Jeffrey S. Bernier, Delta’s managing director for Pacific sales and affairs, and Steven Crowdey, general manager for Australia, Micronesia and the Philippines, were here on Friday to receive a copy of a Senate resolution thanking the airline for being a “faithful” partner to the CNMI.
Bernier said they look closely at the market to see if the demand warrants additional air seat capacity.
Currently, Delta has three flights a day to and from Narita and seven weekly flights from Nagoya, Japan, Bernier said.
Delta Air, he said, is having some discussions with CNMI government officials on how to increase air seats.
The problem right now, Bernier said, is not the lack of air seats but the decreasing number of tourists who want to come to the islands.
The CNMI, he added, is a beautiful place but there are additional things that need to be done to attract more tourists, particularly those from Japan.
He understands that the Legislature and the Marianas Visitors Authority are addressing these problems.
For its part, Bernier said, Delta Air will continue to ensure that it provides an enjoyable trip to tourists who visit the islands.
If there are more people who want to come to the islands, a larger capacity will follow, he added.
The bottom line, he said, is to continue partnering with local groups in finding ways to improve the “tourist experience” in the CNMI.
Delta Air, Bernier said, wants to have more local partners.
Its partnership with Bank of Guam, for example, allows the airline to help local businesses, he added.
When tourists arrive here, they can redeem their mileage cards or earn more points by patronizing local businesses, he said.
Delta Air, Bernier added, will continue to be more involved in the community by sponsoring sports and other events.
According to Bernier, Delta Air’s merger with Northwest Airline has been very successful and is heading to the right direction this year.
The airline plans to invest more in its products, service and people, he added.
Senate Resolution 17-40, authored by Sen. Ralph DLG. Torres, R-Saipan, commends Delta Air “for its long-time support and unwavering dependability.”
