2 Island Air jobs filled despite uncertainty

Island Air filled two key employment positions Thursday, even as its long-term fate remains up in the air in federal Bankruptcy Court.

Capt. Steven Longdon, who has 18 years of experience in the aviation industry, was promoted to director of flight operations. He joined Island Air in November as a captain and is trained to operate the airline’s new fleet of Q400 aircraft.

The airline also appointed Denise Blas-Phillips as director of human resources. Most recently she worked as senior human resources consultant at Kamehameha Schools.

Island Air, which is in a lease dispute over its only three remaining planes, is facing a lawsuit that could lead to Irish-based aircraft lessor Elix Assets 8 Ltd. repossessing the aircraft.

Elix also filed a motion asking the court to rule that Island Air’s leases were terminated before the airline filed for Chapter 11 reorganization Oct. 16. Island Air has argued the planes are still under lease and that Elix is not entitled to take them. A hearing on that matter is scheduled for Nov. 15 at 9:30 a.m.

Barring something unforeseen, Island Air likely would be forced to shut down and liquidate if it lost use of the only three aircraft currently in its fleet.

Separately, a meeting for Island Air’s creditors has been scheduled for Nov. 17 at 2 p.m. in the U.S. Trustee meeting room, 1132 Bishop St., Suite 606. Proofs of claim are due by Feb. 15.