HONOLULU, April 15, 2004 -- Hawaiian Airlines announced today that Captain William H. Noyes, a 35-year pilot with the company, has been named as its 2003 Employee of the Year, the highest honor presented to employees.
“Captain Noyes is an outstanding ambassador for both Hawaiian Airlines and Hawaii and richly deserves being honored as Employee of the Year. He is the consummate professional and has an infectious spirit of enthusiasm that conveys his affection for his co-workers and the islands of Hawaii,” said Mark Dunkerley, Hawaiian's president and chief operating officer.
Hawaiian Airlines selected Noyes from among 23 Kupono Award recipients honored in 2003. The Kupono Award recognizes employees each month who exemplify the spirit of Hawaiian and consistently exceed expectations in their daily work.
Portland station manager Jeff Brooks nominated Noyes for a Kupono Award in February 2003, inspired by the personal reassurance and warmth he offers passengers on his flights. Brooks noted that Noyes takes the unique step of personally addressing passengers in the gate area before boarding begins. He thanks passengers for flying Hawaiian, but also relates his years of experience, his familiarity with the route, and summarizes the day's flight conditions. “It's genuine, sincere, and puts everyone at ease before the flight gets underway,” said Brooks.
Commented Noyes, “I love flying and supporting the ohana spirit on the airplane. I love making people feel comfortable when they fly. I think that's my greatest contribution.”
His warm smile and upbeat demeanor also made Noyes a natural choice to be featured in Hawaiian's “Hawaii Starts Here” marketing campaign in 2003.
“Captain Noyes personifies the spirit of traditional island hospitality and service that customers experience with Hawaiian Airlines,” said Dunkerley.
Noyes marks his 36th anniversary with Hawaiian in May. The longtime Mokuleia resident was hired as a First Officer in May 1968 and earned his stripes as Captain in December 1981.
Flying for Hawaiian has become a family legacy for Noyes. Oldest son Scott has also been a pilot with Hawaiian for the past five years.
About Hawaiian Airlines
Hawaiian Airlines, the nation's number one on-time carrier, is recognized as one of the best airlines in America. Business travelers recently surveyed byCondé Nast Traveler rated Hawaiian Airlines as having the best in-flight service and meals of any U.S. carrier. Hawaiian was recently ranked fourth best in the nation overall by Travel + Leisure.
Celebrating its 75th year of continuous service, Hawaiian Airlines is Hawaii's largest and longest-serving airline, and the second largest provider of passenger air service between Hawaii and the mainland U.S. Hawaiian offers nonstop service to Hawaii from more mainland U.S. gateways
than any other airline. Hawaiian also provides approximately 100 daily jet flights among the Hawaiian Islands, as well as service to American Samoa and Tahiti.
Hawaiian Airlines, Inc. is a subsidiary of Hawaiian Holdings, Inc. (AMEX and PCX: HA). Since the appointment of a bankruptcy trustee on May 16, 2003, Hawaiian Holdings has had no involvement in the management of Hawaiian Airlines and has had limited access to information concerning the airline.
Additional information on Hawaiian Airlines is available at www.HawaiianAir.com