GOVERNOR Ralph DLG Torres said the arrival Thursday of Northern Marianas Airways’ Boeing 757-200 is a “monumental day” for the local tourism industry.
The CNMI’s flag carrier, NMA is ready to provide direct flights to Australia, Japan, South Korea and the Philippines.
NMA President Keith Stewart and Chief Executive Officer Rob McKinney of NMA’s partner airline, Northern Pacific Airways, accompanied the governor, Finance Secretary David DLG Atalig, Commonwealth Ports Authority Executive Director Christopher Tenorio and members of the media in boarding the aircraft at the Francisco C. Ada/Saipan International Airport.
In his remarks, the governor congratulated NMA, saying that the Commonwealth has always dreamed of having a home-based airline “as you know how important the airline is [to the] economy.”
“We can’t grow without having our tourists here,” he added. “And not just tourists. We also [need] investors. We need new airlines to come in, to bring in new money and new tourists.”
He said NMA “is a plus for us, [and] gives Marianas hope.”
He thanked NMA for believing in his administration, saying “their success is our success. Now there is hope, now there are opportunities, and jobs, for all of us that call the CNMI home.”
Stewart said NMA wants to help create market diversification by bringing in tourists from other destinations.
“We can create more investment opportunities [and] more jobs,” he said, adding that they project to bring in $25 million in tax revenue to the CNMI government in the first year.
For his part, McKinney, who has lived in a Pacific island for 10 years, said he knows the importance of aviation and air services to island communities.
He said it’s an honor for them to have a partnership with the CNMI government.
Finance Secretary David DLG Atalig said a home-based airline will mean an additional revenue source for the government. It will also create jobs and other business opportunities in the CNMI, he added.
Moreover, he said, NMA can allow local businesses to import more products, and export local produce to international destinations.
Gov. Ralph DLG Torres, right, Finance Secretary David DLG Atalig, center, Commonwealth Ports Authority Executive Director Christopher Tenorio, left, seated, Northern Pacific Airways Chief Executive Officer Rob McKinney, center standing, Office of the Governor Acting Special Assistant for Communications Brianna Hunter and KKMP host and Republican Party Precinct 1 candidate Lucinda Rose Selepeo on board the Northern Marianas Airways Boeing 757-200.
Northern Marianas Airways President Keith Stewart delivers his remarks as flight attendants look on.
Gov. Ralph DLG Torres, right, Finance Secretary David DLG Atalig, left and Northern Pacific Airways Chief Executive Officer Rob McKinney.
