Opportunity in Hawaii? Or Fools Rushing into Paradise?

It’s been a rough year for airlines in Hawaii.  Aloha Airlines went bankrupt, then bellied up.  Go! Airlines virtually abandoned its passenger business.  With fuel costs, reduced capacity on flights from the U.S. mainland and elsewhere and travel declining everywhere, this seems an unlikely time to begin an airline venture in our islands.

Apparently, though, A Mainland airline is exploring plans to enter the inter-island market, hoping to fill the void.

Indianapolis-based Republic Airways is considering inter-island flights under a code-share agreement with tiny Big Island commuter carrier Mokulele Airlines.  Mokulele operates less-traveleed routes — such as between Kona and Kahului, Maui; between Honolulu and Hana, Maui; and between Honolulu and Kapalua, Maui – with aircraft that carry nine passengers.  Republic and Mokulele plan to upgrade the fleet.

We’re following this story and will keep you posted.

Posted by Jim Winpenny

1 comment October 10th, 2008