Hawaiian Airlines has launched twice-weekly nonstop flights between Orlando and Honolulu, which will increase to three weekly flights for summer between June 1st and August 10, 2021. The new route is the first-ever nonstop connection between Florida and Hawai'i.
Today (March 13, 2021), Hawaiian Airlines celebrated the launch of twice-weekly nonstop service between Orlando International Airport (MCO) and Honolulu (HNL). Hawai’i’s hometown airline welcomed guests aboard today in Orlando with flower leis and traditional Hawaiian dance and music as they boarded the first-ever commercial flight connecting Florida and Hawai’i. For summer, Hawaiian Airlines is increasing frequencies on the route from two to three flights weekly from June 1st through August 10, 2021.
Before the pandemic, Orlando was one of the largest markets to Hawai’i without nonstop flights, so today, Floridians are rejoicing over the new nonstop connection. Orlando is also a popular destination for Hawai’i residents, who will now enjoy direct flights to the city’s world-renowned attractions. Orlando is now Hawaiian Airlines’ third Eastern U.S. gateway city, along with New York (JFK) and Boston (BOS).
In Saturday’s announcement, Hawaiian Airlines’ President and CEO, Peter Ingram, said,
“We are excited to introduce our Florida guests to our award-winning Hawaiian hospitality so they may start their island vacation the moment they step onboard. We are just as pleased to offer Hawai‘i travelers the unmatched convenience of our nonstop service from Honolulu to Orlando, a popular destination for our kama‘āina (residents).”
Also commenting on the launch of the new route, The Greater Orlando Aviation Authority’s Chief Executive Officer, Phil Brown, added,
“Having new service to a domestic destination as popular as Honolulu is a win not only for the residents of Central Florida, but for everyone who travels from Orlando International Airport. Being able to directly connect two of the world’s popular vacation spots brings a next-level service for travelers looking to explore the best leisure destinations in the United States.”
Guests onboard Hawaiian Airlines’ flights will enjoy complimentary island-inspired meals by Hawai’i’s top chefs and experience the comfort and roominess of the carrier’s 278-seat Airbus A330, featuring 18 First Class lie-flat seats arranged in a 2-2-2 configuration. Hawaiian’s A330s have also been configured with 68 Extra Comfort premium economy seats, providing more legroom and enhanced amenities.
The departing flight (HA85) leaves Orlando on Tuesdays and Saturdays at 8:15 a.m. and arrives in Honolulu at 2:05 p.m. The return flight (HA86) departs Honolulu at 5:15 p.m. on Thursdays and Sundays and arrives in Orlando at 7:00 a.m. the next morning (all times local). The previously mentioned increased summer seasonal service with depart from Orlando on Thursdays and from Honolulu on Tuesdays.
Hawaiian® Airlines, Hawai’i’s hometown airline, has been the number one U.S. carrier for on-time performance for the past 17 years (2004-2020). The carrier has been in business for 92 years and is Hawai’i’s largest and longest-serving airline. Hawaiian Airlines offers more nonstop connectivity between Hawai’i and the U.S. mainland than any other airline, serving 16 gateways. The carrier also connects the islands with Japan, South Korea, Australia, American Samoa and Tahiti. Due to the ongoing global COVID-19 pandemic, the airline has temporarily suspended service to Australia, New Zealand, American Samoa and Tahiti.
Source: Hawaiian Airlines