KAHULUI, Hawaii >> Maui-based Pacific Wings is asking for state assistance to add routes between Kahului and Hilo or Kona, the company's president said. Maui firm seeks help
in bid to add flightsAssociated Press
Pacific Wings asked earlier this month for counter space in the commuter terminal at Hilo International Airport, and plans to offer two round trips a day between Hilo and Kahului as soon as possible.
A Kahului-Kona route could be opened within 60 days, Pacific Wings President Greg Kahlstorf recently told the state Department of Transportation Airports Division.
It is not known yet whether ground facilities can be made available.
Kahlstorf said it will be impossible to improve service "if the state doesn't create conditions" for airlines to operate.
Kahlstorf said he is convinced that large, 100-seat planes are no longer viable for much of Hawaii's interisland business because they are so expensive to operate. He contends Pacific Wings and its eight-passenger Cessna Caravans can charge less and still turn a profit.
On Monday, Gov. Linda Lingle called for additional interisland flights, saying she had witnessed firsthand the inconveniences of flying since the state's two main airlines were granted an antitrust exemption allowing them to discuss flight capacity.
Lingle said she urged Aloha Airlines and Hawaiian Airlines to look at how they have divided up the capacity and add more flights where necessary.
She said the airlines had been cooperative, and officials at Aloha and Hawaiian said they have heeded the governor's message and have added flights as needed, especially during peak holiday flying times.