INTERNATIONAL THAWING
TRAINING, STAFFING, GROWING
PSS PROCESS TESTING
JUNE 2022
CELEBRATING
OUR
AVIATION MAINTENANCE TECHNICIANS
International Thawing
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HILE NORTH AMERICA TRAVEL took off like a rocket ship this year and Neighbor Island connections have largely recovered, international travel grew … but very slowly. Complicating matters was the alternating nature of the various country reopens.
“With every easing of the (COVID restrictions), demand increased – to the point where today, we’ve got a booking pace that’s exceeding 2019 levels. Still got a way to go with load factors, but the confidence among consumers has steadily grown.”
“It’s been different announcements coming at different speeds from different markets, so it’s been very challenging in that regard,” said Theo Panagiotoulias, Senior Vice President of Global Sales and Alliances. “Our focus is making sure our core international markets are in full recovery mode, so it’s really important we understand those dynamics and make sure we’re ready for the various restarts.”
Andrew Stanbury / Country Director / AUSTRALIA
We will bring back about half of our pre-pandemic Japan flying starting August 1 – service from Honolulu to Haneda will resume, and service from Honolulu to Narita and Kansai will be increased: all daily flights. But even that is making certain assumptions, namely that the Japanese government will continue to increase daily caps for passenger arrivals. There are encouraging signs: As of June 1, the Japanese government’s new system for foreign travelers categorizes nations into three groups (Red/Yellow/Blue) according to risk. The U.S. is blue, or low risk, so no arrival testing, quarantine or vaccination certificate is required.
“Japan is taking one of the most cautious approaches in the world. We still have a daily arrivals cap.” Takaya Shishido Country Director / JAPAN
“It’s been a painfully slow but progressive relaxation of the rules to the point where we’re at now – that as of 31st of July we won’t require a pre-departure test for all travelers to New Zealand.”
Watch International Markets Update on HApeople.
Rusty Williss / Country Director / NEW ZEALAND
“There’s progress – t ravel agencies a re starting to sell Hawai‘i packages in response to the government’s decision to lower the travel advisory and warning level,” said Japan Country Director Takaya Shishido. “We expect to see market recovery during the summer peak period.”
“May and June load factors are strong, and even more encouraging, average fares are running higher than 2019 levels. The honeymoon segment is the main driver of this leisure travel demand.”
Meanwhile, South Korea and Australia are bouncing back nicely, and we’re looking forward to restarting thrice-weekly service to New Zealand on July 2, following a full reopening of its borders on June 21 – no pre-departure COVID test required. On June 12, the U.S. tourism industry received a further boost with the CDC’s decision to drop the pre-departure testing requirement for all international arrivals. ■
Soojin Yu / Country Director / SOUTH KOREA
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Network & Schedule Planning Begins Process Testing
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ORK TO INCORPORATE our new Passenger Service System is expanding to process testing – Amadeus has configured its Altea platform to our initial specifications and we’re taking it for controlled test drives.
mid-range narrow-body fleet, but other airlines use 32Q to identify an A321neo. “One character may not seem like a big deal, but there are many implications that can affect our overall operations and even influence whether someone decides to fly with us,” notes Bob. “If someone is considering sustainability in their choice of airline and ticket prices are almost identical, they will see that an A321neo operated by a competitor carries a smaller carbon footprint because the reservation systems see our aircraft as a ‘ceo’ – a less fuel-efficient version of the A321 airframe.” Bob is also looking forward to Altea allowing us to build one-stop flights, opening even more scheduling efficiency and competitiveness possibilities.
Network & Schedule Planning forms much of the foundation of our business – they set new routes, ensure the convenience and efficiency of current flight schedules, assign aircraft appropriate for our routes, and organize ad-hoc cargo and passenger charters. They also minimize inconvenience for our guests should a schedule change become necessary. They are among the first to have received their Altea user accounts and online training, paving the way for Business Process Testing (BPT), which began at the end of May. They have prepared a wide range of test scenarios to put the system through its paces. “BPT involves us asking ourselves how we use Sabre today and how we can modify the way we do things to not only maximize Altea’s capabilities, but also take opportunities to improve and standardize our business practices,” explains Bob Westgate, Managing Director of Network & Schedule Planning. “This will ensure a seamless transition when we move to Amadeus in April.”
The BPT work transcends Network & Schedule Planning due to the many interdependencies that are the nature of an airline. As it does daily, the team is committed to supporting other departments throughout the process, which is scheduled to end Jan. 31.
With the help of a third-party vendor, the team is taking a fresh and detailed look at what it takes to begin a new route, maintain and modify existing schedules, work with codeshare partners, and adapt to irregular operations (IROPS). BPT will also help us identify and adopt business practices that will maximize our competitiveness in the markets we serve.
“We are working together to ensure that we can leverage all of Altea’s functionalities from Day 1, so that we are an airline that is better positioned to adapt to an ever-changing marketplace and the evolving needs of our guests.” ■
One example that our team has already identified is the way we code our aircraft in the PSS. We use 321 to denote our 3
Training, Staffing, Growing
Airlines nationwide are contending with joint challenges in bringing Pilots aboard: sufficient training resources and recruiting amid a nationwide labor crunch. We asked two leaders to share their insights into our ongoing training and staffing needs that will position us for success this summer and beyond: Managing Director of Training & Development Todd Jewell and Senior Director of Talent Acquisition Heather Ryland. Read the full interviews on HApeople. Describe the issue with the 717 simulator and the measures we have undertaken thus far to clear the backlog of B717 pilots requiring recurrent training. While our 21-year-old 717 simulator has had some teething pains, we’re nonetheless thankful to have it in Honolulu. There are only five such simulators in existence. Delta has minimal time available for us in their three machines and the one in Brisbane that we used for years has changed ownership and is no longer FAA certified. Without our “new” simulator in Honolulu, which just became operational in September, our training challenges would have been even greater.
With the assistance of our maintenance provider, CAE, and the simulator manufacturer, Flight Safety International, we completed major repairs to the host computer and visual system cabinets, motion system power control system, and hydraulic system – and built up a proper spares kit. In April, we had a 98.3% uptime rate. Still, the downtime led to a number of 717 pilots who lapsed qualification because they couldn’t complete annual recurrent training before their deadline (generally 12 months since their last training). That has since been cleared. How are we maintaining readiness for rising travel demand? To minimize constraints on training, we’ve increased our instructor staffing and will continue to hire and train more this year. We’ve secured additional A330 and A321 simulator time in Montreal and Miami, and 717 simulator time in Atlanta, as well as initiating the FAA qualification process for the 717 simulator in Brisbane. We also re-examined our pilot qualification courses and fine-tuned them for both efficiency and suitability. ■
The 717 simulator reliability was good during its first few months in operation. But we went from manageable hiccups and an 80% uptime rate in November to 20% in December, losing a total of 32 days and 128 training events in a few months.
Staffing shortages seem to be an industry-wide phenomenon. What are we doing to stand out from our competitors in attracting pilots? Staffing shortages overall are a challenge even beyond our industry. Nationwide – and even globally – we are dealing with a labor shortage and unprecedented pent-up demand for goods and services. Specific to airlines, it has been forecast for years that we would face a shortage of pilots in the future due in large part to retirements, and the pandemic sped up some of those retirements. In response to our increase in need, we addressed first-year pilot wages to be more competitive. We are also offering an attractive sign-on bonus to new-hire First Officers and adjusted minimum flight hours from 2,000 to 1,500 in line with our counterparts.
advertising helped attract more candidates and gave a boost to hiring, followed by another round of advertising in late May/ early June to continue that effort. However, it is frankly still difficult to bring in the large numbers that we need, and this is more pronounced in some areas of the business than others. Our biggest challenges – in addition to the larger need for pilots – are mechanics, and airport positions in LIH, OGG, and KOA. For these very difficult-tohire positions, we have used stronger tactics: sign-on bonuses, broader advertising reach, enhanced relocation benefits, and added Recruiters specifically to source these candidates. We are working on more mid-term and long-term strategies to assist in these key areas for the future as well. ■ Join the Alumni Ambassadors - As Hawai‘i’s largest private employer, we’re looking to build relationships with our area schools to increase awareness of career pathways by attending career fairs, promoting summer internships, and having our Subject Matter Experts (that’s you!) visit classrooms. Visit HApeople to learn more and join.
How are we doing with filling other positions? We have increased our pace of hiring across all our job groups and onboarded nearly 600 new teammates in the last several weeks. With support from our Marketing team, we launched a statewide hiring campaign in March, and the media and 4
Why I Visit Schools
As we launch Alumni Ambassadors to share our career journeys with students, we speak with a few of our HA teammates who visit local schools now.
Brittany My favorite school memories involve Track & Field,
which I ran at all three of the above schools. I am a big advocate for athletics as they are a great way to build healthy physical and mental habits for life, especially during the formative years of early adulthood! When did you know you wanted to become a pilot / flight attendant? JR I can remember wanting to be in the pilot’s seat of a plane
since I was in the fifth grade. Ke‘ala When I was about 10 years old, I got to visit the flight
deck on a Hawaiian Airlines DC-10 and got to speak with the pilots. After hearing their stories and seeing their office, I knew it was something I would love to do. Brittany I didn’t until after college, although much of what I
learned is helpful on the job. I chose this career largely for the lifestyle and flexible schedule and because I really do “love to travel and love working with people,” as many say in their hiring interviews. Why is it important to you to share your career story with students?
FA Brittany Hackett and FO Ke‘ala Davis at Kealakehe Intermediate School’s Career Fair, March 2022.
JR Growing up in Hilo and not knowing anyone in the aviation
Proud graduate of...
Brittany Hackett, Flight Attendant / Saugus High School
industry, I had no resources at my fingertips, no pilots to emulate, and no aeronautical-minded brains to pick. Pursuing my goal of becoming a pilot was not easy. Sharing my career story with students, especially those with similar backgrounds, proves that Hawai‘i kids like us – kids from places like little ol’ Hilo, Hawai‘i – can achieve our dreams and accomplish our career goals. For those students wanting to become a pilot, I can be the resource that I never had.
(Calif.), College of the Canyons (Calif.), University of Hawai‘iMānoa
Ke‘ala Growing up, I didn’t have anyone in my family that was a
JR Casil, B717 Captain / Hilo High School, Embry-Riddle
Aeronautical University (Ariz.) Ke‘ala Davis, A321 First Officer / High school in Las Vegas,
University of Hawai‘i-Hilo, Delta Connection Academy (Fla.)
pilot or in the airline industry. Fortunately, I was able to connect with a few pilots throughout my high school and college years who were able to give me some guidance. That helped me get to where I am today. There are many different paths to becoming an airline pilot, and it can be overwhelming trying to figure out what you need to do. I am always happy to help give students guidance or connect them with another pilot with knowledge of a different path to the flight deck, like our military pilots.
Favorite memory of school… JR My very first trip to Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University.
I traveled alone. No family, no friends. I had never visited the campus – let alone the state of Arizona – prior to this trip. It was overwhelming, but fortunately, I didn’t turn back. EmbryRiddle afforded many career opportunities. However, meeting new people – especially those from Hawai‘i who shared the same interests and career goals – was a highlight of college life. The friendships formed with many of these people continue to this day, and some of these friends are now my colleagues.
Brittany It’s important for kids to
know what options they have. I had no idea what the schedule of a flight attendant was like until I knew a few myself. It’s not for everyone, but it’s a lot of fun for the right person! ■
Ke‘ala At UH-Hilo, I was able to pick a career to mentor in
for a few weeks. I worked at Blue Hawaiian Helicopters where I conducted pilot preflight checks and occasionally got to go up on short flights. I learned so much and enjoyed the flying, but I also realized that I didn’t want to fly in circles over the volcano for the rest of my life.
Capt. JR Casil met this future pilot, 8th grader Ryley Antonio, during a visit last month to his former school, Kalanianaole El & Intermediate. 5
Celebrating our Aviation Maintenance Technicians
Aviation Maintenance Technician Day, which is celebrated on May 24 each year, recognizes all our technicians and support personnel for their unwavering commitment to safety and technical precision.
This year’s celebration was held at the Charles I. Elliott Maintenance Facility. Along with food and games, the event featured a performance by Isaiah Pamatigan (Lead Maintenance Technician), Scott Yago (Line Maintenance Technician), Zechariah Pamatigan and Kevin Okimoto of the Opihi Pickers. Teammates at our other stations also received mahalos via goodie bags that included Mahalogram postcards, chocolates, retractable badge holders, Mana-up sport towels and more. ■
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Ka Lā Kamehameha I loko o ka mahina o Iune, ho‘ohanohano ‘ia ka Lā Kamehameha ma Hawai‘i nei a pēlā pū me kākou ma ka Hui Mokulele o Hawai‘i. Eia ma lalo nei kekahi mo‘olelo e wehewehe ana i ia lā mai ka lā 18 o Iune, 1912 mai loko mai o ka nūpepa o Ke Aloha Aina. On June 11, we celebrate the life and achievements of King Kamehameha. Below is an article from a Hawaiian language newspaper published June 18, 1912 that describes the significance of this holiday. ■ KA LĀ KAMEHAMEHA KAMEHAMEHA DAY Ma waena o nā Lā Hanohano loa a ke Kanaka Hawai‘i e ha‘aheo ai, a e ho‘opulakaumaka ai me ka nēnē ‘ihi kapu, ‘o ia nō kona lā hānau, ka lā hānau a ho‘omana‘o o Kona Ho‘ōla pāna‘i, ka lā hānau a ho‘omana‘o o kona Mō‘ī Na‘i Aupuni, ka lā i loa‘a ai iā ia ka pono o ka noho ‘ana maka‘āinana ‘Amerika, a me nā lā nui ‘ē a‘e pili lāhui, a pili aupuni nō ho‘i o kona ‘āina hānau a me kona ‘āina ho‘okama. Among the distinguished days that bring pride to the Hawaiian, those they regard highly are their birthday, the birthday of their Redeemer, the birthday of their Ruling Monarch, the day they became a citizen of America, and other holidays of their people and kingdom. ‘O ka Lā Kamehameha, e ho‘omana‘o ‘ia ana ma ka Pō‘alua a‘e nei, ka Lā 11 o kēia mahina, ‘o kekahi ia o nā lā po‘okela loa a ke keiki ‘ōiwi o Hawai‘i. ‘O nā hulu mākua a mau hulu kūpuna o nā Hawai‘i ‘oia‘i‘o e ola kāka‘ikahi nei i kēia wā, ‘a‘ole e nele ana ke ala ‘ana mai o nā ho‘omana‘o mākolukolu no nā mea e pili ana i ka Na‘i Aupuni o Hawai‘i, e like me kā lākou i ‘ike ai paha, a i lohe ai ho‘i i ko lākou mau mākua a me nā kūpuna aku. A ‘o nā ‘ōpio ho‘i o kēia mau lā, aia ko lākou mau ‘ike ‘ana a ho‘omaopopo ‘ana ma luna o nā ‘ike mo‘olelo i pa‘a i loko o nā buke.Kamehameha Day is recognized on the 11th of this month – it is one of the great days for the native kin of Hawai‘i. The beloved parents and elders of the true Hawaiians, who are sparse, will remember the conqueror of Hawai‘i as they may have heard from their own parents and elders. As for the youth, their knowledge and understanding is from stories kept in books. ‘O Kamehameha ke Kupaianaha, ‘o Kamehameha ke Kamaha‘o, ‘o Kamehameha ke Koa a me ka Wiwo‘ole, ka ‘Ālepa a me ka ‘Ōmega o ka noho ‘ana hui ‘ia o Hawai‘i Lāhui a me Hawai‘i ‘Āina. ‘O Kamehameha i hānau ma Kokoiki, Kapakai, a ‘o Pu‘uwepa ke Kalana ‘Āina, ma Kohala ‘Ākau, a i hānai ‘ia ai e Nae‘ole ma Hālawa, a i noho i ke aloali‘i o Alapa‘i me kāna Ali‘iwahine ‘o Keaka, ‘o ia ka mea nāna ke Kaua i Kīpapa i Moku‘ōhai, ma Ke‘ei, Kona Hema. ‘O ka hu‘e ‘ana ia o ka nalu ho‘ohui Aupuni, pau ‘o Maui Hui ‘ia, lilo O‘ahu a kāpa‘i wale mai ‘o Kaua‘i o Manokalanipō. Kamehameha the Astounding, Kamehameha the Remarkable, Kamehameha the Fearless Warrior, the Alpha and Omega that brought together the Hawaiian People and Lands. Kamehameha was born at the shore of Kokoiki in the division o Pu‘uepa in North Kohala. He was raised by Nae‘ole at Hālawa in the presence of Alapa‘i and the Chiefess Keaka, who fought at Kīpapa and Moku‘ōhai at Ke‘ei in South Kona. He was the driving force of the wave that united the kingdom: Maui, O‘ahu and Kaua‘i were overtaken. Aia i loko o Kamehameha he mau ha‘awina kilakila o ke koa, ka wiwo‘ole, ka maka‘u ‘ole a me ka ‘ike kālai aupuni hohonu. A ‘o nā lā i ‘ōlino mai ai ia mau ha‘awina a ka nui Kamaha‘o maoli, he mau lā ia i pāhola ‘ia ai ‘o Hawai‘i nei mai ‘ō a ‘ō, e nā ‘ēheu o ka noho ‘ana Na‘auao ma ka helu o ia wā, a he Na‘aupō ho‘i ma ka helu o kēia mau lā. In Kamehameha we find many imposing traits such as fearsomeness, boldness, and courage with deep knowledge of ruling a kingdom. And in the days when this came to light, his way spread all over Hawai‘i. No laila, ‘o kēia kanaka kuapaianaha e noho ana ma lalo nā kūpe‘e o ka ho‘omana i kuluma i ka lāhui e noho ana ma lalo o nā Mō‘ī a me nā ‘Li‘i kū ka‘awale mai kēlā kaikā a kēia kaikā o ka ‘āina. A no ka lā o ua Na‘i Aupuni nei KE ALOHA ‘ĀINA e puana a‘e nei: “E mau ka Lā o ka Na‘i Aupuni o Hawai‘i i Lā Poina ‘ole i ke Kanaka Hawai‘i.” So, this extraordinary man who lived bound to the traditional beliefs of our people under the rule of Kings and Chiefs was set apart from one end to the other of the land. And so on the day of this Conqueror the PATRIOT will exclaim: “Long live the Day of the Conqueror and may it not be forgotten by the Hawaiian people.” ■ Hō‘ike is published monthly by the Internal Communications team.
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