First Interisland Passenger Service Was Begun In 1929

Hawaiian Airlines, the pioneering carrier of the Pacific and one of the nation's longest-serving carriers, celebrated its 85th anniversary of continuous service for the islands Tuesday.

Hawai'i's first interisland passenger service was launched on Nov. 11, 1929 as Inter-Island Airways, with a flight from Honolulu to Hilo, which took a total of one hour and 40 minutes. The first flight to Kaua'i was made the following day and all the Hawaiian Islands were soon receiving air service on a regular basis. During this time, the first inflight treat offered to passengers was a stick of Wrigley gum to relieve ear pressure. The 85-year-old airline is reviving that in-flight amenity today by handing out Wrigley's Doublemint gum, which is also celebrating its 100th anniversary this year, along with a commemorative postcard and historic logo stickers to more than 12,000 passengers on all of its neighbor island flights.

Additionally, Hawaiian Airlines has also published a special commemorative book highlighting 85 years of its history and legacy which will be available for sale online at Shop.HawaiianAirlines.com in late November.

Winners of Hawaiian Airlines' social media contest series will be given free rides throughout the day on the airline's original airplane, a 1929 Bellanca CH-300 Pacemaker, which was restored in 2009 in celebration of the company's 80th anniversary.

"We've come a very long way since 1929, and being able to celebrate 85 years of continuous service is an exceptional achievement in itself for Hawaiian Airlines," said Mark Dunkerley, Hawaiian Airlines president and chief executive officer. "We owe thanks to our more than 5,000 dedicated employees, to those now retired from the company and to our loyal customers who have supported us over the years. We look forward to many more milestone celebrations as we continue to grow and diversify our service."

Hawaiian Airlines' 85th anniversary has been devoted to giving back to the community. In September, the airline unveiled a memorial wall at Kahului Airport honoring Capt. James Bertram Hogg, the pilot whose name was used for the airport's three-letter code (OGG). The event kicked off a three-month-long celebration that continued with an all-day community event in early October at the 'Imiloa Astronomy Center of Hawaii in Hilo, the airline's first destination. On Nov. 8, Hawaiian Airlines also showcased all of its flight attendant uniforms dating back to 1943 with a fashion show at HONOLULU Fashion Week.

Throughout the month of November, Hawaiian Airlines employees will be participating in statewide community service projects on the islands of Hawai'i, Maui, O'ahu and Kaua'i, restoring agricultural and historical sites.

FMI: www.hawaiianair.com