[INSIDE HAWAII INC.]
Capt. William Noyes is known for his rapport with passengers.
Award-winning pilot
not looking forward
to retirementWhat led you to start greeting passengers?
Capt. William Noyes
>> Position: 36-year pilot with Hawaiian Airlines
>> Accolades: Named Hawaiian's 2003 Employee of the Year, the highest honor given to employees. A nominator noted that Noyes addresses passengers at the gate for each flight and tells them about his experience and current flying conditions to put them at ease.
I go out in the lobby just before boarding and make an announcement and tell them what kind of weather and route we're flying and so forth and personally welcome them and makes them feel more comfortable. I've done it for years when there was a delay and I'd go out and explain the delay and that was hard to always go out and give them bad news. I thought why not give them good news: We're on time and everything is really good. That was the lobby announcements. In the past 10 years I've been standing by the cabin door greeting people as they come on and I stand there thanking them when they get off. Most important is greeting them.
What have you noticed about passenger attitudes since 9/11?
Since 9/11, there's been a lot more tension and all the security procedures that they go through, it's all a reminder that we're not as safe as we used to be. And it's unfortunate because aviation has never been safer, except for, of course, terrorism. Operationally, things have never been safer. I just want them to know they're flying with a really good company and they're in good hands.
What do you think about current security at U.S. airports?
I think the Transportation Security Administration is doing all that they can to keep the skies safe and I certainly feel very comfortable. I doubt very seriously an attempt will ever be made in the same manner it was in 9/11, just because we are prepared.
What's your position on arming pilots?
I think it's a good idea. I think it's good for government to look to citizens to actively participate in security and I think that arming pilots is a definite deterrent. I think a terrorist will never know if a pilot is armed or not, so that would definitely slow them up coming through the cockpit.
Hawaiian Airlines employees have given $15 million in concessions to help the company reorganize. How do you feel about more concessions?
Personally speaking, I believe we've given enough. The company is doing very well. We're one of the most successful airlines in the country. I doubt the new owners are going to see a need for concessions. We're leading the industry in on-time arrivals, cabin service, baggage service.
Looking back, were the previous concessions necessary, given the airline's operating profits in the past year?
Speaking for myself, it seemed necessary at the time, or at least we felt it was necessary at the time. In retrospect, it may not have been. We had a huge training expense and were transitioning to new airplanes, plus tourism hadn't rebounded the way it has. Based on the numbers at the time, the concessions were appropriate.
How should the airline deal with the pilots pension, which was $94.5 million underfunded at the end of last year?
I really can't say. I'm not a financial expert. I believe there is a solution. I pray that there is. I'm retiring in less than a year now. Of course I'm interested. At least one of the prospective owners has said we should be able to keep our pension intact.
Why are you retiring?
I just turned 59. I have to; it's a federal law, which is a personal gripe. U.S. pilots must retire at 60.
What are you going to do?
I'd like to do some marketing and I'll still continue to fly in some aspects. I live near the glider port near Dillingham Airfield. So I will keep my hand in flying.
It can't be easy to retire ...
I really love my job. I love so many aspects of it. I'm going to miss it. I love the flying aspect. However, that's becoming more automated. I like working in the ohana environment I think Hawaiian Airlines employees work together probably better than most I've seen. That's especially true for flight attendants. They work to create that aloha spirit on the airplane on the mainland, which is palpable. People walk on the airline and they just feel it.
Inside Hawaii Inc. is a conversation with a member of the Hawaii business community who has changed jobs, been elected to a board or been recognized for accomplishments. Send questions and comments to business@starbulletin.com.
