Talks have been held between the Northern Marianas and representatives of Sichuan Airlines about a new air link to China.
The Commonwealth Ports Authority says the new airline could fly to the islands starting next year.
The CPA's executive director Edward Deleon Guerrero says Sichuan Airlines has already secured a permit from the U.S. Department of Transportation and Communications and is now awaiting certification from the Federal Aviation Administration.
Sichuan Airlines is headquartered in Chengdu and mainly operates domestic services.
