Source: Saipan Tribune Author: Haidee V. Eugenio 06/22/2009
Subject Concerned: Government Airlines
The U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) approved China Eastern Airlines' request for a one-year authority to resume charter flights between Shanghai in China and Saipan in the CNMI.
DOT issued the decision on June 9, 2009, a year after China Eastern filed on June 13, 2008, the renewal application to be exempt from 49 U.S.C. 41301 to engage in scheduled foreign air transportation of persons, property and mail between Shanghai and Saipan.
The exemption authority expires on June 9, 2010.
A copy of the DOT decision is available online at http://www.regulations.gov/fdmspublic/component/main?main=DocumentDetail&o=09000064809ca74b.
As of June 21, 2009, Tinian Dynasty Hotel and Casino said it has already received bookings in connection with the expected resumption of charter flights beginning in July.
DOT, in its notice, said it found China Eastern Airlines qualified to perform the proposed operations, that DOT's action was consistent with the department's policy, and that the grant of authority was consistent with public interest and would not constitute a major regulatory action under the Energy Policy and Conservation Act of 1975.
On May 10, 2004, DOT allowed China Eastern to fly between Shanghai and Saipan. China Eastern made its first charter flight from Shanghai to Saipan in July 2004.
DOT subsequently granted China Eastern's renewal applications on June 1, 2005, June 1, 2006, and June 20, 2007.
The resumption of charter flights from China is considered a boost to the CNMI's tourism, especially Tinian which relies heavily on Chinese tourists.
Government and private businesses have asked the U.S. Department of Homeland Security to include China and Russia in the Guam-CNMI Visa Waiver Program which will take into effect on November 28, 2009, which is also the start of transition to federal immigration system in the CNMI.