Airline says discrimination claim carries no weight

A Tinian inter-island carrier has been accused of discrimination by the US Customs and Border Protection (USCBP) after it requested a "weight specific" officer, pursuant to the aircraft's weight restrictions.

Star Marianas, which has been providing free transportation for USCBP personnel from Saipan to Rota in order to satisfy pre-screening requirements for a Rota-Guam flight, has written to USCBP port director Ferdinand Mallari requesting the assignment of a "lightweight" officer, if available.

This resulted in Mallari accusing the airline of discriminatory practice.

"I have continued to inform you about this request for a 'weight specific' officer," he said.

"This is discriminatory in nature and do not condone nor will honor such a manner of request. do not make this type of request again.

"You will get whoever is assigned as all our officers are equally capable and trained to perform their duties."

Meanwhile, Star Marianas board chair Robert Christian clarified the request was not intended to discriminate but rather related to critical weight restrictions on its aircraft.

"Our request was made solely due to the limited capacity of our aircraft and the critical weight restrictions necessary for safe operation," he said.

"To imply that we are engaging in discrimination against USCBP officers is not only unfounded, but also undermines the spirit of cooperation upon which this program was built."

Christian expressed his disappointment in Mallari's statement and added that Star Marianas will be reassessing its voluntary participation in its arrangement with CBP.

"We were not only surprised by your message but also disappointed by the unprofessional tone and lack of constructive dialogue.

"Star Marianas will continue to remind your office of the need to assign officers with lower body weights as we reassess our voluntary participation in this program.

"Let me be absolutely clear: Star Marianas' participation in the program enabling USCBP pre-clearance on our flights is entirely voluntary.

"We are under no obligation to continue this arrangement, and, as far as I am aware, USCBP is equally free to terminate its involvement.

"Your characterization of our request for consideration of the assigned officer's weight as 'discriminatory' is both inaccurate and offensive."