PRESIDENT GLORIA MACAPAGAL ARROYO CITES HAWAIIAN AIRLINES FOR TAPPING "VERY BIG FILIPINO COMMUNITY IN HAWAII"

President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo received in Malacañang this morning officers of the Hawaiian Airlines and congratulated them for tapping the "very big Filipino community in Hawaii" as a passenger market.

A Hawaiian Airlines plane on its maiden flight on the Honolulu-Manila route landed at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport yesterday (Tuesday, April 15).

Hawaiian Airlines president and chief executive officer (CEO) Mark Dunkerley, who took the maiden flight, told the President he was greatly inspired by the "terrific, great reception" that the airlines has received from "several hundred thousands" Filipinos in Hawaii.

"It is exceptionally well-received," Dunkerley said, adding that Hawaii-based Filipinos warmly welcomed the direct Honululu-Manila flights.

The maiden flight of the 21-plane airline firm was "terrific, exciting and full of a spectrum of people," Dunkerley said. Among the passengers were Sen. Richard Gordon and Hawaiian officials of Filipino descent, including former Hawaii Governor Ben Cayetano.

Hawaiian Airlines has scheduled four flights a week (Mondays, Tuesdays, Thursdays and Sundays) between Manila and Honolulu. HA's planes have a seating capacity of 260 passengers, Dunkerley said.

He said his company decided on the direct Honolulu-Manila flights because the Philippines and Hawaii "share a long and great history”.Filipinos first settled in the Pacific Islands way back 101 years ago.

The Hawaiian Airlines executive said HA's operations are expected to contribute to the economic growth and trade of both the Philippines and Hawaii. - END -