Korean community welcomes return of direct Jeju Air service

The return of direct Jeju Air service between South Korea and Saipan is being welcomed by members of the CNMI's Korean community, who say the resumption of flights will ease travel hardships caused by Super Typhoon Sinlaku and help support the islands' tourism-dependent economy.

Among the passengers arriving on Jeju Air's June 21 flight was Saipan ultramarathon runner Ann Bang, who said she was relieved to avoid a lengthy journey through Guam and Japan after spending more than a month in South Korea.

"Returning home to Saipan on the first Jeju Air flight after Super Typhoon Sinlaku was an experience that filled me with both gratitude and relief," Bang said.

Bang said she left Saipan last May 7 for medical appointments and personal matters at a time when the Francisco C. Ada-Saipan International Airport had not yet resumed normal operations.

Because of the disruptions, she traveled through Guam and Narita, Japan before reaching South Korea.

"Had Jeju Air not resumed service on June 20, I would have had no choice but to take the same lengthy route back," Bang said.

She said the suspension of direct flights created difficulties for many members of Saipan's Korean community.

"Many members of the Korean community experienced considerable inconvenience as a result," Bang said. "For that reason, I am truly happy and grateful that Jeju Air has resumed its Saipan service."

Bang also praised those involved in restoring airport operations and other critical infrastructure following the typhoon.

"I would also like to recognize that the rapid recovery and return to normal operations at Saipan International Airport would not have been possible without the dedication, hard work, and perseverance of countless individuals who worked tirelessly in the aftermath of the typhoon," she said.

Inok Lee, an employee of Aqua Resort Club Saipan who also arrived on the June 21 flight, said the resumption of air service was important not only for travelers but also for the local economy.

"The greater significance of the resumption of the travel industry makes us happy," Lee said.

Lee described the flight as "very good" and said it appeared to be fully booked, with tourists making up a large portion of the passengers.

"Tourism is very important because it accounts for a large portion of Saipan's economy," Lee said.

The return of direct service was also welcomed by outbound travelers.

Siwoo Lee, Inok’s son and a CNMI junior national player, departed Saipan for South Korea last June 21 and said the direct flight eliminated the need for an extended layover in Guam.

"I am very thrilled about the direct flight because I didn't have to go to Guam, staying there for hours and then to Korea which takes much more time and money," he said. "So I was relieved when I heard that the flight was direct to Korea."

Jeju Air's June 21 arrival marked the first international commercial flight to return to the CNMI following Super Typhoon Sinlaku. The service resumed after the Marianas Visitors Authority board approved a $1.5-million sole-source agreement with the South Korean carrier last June 11 to preserve direct air service between Korea and Saipan following the storm and the withdrawal of T'way Air.

South Korea remains the CNMI's largest visitor market, accounting for roughly 70% of visitor arrivals. Under the agreement, Jeju Air is expected to operate four weekly flights through Oct. 24, with daily service during selected peak summer and holiday periods using 189-seat aircraft.