HONOLULU – Sept. 30, 2009 - Hawaiian Airlines announced that it will dispatch a special relief flight from Honolulu to American Samoa today at approximately 12:30 p.m. HST to carry supplies of food, water, bedding and other necessities to help families affected by Wednesday’s tsunami.
President and CEO Mark Dunkerley said, “We are thankful that all of our employees in American Samoa are accounted for and safe. Now we can turn our attention to bringing as many relief supplies and helping hands to the beleaguered community as possible.”
Hawaiian is also sending employee volunteers to accompany the goods and support relief efforts in Pago Pago.
Relief workers of the U.S. Coast Guard and NOAA, and volunteer physicians from Hawaii Disaster Medical Assistance Team are also expected to be on the flight. Hawaiian and Bank of Hawaii have each donated $10,000 worth of supplies to be carried on the special flight. Webco, Walmart and City Mill have also contributed goods and services to the effort.
Hawaiian will resume its twice-weekly scheduled service to Pago Pago tomorrow with its next Flight 465, departing Honolulu on Thursday, October 1, at 5:00 p.m.
The company was informed last night by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) that Pago Pago International Airport in American Samoa is serviceable and that the runway can support its operations.
Additional information will be announced as details are confirmed.