CNMI's Marianas Southern Airways goes out of business

Less than 12 months after its launch, Marianas Southern Airways (Saipan) is ending operations on April 1, 2023. The cessation of services follows the Northern Marianas Islands government terminating a US$8m sole-source contract with the airline earlier this year. Marianas Southern Airways broke the news on its social media accounts on March 30. The airline, a joint venture between Southern Airways Express (9X, Memphis International) and Saipan-based MP Enterprises, used a trio of Southern Airways Express-supplied Tecnam P2012s to link Rota International, Saipan, Tinian, and Guam International. The controversial axing of the federally funded contract followed a change of government in the Northern Marianas Islands. The airline then indicated it might end services if a resolution could not be found. Speaking to a Northern Marianas Commonwealth Senate hearing on March 16, a Marianas Southern representative said "there was a complete neglect of response from anyone (in government)" regarding the cancelled contract and its consequences. "We're open, we're willing to talk, lets at least have a dialogue." Southern Airways Express has issued its own statement regarding the demise of Marianas Southern. They confirm that they are withdrawing as the operating airline from Marianas Southern Airways. "The decision is based on the unwillingness of Gov. Arnold Palacios to honour the contract signed by the previous administration," the statement says.<br/>