Hawaiian Airlines is some of the best Airlines in the US that well-known as a tenth-largest commercial airline in the United States (US). As well, it is the largest airline of Hawaii that has the flag career throughout its journey. In fact, it’s the oldest airline that has never had a fatal accident since its foundation. Also, in the USA, Hawaiian airlines often top the on-time carrier list. The best part, it sets the example as the best airline that has fewest cancellations as well, minimal baggage handling issues.
Stanley Kennedy builds the foundation of airlines which took the first inter-island flight in 1929. Since then he ran Hawaiian Airlines however, he stepped down from daily operations back in 1955. After that, Kennedy served as chairman of the company until 1968. Presently, Hawaiian Holding Inc. owned the company. However, P. Ingram is handling the CEO and president’s position at one of the oldest operating airlines in the world.
Hawaiian Airlines Founder’s Life Journey – Stanley Kennedy
He was a US Naval Aviator during the first world war. As well, Kennedy was a silver star recipient who also holds the world record at that time. Most importantly, he is known as the Hawaiian Islands’ commercial aviation pioneer.
Early life
He was born on 7 July 1890 in Honolulu in Hawaii. Stanley’s father, James A. Kennedy was the president of the Inter-islands Steam Navigation company in Hawaiian island. However, the Kennedy family was an immigrant from Scotland. In 1908, Stanley completed his secondary education from Punahou School, Honolulu. After that, he went to Stanford University for graduation. Just after completing education, he joined his father at work.
Career
In 1917, the US entered World War I, thus many civilians had to join the US military force. He joined the US Navy and went for Naval Officer training at Massachusetts institute of technology. During the mission, Kennedy along the team set a world record for a sustained flight that fly for 7 hours, 59 minutes. For that, he earned a silver star.
After world war I, he returned and joined the Inter-Island Steam Navigation Company. Kennedy’s experience flying seaplanes encouraged him to used seaplanes to connect Hawaii’s people. But his father was against his idea. However, he proposed this idea again after his father died.
The beginning- Inter-island Airways
The members on the company’s administration panel accepted his proposal and Inter-Island Airways started in 1929. Stanley appointed as a General manager and vice president of his dream company. However, he hired his navy companion Charles Elliot as the first chief pilot of the company. Kennedy always had a dream of starting scheduled airline service in Hawaiian Island. In 1921, on 11 November, the company scheduled the first flight that flew from Honolulu-Maui-Hilo.
Flights beyond the Hawaiian Islands
Expectation continues to rise, he aimed at expanding the flights beyond the island. With changing vision, the company changed the name as Hawaiian Airlines in 1941. To start flight beyond the islands Kennedy had to face many challenges and lots of money spent on it. For that, Kennedy teamed up with TWA which later on steps back from the deal.
In 1959, the airline route application process reattended, and it was flying DC-6s to the mainland. After that, Stanley handover the presidency of Hawaiian Airlines to Art Lewis. But the company still not got the chance to win the route for scheduled flights. However, the approval of the Airline Deregulation Act, 1978 end the wait of Hawaiian Airlines to start scheduled flights beyond the Islands.
Personal life
He married Martha, a lady he met during his return journey after completing education. At the age of 77, in 1968 Kennedy died due to cardiac arrest. Stanley served as a chairman of Hawaiian Airlines till he died.
Hawaiian Airlines other Successes
In 1966, the company started inter-island Jet service. Also, the company established inter-island passengers as well as the Air-Cargo business after the second world war. Today, it is the world’s one of the oldest and Hawaii’s largest Airlines that is operating successfully. Its main hub is at Daniel K. Inouye International Airport and a secondary hub at Maui’s Kahului Airport. The dream of Stanley Kennedy to start scheduled flights is achieved. An airline operates scheduled flights to American Samoa, Hawaii, and New Zealand. Also, to Asia and other islands beyond Hawaii.
Jayshri is an Electronics Engineer, but her passion towards writing made her to be in this field. Apart from content writing, she loves reading, writing and surfing on various topics. In her free time, she likes to watch TV series and news. Sherlock Holmes is her all time favorite show. Jayshri loves cooking various Indian-western dishes.