The new CEO of Hawaiian Airlines, Diana Birkett Rakow, arrived in the territory Monday night on a one-day visit to the territory.
On Tuesday morning, she met with Governor Pulaalii Nikolao Pula and Fono leaders and attended a welcome luncheon hosted by Director Taimalelagi Minnie Tuia and the America Samoa Visitors Bureau at DDW. The event was attended by the Governor and Lt. Governor, members of the ASVB Board, business owners, and travel agents.
Ms. Rakow said she’s been CEO for five weeks, and this was her first trip out of Hawaii since she was appointed. This reflects the importance and respect that the airline has for American Samoa, she said. 
Ms. Rakow assured Hawaiian Airlines’ commitment to serving American Samoa as it has in the past 41 years.
The new CEO acknowledged that there have been some bumps in the transition of combining Alaska and Hawaiian Airlines into a single airline but said they are working to overcome these challenges.
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In an interview with KHJ News, Ms. Rakow said come April, Hawaiian Airlines would be changing its flight schedule between Honolulu and Pago Pago.
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Director of the American Samoa Visitors Bureau, Taimalelagi Minnie Tuia, said Hawaiian Airlines has played a major role in the bureau’s marketing efforts and expressed appreciation for the close collaboration between the bureau and the airline.
