Maori dancers from the Polynesian Cultural Center performed a traditional ‘haka’ for guests departing on Hawaiian Airlines’ inaugural flight from Honolulu to Auckland at Honolulu International Airport.
By Staff Reports
(Honolulu) – Hawaiian Airlines today launched non-stop service to Auckland, New Zealand,
the latest addition to its expanding International network.
The departure of HA445 followed gate side festivities that included Hawaiian music and hula, a
performance honoring the Maori culture and a traditional Hawaiian blessing.
“We have been 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 on the inaugural flight were seven crewmembers of the traditional
Hawaiian sailing canoe Hokule`a, whose groundbreaking 1985 voyage from Hawaii to Waitangi
reintroduced the practice of celestial navigation to the Maori culture. The group was led by Hokule`a and
Polynesian Voyaging Society captain Nainoa Thompson.
Hawaii Governor Neil Abercrombie provided send-off remarks.
With today’s inaugural, Hawaiian becomes the only 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 percent fewer arrivals from New Zealand than in
1999 when the two destinations were served by more non-stop flights.
In addition, Hawaiian’s transpacific and interisland route networks allow convenient connections
throughout Hawai’i and in to 11 U.S. gateway destinations.
“Hawai’i is a perfect midpoint destination for the kind of extended vacation that New Zealanders
prefer, and we are ideally situated to offer dual-destination holidays and easy connections from Auckland
to places like San Francisco, Las Vegas or New York City,” commented Dunkerley. “And that works in
reverse as well, making it easier than ever for U.S. residents to enjoy the wonders of New Zealand.”
Auckland Airport General Manager Aeronautical Commercial, Glenn Wedlock, says it’s great to
say aloha to Hawaiian Airlines and welcome them to New Zealand. “It is fantastic to have such a
significant and fast growing US based carrier as Hawaiian Airlines arrive to help develop and stimulate
markets both outbound and inbound to Hawaii and the mainland United States. The demand is certainly
there and with holiday packages to Hawaii now around $1400 and airfare of $1599 to popular destinations
such as Las Vegas or $1799 to New York we are seeing great market response and we forecast traffic
doubling on the route.
“In fact due to high demand for their impending service, Hawaiian has already increased the
number of their flights from three to four per week during the peak period, which is outstanding news for
travelers. New campaigns have recently been launched in the US market promoting to US consumers the
new flights and we expect to see relatively untapped inbound markets such as San Diego, Seattle, Las
Vegas and New York respond to a 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 are working together with the airline to promote travel to New
Zealand.
“The United States is a vital market for New Zealand leisure and business travel, and is a key
focus for our marketing efforts given the significant potential for growth that exists. Tourism New
Zealand, Hawaiian Airlines and Auckland Airport will be launching a new joint venture marketing
campaign on 19 March, set to run for the next month, offering a competitive fare for travellers from the
West Coast of the USA to Auckland. In the coming days we will also be hosting some of Hawaiian
Airlines’ key travel trade agents and travel bloggers, giving them an unforgettable 100% Pure New
Zealand experience.”
Hawaiian will operate three flights a week between Honolulu and Auckland using a 294-seat
A330-200 aircraft.
Hawaiian’s Flight HA 445 will depart Honolulu International Airport at 1:45 p.m. every Monday,
Wednesday and Friday, cross the international dateline, and land at Auckland Airport at 9:55 p.m. the
following day.
Hawaiian’s Flight HA 446 will depart Auckland at 11:55 p.m. every Tuesday, Thursday and
Saturday, cross the international dateline, and arrive in Honolulu at 9:45 a.m. the same day.
Travelers on Hawaiian Airlines enjoy an inflight experience not offered by any other airline. From
the moment they board, Hawaiian’s signature ‘Mea Ho‘okipa’ (translation: I am host) onboard hospitality
engages them throughout 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 enjoyment
of customers’ travel experience on 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 from a wide range of
movies, TV programs, music, and video games, while also offering a USB port for the use of their own
personal media players. Customers sitting in Business Class will also enjoy iPod compatibility.
As a full service leisure carrier, Hawaiian provides all of its passengers between New Zealand and
Hawaii with complimentary meals, drinks and blankets, as well as selected in-seat video entertainment on
its A330 aircraft.
U.S. travelers may purchase tickets online for any of Hawaiian’s flights at HawaiianAirlines.com,
or by calling Hawaiian’s reservations department toll-free at 1-800-367-5320 or through any professional
travel agent.
New Zealand travelers may obtain more information, make reservations and purchase tickets on
Hawaiian through its website at www.hawaiianairlines.com.nz, its New Zealand reservations call center at
09-977-2227 or through their favorite travel agent.