PaCap Aviation Finance and Malama Investments now own the controlling interest in Island Air, keeping the airline under local control. The two investment companies are managed by PacifiCap, a Honolulu-based venture capital investment firm.
Jeffrey Au, the founder of PacifiCap, said the firm is “thrilled” to be part of turning around Island Air as it purchases new aircraft and focuses on increasing interisland service for local residents. In a press statement Au said, “We believe that having local owners and managers will allow us to provide the kind of reliability, seat availability, and service that our fellow kama’aina (Hawaiian residents) deserve.” Island Air executives praised the move, noting that local ownership should serve the airline well. PacifiCap will work with Larry Ellison and Ohana Airline Holdings, which will keep its non-controlling interest in the airline and work with its new owners on improvements. Island Air CEO Dave Pflieger anticipates that the partnership will help the airline grow in key interisland markets and create more jobs. The airline now employs about 250 people. Dedicated to honoring American service members, Island Air offered select discounts to eligible military personnel on Veterans Day 2015. On November 11, the airline enabled active and retired military members to purchase interisland flights with a special 50 percent discount on base fares. For more than 35 years, Island Air has offered a large volume of flights between Hawaiian destinations such as Lanai, Oahu, and Maui. To purchase discounted tickets, veterans could visit the Island Air ticket counters at Honolulu International Airport, Lanai Airport, and Kahului Airport. Military personnel also had the opportunity to visit Wet ’n’ Wild Hawaii, where they enjoyed special admission and the opportunity to purchase discounted plane tickets on site. Island Air CEO Dave Pflieger hailed the discount as a way to recognize the selfless service of men and women in the U.S. Armed Forces. Pflieger, a former officer and B52 pilot in the U.S. Air Force, expressed hope that the promotion would enable service members to spend quality time with their families in Hawaii.
Island Air’s new Travel Pak is making inter-island travel easier and more accessible for business travelers and vacationers alike. The Travel Pak offers bundles of coupons for flights as part of the airline's focus on offering Hawaii's visitors and residents an economical travel experience.
“Island Air’s Travel Paks provide a convenient way for travelers to explore more of Hawaii at an unbelievable price,” said Dave Pflieger, Island Airlines CEO. Customers must first enroll in Island Air’s Island Miles frequent flier program to be eligible for a Travel Pak. Travelers then can purchase one of two Travel Pak options. For an introductory price of $429, leisure travelers can buy six one-way flight vouchers. The Ka ‘Elele package for business travelers offers 20-one way flight vouchers for an introductory price of $1,499. Travel Paks do not have blackout dates or minimum stay requirements, and the non-refundable vouchers are good for 12 months after they are purchased. |
About David Pflieger
David Pflieger - Senior Airline Executive
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