BORN into a family steeped in the aviation industry, Shaun’s path seemed predestined from an early age. His father, Robert Christian, a veteran of the skies, played a pivotal role in shaping the airline landscape of the Northern Mariana Islands. “My father was working for Princeville Airways in Hawaii and was invited to move to the Marianas to assist the Rota Pau Pau hotel with their transportation issues,” Shaun recalls. “But Princeville Airways was changing ownership at that time, so he began working with Maui Airlines. By 1985, our family made the move to the CNMI.”
It was here, amidst the waters and sun-drenched shores, that Shaun’s love affair with aviation indeed took flight. Shaun earned his high school diploma from the Northern Marianas Academy and associate degree in liberal arts at the Northern Marianas College. He ventured stateside to the University of Washington, securing a bachelor’s degree in business administration – marketing. After that, he studied at South Seattle College and received his degree in Aeronautical Maintenance Technology and his FAA Airframe and Powerplant Mechanics license in 1998.
His early career saw him donning various hats, from serving as an Assistant to the Chairman at Pacific Island Aviation to taking on the role of Director of Maintenance at Caucasus Airlines, where he honed his expertise in the intricate workings of the aviation industry.
Yet, it was in 2008 that Shaun’s true calling came into focus. He co-founded Star Marianas Air to recognize the pressing need for reliable and sustainable air transportation services in the Northern Mariana Islands and Guam. The impetus came when Dynasty Hotel approached the Christian family with a transportation problem. “We don’t see ourselves as business entrepreneurs,” Shaun explains. “We are transportation system design specialists, with expertise in customizing airline operations to unique situations.”
When Dynasty Hotel experienced transportation issues with Taga Air Charter in 2008, the Christian family proposed an alternative solution. “We suggested that Dynasty work with Freedom Air since they already had a presence here,” Shaun recounts. However, Freedom Air was reluctant to expand its operations with nighttime flights or additional aircraft to meet demand.
This unmet need sparked the birth of STAR Marianas Air. “We didn’t come here to compete; we came to serve a role that was not being adequately addressed at the time,” Shaun states. Our goal was to provide a sustainable and safe solution to Dynasty’s transportation challenges between Tinian and Saipan.”
What began as a humble operation with three single-engine Piper PA-32 aircraft has since transformed into a formidable force, boasting a fleet of eight Piper PA-32s and five twin engine Piper PA-31s, facilitating an astounding average of 200 daily flights. “Our growth has been a testament to the hard work and dedication of our team,” Shaun proudly states. “We’re not just moving people from point A to point B; we’re connecting communities, fostering economic growth, and enabling cultural exchange.”
The airline’s name, STAR Marianas Air, pays homage to: Saipan, Tinian, Aguiguan, and Rota, representing the three largest municipalities in the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands.
Shaun’s commitment to excellence extends far beyond the airline’s operations. He has earned an impressive array of certifications and licenses, each a testament to his unwavering dedication to the highest standards of safety and professionalism. From his Airline Transport Pilot license, Inspection Authorization, Airframe and Powerplant Mechanics license and Remote Pilot Certificate from the Federal Aviation Administration to his Safety Management certification from the International Air Transport Association (IATA), Shaun’s expertise is widely recognized and respected.
“In this industry, there is no room for complacency,” he asserts. “We must constantly strive to improve. That’s why I’ve pursued these certifications – to ensure that STAR Marianas Air remains at the forefront of safety.”
He has also secured certifications as a Freon Technician from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and a General Radiotelephone Operator License from the Federal Communications Commission.
Today, as other regional airlines have ceased operations, STAR Marianas Air is the sole inter-island carrier, providing a crucial link between the islands of Saipan, Tinian, Rota, and Guam. This role extends beyond mere transportation; it is a lifeline for the people, facilitating commerce, cultural exchange, and the seamless flow of goods and services that sustain the region’s vibrant communities.
“We may fly small planes, but our impact is immense,” Shaun says with pride. “Our short ten-minute flights are more than just a journey; they’re a bridge that connects families, businesses, and communities.”
“We didn’t just create an airline; we created a pathway to opportunity,” he explains. By providing reliable transportation links, we’ve opened doors for entrepreneurs, investors, and island guests.” In a significant way, the airline has been supporting the islands’ tourism industry.
Yet, for Shaun, the journey is far from over. With an unwavering vision and an indomitable spirit, he continues to soar to new heights, always seeking to push boundaries and redefine what is possible.
Shaun Christian (in green shirt) with SMA team in Tinian Hangar
Shaun Christian (in green shirt) with the SMA’s Procurement and Admin Department
