Asiana is the only international airline providing direct flight service between Saipan to South Korea, the second major market of the local tourism industry.
In a letter to Marianas Visitors Authority Managing Director Perry John P. Tenorio, Woo-Sang Kim, senior vice president of the passenger sales division of Asiana Airlines, noted the harsh economic realities in maintaining the Saipan-Incheon route despite a slowdown in passenger demand.
He said the airline wants to have a “partnership” with the CNMI government so it can maintain the route.
“Despite Asiana Airlines’ strong and continuous efforts, the market outlook is looking very harsh and unbearable deficit forecast really made Asiana consider withdrawing daytime flights from the Incheon-Saipan route effective Sept. 1, 2009 up until the end of the year,” Kim told Tenorio.
Kim said the global economic downturn “has thrown the airline industry into turmoil.”
“Considering the harsh business environment that confronts us, financial support for our marketing and promotional expenses provided by the CNMI is absolutely essential to sustain flights continuously. Thus, we respectfully request financial help so that Asiana Airlines is better able to focus on the Saipan market,” he added.
In his response, Tenorio indicated that the CNMI is willing to help Asiana maintain the Saipan-Incheon route.
“You had noted in your letter that keeping the daytime flight would require financial assistance beyond our current marketing and promotional efforts. In this regard, I am requesting your kind consideration in advising the MVA the minimum amount needed to maintain the air service,” Tenorio said.
Last March, Asiana Airlines suspended its four weekly flights between Saipan and Seoul due to low passenger demand.
The suspension lasted until the end of June.
Tourist arrivals from South Korea to the CNMI dipped for eight consecutive months but slightly recovered in July after flights from Seoul were resumed.
