REPORT FROM HAWAIIAN AIRLINES – A kapa pattern symbolizing ancestry, family and transportation will mark the turboprop aircraft flown by Hawai‘i’s newest interisland operation when ‘Ohana by Hawaiian inaugurates service to Moloka‘i and Läna‘i this summer.
The name and brand identity of the new service, as well as the aircraft design by renowned artist and designer Sig Zane and his son Kuha‘o, were unveiled this morning at Honolulu International Airport.
“The name ‘Ohana perfectly captures the idea behind this service and the role it will play in our community. This new service has always been about making it easier for friends and families throughout the islands and from overseas to share time together,” said Mark Dunkerley, President and CEO of Hawaiian Holdings, Inc. and its subsidiary Hawaiian Airlines. “Sig and Kuha‘o Zane’s design weaves the concept of family with symbols for heritage and transportation, acknowledging our proud history as the first company to connect our islands through flight.”
The Hilo-based designers used Hawaiian Airlines’ interisland route map as a basis for the design, and incorporated three kapa patterns: piko, representing ancestor and progeny; manu, representing both a bird in flight and the prow of a canoe, the traditional form of migration; and kalo, representing family.
“Today we invite our ancestors and kupuna to join us as we holoholo between the islands. We celebrate their art and recognize all who have traveled before us,” Zane said. “This symbol of our heritage is now a cherished piece for everyone to see.”
‘Ohana by Hawaiian will launch daily service to Moloka‘i and Läna‘i this summer using 48-seat ATR42 turboprop aircraft, said Hadden Watt, the operation’s managing director. The flights will be operated out of gates 49 and 50 at Honolulu International Airport by contractor Empire Airlines.
Watt estimates the new service will create up to100 new Hawai‘i-based jobs in various areas of air transportation. “Empire will be recruiting pilots, flight attendants and mechanics. The new service will also need contracted ground-handling and customer service positions on Moloka‘i and Läna‘i,” Watt said.
Reservations and sales for the new operation will be handled by Hawaiian Airlines, allowing ‘Ohana by Hawaiian flights to integrate seamlessly into Hawaiian’s well-established route network. The service on board will also reflect the authentic local hospitality that distinguishes Hawaiian Airlines as the premier air carrier to Hawai‘i.