Hawaiian Airlines continued its trend as the nation’s most punctual airline as its flights arrived on schedule 92.6 percent of the time in August, according to data released Friday by the U.S. Department of Transportation. The national average among the 12 reporting U.S. carriers was 77.6 percent.
The state’s largest carrier also ranked second in fewest flight cancellations with 0.2 percent, representing 17 cancellations out of 7,049 flights.
In other categories, Hawaiian ranked fourth for fewest consumer complaints with 0.92 per 100,000 passengers and fifth for fewest mishandled-baggage reports with 2.58 per 1,000 passengers.
Island Air punctual on 82.3% of its flights
Island Air was on time on 82.3 percent of its flights in September and completed 99.2 percent of its 1,045 scheduled flights with eight cancellations during the month, the company said Friday.
A flight is counted “on time” if it arrives within 14 minutes of its scheduled arrival time, according to the U.S. Department of Transportation.
Scandal dings earnings at Wells Fargo
NEW YORK >> Wells Fargo’s earnings slipped in the third quarter, the bank said Friday, as the banking giant started dealing with the aftermath of a sales practices scandal that has consumed it in recent weeks.
Wells said it earned $5.6 billion, or $1.03 a share, compared with $5.8 billion, or $1.05 a share, in the same period a year earlier. The results beat analysts’ expectations of $1.01 per share.
The San Francisco-based bank is being roiled by a crisis that ultimately toppled its CEO this week. Wells reached a $185 million settlement with regulators last month following allegations that its employees opened up to 2 million bank and credit card accounts without their customers’ authorization to meet sales goals.
Slow economic recovery rattles experts
WASHINGTON >> Federal Reserve Chairwoman Janet Yellen said Friday that the slow recovery from the Great Recession has surprised economists, confounding long-held beliefs about growth and inflation. Her remarks could help explain why the Fed has been reluctant to raise U.S. interest rates.
Speaking to an economic conference at the Federal Reserve Bank of Boston, Yellen did not address the Fed’s timetable for rates. The central bank is widely expected to resume raising rates in December, a reflection of an improved economy.
Yellen said sluggish worldwide growth likely would keep global interest rates low, making it harder for central banks to combat the next recession with rate cuts.
U.S. retail sales rose 0.6% in September
WASHINGTON >> U.S. shoppers stepped up their spending in September, with sharply higher sales at auto dealers, restaurants and gas stations. But the government’s retail sales report released Friday also contained some evidence that spending might be slowing.
For much of this year, consumers have spent at a solid pace as income gains have accelerated and the job market has improved. Last month’s overall retail sales gain was a decent seasonally adjusted 0.6 percent. Much of it, though, was due to higher oil prices, which increased how much people spent at gas stations but were not necessarily a sign of stronger consumer spending.
Macy’s flagship store debuts Apple shop
NEW YORK >> Customers at Macy’s flagship store in New York will be able to wander over from eyeliner to iPads.
Macy’s launched an Apple shop Friday at its Herald Square store, the first U.S. department store with a hub devoted to the brand. The shop features a range of products including iPhones, iPads, MacBooks and the new Nike- branded Apple watch.
ON THE MOVE
Hyatt Regency Waikiki Beach Resort and Spa has announced Stacey Martin as guest services manager. She was previously director of integrated marketing at travAlliancemedia as well as director of travel sales at the Oahu Visitor Bureau.
AlohaCare has promoted Paula Arcena to chief customer officer. She has more than 15 years of health care experience, including serving as director of provider services.
Accuity LLP has promoted Alyson Suehiro to manager from supervisor. She has been with the company the past five years and began her new role Sept. 1.
