United set to add more trips to isles from 4 of its hubs

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United Airlines, which has more mainland flights to Hawaii than any other carrier, is increasing the frequency of its service on 11 routes from four cities.

The Chicago-based carrier said Tuesday that beginning Dec. 20 it will boost its service from its hubs in Chicago, Denver, Los Angeles and San Francisco. The emphasis of the increased frequency is on the neighbor islands.

United’s announcement put pressure on Hawaiian Airlines on Tuesday as parent company Hawaiian Holdings Inc.’s stock fell $1.95, or 3.5 percent, to $54.65. United’s stock slipped 25 cents, or 0.3 percent, to $77.48. The news came out shortly after the market opened.

United, which is marking its 70th anniversary in Hawaii this year, also offers daily nonstop service from the mainland to Honolulu from Houston, New York/Newark and Washington, D.C.

“Our customers have asked for more ways to get to Hawaii, and by adding these flights we are thrilled to make Hawaii more accessible than ever for our customers traveling from the Midwest, Rocky Mountain and West Coast regions,” said Jake Cefolia, United’s vice president of sales.

As of mid-December, United will offer daily flights from Denver to Honolulu, Kailua-Kona, Kauai and Maui; from Chicago’s O’Hare International Airport to Honolulu and Maui; from Los Angeles to Honolulu, Hilo, Kailua-Kona, Kauai and Maui; and from San Francisco to Honolulu, Kailua-Kona, Kauai and Maui.

Beginning this summer, United said, its first-class customers on all overnight flights between Hawaii and Chicago, Denver, Houston, New York/Newark and Washington, D.C., will be able to use flatbed seats.

United’s announcement regarding increased service bodes well for the state’s economy as it seeks its sixth straight record year of visitor arrivals.

“This combination of increased and enhanced service by United Airlines is fantastic news for Hawaii’s tourism industry, especially with the number of direct flights being added to Maui, Kauai and island of Hawaii,” said George Szigeti, president and CEO of the Hawaii Tourism Authority.