[3] Much of Ada's efforts as an administrator focused on the potential of air travel as a tool of economic growth in the Mariana Islands.

[5] In 1978, the Northern Mariana Islands became a commonwealth in political union with the United States, resulting in a new constitution and an elected governor's office.

Within the private sector, Ada worked as the general manager and vice president of Triple J Enterprises Inc.[5] On October 14, 2002, former Governor Juan N. Babauta signed Saipan Local Law 13-10, which renamed Saipan International Airport as Francisco C. Ada/Saipan International Airport in honor of Ada.

[1] Ada told the NMI media during the dedication ceremony, "But the name was secondary to what the effort stands for, which is working together with the federal government [to achieve our goals].

[2] He was survived by his wife, Ines Seman Ada, and their seven children, many of whom have held positions in CNMI public life.

[2] Both the House of Representatives and the Senate adopted separate resolutions praising Ada's contributions to the political and social sectors of the Northern Mariana Islands since 1976, when it became a commonwealth.

[3] Ada's state funeral was held on Wednesday, March 10, 2010, at the Pedro P. Tenorio Multi-Purpose Center in Susupe, Saipan.