Led by Saipan Mayor Donald G. Flores and Tinian Mayor Ramon M. Dela Cruz, a 10-person delegation that also included Marianas Visitors Authority officials, Fly Guam representatives and members of Saipan media were on board the plane that flew to Nagoya.
A water exhibition welcomed Flight 5K212 from Saipan during a special ribbon-cutting ceremony at the Japanese airport.
Various newspapers and media outlets from Japan were also on hand to witness the ceremony.
“It is a great day for Fly Micronesia airlines as well as for the CNMI and of course for Nagoya and all of Japan,” Flores said in his speech to dignitaries during the ceremony in Nagoya.
He said the new air service means more accessibility for Japanese visitors and an easier commute from Nagoya to Saipan.
“The islands of Saipan, Tinian, and Rota are an ideal destination for families, couples, individuals, and groups to enjoy an activity-packed vacation or a relaxing weekend retreat. I would like to take this opportunity to personally reconfirm our strong commitment to the Nagoya region. We look forward to continue further increases in travel from Nagoya to the Northern Marianas,” he added.
Fly Guam chief executive officer Jeffrey Stern told reporters that his company’s goal is to create a real Micronesian airline dedicated to promoting the islands to various tourism markets.
“We started about two and a half years ago, exploring the possibilities of putting together a real Micronesian airline. We spent a lot of time and a lot of studying. It wasn’t until November of last year when we finally registered the company on Guam, and we moved forward with the plans of starting services this year. By now, things are running smoothly. We started Palau last week and we’re starting a Taipei service on Aug. 27, so we’re very happy with what we have accomplished,” he said.
Stern said creating an airline hasn’t been easy, but noted that they have put together a “real local product” that represents the CNMI and Guam.
“We want to create the feeling once you board the plane that you get a sense of the island culture. Our whole concept is behind that. We’re trying to promote the islands by showing the Chamorro culture on the flight.”
He said consistency is important in maintaining this venture for the CNMI.
“We want to make sure we stay consistent. That’s the problem with the islands. It’s difficult to grow without consistency. We believe that the markets that we can service from Asia into Micronesia like China and Japan have a lot to offer and make this a consistent product. Our promise to the islands is dependability and consistency in what we do and to help build promote the islands the best we can. This is just the beginning. By the end of the year, we expect to fly to China.”
Passengers on the inaugural flight enjoyed a lavish interior with a carpet that depicted fish and comfortable arrangements to give the traveler a sense of living in the Marianas.
Meals are Chamorro-inspired. This reporter had a Chamorro sausage breakfast with titiyas soft bread and a pork and red rice combo for lunch on the way back.
“We are very happy that Fly Guam has decided to make a link between Saipan and Nagoya again. Delta has made a decision to leave this market, and this airline was able to fill that void,” MVA Managing Director Perry J.P. Tenorio said.
He said the service is the only Nagoya-Saipan flight that is point-to-point, which he added will attract more tourists from Japan.
Pacific Oriental Inc. general manager Frank Camacho said the flight was wonderful.
POI is a Tan Holdings aircraft ground handling company.
“The food was great, and the flight was excellent. This is a great start. We hope to see more of tourists in the future as a result of this new route,” he told Variety.
Mayor Dela Cruz agreed.
“The flight was excellent. It was comfortable. We went to Nagoya with 10 and came back with about 60. I hope that in these difficult times that Fly Guam, a local carrier, would be more successful than previous carriers. I hope that the government and travel partners will jointly work together to make this carrier profitable for the CNMI.”
The Nagoya flights of Fly Guam are scheduled four times a week. Each flight brings about 144 seats to the islands.
