By Bryan Manabat
[email protected]
Variety News Staff
PHILIPPINE Airlines is targeting regional markets and sees long-term potential in the CNMI as it prepares to resume direct Manila–Saipan service on March 29, restoring a vital travel link for families, workers, and international visitors.
The return will bring twice-weekly flights — Wednesdays and Sundays out of Manila, and Thursdays and Mondays out of Saipan — timed to maximize early-morning connections across the carrier’s domestic and Asian network.
Outlining the plan
PAL officials outlined their plans during a series of meetings in the CNMI, including the Saipan Chamber of Commerce general membership meeting Wedesday at Saipan World Resort. Bryan Sansolis, PAL’s regional head for Japan, Korea, and Oceania, briefed business representatives and fielded questions about the route’s long-term viability.
PAL representatives also met with the Apatang-Mendiola administration, the Marianas Visitors Authority, and the Commonwealth Healthcare Corporation to discuss community needs, medical travel challenges, and opportunities for collaboration.
“We’re very excited to resume flights to Saipan,” Sansolis told chamber members. “I’m here in Saipan for four days to promote our new flights. It’ll start on March 29 out of Manila and on March 30 out of Saipan. It’s a really good flight with really good connections.”
Passengers arriving in Manila around 5 a.m. will be able to connect to most domestic destinations and regional Asian routes. The early arrival also benefits travelers heading to the Philippines for medical appointments, errands, or same-day activities.
Warmth, hospitality, and a shared identity
Sansolis said PAL immediately felt the familiar warmth of the Marianas community, which mirrors the airline’s service culture.
“When we arrived here, we saw the warmth and hospitality of the people from CNMI, and I think it’s parallel to the service that Philippine Airlines gives — the Filipino Care,” he said. “Travelers can expect the same hospitality, warmth, and care on our flights.”
With a significant Filipino population in the CNMI, he added, the route restores an essential bridge for families and workers.
Partnership with MVA and broader regional markets
PAL is coordinating closely with the Marianas Visitors Authority to promote the route and expand inbound tourism.
“We’re actually working very closely with MVA,” Sansolis said. “For us to be successful, it’s not only about bringing people to see CNMI, but also bringing more people here to enjoy the destination.”
He said PAL will tap not only the Philippines but also Japan, China, and Southeast Asia, leveraging the airline’s wider network.
“What we sell is not only our flights but also our network,” he said. “We have good connections from Japan, China, and Southeast Asia. Those are the markets we are looking at aside from the Philippines.”
Filling a post-pandemic gap
Sansolis said PAL’s return responds to a clear need for more air service.
“We have seen the gap in connectivity to CNMI, especially post-pandemic,” he said. “We recognize that there are now fewer flights in the CNMI, so we saw the gap and looked at it as an opportunity to return.”
He noted that the route supports multiple travel segments, including medical referrals, business exchanges, government travel, education, culture, and sports.
“We know the pain point of passengers traveling to Guam and then somewhere else for medical care,” he said. “It’s a lot of time, money, and hassle. Our flights definitely answer and tick all those boxes.”
Long-term commitment
Sansolis said PAL wants the Saipan route to be sustainable.
“When we launch a flight, we want it to be long-term,” he said. “We encourage everyone to take our flights. If you have Filipino employees or companies, we encourage you to take PAL when they fly back to the Philippines.”
He also encouraged local organizations to host events that could attract visitors and generate additional travel demand.
Anniversary milestone
PAL’s return coincides with its 85th anniversary in March.
“We do hope to see everyone on our flights and to get support from CNMI,” Sansolis said. “We’re really excited for all the positive impact these flights will bring — not only to us but also to the community here in CNMI.”
PAL is the oldest operating commercial airline in Asia.
Bryan Manabat was a liberal arts student of Northern Marianas College where he also studied criminal justice. He is the recipient of the NMI Humanities Award as an Outstanding Teacher (Non-Classroom) in 2013, and has worked for the CNMI Motheread/Fatheread Literacy Program as lead facilitator.
