Hawai’i Tourism Now: Interview with Blue Hawaiian Helicopters President and CEO Quentin Koch

Jack Dugan, the Chief Operating Officer of Pacific Media Group and director of MauiNow.com interviews the Chief Executive Officer and president of Blue Hawaiian Helicopters, Quentin Koch.

Blue Hawaiian Helicopters is currently operating at minimum maintenance with minimal staff. The company is still providing essential private charters between islands including government work.

Koch sees a long road to recovery for its business and the tourism industry due to the pandemic and how it has affected economies and demand for travel.

“It is very important to understand…that if the governor’s restrictions are lifted on June 1st, we won’t see any meaningful tourism until September well into 2021. It is just a longer impact for our employees on furlough,” Koch said.

Koch encourages kama’aina guests to support their business when the restrictions are lifted to explore what the Hawai’ian islands have to offer before any meaningful tourism returns.

“We will rebuild our economy and get you back to work,” Koch said as a message to the community, “because it is you that is truly the true ambassadors of aloha and thank you.”

To learn more about Blue Hawaiian Helicopters and how they are navigating the tourism industry during the COVID-19 pandemic, watch the interview above or visit their website.