"Hey everybody, we're all getting lei'd !"
Posted on 07/09/2013 8:54:16 PM PDT by TexGrill
It’s the latest addition to its expanding international network and seventh Asian gateway destination.
The departure of HA 807 followed gate side festivities that included Hawaiian music and hula, performance honoring the Taiwanese culture, traditional Hawaiian blessing, and presentation of lei to passengers boarding the inaugural flight.
“The demand for service to Hawaii from the Taiwan market has been growing and we are delighted to respond to the strong interest by delivering our new non-stop service to and from Taipei,” Hawaiian Airlines President and CEO Mark Dunkerley said. “The Hawaiian Islands are the ideal midpoint destination, perfectly situated to offer dual-destination trips with easy connections between Taipei and our 11 gateways in the U.S.”
Tuesday’s inaugural capitalizes on the extension of the U.S. Visa Waiver Program to cover citizens of Taiwan.
Taipei is the capital city and economic center of Taiwan, and the surrounding metropolitan area of Taipei, New Taipei and Keelung is home to nearly seven million people.
As a whole, Taiwan has more than 23 million people and is considered one of the “Four Asian Tiger Economies” with one of the highest Per Capita GDP in Asia.
“The historical and cultural ties between Hawaii and Taiwan continue to be strong as we celebrate the 20th anniversary of our sister-state relationship. I congratulate Hawaiian Airlines for capitalizing on Taiwan’s entrance into the Visa Waiver Program with new air service that will strengthen our connection with Taiwan,” Gov. Neil Abercrombie said. “This service will create new business opportunities, and allow our friends in Taiwan to enjoy the beauty of Hawaii and our families here to explore the abundant scenic attractions available in Taiwan.”
(Excerpt) Read more at khon2.com ...
"Hey everybody, we're all getting lei'd !"
Hawaiian and Aloha are two different airlines.
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