Brisbane had been on Hawaiian Airlines’ radar for two years before it concluded now was the right time to launch direct flights, its chief executive Mark Dunkerley has revealed.
The carrier announced this morning that a three times weekly service will begin on November 28 with 767s initially operating on the route.
The Queensland capital will become HA’s second Australia port, after Sydney, and increase capacity between
Australia and Hawaii by 38%, or 40,000 annual seats. The move was flagged by Dunkerley in Travel Today in March.
Speaking to Travel Today from Hawaii this morning, Dunkerley said the strong performance of its daily A330 Sydney services convinced management that a second route was required.
“We have been very encouraged by demand for Hawaii from Australia and the strength of dollar has been particulary important. All things pointed to a good time to increase services,” he explained. “Brisbane has been on the list for the last couple of years and it’s just been a question of when was the right time. The right time has just appeared.”
Brisbane was selected for its closer proximity to Hawaii and for its strong economy brought about the resources boom. In addition, unlike Melbourne, the bulk of passengers will not have to back track to other cities in Australia.
“We are not overflying,” he said.
Dunkerley added that HA will look to introduce A330 aircraft to Brisbane and increase frequencies once the service becomes established and proves a success.
“To use Japan as a guide, we started a number of routes with 767s and were able to get to daily frequencies and introduce A330s in a two year time period,” he said. “But it all depends on how the business builds. We already get strong business from Queensland and this will provide more options and stimulate further demand.”
The 262-passenger 767 will depart Brisbane on Wednesday, Friday and Sunday, returning on Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday.
