THE entry of Philippine Airlines will lead to reduced airline fare to Manila.
Already, the fare for Saipan-Manila via Guam route is down to $536 from $700, authorities said.
“Isn’t that good news?” Philippine Consul General Julia C. Heidemann said in an interview.
Heidemann said PAL and Continental Airlines, which has been the lone carrier for the Saipan-Guam-Manila route, have had an agreement on fare reduction.
PAL is scheduled to make its maiden flight to Guam on June 21.
Lt. Gov. Diego T. Benavente, in a separate interview, said he will renew his invitation to PAL to provide direct flights to the CNMI.
Benavente is being invited by PAL to the June 21 maiden flight ceremony on Guam.
“I will reiterate the call. We still want PAL here,” Benavente said.
Commonwealth Ports Authority Executive Director Carlos H. Salas said “reduced airline fare is expected with the entry of more players.”
“It’s good for the public, the consumers,” he said.
CPA is willing to extend assistance to PAL as it conducts market analysis and similar steps to determine the viability of the Saipan route.
PAL, in an earlier discussion, raised the possibility of picking up Saipan-bound passengers from China.
PAL may use its Boeing 737-800 aircraft that can carry up to 155 passengers.
