THE CNMI government will “do everything” to convince Philippine Airlines and Cebu Pacific Air to provide flight service to the commonwealth, Lt. Gov. Diego T. Benavente said.
“We need it. We are desperately in need of additional airlines. Convenience is certainly a major part in attracting more tourists,” Benavente told Variety yesterday.
PAL is the Philippines’ flag carrier while Cebu Pacific is one of the fastest growing airlines in the Southeast Asian nation.
Benavente headed a CNMI delegation that recently met with the airline officials in Manila.
There was “no commitment” reached either with PAL or Cebu Pacific Air, he added.
“But they are both very willing to look into that possibility,” he said.
Negotiations are ongoing, and the CNMI government has expressed willingness to offer discounts on landing and other airline fees, Benavente said.
“We are now sending more information to them to try to convince them to fly to Saipan,” he said.
Benavente said they have also extended an invitation to PAL President Avelino Zapanta to visit Saipan during next month’s inaugural flight of the Philippine flag carrier to Guam.
PAL’s flight service to Guam begins on June 21.
According to Benavente, Cebu Pacific Air is considering a flight service Palau.
If the Palau direct flight pushes through, a Manila-Koror—Saipan route could be established, he said.
Benavente said that once PAL and Cebu Pacific Air begin providing flight service to CNMI, other airline companies will have to offer “competitive rates.”
