Hawaii-based Airlines - Could Hawaiian Airlines fly to Taipei?

http://travel.usatoday.com/flights/post/2012/07/united-airlines-new-denver-routes-hub/800150/1?csp=34travel

United Airlines announced today that it will add nonstop daily service between its San Francisco and Taipei, Taiwan which should be included in the US’ visa waiver program in the second half of this year. Is any possible that HA will launch HNL - TPE in near future?

TPE is less than 100 miles longer than the flight to JFK. So, it should be able to be done on the 332. Perhaps they will announce it next year when they get some more 332s. It would make sense, IMO.

TPE is less than 100 miles longer than the flight to JFK. So, it should be able to be done on the 332. Perhaps they will announce it next year when they get some more 332s. It would make sense, IMO.

Just curious - why would it make sense?

China Airlines can only make it work twice a week I think.

Just curious - why would it make sense?

China Airlines can only make it work twice a week I think.

It would make sense in the context of the visa restriction being lifted as the OP indicates should/hopes happen. Also, aren't the China Airlines flights one-stops through NRT? A n/s would be more attractive.

Just curious - why would it make sense?

China Airlines can only make it work twice a week I think.

http://www.therepublic.com/view/story/936e56c88e9546f18ce6606a4cad32f2/HI--Taiwan-Visa-Waivers

China Airlines will look at resuming direct flights from Taipei when visas are no longer required.

http://hawaiianairlines.homeandabroad.com/hawaiian/map.ha

Taipei route may not be considered by HA; Taiwan is not even displayed in HA flight map..........

http://travel.usatoday.com/flights/post/2012/07/united-airlines-new-denver-routes-hub/800150/1?csp=34travel

United Airlines announced today that it will add nonstop daily service between its San Francisco and Taipei, Taiwan which should be included in the US’ visa waiver program in the second half of this year. Is any possible that HA will launch HNL - TPE in near future?

In the 1980's, Aloha tried the route for a short time. I think it lasted less than a year (with DC10 's, and with a separate "name," "Aloha Pacific")

I would think that HKG would make more sense given that it's a global hub and an easier china gateway (no visas for US visitors, etc). HKG prices from HNL are insane -- it's often cheaper to fly back to NYC and route from there. Given the increasing interest in HI from Chinese visitors, it might be a profitable run for HA, though I don't think it could be a daily departure...

Do citizens of HKG have to go through the same visa drama that citizens of mainland China do? If so, I suspect then, HKG falls into the same category as mainland China when it comes to HAs thinking on the visa situation and commencement of service.

Do citizens of HKG have to go through the same visa drama that citizens of mainland China do? If so, I suspect then, HKG falls into the same category as mainland China when it comes to HAs thinking on the visa situation and commencement of service.

I had a nice conversation partially about this last week with an HA co-pilot after my LAX-HNL flight while we walked to the main terminal together. HA has indeed opened up ticket offices in mainland Chinese cities and is slowly thinking about routing there but he said it won't definitely happen until the visa situation for mainlanders gets better. We didn't discuss HKG but the visa situation there would actually be different. HK residents don't go thorugh all the hoops mainlanders do to get US visas.

Do citizens of HKG have to go through the same visa drama that citizens of mainland China do? If so, I suspect then, HKG falls into the same category as mainland China when it comes to HAs thinking on the visa situation and commencement of service.

Citizens of Hong Kong SAR do need a visa to enter the United States. I don't know if I would call it "drama" in applying for a visa. Having worked out of the Embassy in beijing, there is/was a high level of fraud/misrepresentation in applying for a visa. however, the visa process for PRC has shortened dramatically. On average it takes one week to get an interview and have the passport returned back to the person if approved.

For a Country to get on the Visa waiver program, there needs to be a ~80% approval of visas for the issuing Consulate.

http://www.kitv.com/news/money/Hawaii-expects-visa-waiver-to-boost-Taiwan-travel/-/8905154/16832472/-/t9p4w3z/-/index.html

So, what now, Hawaiian Airlines?

http://travel.usatoday.com/flights/post/2012/07/united-airlines-new-denver-routes-hub/800150/1?csp=34travel

United Airlines announced today that it will add nonstop daily service between its San Francisco and Taipei, Taiwan which should be included in the US’ visa waiver program in the second half of this year. Is any possible that HA will launch HNL - TPE in near future?

UA will have SFO non stop service, but stoped its one stop flight later this month, so no UA flights for six months. Problem with Taiwan, is low fares on CI, so not sure HA can match CI prices.

Visas for Hong Kongers and mainlanders are very simple. My Hong Kong friend just got a 10 year visa, and my mainland friend just got a 1 year visa. Both in less than 2 weeks from making an appointment. FAR FAR FAR easier than Schengen visa. But ROC now does have visa-free access to US, so surely there will be an increase in travel.