Long-lasting Hawaiian Air emerged from bankruptcy after a difficult two-year reorganization effort.
Airline observers say the carrier’s survival gives hope for other airlines.
Hawaiian Air has survived despite the removal of its CEO by the bankruptcy court and other mishaps that included a pilot championing an alternate reorganization plan.
“Hawaiian Airlines can now move forward without the costs and burdens of bankruptcy,” said Lawrence S. Hershfield, chairman of the board for Hawaiian Holdings.
The airline now intends to get financing for new jets to expand its service, according to Mark Dunkerley, president.
The carrier recently improved service to Las Vegas and announced plans for new service to San Jose, Calif., later this year.
“Beyond that, we are always interested and have plans to look further airfield to the East Coast of the United States and perhaps to Asia,” said Mr Dunkerley.
Hawaiian Airlines has repeatedly been named the nation’s number one on-time carrier.
The 76-year-old carrier offers nonstop service to Hawaii from more gateway cities than any other airline. Hawaiian also provides about 100 daily flights among the Hawaiian islands and service to Australia, American Samoa and Tahiti.
Report by David Wilkening
