Mesa Air Group's effort to start a new low-cost interisland airline is getting closer to liftoff.

The Phoenix-based carrier, which plans to begin interisland service in the second quarter, said it has reached an agreement for office space at the commuter terminal at Honolulu Airport.

The airline also said it has hired Hendrix Miyasaki Shin Advertising Inc. and Bright Light Marketing Group for its advertising and public relations work.

Mesa announced in September that it was investing $50 million in a new interisland carrier to compete with Aloha and Hawaiian airlines, with one-way fares as low as $43.

"Our goal is to offer local traveling families, friends and business people the highest quality service with the aloha spirit, at the lowest fares available," said Jonathan Ornstein, Mesa's chief executive officer.

Greg Stephens, Mesa's chief operating officer, said the airline's offices will include space on the main floor and on the second level.

Stephens said Mesa's new local advertising and public relations operations will work closely on the airline's launch and are helping to develop the carrier's corporate name, logo and brand image.

Stephens said Mesa plans to announce the new airline's corporate name shortly.

Founded in 1982, Mesa operates 1,050 daily departures to more than 165 cities in the United States, Canada and Mexico. In addition to its Mesa Airlines unit, the company operates as America West Express, Delta Connection, US Airways Express and United Express under agreement with America West, Delta Air Lines, US Airways and United Airlines.

Reach Rick Daysog at rdaysog@honoluluadvertiser.com.