Jeju Air to continue regular winter flights without MVA subsidy beginning in October

Jeju Air will continue flying to Saipan during the winter season beginning in October without the financial support previously provided under the Marianas Visitors Authority's $1.5-million sole-source air connectivity agreement, a development MVA officials said reflects the airline's confidence in the CNMI tourism market.

During last July 17’s special MVA board meeting, acting managing director Judy Torres announced that the South Korean carrier had already published its winter schedule, ensuring uninterrupted service through the traditionally slower tourism season.

"Jeju has already published their winter schedule, which is good news. You know, seeing the continuity on the flight from Korea, it's still four times a week, and there will be some possibilities for daily charters, depending on the season," Torres said.

Board director Joe C. Guerrero said the airline's decision to maintain scheduled service was particularly encouraging because it no longer depended on MVA financial assistance.

"I think that's great news that Jeju Air has decided to publish their winter schedule without MVA intervention or [financial] support," Guerrero said.

He said the airline's commitment demonstrates confidence in the CNMI market.

"That's great news that they have decided and are confident in our market, and will continue flying through the winter season, which starts in October through end of March. So I think that's great news for the CNMI. It's great news for our market, and we're grateful for Jeju and their partnership, longstanding partnership," Guerrero said.

Jeju Air resumed service to Saipan last June as the CNMI worked to rebuild its tourism industry following Super Typhoon Sinlaku. At the time, MVA entered into a $1.5-million sole-source air connectivity agreement to help restore international air service. Friday's announcement indicates the carrier will continue regular operations into the winter schedule without that financial support.

Guerrero also announced that Gov. David M. Apatang had signed into law two appropriations totaling $1.71 million for MVA operations and marketing activities.

"There are two funding that has been approved recently. Some $750,000, and another $960,000 for MVA's use for operations and marketing activities," Guerrero said.

He thanked the administration and Legislature for the additional funding.

"We're grateful for the administration of Gov. Apatang, Lt. Gov. Dennis C. Mendiola for their support, as well as the Legislature for really giving MVA the funds that it needs this time when we're not collecting enough for their occupancy taxes. Every dollar from the public is gonna be well spent, and the CNMI's best interest is at heart with the use of those funds," Guerrero said.

MVA board chair Warren F. Villagomez also reported that MVA is continuing preparations to relocate into the historic Lighthouse property.

"The team, [Community Projects] manager Martin [Dueñas] and acting managing Judy and the team are in full force on, you know, continue to prepare the Lighthouse for our occupancy," Torres said.

He said MVA is working with the Saipan Mayor’s Office on the move and plans to carry out minor renovations before converting the building into a visitor center and the authority's permanent headquarters.

The board also discussed preparations for MVA's fiscal year 2027 budget presentation and plans for the newly appropriated funding, while Guerrero announced that he and Villagomez will participate in a Guam-CNMI-Philippines technical working group next week to discuss the proposed Guam-CNMI Visa Waiver Program for Philippine nationals.