COMMONWEALTH Ports Authority Chairman Roman S. Palacios is confident that Philippine Airlines will meet the requirements set by the Federal Aviation Administration.
“I’m very optimistic about that. Remember that PAL will begin its route to Guam very soon,” Palacios said in an interview.
Authorities said PAL starts its direct flight to Guam on June 21.
Local officials hope to get PAL’s flight service to Saipan within the year.
Palacios said the presence of the airline in the CNMI would definitely boost the local economy.
“Besides, there are thousands of Filipinos here who will be greatly helped by PAL’s services,” he said.
In an earlier interview, CPA Executive Director Carlos H. Salas said the CNMI’s recent discussion with PAL officials was “very productive.”
One of the points discussed was PAL’s readiness to meet FAA standards.
PAL needs to comply first with all FAA requirements to be able to resume its flight service to Saipan.
PAL is listed under Category 2 “which means that FAA has concerns about its safety and aircraft maintenance program,” Salas said.
CPA does not consider safety issue as an obstacle to reaching an agreement with PAL, he added.
PAL, for its part, expressed concern regarding the flow of traffic between the two destinations.
Salas said PAL intends to conduct market analysis to determine the viability of the route.
PAL, according to Salas, is also exploring the possibility of picking up Saipan-bound passengers from China.
According to Salas, PAL may use its Boeing 737-800 aircraft that can carry up to 155 passengers.
