Island Air to cut services and staff

Following a $22 million loss in 2014, Honolulu-based regional carrier Island Air has announced that it will cut services and staff. The loss was blamed on intense competition from local carriers Hawaiian Airlines and Empire Airlines for the income slump. “We knew that to [maintain our business] in the face of overwhelming competition from other local airlines which … control nearly 90% of the intra-island market would not be without its challenges,” Island Air CEO Dave Pflieger said. Island Air has also frozen new aircraft orders along with a 20% staff cut, effective from June 1. The airline will also