FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Friday, December 10, 1999
Contact: Bill Mosley
Tel.: (202) 366-5571
DOT 205-99
DOT Expands Opportunities
For International Air Service to Hawaii
U.S. Transportation Secretary Rodney E. Slater today announced steps to encourage foreign air carriers to provide more service to Hawaii.
The U.S. Department of Transportation today issued an order to allow virtually all foreign carriers that have the right to serve the United States to also serve Honolulu and Kona, Hawaii, and to combine these services with those to other U.S. cities for which they hold authority. The order also will allow foreign carriers to expand their air cargo services at these airports and provide increased flexibility for these operations. DOT also invited eligible foreign carriers to apply for authority to serve additional U.S. cities as long as they serve one or both of those two Hawaiian cities.
"President Clinton and Vice President Gore are committed to building economically vibrant communities and extending prosperity to new markets at home," Secretary Slater said. "We are acting to improve Hawaii’s role as an international aviation hub in order to enhance its economy, overcome its geographic isolation, continue to build a transportation system that is international in reach, and help our aviation system meet the challenges of the 21st century."
Secretary Slater added that encouraging expanded air service to Hawaii will benefit the state by helping to increase trade and tourism upon which its economy depends.
Today’s action is similar to an earlier DOT action to encourage expanded service by foreign carriers to Alaska.
The order may be obtained via the Internet at http://dms.dot.gov, docket number OST-99-5723.
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