Hawaiian expects Asia-Pacific demand to return quickly

Hawaiian Airlines intends to restore much of its service to the Asia-Pacific region this year as countries around the Pacific Rim begin dismantling their coronavirus-driven mobility restrictions. CE Peter Ingram expressed optimism the Honolulu-headquartered carrier will soon be able to again tap into its biggest non-US markets. “I think we should see some greater ability for international travel from the Pacific region to Hawaii starting at the end of this year and accelerating through the first quarter and the first half of next year,” Ingram says. “It’s difficult to put a specific number on it right now, but what we’re preparing for is to restore our network throughout the Pacific,” he adds. Fleet preparation, staffing and training are in full swing so that Hawaiian will be “in the position to be ready for a strong recovery throughout the first half of 2022”. Coronavirus protocols – including entry bans, quarantines and testing regimes – in the airline’s important international markets like Japan, South Korea, Australia and New Zealand are constantly evolving. But there now are more signs the countries will ease such requirements, allowing for more tourist activity, toward the end of 2021. “As those restrictions come off, and the conditions are falling into place, with vaccination rates rising in all of those countries, we expect to see a strong recovery internationally,” he says.<br/>