David Y. Ige

New service expected to generate more than $84 million in visitor spending

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KONA, Hawai‘i – Gov. David Ige and the Hawai‘i Department of Transportation welcomed Japan Airlines’ inaugural flight from Narita International Airport to the Kona International Airport at Keāhole on Hawai‘i Island. The new daily, non-stop service marks JAL’s return to Kona.

The new service is expected to generate $9.8 million in tax revenue and create 900 new jobs, according to the Hawai‘i Tourism Authority.

“We warmly welcome Japan Airlines back to Kona and are extremely excited about the new daily service to Kona, which is on its way to becoming Hawai‘i’s second major international port of entry,” said Gov. Ige. JAL has offered excellent service to the Aloha State for more than 60 years, and has played a significant role in expanding and supporting our tourism industry and economy. We are also thankful for the opportunity for cultural exchange with Japan.”

“Our thanks go to Japan Airlines and Chairman Masaru Onishi for being such a great and loyal friend to Hawaii’s tourism industry. This new non-stop flight connecting Tokyo and Kona reinforces Japan Airlines’ commitment to support travel to the Hawaiian Islands, while offering its customers an enticing new vacation experience to discover the allure and natural beauty found on the island of Hawai‘i,” said George Szigeti, president and chief executive officer Hawai‘i Tourism Authority.

In addition to JAL’s Narita to Kona service, the airline currently has six non-stop flights between Tokyo, Osaka, Nagoya and Honolulu.

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Media Contacts:
Jodi Leong
Deputy Communications Director/Press Secretary
Office of the Governor
Office: 808-586-0043
Mobile: 808-798-3929
[email protected]

Yasmin Dar
Digital Media Specialist
Office of the Governor
Mobile: 808-798-2186
[email protected]