Hawaiian Airlines today launched non-stop service to Auckland, the newest addition to its expanding international network. The primary flight lands in Auckland at 6.55pm today.
The arrival of HA445 might be followed by gate side festivities that included Hawaiian music and hula, a performance honoring the Maori culture and a normal Hawaiian blessing.
“We were delighted by the interest in our new service, both here at home and in New Zealand,” said Mark Dunkerley, Hawaiian’s president and CEO. “The deep cultural connections between our islands and the islands of Aotearoa make New Zealand a natural destination for Hawaiian and for our singular brand of authentic Hawaiian hospitality.”
Among the VIP guests at the inaugural flight are seven crewmembers of the conventional sailing canoe Hokule`a, whose groundbreaking 1985 voyage from Hawaii to Waitangi reintroduced the practice of celestial navigation to the Maori culture. The gang is led by Hokule`a and Polynesian Voyaging Society captain Nainoa Thompson.
With today’s inaugural, Hawaiian Airlines becomes the single U.S. carrier flying into Auckland. Hawaiian’s market research indicates that non-stop service will release pent-up demand in New Zealand for a Hawai’i vacation. There are currently 30% fewer arrivals from New Zealand than in 1999 when both destinations were served by more non-stop flights.
In addition, Hawaiian Airlines’ trans-Pacific and interisland route networks allow convenient connections throughout Hawai’i and in to 11 U.S. gateway destinations.
“Hawai’i is an ideal midpoint destination for the type of extended vacation that New Zealanders prefer, and we’re ideally situated to supply dual-destination holidays and straightforward connections from Auckland to places like San Francisco, Las Vegas or Ny city,” commented Dunkerley. “And that works in reverse in addition, making it easier than ever for U.S. residents to benefit from the wonders of recent Zealand.”
Auckland Airport General Manager Aeronautical Commercial, Glenn Wedlock, says it’s great to claim aloha to Hawaiian Airlines and welcome them to New Zealand.
“It is astounding to have this kind of significant and fast growing US based carrier as Hawaiian Airlines arrive to aid develop and stimulate markets both outbound and inbound to Hawaii and the mainland Country. The demand is definitely there and with holiday packages to Hawaii now around $1400 and airfare of $1599 to popular destinations reminiscent of Las Vegas or $1799 to The big apple we’re seeing great market response and we forecast traffic doubling at the route.
“In fact as a result of high demand for his or her impending service, Hawaiian has already increased the selection of their flights from three to four a week throughout the peak period, that is outstanding news for travellers. New campaigns have recently been launched inside the US market promoting to US consumers the hot flights and we think to determine relatively untapped inbound markets corresponding to San Diego, Seattle, Las Vegas and Long island reply to a brand new and convenient way of visiting New Zealand.”
Tourism New Zealand’s Chief Executive Kevin Bowler welcomes Hawaiian Airlines’ arrival and echoes these sentiments, adding they’re working along with the airline to advertise travel to New Zealand.
“The U.s. is an important marketplace for New Zealand leisure and business travel, and is a key focus for our marketing efforts given the numerous potential for growth that exists. Tourism New Zealand, Hawaiian Airlines and Auckland Airport shall be launching a brand new three way partnership campaign on 19 March, set to run for the following month, offering a competitive fare for travellers from the West Coast of the us to Auckland. Within the coming days we are going to even be hosting a number of Hawaiian Airlines’ key travel trade agents and travel bloggers, giving them an unforgettable 100% Pure New Zealand experience.”
In celebration of the beginning of Hawaiian Airlines Auckland service, iconic tourist landmark the Auckland Sky Tower can be lit in Hawaiian Airlines colours for 3 nights.
Hawaiian Airlines will operate three flights per week between Honolulu and Auckland using a 294-seat A330-200 aircraft.
Hawaiian Airlines’ Flight HA 445 will depart Honolulu International Airport at 1:45pm every Monday, Wednesday and Friday, cross the international dateline, and land at Auckland Airport at 9:55pm day after today. Flight HA 446 will depart Auckland at 11:55pm every Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday, cross the international dateline, and arrive in Honolulu at 9:45am a similar day.
Travellers on Hawaiian Airlines enjoy an inflight experience not offered by every other airline. From the instant they board, Hawaiian’s signature ‘Mea Ho‘okipa’ (translation: i’m host) onboard hospitality engages them within the flight with its warm and friendly celebration of the culture, people, and Aloha Spirit of the Hawaiian Islands.
The comfort, roominess and amenities of Hawaiian’s new A330 aircraft will add to the joy of customers’ travel experience at the new route. With high-resolution LCD touch-screen monitors in each seatback, the A330’s state-of-the-art entertainment system lets customers choose between a variety of movies, TV programmes, music, and games, while also offering a USB port for using their very own personal media players. Customers sitting in Business Class may even enjoy iPod compatibility.
As a whole service leisure carrier, Hawaiian provides all of its passengers between New Zealand and Hawaii with complimentary meals, drinks and blankets, in addition to selected in-seat video entertainment on its A330 aircraft.
Recommended