Some exiting Hawaii travel industry news is just out. Virgin America has now confirmed that they will be flying to Hawaii starting in 2015. At that time, the airline will take delivery of new aircraft with the extended capabilities required for Hawaii service.
David Cush, Virgin’s CEO, was interviewed this week and spoke directly about his company’s forthcoming Hawaii flight plans. While no specific routes were indicated, we certainly expect to see their San Francisco home as the initial base of operations.
Virgin America Hawaii Flights Planned Since 2008
“We’ll be using Sharklet equipped airplanes in 2015 when we start flying to Hawaii….” — David Cush, CEO Virgin America.
We wrote about Virgin America Hawaii flights nearly two years ago, so this comes as more of a confirmation than a surprise. It is great news for Hawaii and for our west coast visitors. Virgin has envisioned Hawaii flights since 2008, but has awaited aircraft needed for the new routes. With those deliveries fast approaching, the company decided to softly announce its Hawaii intentions via an interview.
2012 Airline Quality Award Winner
Virgin America just achieved top ranking in the annual Airline Quality Ratings. Also ranking an impressive fifth place was Hawaii’s own Hawaiian Airlines.
With today’s news and knowing that Southwest Air Hawaii routes should be forthcoming shortly, both Hawaii visitors and our tourism industry have good some news to pin their hopes on.
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2015 is a ways off… First they have to survive long enough. They are still not profitable, after all, and deferred aircraft orders a few months ago to conserve cash. As a Bay Area flyer I do wish them success, though… But I am not sure that Hawaii (leisure market) is where I would go with my Internet and TV-enabled aircraft (hint: neither will work).
Cannot wait for Virgin America to begin service to Hawaii. Have flown them many times and truly enjoyed their flights.
I knew this would happen. I am so happy about it!