Tag Archives: Island Air (Hawaii)

Island Air is acquired by Larry Ellison of the Oracle Corporation

Island Air (Honolulu) closed the sale of the airline today to a newly formed holding company owned by Lawrence J. Ellison. The sale secures the future of Island Air and its employees.

“This is another major investment and commitment toHawaiʻi,” said Paul Marinelli, vice president of Lawrence Investments, LLC. “We understand the critical importance of transportation in an island state and we will ensure that Island Air strengthens its role, capacity and service to the people of Hawaiʻi. We recognize the need for providing options for travelers, and we believe Island Air has tremendous potential to deliver value to both residents and visitors.”

“We are excited Mr. Ellison has acquired Island Air. He has the vision and resources to literally take Island Air to new heights,” said Les Murashige, Island Air president.

“The entire Island Air team pulled together over the past year to restructure and position the company for success and this sale represents the culmination of that process. I want to personally thank our 245 employees, the unions that represent them, and our entire management team for their efforts this past year. And, on behalf of all of us at Island Air, we welcome Mr. Ellison and we look forward to an exciting future together.”

Island Air has already added one new ATR 72 aircraft to its fleet (above).

There are no planned staff changes and Island Air will continue its operations as usual while developing plans for additional planes, routes and services. All current tickets will be honored and all Cloud9 members will retain their status and benefits.

According to Wikipedia, co-founder and chief executive of Oracle Corporation, one of the world’s leading enterprise software companies. As of 2012, he was the third-wealthiest American citizen, with an estimated worth of $41 billion. The bulk of Ellison’s fortune comes from his 22.5 percent stake in Oracle.

Larry Ellison purchased the island of Lāna‘i (LNY), so this airline purchase ensures that tourists will have access to the island. Hawaiian may have the ATR 42, but with the larger ATR 72, Island Air can bring more passengers to LNY.

Top Copyright Photo: Island Air. The first ATR, ex-American Eagle ATR 72-212 N348AE (msn 349) has become N941WP.

Bottom Copyright Photo: Ivan K. Nishimura. (L-R) Paul Marinelli, VP Lawrence Investments; Michael Rodynuck, Senior Consultant; Les Murashige, Island Air CEO.

Island Air:

Route Map:

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Island Air is sold to a mysterious new owner

Island Air (Honolulu) has disclosed it has entered into an agreement to sell the company to an undisclosed new operator (Empire Airlines?). The new owner should take control of the company within six to eight weeks according to the current management.

Hawaiian Airlines is getting ready to start its inter-island ATR feeder operation with Empire Airlines and Empire may be interested in consolidating with Island Air. If not, the new owners will have to compete against the new Hawaiian/Empire operation.

Read the full story from the Star Advertiser in Honolulu: CLICK HERE

Copyright Photo Below: Ivan K. Nishimura/Blue Wave Group. This colorful new 2012 livery for the airline could be short-lived if the new owners decide to retire the Island Air brand. The first ATR 72-212 (now N941WP, msn 349) arrived at the pictured Honolulu base on September 23, 2012. The airframe was formerly operated by American Eagle Airlines-Executive Airlines as N348AE.

Island Air:

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Island Air takes delivery of its first ATR 72 and introduces a new look

Island Air (Hawaii) (Honolulu) has taken delivery of its first ATR 72-200. The pictured former American Eagle Airlines (Executive Airlines) ATR 72-212 registered as N348AE (msn 349) arrived at the pictured Honolulu base on September 23. N348AE will become N941WP with Island Air. The new type also introduces this new livery.

Route Map:

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Island Air to lease five ATR 42s from Aerway Leasing

Island Air (Honolulu) has announced the signing of a letter of intent (LOI), leasing five ATR 42 jet prop aircraft. The announcement is the next step in the carrier’s New Business Plan (NBP) launched earlier this year.

The agreement was reached with Chicago’s Aerway Leasing, LLC for 5 ATR 42 jet prop aircraft.

The first two aircraft are set to arrive in Honolulu by end of year with three more joining the fleet in the summer of 2013.

Image: Island Air.

Island Air launches a new livery and will add ATRs in Hawaii

Island Air (Hawaii) is overhauling their already colorful livery. Following the announcement by Hawaiian Airlines that they will start an inter-island turboprop subsidiary, Island Air has announced a complete image and brand overhaul. The inter-island airline is also adding ATR 42s and ATR 72s starting in August.

The comprehensive rebranding touches every aspect of the airline; from an enhanced website to a newly inspired aircraft livery design, including an exciting new logo mark and identity.

Along with the new look, Island Air is upgrading its fleet with ATR 42 and ATR 72 aircraft. The new aircraft are more fuel efficient, and carry more passengers than the current Bombardier DHC-8-100 aircraft that are being replaced.

The changes and additions to Island Air’s brand will take place incrementally with the complete rebranding targeted for completion in the fall.

Top Image: Island Air.

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Bottom Copyright Photo: TMK Photography. Island Air operated the Bombardier DHC-8-402 (Q400) in the past but the type proved to be too large at that time.

Island Air:

Island Air celebrates its 30th anniversary

Island Air (Hawaii) (Honolulu) on Thursday (September 9) celebrated its 30th anniversary with special events in Honolulu. A orchid lei was given to each passenger departing from Honolulu and were also given a special music CD single recorded by Island Air employees.

Read the full story from HNL RareBirds:

CLICK HERE

Copyright Photo: TMK Photography. The Bombardier DHC-8-400 (Q400) proved to be too large for the Hawaiian market. DHC-8-402 (Q400) C-GAFM (msn 4017) became N814WP with the carrier during its short career.

go!/Mokulule Airlines to add Lana’i

go!/Mokulele Airlines (Honolulu) will begin service to Lana’i (LNY) from Honolulu which is advertising a $49 one-way fare to LNY. This is likely to spur a price war with Island Air.

Mesa Air Group ends Mokulele relationship

Island Air is the new partner for go! (Mesa Air Group). Island Air’s Bombardier DHC-8-103 N809WP (msn 32) stops at Kuanakakai on Molokai. Copyright Photo: Andy Jung.

Mesa Air Group (Phoenix) has elected to prematurely end its relationship with go!Express partner Mokulele Airlines (Kailua-Kona). Effective March 25, Mesa’s go! Hawaiian inter-island subsidiary will code share with Island Air (Honolulu) for feeder traffic. Republic Airways recently announced its intention to increase its share in Mokulele Airlines. The two parties are now squaring off as competitors.