Japanese carrier Skymark Airlines is going international, having secured its first international route.
It will launch a seasonal winter service to Saipan in the Northern Mariana Islands beginning later this year.
It also becomes the first direct route by a Japanese carrier to Saipan for more than a decade, since Japan Airlines pulled out in 2005.
A Tokyo-Saipan service had been operated by US carrier Delta Air Lines until recently.
Skymark hasn’t disclosed the exact frequency and start date yet.
"This marks a monumental breakthrough for the Japan tourism market for several reasons. Importantly, this marks the re-entry of a Japan-based carrier to the CNMI, marking a significant achievement in our historic relations with Japan. We have committed to fully support Skymark’s flights and will look to them as our long-term partner for the Japan market," said Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands governor Ralph Torres.
Saipan is currently served by flights from China, Seoul Incheon and Busan in South Korea, Hong Kong and Guam.
