Hawaiian Airlines plans to add three ATR 72 turboprop aircraft in an all-cargo configuration to its fleet in order to expand its inter-island cargo delivery. The new service will begin in the first half of 2016, with flights between Honolulu International Airport and Kona , Kahului , Līhuʻe and Hilo. The new service will be able to connect to Hawaiian’s jet-based mainland and international frequencies.
The ATR 72 aircraft can carry up to 18,000 pounds of cargo and will be able to handle five 88-by-108-inch aircraft pallets or up to seven LD3 containers, skidded cargo and oversized shipments. Express services for smaller shipments will also be available on Hawaiian’s 160 daily 717 short-haul flights throughout the day.
The flights will be branded ‘Ohana by Hawaiian and operated by Empire Airlines. The livery of the aircraft will feature the same kapa tail patterns created by Hilo-based artist Sig Zane and his son Kūha‘o.