Malaysian carrier AirAsia X, which began service to Hawaii in June, is increasing flights between Honolulu and Kuala Lumpur — with a layover in Osaka, Japan — in response to overwhelming demand.
The low-cost, long-haul airline said Tuesday it will boost the frequency of its flights to daily service from four days a week beginning Aug. 16.
Travelers passing through in Osaka will not require a Japanese visa during the two-hour stopover and can return to their seats on the flight after clearing security with any carry-on luggage or belongings.
U.S. growth lowered to 2.2% in first quarter
WASHINGTON >> The U.S. economy grew at a weaker 2.2 percent annual rate in the first three months of the year, as consumers and businesses slowed their spending. But given the economy’s recent performance, analysts are still looking for a solid rebound in the current quarter.
Growth in the gross domestic product, the economy’s total output of goods and services, came in slightly below the first estimate last month of 2.3 percent in the January-March period, the Commerce Department reported Wednesday. GDP is expected to strengthen to a growth rate of about 3 percent in the April-June quarter.
The Trump administration is projecting that its economic policies will keep growth at rates of 3 percent or better in coming years.
ON THE MOVE
>> Hawaiian Airlines has appointed Beau Tatsumura as vice president for maintenance and engineering. He previously was the managing director of maintenance operations. Prior to Hawaiian, he worked at Aeko Kula.
>> Hunt Companies has announced Michael Lam as senior vice president for the Hawaii Development Division. He has more than 15 years of real estate development experience in Hawaii and the Pacific Rim, including having served as an investments director for Alexander & Baldwin.
>> American Savings Bank has announced Dane Teruya has been promoted to executive vice president, chief financial officer. Teruya served as a treasurer when he joined ASB in 2016 and has nearly 20 years experience in the banking industry, including having previously been a vice president and treasury manager at Central Pacific Bank.
