Heli USA Launches Hawaii Market With New Princeville Service; Unveils Exclusive Herb Kane Paint Scheme

Business Wire, July 29, 2002

Business Editors & Travel Writers

PRINCEVILLE, Hawaii--(BUSINESS WIRE)--July 29, 2002

Heli USA, www.heliusa.com, the world's premier helicopter sightseeing company based in Las Vegas, is pleased to announce that it has entered the Hawaii tourism market with new service from Princeville Airport in Kauai, Hawaii.

"We are bullish on Hawaii," said Nigel Turner, CEO, Heli USA, who said that Heli USA soon plans to expand its fleet of aircraft to other islands including Oahu and Maui.

He added that, "Heli USA is proud to be a new part of the Hawaii tourism market. We will be selling our new Kauai sightseeing packages to a worldwide travel tourism marketplace, bringing new customers to Hawaii, creating new employment opportunities here for local Hawaii residents all while being an environmentally sensitive and reliable partner with the local Kauai and greater state-wide Island business community."

He added that in celebration of Heli USA's inauguration of service here on Kauai, the company is offering up to 25% commission to travel agents on all sales of Heli USA vacation packages in Hawaii, The Grand Canyon and Las Vegas.

Turner made his remarks at the official blessing ceremony here at Princeville Airport of the four Kauai-based, Heli USA helicopters that have been newly freshly painted with the image of the Goddess Pele.

More than 120 people attended the event including councilman Brian Babtiste, travel industry professionals and local community guests as well as Heli USA's senior management staff, including: Rich Johnson, general manager -- Hawaii; John Power, vice president -- sales & marketing; and Kenji Takahashi -- vice president -- Asia Pacific Sales.

The blessing ceremony was performed by Hawaiian Kahu, Kauilani Kahalekai, who incorporated Hawaiian, Japanese and Christian chants and prayers.

The image -- painted by world-famous Hawaiian artist Herb Kane -- projects the power of the Hawaiian people.

The mythology of Pele presented by Kane, "perfectly portrays both the strength of the Hawaiian people and the rugged volcanic beauty of the islands. From Pele's birthplace at Diamond Head, her time on Kauai ending with her creation of Mt. Wai'ale'ale crater and now the formation of the Big Island. The history and spirit of the people combined with the volcanic origins of the islands is why tourists come here today," said Turner.

Heli USA Airways, www.heliusa.com, is the world's premier helicopter sightseeing company with operations in Hawaii, Las Vegas and The Grand Canyon. Heli USA flies more than 120,000 passengers a year and has international sales offices in England, Japan, Germany and Holland.

For additional information, please contact your local travel agent or Heli USA at 800/359-8727 or in Hawaii at 866/936-1234.

NOTE: Color .jpeg photos of the newly painted Heli USA aircraft and blessing ceremony are available upon request.