It has truly been a momentous week for Hawaiian Airlines, a long-standing partner of Marriott in Hawaii and the state's biggest and longest-serving airline. Today, Hawaiian Airlines begins a new era with the launch of its first Airbus A330 aircraft's maiden flight from Honolulu to Los Angeles. Passengers of this afternoon's inaugural flight were greeted with Hawaiian music and hula by Hawaiian Airlines Serenaders, and given fresh orchid lei to commemorate the occasion. Earlier on Tuesday, I had the privilege of attending a beautiful and exciting Hawaiian blessing and ceremony, introducing the first of up to 27 new long-range Airbus A330 and A350 aircraft joining the company's fleet.
Photo by Nathan Kam
Hawaii Governor Linda Lingle, Airbus Americas Chairman T. Allan McArtor, Hawaiian Airlines President and CEO Mark Dunkerley, and Hawaiian Airlines associates helped to usher in the new era for Hawaiian Airlines and the Aloha State, with forward-looking sentiments of inspiration and promise for a positive future.
Photo by Nathan Kam
The traditional Hawaiian ceremony included a blessing by Kahu Richard Kamanu of Kaumakapili Church, a special ‘oli (Hawaiian chant) created specially for the occasion by Hawaiian Airlines associate Keoni Martin, and hula by Halau I Ka Wekiu. It concluded with an invigorating bang, a performance by the award-winning Pearl City High School Marching Band and keiki (children) hula from Halau Hula Olana.
Photo by Nathan Kam
After the ceremony, we were given the opportunity to tour the brand new aircraft, which includes an impressive state-of-the-art entertainment system. There are high-resolution LCD touch screen monitors on the backs of each seat to enjoy movies, music videos, video games and more! There is also a USB port for passengers to connect their personal media players.
Photo by Nathan Kam
First Class passengers will enjoy added features, including larger screens that swivel and iPod compatibility.
Photo by Nathan Kam
The new Airbus A330 is an impressive aircraft, providing Hawaiian Airlines with an increased operating range of 6,050 nautical miles and the capability to expand its service area on both sides of the Pacific by offering nonstop flights between Hawaii and points in eastern Asia and all of North America.
Congratulations, Hawaiian Airlines!
