That is one of the required steps Mesa must undertake in order to follow through with plans to begin service early next year. Included in the proposal was information outlining the proposed flight schedule, key management personnel, relevant federal certifications, type of equipment to be operated, and copies of audited financial reports.

Key Mesa management led by Maurice Parker, a member of Mesa's Board of Directors, are in Hawaii preparing for the start of the operations.

Marriott says third-quarter loss narrows

Host Marriott Corp., owner of hotels including Hyatts, Hiltons and Westins, said its third-quarter loss narrowed as a surge in travel led to higher rates. The shares had their biggest decline in nine months after company's 2006 earnings forecast fell short of analysts' estimates.

Host Marriott reported a loss of $5 million, or 3 cents a share, from a loss of $47 million, or 17 cents, a year earlier, according to a statement today. Revenue rose 7.7 percent to $841 million. The company said it may earn as much as $1.45 a share excluding amortization and other costs, less than the $1.47 projected by 21 analysts surveyed by Thomson Financial.

The company gets about 50 percent of its profit from New York, California, Hawaii, Washington and Atlanta, Susquehanna Financial Group analyst Robert LaFleur said. Those markets are benefiting from strong demand and few new hotels being built. LaFleur is based in New York and rates Host Marriott shares "positive."