Island Air Expands Interisland Fleet by 6

Photo courtesy of Hawaii News Now.

By Sonia Isotov

Island Air yesterday announced the addition of a total of six new air new aircraft into their fleet; three ATR 72-212 by the end of 2012, and three additional ATRs in 2013.

“The timing is right and, as the economy rebounds, we look forward to growth and future opportunities to better serve our local communities and visitors with their interisland travel needs,” said Charles Willis IV, chairman of the board at Island Air, in a written statement.

Preparations are already in full swing as Island Air gears up for the initial integration of the ATR aircraft with the Dash-8 fleet and final transition in the years ahead.

“It’s a busy and exciting time for our Island Air Ohana” said Lesley Kaneshiro, the chief executive officer of Island Air. “We’ve just hired 7 new pilots and as we grow, other employment opportunities will also become available.”

Founded in 1980, Island Air now offers 331 weekly flights between the islands of O’ahu (Honolulu International Airport), Maui (Kahului Airport and West Maui’s Kapalua Airport), Molokai (Ho’olehua Airport), Lana’i (Lana’i City Airport), Kaua’I (Lihue Airport), and the Island of Hawai’i (Kona International Airport).