Two interisland carriers may seek government assistance

Advertiser Staff

As Hawaiian and Aloha airlines move forward separately in the aftermath of their failed merger attempt, both companies have said they are considering applying for federal loan guarantees under the same program that America West applied.

Federal officials have said that America West's experience and loan deal may not be representative of what other airlines will emerge with from the program.

But the carrier's often-challenging experience offers insight into the process, as well as the debate surrounding it.

Three other airlines, all regional carriers, have applied for the loan guarantees, according to federal officials: Kansas-based Vanguard Airlines, Alaska-based Frontier Flying Service, and Oregon-based Evergreen International Airlines.