By Anna Marchand
Aloha Airlines was once a vibrant airline service transporting passengers and cargo to, from and within Hawaii. Although its cargo unit is still functioning, its passenger service has ended..
Early Years
Aloha Airlines got its start as a charter business in Hawaii in 1946. In its early years, the cargo holds of Aloha's passenger jets were often used to carry freight.
Passenger Routes
Aloha flew passengers throughout the Hawaiian Islands and to the West Coast of the continental United States, including San Diego, Oakland and Sacramento. In the 1950s Aloha was nicknamed "the People's Airline."
Cessation of Passenger Service
On March 31, 2008, struggling because of high fuel prices and fierce competition, Aloha Airlines ended passenger service. The airline had been unable to find a qualified buyer or to obtain other financing.
Sale of Air Cargo Division
After the passenger service shut down, Aloha's air cargo division was sold to Saltchuk Resources, Inc., a Seattle-based company.
Cargo Flights
With its fleet of five planes, Aloha Air Cargo continues to fly within and outside of Hawaii. The planes carry everything from cut flowers to live animals to fresh baked goods.
About the Author:
Anna Marchand is a freelance writer and copyeditor who has worked in publishing since 1990. Her articles about writing and editing have appeared in the "Editorial Eye." Marchand holds a Bachelor of Arts in English degree from Johns Hopkins University and a Master of Arts in English degree from Georgetown University.
