Southwest to Enter Hawaiian Market

The island of Oahu

Southwest Airlines said it will begin to offer service to Hawaii starting in 2018.

Calling it a “game-changer,” the news was announced from Waikiki Beach in Honolulu by the airline’s president, Tom Nealon, along with the state’s governor, David Ige although the airline did not announce any specific routes.

The Dallas-based carrier said it will apply for Federal Aviation Administration authorization for Extended Operations or ETOPS in order to operate overwater service.

“Hawaii is an important place for Southwest Airlines because so many people count on us to take them everywhere they want to go reliably and affordably,” said Gary Kelly, the airline’s CEO, at an employee gathering in Southern California.

(Photo: Accura Media Group)