Mokulele begins 14 flights a day

We blogged a few weeks ago about a  Indianapolis-based Republic Airways was planning to form a partnership with Kailua-Kona-based Mokulele Airlines in order to provide more passenger seats for Hawaii’s interisland travelers and to create competition for Hawaiian Airlines in the market.

Well, they’ve done it, spurring hopes for lower fares and more options.  Starting November 19th, Mokulele will begin flying 14 flights a day between Honolulu and Lihue, Kauai, and between Honolulu and Kailua, Kona, using 70-seat Embraer E170 jets operated by Republic.  Service to Maui and Hilo is to start in January.

Republic Airways also will provide $150 million in financing, which will include a line of credit and spare engine parts for the new service.

It’s expected that some 200 of the employees who were laid off when Aloha Airlines folded will now be hired by Mokulele.

If you’re planning a trip to Hawaii, this could be good news for you, too.  Maybe prices will be more favorable for interisland travel, and we now have more options for booking convenient travel arrangements for you.

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Add comment November 18th, 2008

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

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2 comments October 10th, 2008


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