Statement Attributable to Mike McCartney, President and CEO

Hawai'i Tourism Authority

Regarding Air Australia's New Honolulu Routes

We are extremely pleased to welcome Air Australia to the U.S. market through its two new routes servicing Brisbane and Melbourne to Honolulu. Both flights will operate twice weekly providing an estimated $92.9 million in visitor expenditures and $10 million in state tax revenue annually.

Australia has been a growing market for Hawai'i's visitor industry and the number of visitors has increased 32 percent for the first nine months of this year, over the same period in 2010. The two flights will provide a significant opportunity for Hawai'i to grow its presence in Australia and is positive news for our tourism economy. Currently, direct service from Australia to Honolulu is routed through Sydney, which is a 90 minute flight from Brisbane and Melbourne. 

Maintaining and increasing air access to Hawai'i is a top priority for the HTA and a key component of its strategic plan. The HTA is committed to supporting the long-term success of the new route.
 

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