Chew previously worked since 2003 as chief operating officer for the Air Traffic Organization at the Federal Aviation Administration in Washington D.C. Before that he worked 17 years at American Airlines, most recently as managing director of system operations control.

"Norm Davies has been a steady hand behind our operations for more than a decade and we wish him all the best in retirement. We are fortunate to have found someone of Russell Chew's capabilities and experience to join Hawaiian Airlines," said Mark Dunkerley, Hawaiian's president and chief executive officer.