Micronesian Air Connection Services Photo: www.flymacs.com
Micronesian Air Connection Services (MACS) is expected to have its maiden flight in April, but it will not include Guam in its route as it will only initially service Saipan, Tinian, and Rota.
The startup carrier, which last January was issued a qualifying certificate by the Commonwealth Economic Development Authority (CEDA) that calls for 100 percent tax abatement for 22 years, said it will initially concentrate in servicing the Coomonwealth of Northern Mariana Islands (CNMI) rout, but hopes to fly to Guam's Antonio B. Won Pat International Airport in the near future.
MACS said its inter-island air passenger service in the CNMI will feature four spanking new airplanes-two seven-seater Airvans and two nine-seater Cessna 208 Grand Caravan.
All the creature comforts not usually afforded to short-haul flights like air-conditioning, water bottles, cold towels, and premium seats with chargers will be standard in all MACS flights exceeding 20 minutes.
CNMI Governor Arnold Palacios approved and issued a qualifying certificate for J&P Holdings, MACS' parent company, on 7 January.
Under CEDA's notice of issuance, MACS will invest approximately US$8.2 million in aviation activities including inter-island air passenger service and had 60 days after 7 January, to accept or reject the qualifying certificate.
MACS accepted CEDA's QC proposal earlier this month.
J&P Holdings co-owner John Stewart said the approval of MACS' QC program application marks an important milestone for air transportation in the CNMI.
"As 30-year residents of these islands, our family and team understand the vital importance of reliable air service to our community's prosperity."
MACS, operating under Szabo Aerospace, will publish the cost of tickets from and to Saipan, Tinian, and Rota in the immediate future.
While waiting for MACS' regular inter-island flights this April, its charter services are available now to serve the CNMI's immediate travel needs.
Community members can email the carrier to arrange charter flights or to join MACS' notification list for updates on our upcoming scheduled services.
CEDA's QC program was established on 1 December 2000.
Under the program, tax benefits are given to entice businesses to put up new investments in the CNMI or to assist existing investors in expanding their operations.
