IF there is one word that can describe island living in Saipan, it’s resilience. For the past two decades, Saipan has endured recessions after garment factories closed, devastating typhoons like Soudelor and Yutu, COVID-19 restrictions, and a crippling tourism halt. Like bamboo, Saipan bent but didn’t break. And through those years, STAR Marianas Air was there with Saipan every step of the way.
The airline has seen how busy the economy can get when tourists flood the islands, and it was a lifeline during the typhoons and pandemic shutdowns. After 15 years of operations, Star Marianas Air has completed over 600,000 flights carrying more than 1.1 million customers across the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands (CNMI). But this is no ordinary airline.
Winning challenges year after year
Operational challenges are the norm for an airline serving the remote Pacific islands rather than the exception. During Typhoon Soudelor, Star Marianas utilized a “runaway strategy” to protect its assets. CEO Shaun Christian recounts, “We flew the aircraft to Guam. We did the same for Yutu, storing some planes in Tinian to ride out the storm.” The airline became creatively resilient in the grueling weeks after the destructive typhoons when Saipan had no power. “We pre-planned everything—we used battery inverters, powered computers with cars” says Christian. Pilots used phones to photograph weight and balance calculations since printers were down.”
The airline’s remote Pacific location also presents unique logistical challenges. Overnight shipping from the U.S. mainland is impossible, so meticulous planning is required. “We calculate shipping times and stock high inventory levels for parts like tires,” Christian explains. “We also pre-purchase months’ worth of aircraft fuel since it can’t be sourced locally.” The COVID-19 pandemic brought another wave of obstacles, from part shortages to fluctuating passenger demand. But through it all, the airline remained resilient.
Fueling the island economies
As of now, Star Marianas Air employs 87 people – 54 men and 33 women stationed across Saipan, Tinian, and Rota. At one point, it became Tinian’s largest private employer. Prioritizing local hires helps sustain the island economies through recessions. Paving Pathways to Aviation Careers The airline is a training ground for aspiring aviators, having developed its own manuals to impart technical skills. Rolando Advincula, the Chief Safety Officer, knew nothing about aircraft maintenance when he started 15 years ago. Today, his expertise is owed to Star Marianas’ on-the-job training. The airline also cultivates local talent from a young age through apprenticeship programs. Mia Chloe Danganan, a 2022 Tinian High School graduate, is now the company’s youngest employee, working as an inflight auditor and assisting pilots with safety checks.
A responsible community partner
Star Marianas Air’s commitment extends beyond the skies. The airline maintains the 127,000 square meter Breakwater Park and the grounds of San Jose Church in Tinian to give back to its community.
With a resilient spirit forged over 15 years of overcoming adversities, Star Marianas Air has embodied the perseverance of the CNMI people. This is no ordinary airline but rather a uniquely local ambassador continuing to defy challenges and pave new horizons across the islands’ skies.
Rolando Advincula
Mia Chloe Danganan
San Jose Parish, Tinian
Mechanics hard at work in Tinian Hangar
Daily updates and aircraft monitoring in SMA Tinian.
Shaun Christian shows Variety SMA’s own inventory system for aircraft maintenance.
List of SMA’s sister companies outside their conference room.
Jose “Joe” Cruz inside the conference room.
Shaun Christian during one of his training sessions with pilots in SMA Tinian.
Facade of Star Marianas main building and hangar in Tinian.
