Hawaiian attempts to block Mesa island service

Mesa Airlines' new inter-island Hawaiian service could be in doubt after Hawaiian Airlines began court action to block it. Hawaiian is attempting to enforce a two-year suspension on Mesa entering the island market, claiming that officials used confidential business data when planning the route.

Mesa announced recently that it was ready to start operating flights from Honolulu to Hilo and Kona for $46 and to Kauai and Maui from $43. In doing so, the airline was set to become the fourth to offer flights between Hawaii's islands.

However, Hawaiian Airlines is claiming that the Phoenix-based firm used confidential business data that it was privy to when considering a bid for Hawaiian when it recently went into bankruptcy. A confidentiality agreement signed at that time prevents Mesa from using the information to gain a competitive advantage within two years.

Mark Dunkerley, Hawaiian's CEO, said that the airline was not afraid of competition but went on to liken the situation to "playing poker with someone who's already seen your cards".

Although the two-year agreement was signed in April 2004 Mesa first announced plans for the route in September last year. Hawaiian is also suing for breach of contract.

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Comments

[John Learned]

The coporate pigs from Hawaiian, and perhaps Aloha as well, need to have some competition. It is business as usual out here in Hawaii, with the old entrenched interests trying to preserve their turf. Now that Hawaiian has gotten done with screwing their employess and debtors in the bankruptcy (while exectuves did just fine), they can once again go about maintaining the oligarchy. Note that these guys have been fighting the interisland ferry as well. Please, Hawaiian, give us a break!

[Dmitry Boldyrev]

Yes, I agree. We are done with this whole illusion that Hawaiian / Aloha are two separate companies, when in reality they are operated by the same people. We are not down with monopolies! And we welcome Mesa to the islands!

[Chris Warsh]

Although I totally agree Hawaiian Air and Aloha airlines both like messing with all the residents, making it almost impossible to go to another island afforably, I think we have to understand that MESA did sorta screw up- and they should suffer the consequences.

If all you folks are tired of high air fares by Aloha or Hawaiian, try Island Air (who broke off from Aloha a couple years ago) or if you are going to Molokai'i try Moloka'i Air Shuttle... there's also Mokuele Airlines that might just become the little guys than can (go to their website and you'll be pleaseantly surprised).

The biggest reason for the increase in fares is mostly due to the fact that Hawaiian and Aloha use Jet aircraft (which use more fuel than turboprops) and they have been catering to Tourists who are willing to pay the extra cash for the flights. What's sad is they havent tried to make it afforable for kama'aina.