Strengthening Our Aviation Partnerships
Last Friday, my team and I met with officials from the U.S. Department of Transportation and the Department of the Interior to talk about some of the ongoing transportation challenges facing the Marianas. I appreciated hearing from Deputy Assistant Secretary Jared Smith, Air Services Negotiator Tricia Kubrin, and DOT staff. We covered a range of topics, from the CNMI’s Section 902 talks and the Korean-Asiana Airlines merger’s impact on regional routes, to cabotage rules that drive up travel costs for our residents. Despite the many challenges, with a new airline applying to operate direct flights from Hong Kong to Saipan, there’s reason to be optimistic. I’ll continue working with our federal partners to expand air access and strengthen our islands’ connection to the world.