Asiana Airlines is scheduled to suspend its four daytime flights between Seoul and Saipan from March 29 through June 30.
This month, the carrier also began using a smaller aircraft which reduced its capacity by 73 passengers per trip.
The governor said this is a very serious problem for the tourism-based economy of the CNMI.
He said they will talk with the Kumho Asiana chairman to convince him to retain the flights between Saipan and its major and secondary markets of Japan and Korea.
“When the chairman [of Kumho Asiana] came here and met with us — that was Jan. 26 — we did ask him to help bring more tourists to Saipan, especially from Japan. We asked him to look into routes that fly to Japan so they can connect those flights to Saipan,” he added.
Last year, Kumho bought Laolao Golf Course and infused fresh capital to turn the area into a luxurious golf community with modern villas and residences which would be offered as incentives for Asiana Airlines’ elite clients, particularly those from Japan.
Asiana is the only international airline serving the Korea route from Saipan.
However, arrivals from Korea slipped for the fourth straight month in February to 8,305 —down by more than 3,000 tourists compared to the previous record.
The Marianas Visitors Authority attributed the steady decline on Korean arrivals rate to the devaluation of the Korean won against the U.S. dollar and the South Korean government’s call not to travel overseas and instead spend their money at home.
Rep. Justo S. Quitugua, D-Saipan, said Asiana’s weaning interest in the route should not be taken lightly.
He said the CNMI government should be very sensitive to the needs of foreign investors
“It’s very difficult to entice investors to the CNMI. They might seek opportunities elsewhere. That’s something that we have to consider,” he said.
He said Asiana’s decision may have something to do with the land dispute regarding the government property where it is building a multi-million-dollar golf-hotel community and a resolution concerning tax incentives granted to the firm.
