By Bryan Manabat
Saipan-- Micronesian Air Connection Services or MACS has proposed to offer better rates, frequent schedules and better customer service for inter-island flights between Guam and the CNMI.
MACS 's parent company, Szabo Aerospace, is seeking to invest $8.27 million in a new commuter flight service with a fleet of spacious aircraft to connect Saipan, Tinian, Rota and Guam, which are currently serviced by United Airlines and Star Marianas.
MACS plans to operate a fleet of aircraft with nine, 19, and 34 seats.
An affiliate of J&P Holdings' Micronesian Air Cargo Services, MACS has submitted a business plan to the Commonwealth Economic Development Authority, along with its application for a qualifying certificate that would authorize tax abatement and rebates.
Noting that Guam and the CNMI are still recovering from the impacts of super typhoons Mawar and Yutu, and the Covid-19 pandemic, MACS stated that it has a strategic business plan to revitalize air transportation between the two territories.
According to its business plan, MACS would leverage its sister company’s air cargo operations and shared hub infrastructure to offer competitive pricing and frequent flights for the Marianas region, “incentivizing tourism and enabling locals to travel inter-island more frequently."
MACS noted the unprecedented challenges besetting the CNMI’s tourism industry, the backbone of its economy. "Visitor numbers plummeted from a robust 487,000 in 2019 to a mere 88,900 in 2020 and further to 12,700 in 2021," it said.
MACS noted that recent data showed promising signs of recovery, with visitor numbers rebounding to 95,600 in 2022.
"Despite this positive trend, current tourism levels remain at only one-third of the historical peak achieved in 2017, when the CNMI welcomed 653,200 visitors,” MACS said.
MACS also noted the decline in travel between the CNMI and Guam.
Guam welcomed 13,063 CNMI visitors in 2023, down from 20,601 in 2018.
CNMI residents visit Guam for medical and business trips, for leisure, to see family and friends and to attend educational institutions.
"Tourism between CNMI and Guam contributes to several industries in the region, such as retail, hospitality, medical, and entertainment,” MACS said, adding that it is strategically positioned to accelerate recovery by addressing critical gaps in the aviation market.
“As a locally rooted company, MACS intimately understands the region’s unique landscapes, cultures, and economic needs. Its extensive experience in aviation and impeccable safety record set it apart as a projected industry leader,” the business plan stated.
MACS noted that having only two airlines providing inter-island flights makes it significantly challenging for CNMI residents to visit Guam.
"Flights are less frequent and, in some cases, require layovers and indirect routes. With fewer flight options, ticket prices have increased significantly, making it difficult for locals in the region to afford trips inter-island. MACS said.
"The reduced inter-island connectivity further impedes the region’s economic recovery. MACS’s regional knowledge and extensive aviation experience enable it to provide first-rate aviation services,” it added.
MACS said it will have a streamlined, accessible and low-priced booking platform.
MACS services will be searchable through Google Flights and other online booking sources, making tickets accessible to tourists unfamiliar with inter-island transportation.
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