LOCAL officials believe that China Southern Airlines will bring in more tourists to the CNMI.
Gov. Juan N. Babauta will personally welcome the passengers of China Southern Airlines’ maiden flight to Saipan which will arrive on Saturday.
“I will be there to welcome and greet the passengers and to thank China Southern Airlines for coming to the CNMI,” Babauta said.
Commonwealth Ports Authority Executive Director Carlos H. Salas said a China Southern Airlines Boeing 757 will leave Ghuangzhou, China on the evening of April 19. The chartered flight will arrive here at 2 a.m. on April 20.
“This is a historical moment for us. We’re expecting about 198 passengers, including our 26-man delegation,” Salas said.
He said China Southern Airlines will fly twice a week to Saipan using the same type of aircraft.
In one year, the airline can bring in about 19,000 visitors to the islands.
Salas said the Federal Aviation Administration has attested to the safety of the airline’s aircraft.
“There’s no problem with its safety rating. China Southern Airlines is also certified by the International Council of Airlines,” he said.
China Southern Airlines aircraft will land on Saipan until Tinian airport’s runway is completed late this year.
The airline has to get a license from the FAA to be able to fly between China and Tinian.
For now, China Southern Airlines will take the passengers to Saipan. From Saipan, the tourists will take the ferry to Tinian.
Tinian Dynasty Hotel and Casino led by its chairman, Michael Kwan, negotiated with China Southern Airlines for months. Kwan said China “is a very big potential market for the CNMI tourism industry.”
