Hawaiian Airlines plans on adding 74,000 seats for the summer travel season |
Travel Agent breaks down the latest Hawaii flight news, from Island Air's new Kona service to Hawaiian Airlines' aggressive plans to add roughly 74,000 seats for the summer travel season.
Hawaiian Airlines to Add Roughly 74,000 Seats for Summer Season
According to the Hawaiian Tourism Authority (HTA), visitor arrivals to Hawaii soared 3.6 percent to more than 2.1 million people through the end of March, setting new records.
This summer, experts are predicting the busiest travel season yet for Americans. To accommodate the demand, airlines are increasing the number of available seats, including Hawaiian Airlines, which will add nearly 74,000 air seats during a 14 week period.
Beginning May 27, Hawaiian Airlines will offer three weekly flights from Oakland to Kauai and Kona, four weekly flights from Los Angeles to Kona, and increase its regular nonstop service between Los Angeles and Kauai to four times weekly. From mid-June through September 5, service to Kauai from Oakland and Los Angeles will be offered daily.
Hawaiian Airlines holds a 91.9 percent on-time performance rate, while staying true to their hospitality program. Travelers will enjoy island-style complimentary meals and made-in-Hawaii snacks along with a presentation of the islands’ culture and Aloha Spirit.
Visit www.gohawaii.com and www.hawaiianairlines.com
Clients Can Redeem Japan Airlines Miles at Select Outrigger Hotels in Hawaii
Waikiki // Photo by Freeimages.com/Jenny W. |
Japan Airlines customers can now redeem miles for Hawaii vacations at Outrigger Reef Waikiki Beach Resort, Outrigger Waikiki Beach Resort and Ala Moana Hotel.
Outrigger Hotels and Resorts recently announced the launch of a partnership with Japan Airlines Co. Ltd., (JAL). The beachfront Outrigger Waikiki Beach Resort and Outrigger Reef Waikiki Beach Resort, as well as the recently upgraded Ala Moana Hotel, are the only properties in the state of Hawaii where JAL Mileage Bank guests can redeem miles for a hotel stay.
Japan Airlines started its service to Hawaii in 1954 and has been a major promoter of the islands ever since. The Honolulu Marathon and Hapalua Half Marathon are among many events and promotions sponsored by JAL.
Today, Japan Airlines provides more than 30 percent share; the largest share of seats to Hawaii from four major gateways in Japan, according to an Outrigger Hotels and Resorts release.
Visit www.outriggerenterprisesgroup.com and www.outrigger.com
Island Air Adds Kona Service
Kona, Hawaii Island, Hawaii // Photo by Freeimages.com/Rob Kimball |
Island Air recently announced it plans to offer inter-island air service to Hawaii Island, commonly referred to as "The Big Island," with five daily round-trip flights between Honolulu and Kona, starting June 14, subject to government approval.
The airline’s expansion of service to Kona will offer increased seat availability and more inter-island travel flight options for local residents and visitors, as well as create job opportunities in West Hawaii.
In addition to providing increased seat capacity, Island Air’s Kona service is expected to create roughly 25 airport-related jobs in West Hawaii.
Island Air’s check-in ticket counter will be located in Terminal 1 and arrivals/departures will be out of Gate 5 at Kona International Airport.
Visit www.islandair.com
Horizon Air to Add 30 Embraer E175 Regional Jets to Fleet
Horizon Air has announced that it will grow its fleet with the purchase of 30 new three-class Embraer E175 jets, which will fly exclusively for Alaska Airlines. The order, which also includes 33 options, will be delivered over three years starting next year, and is valued at $2.8 billion at Embraer’s current list price and represents the largest order since the airline was founded in 1981. The jets will supplement the Portland-based carrier’s fleet of Bombardier Q400 turboprops.
Embraer’s E175 will allow the carrier to fly "long, thin routes," Horizon Air said – destinations that are too distant for a turboprop, but currently don't have enough customer demand to fill a mainline jet.
Horizon said it plans to begin flying the jets exclusively for Alaska Airlines under a capacity purchase agreement (CPA) beginning in spring 2017 on select longer routes originating from the Pacific Northwest. Over time, the jets will replace 15 of the airline’s leased Q400s, due for return in 2018.
Horizon Air will fly both the E175 and the Q400 for the foreseeable future, the airline said.
The 76-seat E175 jet will have 12 seats in first class, 16 in premium class and 48 in the main cabin. Onboard amenities include Wi-Fi Internet access, and Alaska Beyond Entertainment, which includes free and premium entertainment direct to customer devices and power outlets throughout the cabin. Depending on length of flight, food and beverage will include fresh meals for purchase in addition to locally-sourced craft beers and premium wines.
Horizon Air is a subsidiary of Alaska Air Group, Inc. and flies to 39 cities across the United States and Canada.
Visit www.alaskaair.com and keep visiting www.travelagentcentral.com for all your latest Hawaii news. Be sure to follow Travel Agent's Joe Pike on Twitter @TravelPike.