(SMA) — Star Marianas Air Inc. announced Tuesday that Jose Cruz has been promoted to the position of vice president of operations and safety for the Tinian-based airline. Cruz, a native of Tinian, has served as the manager of the airline’s safety department, overseeing the company’s safety management system since he joined SMA in 2017.
Jose Cruz
“I am excited to start this new chapter in my career with Star Marianas Air.” Cruz said. “Working with this company has been a sincere pleasure and has allowed me to participate in something that benefits our community.” he added.
Cruz also shared the importance the airline plays in the economic development of the three islands in the CNMI. “We've just wrapped up one of our busiest operational weekends since the beginning of the Covid-19 pandemic with the successful completion of Tinian's 2021 Pika Festival. From Friday the 12th through Sunday the 14th SMA transported over 1,000 passengers, carried nearly 20,000 pounds of cargo, and facilitated an emergency patient transfer from Rota to Saipan."
He added, “We take our responsibility with diligence and intentionality, to provide safe, reliable, and sustainable air transportation to the islands’ communities."
Prior to joining SMA, Cruz held key positions for various government agencies such as the advisory team for the Office of the Mayor, the Tinian Municipal Council, the CNMI Department of Commerce, the Department of Public Works, the Tinian Public Market, the Dog Control Program, the Third Constitutional Convention, the Tinian Casino Gaming Control Commission, USDA PPQ and has served on various boards. He is also an active volunteer member of the community, donating his time and resources to contribute to the beautification of Tinian.
