By Bryan Manabat
[email protected]
Variety News Staff
PHILIPPINE Airlines resumed Saipan–Manila flights on March 30, a development CNMI leaders say will help revive the local economy by increasing visitor traffic, cargo capacity and family travel.
The inaugural flight arrived before dawn at Francisco C. Ada/Saipan International Airport, where CNMI officials, business leaders and community members welcomed the airline back after several years of absence.
Twice‑weekly service returns
PAL is operating two flights per week between Saipan and Manila using an Airbus A321.
• Saipan → Manila (PR 2572): departs 2:50 a.m.
• Manila → Saipan (PR 2571): return times vary by date, according to PAL’s booking schedule.
PAL Vice President for Ground Services Matthew Tamaray said the revived route is anchored on four priorities — community ties, healthcare access, tourism and economic growth, and cargo logistics — and comes as the airline seeks to streamline travel for Filipino visitors.
He added that PAL is already in discussions with CNMI officials about expanding access for Filipino travelers under the Commonwealth’s Economic Vitality and Security program.
“We had an engaging discussion with our partners here in Saipan about extending the CNMI economic vitality and security travel authorization program for Filipinos,” Tamaray said. “Filipino travelers are expanding their reach to ASEAN, Taiwan, Korea and Japan, where visa processing is streamlined.”
Tamaray described Flight PR 2572/2571 as more than a schedule addition.
“This isn’t just a new entry in our flight schedule. It is a restoration of a vital lifeline between our two nations,” he said, adding that PAL remains committed to strengthening cultural and community ties and ensuring Saipan’s access to Manila’s healthcare facilities, tourism markets and cargo networks.
Leaders welcome PAL’s return
Gov. David Apatang thanked PAL for restoring service and encouraged the airline to expand its presence in the Commonwealth.
“Philippine Airlines has been here before, and we want to welcome them back to the Commonwealth,” Apatang said. “We need your help with our economy… So welcome, and make the Commonwealth your home. You can move to Saipan, station one aircraft here.”
U.S. Delegate to Congress Kimberly King‑Hinds said the route supports ongoing federal efforts to expand the CNMI’s market access.
“For the CNMI, more planes landing means more customers,” she said. “The Philippines is not just customers. It represents connecting families — people who call the CNMI home, who also call the Philippines home.”
A gateway strengthened
Commonwealth Ports Authority Executive Director Estrellita “Esther” S. Ada said PAL’s return enhances Saipan’s role as a regional gateway.
“Today marks more than the return of an airline. It represents new opportunities for the CNMI,” Ada said. “The restored service brings greater access to the Philippines and stronger connections to the world, while also bringing our communities together.”
She called the renewed service a partnership built on “progress and shared opportunities.”
New routes unaffected by Middle East tensions
Earlier, during a March 27 pre‑media briefing, PAL Vice President for Corporate Communications Judy Anne Tiongco said the airline remains fully committed to its new Saipan service despite regional uncertainties.
“We’re really keen on and supporting the Saipan route,” she said, noting that PAL is monitoring developments in the Middle East but has approached the situation “in a very prudent manner.”
Tiongco said the Philippines’ emergency declaration and the temporary suspension of Guam–Cebu flights have not affected the Saipan–Manila route.
“The temporary suspensions are confined to Cebu right now,” she said. “Again, it depends on the situation, but currently it will not affect the new routes.”
With the route now relaunched and CNMI leaders expressing support for expanded connectivity, PAL’s push for the Philippines’ inclusion in the EVS travel authorization program sets the stage for further cooperation — potentially easing travel, boosting tourism and strengthening economic and familial ties between the NMI and the Philippines.
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.
