HONOLULU -- Whenever the Oakland Raiders take to the skies for road games during the 2004 NFL season, they will do so aboard Hawaiian Airlines, the team's official airline for the fifth straight year.
Mark Dunkerley, Hawaiian's president and chief operating officer, noted the Raiders chose an airline that does not serve Oakland. “There are plenty of airlines serving Oakland. The fact that the Raiders have chosen Hawaiian Airlines for five consecutive years is a real compliment to our employees and the service they provide.”
Hawaiian is providing chartered nonstop air service for players, coaches, trainers, and team officials using its state-of-the art, wide-body Boeing 767-300ER aircraft.
Hawaiian's award-winning Mea Ho'okipa (translated: “I am the host”) in-flight service and special amenities are a favorite with the Oakland organization – especially the players. Extra-large, hearty meals are served along with fresh fruit, candy baskets, and special requests. Up to three first-run movies are shown on transcontinental flights.
Raiders executive Marc Badain commented, “Our players and coaches appreciate the attention to detail and hospitality that Hawaiian Airlines provides the team while traveling on the road. The flight crew's first-rate service keeps our team well rested and comfortable and is the perfect complement to the Oakland Raiders' 'Commitment to Excellence.'”
Counting pre-season, Hawaiian is flying the “Silver and Black” to nine cities nationwide, including Phoenix, Pittsburgh, Houston, Indianapolis, San Diego, Charlotte, Denver, Atlanta, and Kansas City.
Should Oakland qualify for the post-season, Hawaiian will have the first option to fly the team to any road playoff game including Super Bowl XXXIX in Jacksonville.
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 by Condé Nast Traveler rated Hawaiian Airlines as having the best in-flight service and meals of any U.S. carrier. In addition, Hawaiian is ranked as the nation's fifth best airline overall by Travel + Leisure, ahead of every other carrier flying to Hawaii.
Celebrating its 75th year of continuous service, Hawaiian Airlines is Hawaii's biggest 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 117 daily jet flights among the Hawaiian Islands, as well as service to Australia, 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 in May 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 is available at www.HawaiianAir.com.