Originally Posted by cuyp
All these routes are old, if you go far enough back, although OGG-LIH was never long-lived on either airline. In the 80s and early 90s, AQ even flew ITO-OGG (scheduled), as well as OGG-KOA off and on. I myself would not want to fly in the rattly old 732s all the way from Lihue to Kahului, especially if there is only a choice of one or 2 nonstops. Better to use the hub.
With all do respect, I couldn't disagree more.
Cutting the 'hub' saves easily 90 minutes in these days of thin schedules and missed connections.
I used these flights several times a year before they went away and found the service no less reliable than flights to/from HNL. Without the 2X boarding pains and wasted time mid flight.
Bravo for brining it back! What took you so long?
Isn't it interesting what a little competition does?
I credit Go! and to a lesser extent Island Air for pushing down a lot of the 'rules' we've been living under for the past few years.
As for the ratty 732's, I'm no defender, but assuming maximum stress comes during take off and landing - I'd rather go up and down one from LIH-OGG than twice.
Aloha,
Lihu'e1k