[Congressional Record Volume 165, Number 203 (Monday, December 16, 2019)]
[Senate]
[Page S7047]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                         ADDITIONAL STATEMENTS

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                 90TH ANNIVERSARY OF HAWAIIAN AIRLINES

 Mr. SCHATZ. Mr. President, 90 years ago, Inter-Island Airways 
launched the first scheduled commercial passenger air service in 
Hawaii. Now known as Hawaiian Airlines, it is our State's largest and 
longest serving airline. Its fleet of 67 aircrafts flies between our 
islands and connects Hawaii to the mainland and around the world.
  As a State comprised of islands, safe, reliable air service is 
critical to the movement of people and goods. Whether it is 
transporting people and cargo for leisure, medical appointments, 
business, cultural and sports events or carrying fresh produce, 
equipment, or other supplies, Hawaiian has and will continue to be a 
major part of our highways in the sky.
  From its modest beginnings--a $3-per-person sightseeing tour on a 
five-passenger plane--Hawaiian transported 11.8 million passengers and 
92,000 tons of cargo last year alone. Today, Hawaiian is one of the 
largest employers in the State, with more than 7,300 employees across 
its network, including some 6,600 who live in Hawaii.
  Its impact is felt beyond jobs. Every year, Hawaiian and its 
employees partner with and help support hundreds of nonprofit 
organizations. As one example, Hawaiian leads a mentorship program that 
promotes aviation careers and provides students with hands-on learning 
about all aspects of the industry.
  I am particularly proud of the steps Hawaiian has taken to adopt eco-
friendlier practices throughout its operations to improve fuel 
efficiency, reduce carbon emissions, and cut waste. In 2018, despite 
continuing to grow, Hawaiian lowered annual jet fuel burn by 7 million 
gallons and reduced annual carbon output by 86,300 metric tons. It is 
also contributing toward climate research by collecting air samples 
over the Pacific Ocean. The data is used as part of an international 
effort to measure climate change and air quality.
  On behalf of the Hawaii congressional delegation, I wish to 
congratulate Hawaiian Airlines on its 90th anniversary and wish them 
continued success in serving the travel needs of our residents and 
introducing Hawaii to the world.

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