Ohana by Hawaiian could be flying next month

Hawaiian Airlines (Honolulu) in February 2013 introduced a separate new ‘Ohana by Hawaiian name and brand for its new ATR 42 regional division. Hawaiian Airlines acquired two ATR 42-500s to be operated by Empire Airlines of Idaho. The first, ATR 42-500 N804HC (msn 623) arrived in Honolulu on January 14, 2014. The aircraft have been sitting idle because the AOC certification process with the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) was held up due to the Washington budget mess called “sequestration”. Now the FAA is working with Empire Airlines and Hawaiian to obtain the Part 121 AOC in order for Empire to operate the aircraft in the islands. According to the Molokai News, the new airline hopes to become airborne next month.

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Video of the painting of the first Ohana ATR 42:

At the time of the first announcement, Hawaiian issued this statement about the choice of the interesting brand:

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 on February 11, 2013 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 Lana’i this summer using 48-seat ATR 42 turboprop aircraft operated by Empire Airlines of Idaho.

Copyright Photo: Ivan K. Nishimura/Blue Wave Group. (Left to Right) Hawaiian CEO Mark Dunkerley, livery co-designers Kuha‘o Zane and Sig Zane.

Design:

Top Image: Hawaiian Airlines: Our fleet of modern, ATR 42 turboprop aircraft evokes some of the magic and nostalgia of a bygone era, soaring along scenic shorelines. Service aboard ‘Ohana’s 48-passenger twin-turboprop aircraft will feature the friendly, world-class service Hawaiian Airlines is famous for, delivered in a lighter, more casual local style.

Hawaiian Airlines: