On Ornstein:
http://www.honoluluadvertiser.com/ap...611190395/1071
On keeping $39 fares:
http://www.honoluluadvertiser.com/ap...611190394/1071
Originally Posted by Honolulu Advertiser
In an industry known for mavericks, Jonathan Ornstein stands out. Since he launched the new interisland airline go! less than six months ago, Ornstein has been sued by his two major competitors, been praised by consumers and received hate mail from rival pilots.
It's a very lengthy article by the Advertiser on Ornstein's successes (and failures) since starting up go! in the Islands.
Originally Posted by Honolulu Advertiser
Federal Bankruptcy Judge Robert Faris rejected Hawaiian's request for an injunction barring Mesa from flying interisland but not before criticizing the company's apparent efforts to derail the local airlines. Hawaiian is still seeking unspecified damages from Mesa and that portion of the suit won't be heard until next year. Aloha's suit is pending.
"Unfortunately there are times that he could not keep his mouth shut. There are times that he can't help himself," said Hamilton.
Ornstein said Mesa and go! had always envisioned three major carriers in the interisland market. He said the Hawaiian and Aloha suits are attempts to stifle competition and drive up interisland fares.
Ornstein blamed the local airlines for their own losses because they're not only reducing fares to match go! but are increasing their passenger capacity significantly, in what he describes as a classic "rope-a-dope" strategy.
And, on go! keeping $39 fares: "Interisland carrier go! says its cheapest one-way seats will
never sell for more than $39."
Surely, this will be a promise we can hold go! to?