Airlines compete for Lanai air service contract
HONOLULU (HawaiiNewsNow) – The competition is on between several airlines vying to become the essential air carrier to the island of Lanai.
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Mokulele Airlines is the only commercial airline currently servicing the island, and has been receiving federal subsidies to do so.
The company is defending its position, and touting its performance, with a 98 percent completion rate.
“I would basically put that record against anybody. That record is very clear and our commitment is very clear, and we’re very proud of that,” Mokulele president Louis Saint-Cyr said.
It’s not the first time Lanai’s sole commercial carrier is competing to supply essential air service to and from the island.
In 2024, Mokulele requested the federal funding, prompting the U.S. Department of Transportation to open bids to other airlines.
Since then, the airline has invested more than $22 million in its Hawaii network.
“We made a commitment to our constituents and the island communities that we would do this and we’ve done that,” Saint-Cyr added.
Isle State Sen. Lynn DeCoite and the Office of Hawaiian Affairs are backing the airline’s proposal.
Maui Mayor Richard Bissen supported Mokulele during the bidding two years ago, but is now endorsing another contender, Pacific Air Charters.
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“What our goal is for the people of Lanai is to give them an affordable option, a safe option, a reliable option for air travel,” said Kapukini Kalahiki with Pacific Air Charters.
The charter company is pursuing the routes after losing the bid to Mokulele two years ago.
If awarded, the agreement would be the carrier’s first time providing scheduled service.
“We don’t have any issues with safety, we don’t have any issues with reliability. Everyone who starts scheduled service has to start somewhere. We are Hawaii-based and Hawaii-operated by local executives making decisions for our people that are here in the islands, so I think that’s what really makes us stand out,” Kalahiki said.
There’s a third competitor as well, Massachusetts-based Cape Air, which recently held a meeting with Lanai residents.
“It’s a good thing, like just to, you know, introduce themselves to the community and say what they’re all about. I think that, you know, having competing airlines on this island is a good thing,” said Lanai resident Ross Morita.
Hawaii News Now reached out to Cape Air for comment, and we’re waiting to hear back.
The U.S. Department of Transportation is reviewing the proposals for the new contract term, which is set to begin Sept. 1.
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