More flights between Northern Marianas Islands and Micronesia

The Marianas Visitors Authority (MVA), the official tourism board of the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands (CNMI), has said it welcomes the increasing flights within CNMI and Micronesia offered at lower fares.

The flights are launched by Continental Airlines and are operated by Cape Air through its Continental Connection program. There are now up to seven daily flights between Saipan, Rota and Guam, including two flights between Saipan and Guam. The increase in flights means reduced fares and now for as low as US$106, travelers can purchase a roundtrip ticket to either Saipan or Rota. 

Ms Victoria Benavente, Managing Director of MVA said: “We are excited to see Continental Airlines’ increasing the frequency of flights within the CNMI at lower fares. The increase in accessibility in inter-island travel helps travelers to explore the different paradise islands in the CNMI. We see the traveler demand in visiting CNMI. The increased flights will mean increased visitor arrivals.”

The MVA recorded a 24% increase in the number of tourists compared to July 2002. A positive performance is particularly seen in the China market with a growth rate of 165% than the same month in 2002.

“Continental Airlines is committed to making travel more convenient and affordable for our customers in the region,” said Bessy Hui, Marketing Manager of Continental Airlines Hong Kong. “The increases in flight frequencies, as well as the significant reductions in fares represent the commitment to our customers.”

Continental Airlines and Cape Air forged a partnership for the CNMI in June and started servicing the CNMI through its Rota-Guam on July 1. It was using a nine-passenger Cessna 402 aircraft, and is looking for a new aircraft to service the route this month. On June 16, the partnership announced that it was planning to expand its services CNMI-wide by using a larger aircraft.