Hawaiian exploring possibility of Asia flights

By Kelly Yamanouchi
Advertiser Staff Writer

Hawaiian Airlines is considering flights to Asia as early as this year.

Executives did not specify which destinations they are weighing, but chief executive John Adams said he is actively exploring "areas in the far East, not only Japan but other areas as well."

Hawaiian now flies interisland, to the Mainland and to the South Pacific.

"We are very keen with working with the state and also private interests as well to try and create the demand in Asia so that we can be right there," said Mark Dunkerley, Hawaiian's new president and chief operating officer. "That's a process that takes a little time. It's about relationship building and so on, but we're actively involved in that."

Adams said Hawaiian executives are eager to sit down with Ted Liu, director of the state Department of Business and Economic Development and Tourism, to discuss their interests in Asia flights.

However, there are a number of hurdles to overcome, Adams acknowledged. For instance, visa availability is still a barrier for China flights, he said.

Starting flights to Asia will also depend on whether the airline succeeds in cutting costs as part of a new business plan. If it is successful, an announcement about Asia flights could come by year's end, Adams said.

Hawaiian received approval in 1998 to fly Maui-Tokyo flights, but decided to hold off because of Japan's economic troubles. It also could not obtain space at Tokyo's Narita Airport or a runway extension at Kahului Airport. To start any flights to Asia, it would need new governmental approvals.

Reach Kelly Yamanouchi at 535-2470, or at kyamanouchi@honoluluadvertiser.com.