The Manila Times
FLAG carrier Philippine Airlines has returned to Saipan after nearly nine years, restoring a direct air link between Manila and the CNMI and signaling renewed confidence in the market. The relaunch comes as the airline pushes ahead despite the declaration of an energy emergency in the Philippines and the recent suspension of its Cebu-Guam route, with officials stressing that the Manila-Saipan service remains a priority. At a ribbon-cutting ceremony held Monday, March 30, at the Francisco C. Ada-Saipan International Airport, PAL executives and CNMI leaders underscored both the symbolic and economic importance of the route’s return. PAL Express Vice President for Ground Operations Matthew Tamaray said the airline is banking on the expansion of the CNMI’s Economic Vitality and Security Travel Authorization Program (EVS-TAP) to drive growth, particularly among Filipino travelers. “We had an engaging discussion with our partners here on Saipan about extending CNMI Economic Vitality and Security Travel Authorization Program for Filipinos,” Tamaray said, noting that travelers from the Philippines are increasingly opting for destinations with visa-free or streamlined entry. “Filipino travelers are expanding their reach... to Asean, Taiwan, Korea, and Japan, where visa processing is streamlined.” He described the restored service as more than a commercial move. “This isn’t just a new entry in our flight schedule; it is a restoration of a vital lifeline between our two nations,” Tamaray said, adding that PAL aims to “make the wide Pacific feel a little smaller and our nations a little closer” while supporting tourism, cargo movement, and access to health care in Manila. CNMI Gov. David Apatang welcomed the airline’s return, calling it crucial to the CNMI’s economic recovery. “Philippine Airlines has been here before, and we want to welcome Philippine Airlines back to the Commonwealth,” Apatang said. “We need your help... to help with our economy here also in the Commonwealth.” CNMI delegate Kimberlyn King-Hinds linked the route to broader efforts to ease federal constraints on air service. “In a nutshell, more planes landing means more customers,” she said. “That is the work that we’re doing in Washington, D.C., to be able to remove some of these structural barriers... that is limiting our ability to expand markets.” She added that the connection goes beyond tourism. “The Philippines is not just customers. It represents connecting families, people who call the CNMI home, who also call the Philippines home.” Commonwealth Ports Authority Executive Director Esther Ada said the restored flights open new opportunities for the islands. “Today marks more than the return of an airline. It represents new opportunities for the CNMI,” Ada said. “The restored service brings greater access to the Philippines and stronger connections to the world, making it easier for families to reunite, cultures to stay connected, and communities to grow stronger.” Philippine Consulate General in Agana consul Joaquin Ricardo Aragon placed the development in a broader diplomatic context. “Philippine Airlines had been here before... but now, it’s back,” Aragon said, noting that 2026 marks the airline’s 85th anniversary and the 80th anniversary of Philippines–US diplomatic relations. “We are living in somewhat challenging times now... and this is something to look forward to. It’s not all doom and gloom.” He said the direct service would especially benefit the Filipino community in the CNMI. “They now have a direct flight to get back home — and to come back also.” Passengers on the inaugural flight cited convenience as a key advantage. Raniel Santos, a teacher, said the route eliminates stopovers. “No need to stop over at Guam anymore... it’s a lot faster, a lot more convenient... it’s a big blessing.” Norlyn Cabrera said the direct connection makes travel “easier, and the flight is shorter,” while Sildrey Veloria noted he can now visit family “more quickly than stop over to Korea or Guam.” For Jershwin Angeles of the Northern Mariana Islands Football Association, the timing allowed his team to train in the Philippines. “We took this opportunity... to travel to the Philippines,” he said, adding that about 40 players will spend 10 days in training camp. PAL’s inaugural PR2571 flight from Manila was greeted with a traditional water cannon salute, marking the airline’s official return to Saipan after years of absence. Despite external pressures, PAL Regional Head for Japan, Korea and Oceania Bryan Sansolis said the airline is proceeding with the route launch, even as energy constraints in the Philippines have forced adjustments elsewhere in its network. “We’re really keen on supporting the Saipan route... it will not affect the new routes,” Sansolis said during a Zoom call with media members prior to Monday’s flight. The airline will operate twice weekly — Monday and Thursday — using an Airbus A321-CEO configured with 12 business class and 187 economy seats.
Go to News Site