Posted on: Friday, May 27, 2005
BUSINESS BRIEFS
JAL considers cutting flights
Advertiser Staff
Japan Airlines is mulling suspensions of some flights as part of an overall cost-cutting plan, but no decision has been made yet on which flights will be cut, the carrier said yesterday.
Japan Airlines spokesman Stephen Pearlman denied news reports earlier this week that a decision had been made to cut flights, including some to Hawai'i. Pearlman said the airline is considering cuts under a strategy announced in March. Details will likely be decided in July, he said.
Frank Haas, marketing director for the Hawai'i Tourism Authority, said the impact on Hawai'i's tourism market of any JAL cuts would depend on whether other airlines or charter services fill the void.
Island Air said yesterday that it has signed a letter of intent with Bombardier Aerospace to lease two Q400 turboprop aircraft, with an option to lease a third.
The aircraft, the first of which is scheduled for delivery in November, can carry up to 74 passengers and cruise at a speed of 360 knots. Island Air has 84 daily flights to Honolulu, Moloka'i, Lana'i, Kapalua, Kahului, Kona, Hilo and Lihu'e.
Gov. Linda Lingle yesterday signed a law authorizing the state to issue up to $10 million in special purpose revenue bonds to assist Hoku Scientific Inc., in planning and building facilities for the production of the company's fuel cell products.
Hoku Scientific is building a new headquarters and plant in the Kapolei Business Park. Special purpose revenue bonds allows a company to sell bonds that earn tax-free returns for investors.
Sales are completed for the first phase of Ko Olina Hillside Villas comprising 74 two-story townhomes priced from the low $500,000s to low $600,000s, developer Centex Destination Properties said.
The project at Ko Olina Resort & Marina will eventually have 174 units. A second phase is expected to begin sales in the fall.
Island Air adds 74-seat planes
Hoku Scientific gets bond help
Ko Olina project sells out phase
