Opportunity in Hawaii? Or Fools Rushing into Paradise?
October 10th, 2008
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
Entry Filed under: Big Island, Kauai, Maui, Oahu
2 Comments Add your own
1. Erika Engle | October 10th, 2008 at 10:21 am
Searched the Star-Bulletin Web site for “Republic Airways” and found these results:
http://is.gd/3QP0
and this one (scroll about half-way down the page) http://is.gd/3QPn
2. Vacation Lover | June 20th, 2009 at 4:45 am
I had the opportunity to travel on Mokulele several days ago and I have to admit I was a little apprehensive, but yet excited to “review” a new carrier. Let me tell you something! It was FABULOUS! Mokulele definitely has the upper hand. They have beautiful airplanes and professional crews that love their job. I’m sure there is some hesitation with Republic Airways stepping in to take over, but honestly they are merely making a dream come true for Hawaii and interisland travel. Thanks to both Republic and Mokulele for making my experience a memorable one.
Leave a Comment
Some HTML allowed:
<a href="" title=""> <abbr title=""> <acronym title=""> <b> <blockquote cite=""> <cite> <code> <del datetime=""> <em> <i> <q cite=""> <strike> <strong>
Trackback this post | Subscribe to the comments via RSS Feed