HK Airlines to add 2 weekly flights in Q1 next year

Editor’s note: Marianas Visitors Authority managing director Jamika Taijeron clarified that Hong Kong Airlines is actually expected to double its flights from Hong Kong to Saipan in May 2026, instead of the first quarter of the new calendar year as MVA board chair Warren Villagomez earlier alluded to.

11/28/2025 - Hong Kong Airlines will increase its weekly flights from the former Crown Colony to Saipan in 2026, according to Marianas Visitors Authority board chair Warren Villagomez.

“We continue to embrace and support the efforts of both the CNMI and Hong Kong Airlines, as well as MVA's role in bringing in the economic driving force of our tourism industry. So, with that, the current Hong Kong Airlines service is twice a week. There’s a very strong commitment and discussions about adding two more flights so that it will be four times a week,” he told Marianas Press after the tourism body’s monthly board meeting last Nov. 26 at the MVA office in Garapan.

Villagomez said doubling the full-service, four-star airline’s flight operations to the CNMI “would change our playing field” for inbound passengers from Hong Kong and China.

For now, he said the Commonwealth Ports Authority and Hong Kong Airlines are still ironing out details on the days and times the additional flights will be accommodated at the Francisco C. Ada/Saipan International Airport. The tentative timeline calls for four weekly flights starting in January or February 2026.

One thing is certain—the added flights will be a boon to the CNMI tourism industry, which continues to struggle to regain its pre-pandemic China market.

“Any additional flights—any flights to add on to what we have with Jeju, T’Way, and United Airlines—help. As we continue to see improvements, we do have a goal to get close to pre-COVID levels to get the CNMI back into economic stability,” said Villagomez.

The MVA board also unanimously approved a one-year, $450,000 marketing support package for Century Tours and LT Travel to help drive visitor traffic from China and Hong Kong. The two firms submitted proposals outlining planned promotional campaigns, media buys, and influencer-driven content aimed at stimulating demand and filling seats on scheduled charter flights into Saipan.

“We wanted to make sure that all the details are in place for us to monitor improvements as well as the gains tied to Hong Kong Airlines’ commitment. It’s not a travel incentive—it’s promotion and marketing,” Villagomez said.

Under the agreement, Century Tours and LT Travel will hire social media influencers and conduct promotional and marketing activities tailored to realign the Hong Kong and China markets with the CNMI.

“We’re shifting, and we’re getting MVA into the new global marketing model by adapting to the current interests of young travelers as well as new travelers experiencing this part of the world,” he added.

Tan Holdings corporate vice president Ivan Quichocho said the twin agreements are “basically a marketing plan no different from the types of plans that Japan or Korea offshore representative offices submit to MVA. These include strategic advertising, engagement of KOLs (key opinion leaders), influencers, travel trade shows, etc.”

MVA estimated the cost of the program at roughly $27–$33 per seat in marketing value, assuming strong load factors.

Officials also emphasized that the package is not a subsidy to the tour firms; all expenditures must be tied to specific marketing activities requiring prior MVA approval. Century Tours and LT Travel must also submit monthly performance reports, similar to the requirements for MVA’s offshore offices.

MVA managing director Jamika Taijeron noted that the China and Hong Kong markets remain viable growth opportunities.

Despite the Economic Vitality & Security Travel Authorization Program grounding Hong Kong Airlines flights for several months earlier this year, China arrivals in October nearly matched last year’s numbers. Hong Kong arrivals were smaller—just 64 in October—but are expected to grow as connectivity stabilizes.

The marketing package for Century Tours and LT Travel will be funded from MVA’s $500,000 China market allocation for the fiscal year, leaving $50,000 for additional programs as needed.

Report by Mark Rabago