Hong Kong Air reopens Saipan route
- Admin
- 9 minutes ago
- 2 min read
By Pacific Island Times News Staff
Saipan--Hong Kong Airlines this week relaunched its nonstop service between Hong Kong and Saipan, restoring the only direct flight from China as the CNMI recovers from two recent supertyphoons.
Hong Kong Airlines' inaugural flight arrived Monday with 156 passengers—mostly family travelers— aboard the 162-seat aircraft, representing an approximate 96 percent load factor.
Judy Torres, acting managing director of the Marianas Visitors Authority, said Hong Kong Airlines' arrival is another step toward reconnecting the CNMI with the world.
MVA expressed confidence that the second scheduled flight of the twice-weekly route is also expected to bring the same load volume while the CNMI tourism struggles to rebuild as a result of Typhon Sinlaku in April and Typhoon Bavi this month.
Hong Kong Air's resumption of service came after Jeju Air's Incheon-Saipan resumed flights in June when the Francisco C. Ada Saipan International Airport reopened for international flights after a two- month pause following the devastating Super Typhoon Sinlaku that hit the islands on April 14.
Following the resumption of flights from South Korea and Hong Kong, additional service from Tokyo Narita by United Airlines will resume on Aug. 2 and from Manila by Philippine Airlines in October, further improving access to the destination.
"Every additional seat into the Marianas supports local jobs, strengthens our visitor economy, and creates new opportunities for our hotels, restaurants, attractions, retailers, and small businesses," Torres said.
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Torres emphasized that maintaining strong airline partnerships requires the entire community to help deliver an exceptional visitor experience.
"As competition and operating costs increase worldwide, it's more important than ever that the Marianas collectively continue working to elevate the destination and showcase what makes us Far From Ordinary, the very best of what we have to offer travelers," she said.
"Whether it's authentic cultural experiences, vibrant community events, outstanding customer service, or our world-class natural attractions, every positive interaction helps build visitor satisfaction and supports the long-term success of our airline routes and the tourism industry."
The MVA continues to encourage the development by private and public partners of new products, services and experiences that connect visitors with the Marianas' unique nature, culture, history, and people.

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