TINIAN — STAR Marianas Air, Inc. announced that the U.S. Department of Defense has formally renewed the company’s Commercial Airlift Review Board (CARB) certification, authorizing STAR’s continued participation in the DoD Air Transportation Program, according to a press release issued Dec. 5, 2025.
The release said the confirmation was delivered in a letter issued by the Department of the Air Force, stating STAR “meets the Department of Defense (DOD) Commercial Air Transportation Quality and Safety Requirements” for continued participation in the program.
STAR said the renewal follows a multi-day evaluation conducted Oct. 28–30, 2025, during which DoD auditors reviewed the carrier’s operations across major safety, maintenance, training, and operational categories and verified compliance with DoD standards. The release also said mission observation flights during the evaluation noted satisfactory or above-industry-standard execution of checklists, crew coordination, and operational procedures.
“Renewal of our DOD CARB certification reinforces our unwavering commitment to safety, operational excellence, and the highest standards of reliability,” said Shaun Christian, president of STAR Marianas Air.
The release described STAR Marianas Air as a U.S. FAR Part 135 commuter air carrier providing scheduled passenger service, charters, and cargo transportation throughout the Mariana Islands. It said the company was founded in 2008, employs more than 100 people across the CNMI and Guam, and operates a fleet that includes PA-31-350 and PA-32-300 aircraft.
