Peterson
Q: Hawaiian Airlines has been a mainstay of island travel for decades. How do you continue to distinguish yourself from the competition?
A: I think we distinguish ourselves by promoting our basic message. We’re a Hawaii carrier, tightly tied to Hawaii, and that hasn’t changed. Our slogan is ‘Hawaii Starts Here,’ and we demonstrate that in a number of ways. Our flight attendants are all from Hawaii, and they exemplify the Hawaiian character. We’ll also do things such as have authentic Hawaiian entertainment at our mainland airport stations.
Q: Are there any other points of pride that you’d like to emphasize to agents?
A: Yes, we’ve always paid a ton of attention to service, and it shows in the product we deliver. We’re especially proud of our long-standing record as the best on-time airline. It’s our intention to deliver a quality product and it has to be a value product, as well.
Q: Give us some examples of how the airline has evolved recently.
A: We’ve added 18 percent additional airlift, which means that readers of your magazine in the western part of the mainland have many more options. We offer multiple flights each day from locations such as Seattle, Portland, San Jose, San Francisco, San Diego and of course, Los Angeles.
Hawaiian Airlines
Q: Your meal service has always garnered high reviews. Any changes in store there?
A: For some time we’ve been affiliated with chef Bev Gannon. Her restaurant, the Haliimaile General Store on Maui is world-famous. She is now doing a special menu for us in first class. Passengers can actually choose three out of five courses, from a tray right in front of them. It’s fabulous, and we’ve had a great response to it.
Q: Are you offering any special programs or promotions for agents at the moment?
A: Our Web site, HawaiianAirlines.com, has a section for travel agents. They can register by sending us an e-mail. It’s a useful tool for those agencies that do a significant amount of Hawaiian Airlines business. And, we will be introducing a series of promotions this fall, varying according to market.
Q: Do you have any concerns that the new Hawaii Super Ferry will take away some of your passengers?
A: Not really. Our airfares are so much lower that what the ferry will be charging. Our inter-island rates are in the $39-$59 range, and sometimes go as low as $19. The ferry ride is such a long trip. It isn’t something that a business person would do. We don’t see it as competition.
