MARIANAS Pacific Airlines is acquiring three wing-in-ground or WIG craft manufactured by Universal Hovercraft as part of its interisland transportation plan.
WIG craft are capable of operating completely above the surface of the water on a dynamic air cushion created by aerodynamic lift due to the ground effect between the vessel and the surface of the water.
They are currently being used in South Korea and Singapore for interisland travel.
Marianas Pacific Airlines representative William Giles said these craft are capable of flying up to 20 feet above water, making them more efficient for interisland travel compared to regular boats and aircraft.
“We can go up to 20 feet above. It’s classified as a boat so it doesn’t fall under Federal Aviation Administration regulations but under [the U.S.] Coast Guard. They’re many times more efficient than either aircraft or boats,” he said, noting that WIGs hold great potential with neighboring islands.
“I think this could be a real big potential deal, ultimately because there’s no better place in the world than where we’re situated right now. We’re really looking forward to that. We actually have worked out a deal with them where we have manufacturing rights here on Saipan, CNMI.”
These three vessels are only the beginning, with each one being able to carry up to 12 passengers and two crew members, sailing at speeds of up to 85 miles per hour.
“We can get from here to Tinian in a few minutes, and we can get from here to Rota in an hour. We are really looking forward to promote that as well… We’re expecting delivery eight months from the time of our financing, which we’re hoping is very soon,” Giles said.
The vessels must first be approved by the U.S. Coast Guard before they can be delivered to the islands for use.
“It will be Coast Guard-approved. We will not take delivery of them until they are. We’re going through all that,” Giles said.
James Blake, who also represents the company, said these vessels will give tourists the opportunity to visit Tinian, Rota, Guam, and even Pagan once it is safe to travel there again.
“This creates a real opportunity to build a wonderful ‘Island Odyssey’ experience for international tourists. This product presents the opportunity for international tourists, not just to visit Saipan, but to incorporate some of the other local islands as part of their holiday,” he said.
Gov. Ralph DLG Torres on Friday said that while he is not an aviation expert, he does support revenue-generating businesses that will open up employment opportunities for the CNMI community.
He said that as long as the vessels are approved by the U.S. Coast Guard or other federal entities, he is on board.
“We [have to] make sure that where they’re landing is safe… At the end, I just want to support something that is safe, brings in [economic opportunity], and provides [work] for our community, and better services,” he said.
The governor noted that the Marianas Visitors Authority, the Saipan Chamber of Commerce, and the municipalities support this venture because of the opportunities it will bring, including flight availability, passenger capacity, and competition between the airlines.
“Competition is healthy… I support businesses, I support entrepreneurs, I support new kinds of businesses, anything that will help our economy, anything that will bring in revenue and bring in employment for our community… As you know, tourism, no matter where we’re at, if you don’t have tourists flying, we don’t have the number and capacity here to have the economy roll within our islands… But [in] the end, more services for our community are better for all of us. So, I encourage them to continue and I hope that at the end, they do get what they need to move forward with their projects,” he said.
