Loomis-ISC - Honolulu, Hawai'i  

Mayors Serenade Pilots at Mokulele Airlines’ Launch of new Destination

Two mayors on board the inaugural flight of Mokulele Airlines to Hilo on the Big Island broke into song, serenading passengers and pilots alike. Their exuberance reflects the warmth with which the airline is being received by locals and visitors. The two mayors were Bernard Carvalho, Mayor of Kaua‘i and Billy Kenoi, Mayor of Hilo.

“It is so good to see Mokulele expanding. Hilo is our fourth largest airport with 1.34 million travelers last year. Mokulele’s expansion gives visitors and local residents an opportunity to have choices in fares and times. Those choices encourage people to visit the neighbor islands; which is more important than ever. This in turn promotes commerce,” said Sydney Hayakawa, Administrative Services Officer for the Hawai'i Department of Transportation.

Mokulele Airlines began offering jet service in November after announcing a partnership with Indianapolis-based Republic Airways to introduce Embraer 170 jets. More recently the airline went through a recapitalization, which gave Republic Airways a 50% stake in the airline. Local residents and visitors alike seem to be very pleased with Hawai‘i’s newest fleet, often noting the ample legroom, soft leather seats, clean interior and large overhead bin space. 

“I think that we have the best product in the market with perhaps the best service in the industry,” said Mokulele Airlines interim CEO, Scott Durgin.

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Shown here from left to right – Mayor of Kauai Bernard Carvalho and Scott Durgin, interim CEO for Mokulele Airlines during the celebration of the airline’s inaugural flights between Honolulu and Hilo.

Mokuele Airlines also offers jet service between Honolulu and Kahului, Kailua-Kona, and Lihu‘e.