THE CNMI’s newest airline unveiled its name Wednesday following approval from the U.S. Department of Transportation, and will be known as Marianas Southern Airways according to co-founder, Keith Stewart.
Stewart said that DOT approval completes the last of the formalities that the airline needed to achieve to be able to commence operations in July.
“Our first new aircraft, the ‘Spirit of Saipan,’ left Italy today on its ferry flight to the mainland, where it will be painted in the airline’s livery before arriving in Saipan next month” said Stewart, adding that “the second aircraft will follow shortly behind.”
Additional aircraft will join the fleet over the next six months according to Stewart as the airline increases its services.
“Marianas Southern Airways has commenced recruitment for staff to be based in Saipan, Tinian, Rota and Guam” said Vice President for CNMI and Guam Bill Giles.
“Our roots are firmly based in the CNMI, and we are excited to be able to offer local employment opportunities on each island,” Giles added.
The airline will announce its initial schedule, launch its website and open ticket sales in the next two weeks.
At launch it will offer over 90 weekly flights serving Saipan, Tinian, Rota, and Guam and, through Southern Airways interline agreement with United Airlines, provide the ability to make a seamless reservation from Tinian, Rota, or Saipan to anywhere in the United network.
Joint venture
Marianas Southern Airways is a joint venture between Saipan’s MP Enterprises and Southern Airways Express, one of America’s largest regional airlines. It will operate the all new Tecnam P2012 Traveler aircraft, known as the world’s most advanced twin-engine turbocharged piston aircraft.
The nine-seat aircraft features generous luggage allowances to complement its sleek and modern interior design, which includes LED reading lights, over-head air conditioning controls, and ergonomic seats with a USB port, armrest, and cup holder for each passenger.
Marianas Southern Spirit of Saipan