Skymark Airlines (BC, Tokyo Haneda) is set to launch direct flights from Japan to Saipan in the Northern Mariana Islands (CNMI) in the Winter season 2018/19 following a memorandum signed between the carrier and the local authorities, the Marianas Variety has reported.
"I am pleased to announce that Skymark Airlines will be launching flights between Japan and Saipan later this year. This marks a monumental breakthrough for the Japan tourism market for several reasons. Importantly, this marks the re-entry of a Japan-based carrier to the CNMI, marking a significant achievement in our historic relations with Japan. We have committed to fully support Skymark’s flights and will look to them as our long-term partner for the Japan market," CNMI Governor Ralph Torres has said.
The route will become Skymark's maiden international service. The schedule and the exact launch date have not been announced yet.
The CNMI has not been served by a Japanese carrier since 2005 when JAL - Japan Airlines terminated its Saipan operations. Until recently, the market was served by Delta Air Lines which connected Saipan with Tokyo Narita. However, the American carrier terminated the route on May 6, citing its poor economic viability.
Japan is a key incoming tourist market for the CNMI.
Saipan currently sees international services mostly to China, as well as to Seoul Incheon and Busan in South Korea, Hong Kong International, and Guam International. The other active airport in the CNMI, Rota International, sees services only to Saipan and Guam, while Tinian currently has no scheduled flights.
