Hawaiian Airlines will suspend its ‘Ohana Hawaiian passenger and cargo operations’ from November 1st. The airline must do so because it faces an ongoing crisis that has resulted in involuntary furloughs for carrier pilots and a significant reduction in operations.
‘Ohana suspended by Hawaiian
Hawaii announced that it would temporarily suspend operations in Ohio as a result of low travel demand and the continued economic challenges of the quarantine ban. ‘Ohna is not prohibited from operating due to government or health regulations. , Latanu, Hawaiian’s actions in response to the emergency provided labor in the carrier’s contract with the main line pilots.
Not long ago, Hawaiian Airlines had to cut its staff by about 2,500 employees after the end of the Parole Support Program (PSP) in late September. Nothing came of it when Hawaiian CEO Peter Ingram lobbied for additional support, and currently more funding for airlines looks best in stagnant or volatile waters.
As a result of Ohana’s suspension, Hawaiian will suspend passenger flights between Honolulu (HNL) and Moloca’i (MKK) and Lanai (LNY). Also, the carrier is only suspending freight services between the islands. Back in March, the HNL in West Maui by Hawaiian. And proceedings between Kapalua (JHM) were adjourned.
The airline noted that the provision in its agreement with the pilots affects the airlines’ ability to provide ‘Ohana service’. According to the airlines, Ohana cannot be supplied by airline aircraft, while flights of the Intersend Boeing 717 and Airbus A321neo jets operated by Mainline Hawaiian pilots are drastically reduced.
Peter Ingram, President and CEO of Hawaiian, states in a press release viewed by Simple Flying:
“The people of Lanai, Molokai and West Maui have the honor of providing essential transport and, most recently, all-cargo service to our state. While we are frustrated at being unable to avoid service suspensions, this is a difficult situation for both Hawaiian and Empire Airlines as we find an extremely challenging period, and we are committed to returning flights by all Hawaiians to communities that depend on Ohana. . ”
Passengers booked on Ohana can expect to be contacted by Hawaiian Airlines. One option for passengers would be to return the passenger’s trip. Freight, on the other hand, will be able to fly between the islands on the main line Airbus A321neo or Boeing 717 jet, depending on the shipment.
What is Ohana?
Ohana is a third party operated regional feeder operated by Hawaiian. Empire Airlines operates turboprop Hawaii ATR aircraft on behalf of Hawaii at smaller locations. Ohana has flown eight ATR turboprop aircraft.
Four of those jet ATRs are 42-500s. These turboprops have 48 seats with a 30 ″ pitch in a 2-2 configuration. The other four ATRs are 72-200 freighters. These eight jets typically offer smaller sights in Hawaii.
Oh’s flights were launched using ATR-t૨ turboprops in the spring of 2001. -L-Cargo ATR-72 aircraft service began in the summer of 2018. ‘Ohna is a word that means“ family ”.
‘When will Ohna’s service return?
Hawaiian Airlines is the sole major full-service carrier for flights in LNY, MKK and (formerly) JHM, which means the airlines act as a lifeline to connect those communities to the wider world.
Aside from the significant recovery of international travel, Hawaii does not expect an early resumption of ‘Ohana’ by air service, if it has to rely on market conditions. However, the airline entered into an agreement with the Airline Pilots Association (ALPA) to get relief from the provisions of this agreement if additional PSP funding is made available by the federal government. Hawaiian will have to bring back employees on its payroll.
Smaller destinations like Moloka’i aren’t attractive for money-making, especially when passenger demand is already low, so it’s unlikely that Hawaiian will add a Boeing 717 or Airbus A321neo to any of these regional destinations, unless the cargo proves to be very attractive. Which seems unlikely. As far as Hawaiian destinations like Hillo, Kahului and others, the Hawaiian main line flies planes that can carry cargo. The ATR was operated in addition to the main flight of passengers.
So far, with the exception of major changes in the public health and economic situation, Ohana’s service is unlikely to resume in 2020. Hawaiian has not yet set a date to resume. Eventually, it will not be able to resume Ohna’s service until it has resumed more mainline intersealand flying, possibly advancing service recovery at least as early as mid-2021.
When do you think Hawaiian will re-establish Ohana’s service? Annoyed by Hawaiian suspended ‘Ohana flights’? Let us know in the comments!
