Air Travel and Seagliders in the Islands

Photo byCaleb WoodsonUnsplash

With the announcement of Alaska Airlines purchasing Hawaiian Airlines, what will happen to Regent's seagliders in Hawaii? In May of 2022, Regents announced Hawaiian Airlines invested in their all-electric airplane that travels about 10 meters above the ocean sea level. According to Regent, it is an airplane with the operating cost of a boat.

With Alaska Airlines purchasing Hawaiian Airlines and the $900 million debt, will Regent's seagliders be part of inter-island travel in Hawaii? Trimming as much cost as possible is probably easier to increase profits.

There are still many unknown answers to many questions everyone might have. Will the cost of inter-island travel increase? Will Alaska Airlines rebrand Hawaiian Airlines to include Alaska Airlines in the name?

As a consumer, there are few choices for inter-island travel. Hawaiian Airlines and Southwest Airlines have most of the Hawaii market, with Mokulele Air occupying a small part of inter-island travel.

Final Thoughts

I'd like to see more options for inter-island travel, but with Alaska Airlines' impending purchase of Hawaiian Airlines, Regent's seaglider is unproven and an added cost. It's an excellent concept, but I don't think it will be part of the inter-island travel with Alaska Airlines as the new owner of Hawaiian Airlines.