialogue and the Governor’s personal commitment to resolving these critical issues have significantly increased Star Marianas Air’s confidence in achieving a fair and sustainable solution at the local level.”
“As a direct result of our meeting with Governor Palacios, we have decided to continue our scheduled air services,” Christian said.
“We are optimistic about the future development of the CNMI’s economy, particularly as inter-island transportation becomes more stable. We are hopeful that a constructive relationship between … CPA and its aeronautical users will be instrumental in attracting more airlines to utilize the airports in the CNMI, thereby expanding the local economy,” he added.
He said SMA “remains committed to providing essential air services to the communities in the Northern Mariana Islands and Guam and looks forward to working closely with the Governor’s office to ensure the continued success and growth of the CNMI.”
CPA Executive Director Leo Tudela said it’s good news for the people of the CNMI especially residents of Rota and Tinian.
“We welcome Star Marianas’ decision. Hopefully we can meet soon with open minds and come up with reasonable terms for the benefit of the CNMI,” he said.
CPA Board Vice Chairman Antonio Cabrera said SMA is an established airline company in the CNMI and has been providing service for a long time. He welcomes SMA’s decision to rescind its earlier announcement, but added that CPA remains firm on its position that “the more airlines there are, the better for the traveling public.”
Competition, he said, brings prices down, which is good for the people.
Rota Sen. Paul A. Manglona said it’s great news. On behalf of the people of Rota and the Commonwealth, he said, “I extend our appreciation to Governor Palacios, Lt. Governor Apatang, [CPA] Chairman Joe Ayuyu and CPA, and Mr. Bob Christian for working together to address our interisland air transportation issue. Now, we should all continue to resolve pending matters so that we can soon restore lower and affordable airfare rates between the islands.”
Rep. Julie Marie Ogo of Rota expressed her heartfelt gratitude to the governor and lt. governor for taking time to sit down and discuss the critical issue of inter-island air services with SMA. She said their efforts have led to a positive resolution with SMA agreeing to rescind its earlier decision.
However, she said, “we must remain mindful of the challenges our people continue to face. The high cost of airfare is causing hardship and discouraging tourists and travelers from visiting our beautiful island.”
“It is my hope that we can continue working together to find solutions that ensure affordable and reliable transportation for everyone in the CNMI,” Ogo added.
