Marianas Southern Airways is ending its operations a month after the NMI government terminated its $8-million American Rescue Plan funded contract due to its deficit. Star Marianas is once again the only inter-island airliner for residents and the government to rely on for critical services.

Marianas Southern Airways is saying "adios" to the NMI and Guam just months after taking flight.

In a social media post Thursday, the company says its operations will end on April 1st, writing that they found a 'fantastic group of employees" they could count on and appreciate the government agencies who got their planes in the air last August.

They added, "though our plans have been cut short due to an unexpected turn of events, we hope that all of you know how much we appreciate the opportunity to have served the people of the CNMI and Guam."

Those turn of events an apparent course correction by the new administration. Governor Arnold Palacios terminating an $8 million ARP funded sole-source contract inked by former Gov. Ralph Torres due to the deficit. Palacios learned of the news when KUAM asked him for comment.

CNMI Governor Arnold Palacios said, "That is unfortunate to be honest. We wanted them to stay but the unfortunate situation with the agreement and if that is the linchpin to their staying then that is unfortunate because we can not afford to fork up that much funding out of ARPA."

Residents within the NMI now only have Star Marianas, which started flying in 2009, as an option for inter-island air travel. But not everyone is on board with the governor's decision.

The community responding to the news on-line. Keith Ada writing, "Administration, ya'll couldn't have negotiated something? I hope you guys have alternatives."

Ramon Santos commenting, "every time something going good we chased them away.'

James Creed sharing that MSA was the most affordable airliner to take to visit his grandpa who has cancer on Guam.

But the governor says any deal under his leadership would need to be offered to all competitors.

"We have to give equitable treatment to all companies wanting to serve," said Palacios. :Star Marianas has been doing that for a long time without a lot of incentives."

Palacion responded when asked how the commonwealth has reliable inter-island travel, "Well, I saw on an advertisement on social media that Star Marianas is gonna pick up and hope that they can create a different model."