Transportation Briefs
Transportation Briefs
Pacific, Northern Marianas, Palau and Marshall Islands
Pacific
Polynesian Airlines, despite choosing a new Boeing 737-800 jet for its service to the U.S., has not ruled out wider-body aircraft such as a B767 or a B747, says Prime Minister Tuilaepa Sailele Malielegaoi. The lease seven years ago of a B767 nearly crippled the Samoa government-owned airline. The PM confirmed that Polynesian will buy its second B737-800 in late 2001. Unlike the attempted Polynesian expansion in the mid-1990s, he said the current fleet expansion was "carefully planned to ensure that we will not be faced with the difficulties encountered following those years." The airline is now operating two flights a week to Honolulu.
The airline’s re-entry into the U.S. market opens up more opportunities for Samoa’s tourism industry, said American Samoan Congressman Faleomavaega Eni. "This is fantastic," was Faleomavaega’s response to Polynesian’s resumption of air-service to Honolulu. "It’s long overdue and I am very happy for (CEO) Mr. Richard Gates and the airline for this added service."
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Northern Marianas
The Commonwealth Ports Authority has extended an incentive program that gives signatory airlines a 50 percent discount on departure facility charges if they are able to bring their visitor traffic 15 percent above current passenger hauls. The incentive program will stretch to the end of the current financial year. At the same time, the CPA board reduced existing departure facility charges from the current $8 per passenger to $6.35 beginning January 1.
Revenues generated from seaport activities soared 21 percent in Fiscal Year 2000 to $5.3 million from 1999’s $4.4 million. Commonwealth Ports Authority attributed the nearly $1 million increase to the adjustments made on the seaport charges that include fees on embarking passengers, wharfage and entry, as well as the implementation of paid parking at the harbor.
Participation of officials from more than 80 airports and airlines throughout the region is being sought for the Pacific Aviation Directors’ Workshop scheduled for Saipan in February. The workshop is aimed at discussing future improvements and continued maintenance of air transport facilities in the several Pacific-island states that are under the supervision of the Federal Aviation Administration. Discussion on airport responsibilities during an aircraft disaster will also be part of the workshop set for February 7-9. Palau
Construction of the approximately $1 million, Taiwan-funded temporary Palau International Airport terminal project was completed by Surangel & Sons Construction Company and opened in late October. Construction of a new permanent terminal is anticipated to begin in 2002, with Japanese aid, and the facility is expected to open by early 2003.
Marshall Islands
The government, using funding from Taiwan, is purchasing three new vessels for outer islands service. Two combination cargo/passenger vessels, and a refueling tanker are being bought at a cost of $3 million, according to Transportation Minister Brenson Wase, who added the government plans to have private companies operate the ships.
