MEDIA RELEASE

As winter approaches and temperatures in the Great White North plummet, the Big Island offers a sunny reprieve from cold weather with convenient seasonal flights from Vancouver to Kona.

Air Canada and WestJet begin direct service to Kona in December, just in time for shivering Canadians to take advantage of the sunshine and sunsets.

“These direct flights are a very positive way to kick off our winter travel season,” said George Applegate, Executive Director of the Big Island Visitors Bureau. “It’s one of the bright spots on our Island’s economic horizon.”

These timely flights to the island could conceivably bring up to 11,569 passengers based on the current schedules. According to the Hawaii Tourism Authority, approximately 67,122 Canadians visited the Big Island last year.

Air Canada’s convenient non-stop flight departs every Saturday from Dec. 11 until April 30 at 3:50 p.m. Pacific Standard Time (PST) and arrives in Kona at 8 p.m. Hawaii Standard Time (HST).

Return flights depart at 9:20 p.m., and arrive back in Vancouver at 5 a.m. PST the next morning.

The flights are aboard Boeing 767-300s, with 24 business class seats, and 187 seats in the main cabin.

During this tough economic climate, the consistency of these flights brings confidence to Hawaii Island’s tourism industry. Robert Palmer, public relations manager for WestJet, agrees.

“We are pleased to report that the service remains sustainable on a seasonal basis and for that, we would like to thank our Canadian and Hawaiian guests,” Palmer said.

Non-stop seasonal service between Vancouver and Kona via WestJet begins Dec. 2 and finishes April 28. The flights will be twice per week, Thursdays and Sundays, departing from Vancouver at 6:10 p.m. PST and arriving in Kona at 10:35 p.m. HST aboard 737-800s, allowing a total of 166 passengers. The overnight flight leaves Kona at 11:35 p.m. and returns to Vancouver at 7:15 a.m.

For Air Canada reservations and information, call toll-free 888-247-2262 or visit www.aircanada.com

For WestJet, call toll-free 888-WESTJET or visits www.westjet.com