Mokulele Airlines confirmed Tuesday that it plans to begin the first commercial service out of Kalaeloa Airport on July 1 and will gradually ease into the operation by offering three daily nonstop round-trip flights between Kahului and the former Barbers Point Naval Air Station.
Tickets went on sale Tuesday at an introductory fare of $69 one way for all seats in July and August. To qualify for that rate, travelers must fly round trip, and tickets have to be purchased by May 31. Normal fares will range from $75 to $120 each way.
"It’s been a yearlong goal of ours, and it’s finally happening and we’ll see what the reception is," Mokulele Chief Executive Officer Ron Hansen said. "And if it warrants more flights based on bookings, we’ll add more flights."
Departing flights from Kalaeloa to Kahului will be at 7:35 a.m., 1 p.m. and 6:20 p.m. Flights will depart Kahului to Kalaeloa at 6:15 a.m., 11:40 a.m. and 5 p.m.
Kona-based Mokulele operates nine nine-seat Cessna Grand Caravan turboprops, and Hansen said the airline could acquire up to three more aircraft depending on how successful the Kalaeloa-Kahului service proves. He said possible future destinations from Kalaeloa are Lanai, Molokai and Kapalua, West Maui.
"What we’re trying to determine is where passengers want to go at this point," Hansen said. "We feel the most conservative way to venture into this is with three flights a day into Kahului, and the rest of the (airline’s) flights will remain the same."
Mokulele operates more than 120 flights a day connecting Oahu, Molokai, Lanai, Maui and Hawaii island.
When the new service begins, Kalaeloa Airport, also known as John Rodgers Field, will become the ninth airport Mokulele serves. Parking will be free in certain designated areas, and passengers will not be required to go through Transportation Security Administration screening because it is not required for aircraft with nine or fewer seats.
"Right now our three flights are perfectly timed for locals commuting back and forth, and we’ll slowly add more flights to Maui as the traffic builds," Mokulele Chief Operating Officer Dave Berry said. "With over 4,000 seats a day between Honolulu and Kahului (from all interisland carriers), we feel this is the best market to start with out of West Oahu, especially with the H-1 traffic snarls. Molokai and Lanai will be considered as we grow our fleet or as the market changes."
Mokulele said it plans to create six to 10 new positions for customer service agents, ramp agents, mechanics, pilots and management personnel.
The airline said it is working on completing construction projects and other preparations required to open the airport to commercial service.
"The Hawaii DOT Airports Division is working with Mokulele Airlines on processing its request for a revokable permit to rent space at Kalaeloa Airport," state Department of Transportation spokeswoman Caroline Sluyter said. "Commercial flights from Kalaeloa Airport will offer travelers an additional interisland option."
Berry said Mokulele’s aircraft initially will be parked overnight at Kahului Airport until a suitable site is ready at Kalaeloa Airport.
The former naval air station closed July 1, 1999, and was handed over to the state at that time for use by general aircraft. The facility is now used by the Coast Guard as well as other military aircraft and private planes.
Kalaeloa Airport is also classified as a reliever airport in case an incoming plane is unable to land at Honolulu Airport.
