IN response to the Commonwealth Ports Authority’s decision to increase its aviation rates and charges effective Oct. 1, 2023, Star Marianas Air Inc. on Tuesday announced its new higher fares.
Effective Oct. 1, 2023, Star Marianas said the Saipan-Tinian fare will increase to $85 from $65.
For Saipan-Rota, the cost of assisted booking will increase to $175 from $130.50 while the cost of online booking will increase to $165 from $120.50.
For Rota-Guam, the cost of assisted booking will increase to $200 from $140 while the cost of online booking will increase to $190 from $140.
For more information, go to https://www.starmarianasair.com/airfares/.
On Wednesday, Star Marianas Board Chairman Bob Christian met via Zoom with Rota Mayor Aubry Hocog and Sen. Paul A. Manglona of Rota to discuss increasing the flight frequency between Guam and Rota.
During the meeting, Star Marianas informed the Rota officials about the airline’s plan to increase its airfare in light of the higher rates announced by CPA.
In an interview after the meeting, Manglona said as chairman of the Senate Committee on Public Utility, Transportation and Communication, “I’m reaching out with our mayor immediately to the governor, the CPA board of directors, Marianas Visitors Authority board of directors, and members of the Legislature to work closely with Star Marianas Air, United Airlines, and other companies to promote and ensure that we have affordable and reliable air services between our islands.”
“It is our hope that we can get all the stakeholders in one room to address this critical matter expeditiously,” Manglona said.
Last week, the CPA board of directors approved a $13.6 million fiscal year 2024 budget that includes an eight-hour work cut, the suspension of Air Carrier Incentive Program, an increase in the parking fee at Francisco C. Ada/Saipan International Airport to $5 from $2, and up to 90% increase in aviation rates and charges.
