Island Air to double the number of flights between Maui, Oahu

Island Air plans to double the number of daily round-trip flights between Kahului and Honolulu to 16 by the beginning of May, according to an announcement from the interisland carrier.

Last month, the airline began adding new Bombardier Q400 aircraft to its fleet, and it plans to increase service between Honolulu and Kona and Lihue, as well. Flights also will be added to accommodate busy travel days, such as weekends and spring break, according to Island Air.

Island Air currently offers eight daily round trips between Kahului and Honolulu, with three additional round-trip flights offered Fridays and Sundays.

"The added flight service is in response to growing demand from our customers and travel partners and also reflects the improved operational efficiencies of the new Q400 aircraft that are being phased into our fleet," said David Uchiyama, president and chief executive officer of Island Air.

Island Air's first Q400 went into service Jan. 12. The 78-seat turboprop aircraft is 30 percent faster than conventional turboprops, according to Island Air, resulting in shorter flight times. The airline plans to add up to seven Q400s by the end of the year and will transition its existing fleet of five 64-seat ATR-72 turboprops out of service.

For more information or to make reservations, see www.islandair.com or call toll free (800) 652-6541.