Hawaiian Airlines Responds to Moratorium on Landing Fees By Pledging $3 Million For Tourism Promotion

HONOLULU, September 22, 1997 -- Hawaiian Airlines Inc., has responded to Governor Cayetano's two-year moratorium on state landing fees by pledging 25 percent of the savings, or at least $3 million in new funds, for joint industry tourism promotion.

"We are grateful to Governor Cayetano for his initiative to suspend landing fees in order to create a more favorable economic climate for airlines serving Hawaii," said Paul J. Casey, president and chief executive officer of Hawaiian Airlines.

"Over the next two years, we are committed to contributing at least $1.5 million a year to the joint industry campaign led by Outrigger Hotels & Resorts to bring more visitors to the state, and bolster our local economy," he said.

Effective September 1, the Governor waived landing fees for two years for all airlines serving Hawaii. Based upon anticipated activity, Hawaiian Airlines estimates that the moratorium will save the company about $6 million a year.

"Hawaiian is proud to be the first airline to heed the call and join in this effort to spur tourism and economic growth," Casey said.

In a letter to Governor Cayetano, Casey wrote: "You showed great courage and foresight in granting the landing fee waiver, and Outrigger Hotels showed marketing creativity in issuing the challenge to the industry."

Hawaiian is Hawaii's first and largest airline, providing scheduled and charter air transportation of passengers, cargo and mail among the islands of Hawaii and between Hawaii and West Coast gateway cities and two destinations in the South Pacific.