HONOLULU, Hawai‘i – Senator Lorraine Inouye, Chair of the Senate Transportation Committee, joined Governor David Ige, the Chairman of Japan Airlines Masaru Onishi, Federal airport officials, and state and county tourism officials in announcing JAL’s return to the Kona International Airport at Keahole on Hawai‘i Island. Beginning in September, JAL is starting a new daily, non-stop service between Narita International Airport in Tokyo and the Kona International Airport.
This marks the return of the route that was suspended in October 2010 as part of the airline’s corporate reorganization to downsize business. At the time, JAL had vowed to return to Kona. As part of the announcement, JAL’s chairman said the airline is hoping to contribute to the development of Hawai‘i’s regional economy, while also promoting Hawai‘i’s culture.
The Narita/Kona flights will be utilizing JAL Sky Suite 767-300ER aircraft which seats 199 passengers and will be fitted with the airline’s most current interiors.
JAL’s new service is expected to result in more than $84 million in visitor spending and nearly $10 million in state tax revenue, according to the Hawai‘i Tourism Authority. The service will also support about 900 jobs on Hawai‘i Island.
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