NO agreement has been signed with the Philippine Airlines for a Saipan passenger route, the Commonwealth Ports Authority said.
According to CPA Executive Director Carlos H. Salas, however, PAL will hold its one-hour technical stop-over on Saipan beginning on June 27 and 29.
The stop would be limited to aircraft maintenance, refueling and groundwork, and will not include passenger pick-up.
“PAL can’t pick up passengers yet. Technical stop is strictly for maintenance, refueling and groundwork,” Salas said.
Salas and other top government officials including acting Gov. Diego T. Benavente met with PAL officials during its flight to Guam over the weekend.
In an interview yesterday, Salas said no agreement had been signed for a Saipan route, but both parties agreed to “pursue” the stop-over flight.
Under the initial discussion, PAL, from Manila, will make a midway stop on Saipan on its way to Honolulu. The same route will be made on its way back to Manila. PAL’s Airbus 330’s estimated arrival on Saipan is 9:30 p.m.
Salas said the CNMI hopes to see a full-blown PAL passenger services to Saipan soon.
“We’re still doing talks on that. We’ll eventually get there,” he said.
PAL needs to comply with the Federal Aviation Administration regulations before it can resume its flight service to the CNMI.
PAL also intends to complete its market analysis of the CNMI market before making a commitment.
In the previous exploratory talk, PAL said it may use its Boeing 737-800 aircraft to Saipan, which can carry up to 155 passengers.
To ensure a regular traffic, the airline had raised the possibility of picking up Saipan-bound passengers from China.
Authorities expect that PAL’s entry to the CNMI would result in reduced airline fare.
PAL, founded in 1941, first introduced its weekly services to Guam in 1991.
In 1992, it extended its flight service to Saipan, but the following year, both services were suspended.
