Saipan Air indefinitely postpones inaugural service

Saipan Air confirmed (26-Jun-2012) its inaugural service will not take place on 01-Jul-2012 and is for now, postponed indefinitely. The carrier stated, "Our supposed partner on this endeavor, Swift Air, LLC has defaulted on their contract and was unable to deliver our aircraft. Our top management has decided to take legal action on this matter". [more - original PR]

Saipan Air: "This was a very difficult decision for our top management to make, but in light of the situation, we had little option. All this happened within a few days of our launch schedule and at this point it is too close for us to engage a new partner and secure new government licenses and permits to fly into Japan and China. This is heart-breaking for all of us, especially for those who see Saipan Air as a hopeful promise of economic growth and stability for the CNMI. We have spent many months in preparation and millions in investments to get Saipan air ready for take-off, but as we have learned now, when you depend on another as a partner and they do not share the same level of commitment as you, then your plans are at great risk." Source: Company statement, 26-Jun-2012.