Friday, June 27, 2025

Greater Bay Airlines, a Hong Kong-based startup carrier, is preparing to make its first foray into the U.S. market. Founded in 2022, this emerging airline has set its sights on launching a new route between Hong Kong and Saipan, a U.S. territory located in the Pacific. The airline has submitted an official application to the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) for approval to begin scheduled services during the winter season of 2025–2026.

This proposed route would represent an exciting milestone for Greater Bay Airlines, marking its debut in the U.S. market. If approved, the airline plans to operate two flights per week, offering travelers a direct connection between Hong Kong and the tropical island of Saipan. For Greater Bay Airlines, this expansion would be a major step forward, further establishing the airline in southern China’s highly competitive Greater Bay Area.

Saipan, part of the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands (CNMI), has traditionally attracted a niche market of travelers, particularly from China. The route connecting Hong Kong to Saipan was previously operated by Hong Kong Airlines. However, Hong Kong Airlines suspended this service in May 2024, and it has yet to resume. According to aviation sources, the suspension could be attributed to changes in entry regulations and a possible decline in demand for the route.

Before its suspension, Hong Kong Airlines’ flights to Saipan reached a near-perfect load factor of 99.3% in March 2024, indicating robust demand for the route. This suggests that, despite its remote location, Saipan remains an attractive destination for certain high-end tourists. However, the tightening of visa regulations for Chinese citizens has impacted travel patterns, further complicating the route’s viability.

In December 2024, the U.S. government introduced new entry requirements for Chinese nationals traveling to Saipan. Under the new rules, travelers from China must apply for a G-CNMI ETA (Electronic Travel Authorization) before entering the Northern Mariana Islands unless they already hold a valid U.S. visa. This shift has created uncertainty among potential visitors, as Chinese travelers no longer enjoy visa-free access to Saipan, a privilege that had previously boosted tourism.

In response, CNMI officials have raised concerns with U.S. federal immigration authorities, urging the government to revert to the previous, more lenient entry policy. As a result, while Saipan’s tourism market may be facing challenges, these regulatory shifts are also paving the way for new carriers, such as Greater Bay Airlines first U.S. route, to potentially fill the gap left by Hong Kong Airlines.

If granted permission by the U.S. Department of Transportation, Greater Bay Airlines would be stepping into a market currently under-served by direct flights from Hong Kong. The proposed service would directly compete with Hong Kong Airlines, which plans to resume its Saipan route in August 2025. With this competition, Greater Bay Airlines will be entering a niche market but could benefit from the steady demand for travel to Saipan.

Saipan’s appeal largely stems from its natural beauty, including its tropical scenery and growing casino industry, which has drawn a wealthier clientele. However, its remote location, limited accessibility, and high travel costs have meant that the island primarily caters to affluent tourists, a factor that both Greater Bay Airlines and Hong Kong Airlines will need to take into consideration when setting pricing and marketing strategies.

Despite its attractions, Saipan’s tourism sector is facing its own set of challenges. The local economy has been struggling with aging infrastructure, and many businesses have shuttered due to declining foot traffic. Reports from late 2024 highlighted the closure of shops and restaurants in Garapan, the island’s central tourism hub. These challenges have raised questions about the future growth of Saipan’s tourism industry, which may struggle to compete with other popular tropical destinations in the region.

For Greater Bay Airlines, launching its first U.S. route would be a key moment in its short history. The airline’s expansion into the U.S. market could be a strategic move to tap into Saipan’s niche tourism sector, offering a fresh option for travelers from Hong Kong and other parts of China. However, this move also depends heavily on the evolving regulatory landscape, as the uncertainty surrounding the new G-CNMI ETA regulations continues to affect demand.

In the end, whether Greater Bay Airlines can successfully launch this route will depend on several factors, including regulatory approvals, market demand, and competition from established carriers like Hong Kong Airlines. Nonetheless, the airline’s ambition to offer a direct connection to Saipan signals a new era of connectivity for travelers seeking an escape to this remote yet captivating U.S. territory.

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