A Video Tribute to Aloha Airlines (1946-2008)

Nearly two years have passed since Aloha Airlines made the sad and unfortunate announcement that after 61 years of service to the people of Hawai'i and the western mainland, all passenger flights would soon end. For the friends, 'ohana and passengers of Aloha, it was a day of sadness. Thankfully since then, many wonderful videos have been shared honoring an airline that is truly missed by many.

Advantage Rent A Car Files For Bankruptcy

On Monday, San Antonio-based Advantage Rent A Car announced it had filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection. Citing the sluggish economy and a drop in leisure travel, among other reasons, the company says it will explore strategic alternatives, including a reorganization, sale, or merger to maintain operations.

The company said it will layoff 440 employees and close 21 rental locations nationwide, including a few in Southern California, keeping only its most profitable stores.

In most cases, customers with upcoming Advantage reservations at affected locations will have their reservation transferred to Hertz Car Rental. If you have questions relating to the closed locations call: 1-888-846-0808.

Sun Country Declares Bankruptcy, Plans To Continue Flights

In a press release today, Sun Country airlines, facing a significant cash shortage, announced it has filed for bankruptcy. Petters Aviation, which owns all of Sun Country's voting shares, also filed.

"We were forced to take this action as a result of recent events at Petters Group Worldwide," Sun Country CEO Stan Gadek said in a prepared statement.

The airline plans to continue operating a regular flight schedule, but last week warned employees of significant layoffs or a complete shutdown by December 1st if the cash problems were not resolved.

Sun Country currently offers flights between San Francisco (SFO) and Minneapolis.

Zoom Airlines Grounds Flights, Files Bankruptcy

Canadian-based Zoom Airlines failed to receive additional funding from creditors Thursday, causing the airline to suspend operations and enter into Bankruptcy. Yet another victim to the high cost of fuel.

In a press statement today, co-founders of Zoom stated, "We deeply regret the fact that we have been forced to cease all Zoom operations. It is a tragic day for our passengers and more than 600 staff."

The discount carrier operated intra-Canada flights, and internationally between Canada and the U.K, Paris and Rome. Additional service was provided to/from New York, San Diego, Fort Lauderdale and Bermuda.

On the Zoom website, customers holding confirmed reservations are given direction on how to apply for a refund, and an option to receive a discounted price for re-booking with select carriers.

ATA Airlines Files for Bankruptcy, Cancels All Flights

Breaking News
Second airline this week to cease operations
Low-fare carrier ATA Airlines said it has filed for Bankruptcy Court protection and ordered the grounding all flights as it halted operations. The last scheduled flight landing early this morning. Nearly all of the airline's 2,230 employees were let go. Meanwhile, thousands of passengers were stranded at Oakland, Los Angeles, Chicago-Midway, and other airports across the U.S.

Earlier this week, citing chronic financial problems, Aloha Airlines announced the immediate end to all passenger flights. This left passengers scrambling to find new flights.

ATA airlines, which operated several daily flights from the mainland U.S to Hawai'i, blames the loss of a key military charter contract. In addition to scheduled airline service, ATA also provided charter service for the Pentagon.

ATA said passengers should seek alternative travel arrangements on their own. This morning Northwest Airlines announced that for a $100 fee, passengers confirmed on an ATA flight can standby for a flight on their airline. Southwest Airlines, which codeshared flights with ATA said they too will assist affected ATA customers.

Aloha Airlines Ends Six Decades of Island Spirit

Aloha Airlines halts all passenger service today. Meanwhile, the travel industry rushes to help passengers affected.

Since 2000, Aloha Airlines flew Bay Area travelers to the islands of Hawai'i, and reunited island residents with family and friends here on the mainland. But Aloha Airlines history, mixed with ups and downs, runs much deeper to the people of Hawai'i.

"When its first flight took off from Honolulu in 1946, the interisland carrier that would become Aloha Airlines was an underdog created by minorities determined to succeed in post-war Hawai'i...and being a passenger was like flying with a local-style party. Flight attendants served pineapple juice, sang Hawaiian songs, danced the hula and even played the 'ukulele." -Mike Gordon (Honolulu Advertiser)

"Across the Islands yesterday, Aloha Airlines employees — and their families — reacted to the news that their ailing airline was shutting down passenger service, effective today. After the initial shock, there was a range of emotions — anger, anxiety and sadness." -Mary Vosino (Honolulu Advertiser)

"This is to Hawai'i what Katrina was to Louisiana, we're very much integrated into Hawai'i." -Randall Cummings, pilot for Aloha.

"Aloha is like an 'ohana." -Coreen Dijos, customer service agent for Aloha.

"This is the one job where everybody is like a family." - Shavonn Okamura, Aloha staff

Visit the Honolulu Advertiser for special ongoing coverage including slideshows of the airlines history and video of employee reaction.

The travel industry has been quick to respond. United Airlines, and to a lesser degree Hawaiian Airlines are offering affected Aloha passengers special accommodations and/or discounts. Marriott and Aqua Hotels have invited existing guests unable to leave the island special accommodations.

Aloha Airlines Ceases Operations

Breaking News
Aloha Airlines, which has served the people of Hawai'i and mainland U.S for over 60 years, will end operations Monday. The airline, which filed for bankruptcy March 20th said in a press release that time ran out to find a buyer or secure other financing to keep the airline flying.

Passengers with confirmed flights on Aloha Airlines should contact partner United Airlines to discuss possible re-accommodation or discounted airfares.

This is truly a sad time for the people of Hawai'i, the some 1900 Aloha employees, loyal passengers and airline industry as a whole.