Mokulele Airlines now offering flights in California

Starting last month, Mokulele Airlines is now offering flights in Southern California.

“We hope residents will take advantage of the introductory fare to experience Mokulele,” said Mokulele’s President Rob McKinney. “What we’re bringing to California is exactly what made Mokulele Airlines Hawai‘i’s favorite Island Hopper – highly competitive prices, convenient schedules, great service, and on-time flights.”

Mokulele has two nine-passenger Cessna Grand Caravans in California. Mokulele will offer 3-4 daily flights between Imperial / El Centro and Los Angeles. Although a single pilot can fly the Caravan, Mokulele operates all flights with two pilots for additional safety. “Safety has always been our top priority. Like everything we do at Mokulele, going above and beyond for our passengers is just how we operate,” said McKinney.

Flights will operate out of Terminal 6 at Los Angeles International Airport, offering convenient connections to partner Alaska Airlines, with American, Delta, and United within easy reach.  Customers with only carry-on bags (up to 40 lbs.) can connect to all Terminal 5 and 6 flights without leaving security.

The introductory offer is valid for new bookings purchased by June 15th and for travel through September 24th. The $30 fare includes all taxes, fees and requires roundtrip travel.  Fare is nonrefundable and voluntary changes are subject to a change fee.  Baggage & other service fees are in addition to the fare. First bag free promotion is valid for California and Baja California residents only. Book your hop at Mokulele.com or call 1-866-260-7070.

Mokulele Airlines 

The family-owned and operated airline has quadrupled its number of flights since 2011 when CEO Ron Hansen purchased the company from Mesa Airlines. Mokulele is based in Kona, Hawai‘i and employs nearly 250 employees. Mokulele operates 16 late-model Cessna Grand Caravans and provides over 150 daily flights between nine airports on O‘ahu, Maui, Moloka‘i, Hawai‘i in addition to daily service between Imperial / El Centro and Los Angeles. To book your flight visit https://www.mokuleleairlines.com/

CaravanNation.com

Featured Pilot - Shaun from Skydive Santa Barbara

Meet Shaun, a fellow Jump Pilot that I met a few years ago when I was hired to ferry a Caravan from Georgia to Illinois and then to Colorado. I am honored to have introduced him to the Caravan on that trip. He learned the airplane faster than anyone that I have ever taught. He now flies a Honeywell powered Grand Caravan for Skydive Santa Barbara. The perfect airplane for flying skydivers up to 13,000 and even 18,000 feet!

Age: 26

Total Time: 2600

Company: SkyDive Santa Barbara

Location: California

Years Flying the Caravan: 3 years

What do you like most about flying the Caravan?

I love the Caravan because it is a very well built airplane. It's durable, easy on the controls, and it's a work horse. The Garret TPE- 331 conversion (Texas Turbines) makes it a fast and efficient aircraft, especially for skydiving operations. Even though it is a single engine it feels very safe and has an outstanding glide ratio in engine out operations. All in all the Caravan is one of my favorite aircraft to fly. 

What are your career goals? 

To be perfectly honest I don't have a set path in aviation. I've never had one ultimate goal. Instead, I focus on the enjoyment of flying and the realization of how blessed I am to be able to do what I love. I do know I am going to stay away from the airlines for the short term at least. I've always been attracted to the "odd ball" jobs in aviation, like being a Jump Pilot and Air Attack, all the non mainstream forms of flying. Some would say the "skill gigs". Really though, I just want to make sure I'm always having fun and continue to love flying.

What is your advice to younger pilots? 

My advice to younger newer pilots is to keep a positive attitude towards flying. There are times where it can seem overwhelming, sometimes you may feel under appreciated. But the key is to maintain a positive outlook. Stick up for yourself but always remember why we do this, why we fly. When you get down and frustrated, take a deep breath, relax every muscle in your body and take a look outside your cockpit. Look and see how beautiful flying is. Remind yourself of why you love to fly. 


- CaravanPilot.com

SeaPort Airlines starting Burbank - San Diego service on October 1st

Portland Oregon based SeaPort Airlines has announced that it will begin a new California route between Burbank (BUR) and San Diego (SAN) starting October 1st 2014. 

The airline will be using C208B Grand Caravans for the 65 minute flights between the two cities and will begin the service with four roundtrip flights per weekday, one roundtrip on Saturday and two on Sunday.

SeaPort, which is short for Seattle-Portland, also announced that it is awaiting approval from U.S. and Mexico governments to begin service between San Diego and San Felipe. If approved, that route will start November 1st 2014.