Representatives of the CNMI Office of the Governor, Commonwealth Ports Authority, and the Marianas Visitors Authority met last week with 17 airlines at Routes Asia 2025 — the region’s top aviation route conference — to explore the prospects of new air service to The Marianas.
Routes Asia provides a platform for executives and senior leaders of airports, airlines and industry associations to meet, network, and establish new routes and to provide expertise and insight into the future of air service and tourism development across the Asia-Pacific region. Attended by airlines, airports, tourism authorities, and other aviation-related organisations, this year’s forum was held on 25-27 March 2025, in Perth, Australia.
“Routes Asia is an annual opportunity for The Marianas to meet personally with high-level airline decision-makers to share about our destination and discuss opportunities for new flight services,” said MVA Managing Director Jamika T. Taijeron. “It’s reported that over half of the world’s new air services have been connected to meetings at Routes events, so The Marianas’ attendance is a ‘must.’ Talks were positive with several airlines we met, but it’s an extremely competitive business, and there are many factors and regulations involved.”
Among the hundreds of attendees, many of whom stopped by The Marianas’ information booth, the Marianas delegation was allotted time for in-depth B2B sessions with 17 airlines, including several that previously provided either regular or chartered connections to Francisco C. Ada/Saipan International Airport. Meetings were held with HK Express, Beijing Capital Airlines, China Airlines, JetStar, AirAsia, Japan Airlines, China Southern Airlines, Philippine Airlines, Korean Air, Alaska Airlines/Hawaiian Airlines, Peach Aviation, Hainan Airlines, Qantas Airways, Cebu Pacific Air, Starlux Airlines, Fiji Airways, and VietJet Air.
“The airlines all shared a consistent message…they are experiencing delays in the delivery of their new aircraft. As a result, they expect to add more routes in 2026 and 2027 once their fleets are expanded,” said Taijeron. “So, while we are currently exploring ways with airlines to make the most of their existing fleet capacity, we also have time to develop strategic plans for new routes next year and beyond. And by focusing on generating demand in our source markets ahead of time, we can ensure that when the new aircraft are delivered, we are well-positioned to secure routes and fill seats.”
In additional to fleet capacity, other factors airlines must take into consideration before starting air service include consumer demand, whether The Marianas lies within their route system, national and international certifications, availability of crew, and airport facilities and costs.
The Marianas delegation also had an information booth to provide information and answer questions for the estimated 1,100 conference attendees.
The forum was attended by MVA Managing Director Jamika R. Taijeron, MVA Marketing Manager Thomas Kim, CPA Enforcement/Lease Compliance Officer JoyAnn Tenorio, and Glen Hunter representing the CNMI Office of the Governor.
