GOVERNMENT and business leaders in the CNMI commend Marianas Southern Airways for providing much needed interisland transportation.
“It’s always nice, it’s always a blessing to have airlines here. We’re so excited not just for tourism, but of course for the people of the CNMI to go and visit our neighboring islands,” said Gov. Ralph DLG Torres on Friday.
He said MSA will help revive the tourism industry, provide jobs, and generate revenue for the CNMI.
Secretary of Finance David DLG Atalig, for his part, said, “This is an awesome opportunity in any economy. Reliable transportation is necessary.”
He added, “In Hawaii, there are small communities that need essential air travel, as well as cargo. [It is the same for] our islands, [including] both Rota and Tinian.”
He said interisland travel is also desired to and from the Northern Islands.
“We need some reliable transportation, and this is just a step. It’s an alternative for our people to fly to go to Tinian and hopefully, also the Northern Islands and even to Guam. Right now, it’s a challenge. We only have one flight a day going to Guam. This is an opportunity for people to go to Guam as well, on times that are not very early and are subject to the United Airlines’ schedule,” Atalig said.
He said the new interisland airline is very important for the local economy.
“Businesses can bring in their customers. They can bring in supplies [and] commodities to Rota and Tinian to help the economies there. This is exactly what we’re working on,” he added.
Saipan Chamber of Commerce President Joe Guerrero, in a separate interview, said, “It’s rare to have this type of investment. The company and the individuals behind it, I know them personally, and I know they have the CNMI [and] the community’s heart close to them. They really want to make this work, so we look forward and encourage everybody to support them.”
He added, “This is great. Interisland travel for medical referrals or for people doing business on Guam, Tinian, and Rota — is just great, and I’m so excited for the CNMI.”
