Hawaiian carrier Island Air ceasing all operations
Beleaguered Hawaiian carrier Island Air has admitted it has ‘exhausted all options’ and will cease flying on Friday.
The Aloha state’s second largest inter-island carrier has not been able to secure funding to continue operations.
In a written message to employees CEO and President David Uchiyama said: "We will need to work through this day with our heads held high knowing that we did all that we could do to provide an affordable alternative to interisland travel for our islands."
"Your dedication and loyalty to the service/experience that Island Air provided will not be able to be matched."
The airline will officially shutter at midnight.
Island Air operated about 200 inter-island flights a week with a workforce of more than 400.
Island Air lays the blame on ‘aggressive legal attacks’ by aircraft lessors.
"Island Air has taken every measure possible to avoid this tremendous hardship to its passengers," Uchiyama said in a statement.
"The state will be working with Island Air to help the employees apply for unemployment insurance and provide assistance with job searches and training opportunities," said Hawaii gov. David Ige.
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