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30 August, 2019

Hawaii’s national carrier a key economic driver of US state, report finds

Hawaiian Airlines generated the equivalent of $9.3 billion in economic benefit for the state of Hawaii and supported more than 60,000 jobs in 2018, according to a new report.

The analysis, conducted by global consulting services company ICF in recognition of the airline’s 90th year of service to the state and its people, examined the most recent publicly available full-year data to assess Hawaiian’s economic impact to its home state.

“Due to the state’s unique geography, HA (Hawaiian Airlines) provides a service to Hawai‘i that is unmatched anywhere else in the US and most of the world,” the report concluded.

“The regional economy would be severely stalled without the airline’s inter-island, domestic and international flights.”

Hawaii’s oldest and longest-serving airline, whose core mission to serve the destination has guided its global growth since its founding as Inter-Island Airways in 1929, today employs more than 7,300 people and operates more than 260 daily flights between the Hawaiian Islands and connecting Hawaii to the US mainland, Asia, Oceania and the South Pacific.

The report, which was commissioned by the airline, noted that in addition to direct benefits derived from visitor and employee spending, the airline generates regional employment and revenue through spending on daily operations, capital investments, and indirect spending by visitors and passengers. Highlights from the report include:

Hawaiian Airlines report infographic

Hawaii economist Paul Brewbaker, who also contributed to the report, noted: :Hawaiian Airlines’ 90-year history is the modern economic history of Hawaii, opening it to commerce and trade in services by connecting the islands with each other and the world.”

In addition to a comprehensive economic impact analysis, the report profiles five local entities that share their experiences about working with and using Hawaiian Airlines.

Whether delivering perishable medical supplies, transporting high-value cargo or flying students between neighbouring islands for athletic competition and community service opportunities, the airline is a cornerstone in maintaining a superior quality of life for residents, according to the report.

The report also details Hawaiian’s Team Kōkua giving program, which includes both monetary donations and employee volunteerism supporting culture, education, environment and health and human services.

Commenting on the report’s findings, Hawaiian Airlines president and CEO Peter Ingram said: “We take great pride in all we do to connect residents, businesses and families.

“We are proud to have been Hawaii’s airline for 90 years, and we intend to be here serving the needs of our home state for at least 90 more.”

To view the full report, click here.

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