Virgin Australia has signed a codeshare agreement with Hawaiian Airlines, adding Honolulu to its growing international network.

Virgin Australia said today it will codeshare on Hawaiian Airlines services between Sydney and Honolulu and beyond on connecting services to the neighbouring islands of Maui, Kauai and The Big Island.

Hawaiian currently operates five weekly flights from Australia, and will increase to year-round daily departures from 14 December, 2011.

Under the new agreement, Virgin Australia’s international airline V Australia will codeshare on
Hawaiian operated flights between Australia and the Hawaiian Islands from 31 October, with flights going on sale from Friday.

Virgin Australia and Hawaiian Airlines have had an interline agreement in place since 2006, allowing Hawaiian Airlines guests to connect to destinations throughout Australia and New Zealand. This agreement also allows members of Virgin Australia’s frequent flyer program Velocity to earn and redeem frequent flyer points on Hawaiian Airlines flights.

Following the implementation of the code-share agreement, travellers will be able to purchase fares to and from Hawaii through Virgin Australia’s international airline V Australia.

Virgin Australia group of airlines CEO John Borghetti said: “The agreement with Hawaiian Airlines will add another important destination to our global network and provide seamless connectivity for guests wanting to fly on from Honolulu to other islands in Hawaii.

“Hawaii is a key tourist destination and this agreement will take us one step closer to obtaining global flight coverage for our guests”, Mr Borghetti said.

Hawaiian’s President and Chief Executive Officer, Mark Dunkerley, said the new codeshare with
Virgin Australia group of airlines was a natural progression and exciting step forward for both companies.

“We have been flying Hawaiian skies for over 80 years, and know this market better than any other airline. Now Virgin Australia can utilise our network and expertise to expand its own offerings.”