Former Hawaiian Airlines CEO To Head Island Air

Paul Casey has been named chief executive officer of Island Air. Courtesy photo.

By Sonia Isotov

Paul Casey, former head of Hawaiian Airlines and a leader in the Hawaii travel industry, has been named chief executive officer of Island Air, the airlines purchased by billionaire Larry Ellison, the new owner of the island of Lanai, earlier this year.

“We are delighted to have someone with Paul Casey’s extensive experience in the airline and travel industries join Island Air,” said Paul Marinelli, Island Air director and vice president of Lawrence Investments, LLC, in a media announcement Monday.

Marinelli said Les Murashige will continue as Island Air’s president, responsible for all day-to-day operations, and will report to Casey. Casey will start his new position May 1.

Casey, who is the current chair of O‘ahu Visitors Bureau, has more than 35 years in international travel and tourism, the airline industry and business. He served as vice chairman, president and chief executive officer of Hawaiian Airlines from 1997 to 2002.

He was president and chief executive officer of the Hawai‘i Visitors and Convention Bureau from 1995 to 1997 and continues to serve on its board. He was chairman, president and chief executive officer of Continental Air Micronesia from 1987 to 1991 and then went on to serve as vice president-international division from 1991 to 1994.