Island Air marks 35th anniversary with giveaways

Island Air, which cut back its service and workforce earlier this year, will celebrate its 35th anniversary Wednesday.

The state’s second-largest carrier, which debuted as Princeville Airways in 1980 with scheduled service between Honolulu and Kauai’s Princeville Airport, will mark its anniversary by giving passengers a lei greeting and treats from Honolulu Cookie Co. at the gate areas in Honolulu, Kahului and Lanai. In addition, those passengers in Honolulu will be entertained by the Pae Moku Trio from noon to 2 p.m. in the Honolulu Airport commuter terminal.

“We are grateful and honored to have been an integral part of Hawaii during the past 35 years,” Island Air CEO Dave Pflieger said.

As part of the anniversary celebration, Island Air will host a series of daily listener call-ins throughout September on Island 98.5 radio with the Wake Up Crew beginning at 8 a.m. Wednesday. Hawaii residents will have multiple opportunities to win free airline tickets and travel package prizes, including two air-and-hotel packages. On Wednesday one winner will be chosen for a grand prize that will include airline tickets for two to Maui and a two-night stay at the Montage Kapalua Bay resort. Throughout the month 35 more round-trip airfare packages for two will be offered during the radio station’s morning show.

On Sept. 30 one Island 98.5 listener will be selected for a final prize package with round-trip airfare and a two-night stay for two at the Sheraton Maui Resort & Spa in Kaanapali.

In addition, as part of Island Air’s participation in this year’s Aloha Festivals celebration, bag-check fees on the first checked bag through September will be waived for all travelers wearing a 2015 Aloha Festivals ribbon. Island Air serves Honolulu, Maui and Lanai.

Island Air also will be present at Pearlridge Center on Saturday for the Aloha Festivals Keiki Ho‘olaule‘a and will participate in the Aloha Festivals floral parade Sept. 26. The Island Air trolley will be staffed and decorated by employees.

The airline, which was purchased by billionaire Larry Ellison in February 2013 from Charlie Willis of Gavarnie Holding LLC, has yet to have a profitable quarter under Ellison but has been streamlining its operations and seeking to renegotiate union contracts as part of its restructuring.