Spirit of Aloha | Message of Aloha | January/Febrary 2005

Creating an Air of Enthusiasm

Aloha and welcome aboard! This is my first contribution to SPIRIT OF ALOHA as President and Chief Executive Officer of Aloha Airlines. As you might imagine, I’m thrilled to be at Aloha and optimistic about the future of Hawai‘i’s favorite airline.

Since 9/11, the nation’s airline industry has been in constant turmoil. In such tough times, no airline can fall back on business-as-usual practices or take customers for granted. That’s why it is especially exciting for a veteran airline executive like me to be taking on this new challenge.

Having started out at TWA more than 30 years ago, I’ve worked in just about every airline job there is: from front-line positions at the airport to reservations and sales, to oversight of operations and finance. Through it all, I have been in awe of the magical nature of what airlines do every day.

Though the airline business depends on high-tech aircraft and all kinds of sophisticated electronics and machinery, it is still a people-to-people business. Customers expect to be served by friendly, efficient staff, and to fly in convenience and comfort. They rely on us so that they can visit with distant friends and family members or meet people on business and return home safely.

Being new to Hawai‘i, I’m energized by the spirit and dedication of the Aloha team, from the shareholders to the front line. It’s clear that they love this airline and the business of bringing people together as only an airline can do.

You may notice that our flight crews are wearing attractive and comfortable new uniforms designed by their peers to make them look and feel good. And they are excited to be serving Aloha’s newest destination, San Diego, with daily nonstops from Maui and from Reno/Tahoe.

We look forward to bringing business travelers and visitors to discover the many charms of California’s bustling southernmost metropolis. With 70 beaches and near-perfect weather, this historic yet youthful seaside city has special appeal for people who enjoy being outdoors. Among the famous, family-friendly attractions of the area are the San Diego Zoo, Sea World Adventure Park and Legoland California.

I am confident that our Aloha brand of flying will prove popular in our latest Southern California market.

In keeping with the airline’s name and tradition of serving Hawai‘i for more than 58 years, the members of the Aloha team are committed to providing exceptional service by exemplifying the Aloha Spirit of gracious hospitality in all that we do.

Aloha’s Standards of Service guidelines underscore the need to serve all customers with respect, prompt attention and total service. To that end, team members are trained to listen carefully, provide accurate information and follow through with appropriate action, including that extra effort when necessary.

In light of everything that’s happening in the airline industry, I remain enthusiastic about Aloha’s mission of making flying better.

Thank you for flying with us today, and please let us know how we’re doing.

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