Hawaiian Airlines CEO Reports Improved Reliability After Runway Renovation
Hawaiian Airlines CEO Peter Ingram has sent a letter to the airline’s frequent flyers, announcing significant improvements in the airline’s operational reliability following the completion of a runway renovation project at Honolulu’s Daniel K. Inouye International Airport (HNL).
The runway renovation project focused on expanding and resurfacing Runway 8L/26R, which serves as the primary runway for arriving aircraft at HNL. The seven-month-long closure of the runway, from October 2022 to May 2023, resulted in flight delays and disruptions for Hawaiian Airlines and other airlines operating at the airport.
In his letter, Ingram acknowledged that the runway closure caused longer gate-to-gate times for inter-island flights, particularly during the early hours of the day. These delays had a cascading effect on the airline’s overall punctuality and customer satisfaction.
To mitigate the impact of the runway closure, Hawaiian Airlines worked closely with the state Department of Transportation and the Federal Aviation Administration. The airline also made adjustments to its schedule to accommodate the reduced runway capacity.
Since the reopening of the runway on May 27, Hawaiian Airlines has witnessed tangible improvements in on-time performance and operational efficiency. Ingram expressed gratitude to frequent flyers for their patience and loyalty during the challenging period. He reassured them of the airline’s commitment to providing safe and reliable travel experiences.
The runway renovation project is part of a larger $2.6 billion airport modernization program aimed at enhancing facilities and services at HNL and other airports in Hawaii. As part of this program, a new Mauka Concourse was opened on August 27, featuring 12 additional gates and six new TSA lanes, further improving the airport’s capabilities.
Sources: AirGuide Business airguide.info, msn.com, kitv.com