Onsite: Hawaiian Airlines Lifts Off on Inaugural Honolulu/Manila Flight

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Philippine dancers and the blessing of Hawaiian Reverend Curt Kahuna accompanied the inaugural Hawaiian Airlines flight from Honolulu to Manila, which took to the skies on April 14. Mark Dunkerley, president & CEO of Hawaiian Airlines noted in his inaugural remarks that this was a true historic occasion—not only as Hawaiian’s first flight to Manila, but it’s first flight to Asia. The new service makes Hawaiian the only U.S. carrier providing nonstop service between Manila and Honolulu, and will more than double capacity on the route.

“This new flight will allow friends and family to rekindle their relationships, while at the time it will promote trade between the two countries,” said Dunkerley. “Employees who have been with us for decades tell us that they have never see this kind of community response to a new route.”

This observation was born out by Blaine Miyasoto, vice president customer service, Hawaiian Airlines  “We did a promotion in which we offered 250 round trip tickets on our Manila flight, good for one year,” said Miyasoto. “We had close to 11,000 people show up for the drawing in downtown Honolulu—the line stretched around the block three times.” Miyasoto noted that Hawaiian is not going into the route on a temporary basis—they’re making a commitment. “Sydney took us two years of investment in the market, and we figure it will take us a similar amount of time to become established in Manila,” he said.

Hawaiian’s Flight #455 will depart Honolulu International Airport on Sundays, Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays at 12:30 p.m. and arrive at Ninoy Aquino International Airport in Manila the following day at 5:15 p.m. Return Flight #456 will depart Manila on Mondays, Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays at 7:00 p.m. and arrive in Honolulu the same day at 11:15 a.m. Manila is 18 hours ahead of Honolulu and the flight crosses the International Dateline.

In celebration of its service, Hawaiian is offering a special introductory roundtrip fare between Honolulu and Manila of $499, plus taxes and fees, for coach-class seating that is good for travel purchases through May 31. Visit www.hawaiianairlines.com or call 800-367-5320.