LIHU’E — Private-jet arrivals at Lihu’e Airport are on the upswing, reflecting the robust mainland economy and continued popularity of Kaua’i as a getaway destination. Gulfstream and other intercontinental-capable private jets frequently arrive directly from the West Coast and other
LIHU’E — Private-jet arrivals at Lihu’e Airport are on the upswing, reflecting
the robust mainland economy and continued popularity of Kaua’i as a getaway
destination.
Gulfstream and other intercontinental-capable private jets
frequently arrive directly from the West Coast and other sections of the
mainland, taxing into the commuter terminal at Lihu’e.
The comfort level in
the corporate jets far exceeds that of commercial airliners, with interiors
that resemble flying penthouses. Leather seats, suede ceilings, full-size
bedrooms, office spaces, gold-plated seat belts, private chefs, professional
kitchens and more are among the fixtures.
The terminal where the jets
arrive was once the main airport for Kaua’i, and became available for other
operations once the new Lihu’e Airport’s terminal opened for service in the
mid-1980s.
Rolling out portable walkways, chocking tires, servicing the
bathrooms and refueling the private jets are among the services provided by Air
Service Hawai’i at the commuter terminal.
Air Service Hawai’i is considered
an FBO (fixed-base operation) in the world of aviation, and the company in 2000
is having one of its busiest years ever handling private jets on Kaua’i, said
the company’s Lihu’e Station Manager Chris Deverill.
Air Service is
considered one of the premiere handlers of private jets transiting the islands,
and has its headquarters in Honolulu, he said. It has branch operations at
airports throughout the islands.
The business opened its doors in 1948, and
has set the standard for handling private jets in the state, Deverill said. In
addition, Air Service provides fuel service to various commercial enterprises,
including Sky Service and local helicopter companies.
Deverill, his wife
Viki, and the company’s other employees at Lihu’e Airport keep busy taking care
of the private jets while they are on the ground, and also handle a full range
of customized services for clients.
They are often called upon to provide
catering, book hotel accommodations and land transportation, set up
entertainment, as well as arrange governmental documentation and
clearances.
“I’d also like to thank all the many vendors throughout the
island for their help and services,” Deverill said of the company’s success
this year. “Without them and their aloha spirit, it would never be possible to
have this increase in growth.”
The Deverills attribute the past year’s
success to the company’s 24-hour, on-island availability, and a marked increase
in visitor traffic. Two new employees, Dionne Jason and Bruce Karroll of
Kapa’a, have been hired to keep up with the growth.
Clients include
celebrities like actor John Travolta, who is an expert pilot, and visiting
heads-of-state.
Upon arrival, leis are presented to arriving passengers,
and a red carpet is literally rolled out for each aircraft. Limos glide right
up to the door of the aircraft for disembarking passengers, assuring special
treatment for each VIP.
The Deverills have 18 years combined aviation
experience, and know well how to provide the level of service expected by
executive pilots and their passengers.
Chris Deverill’s family has been on
the island for five generations. The kama’aina Deverill family originally
settled in Hanalei in 1875. W.E.H. Deverill and his brother were sent by Queen
Victoria with christening gifts for Kamehameha IV and Queen Emma on the birth
of their son Prince Albert, who became the namesake for Princeville.
The
Deverills opened the Hanalei Hotel in 1890 at a location near today’s Hanalei
Beach Park pavilion, and ran it until 1920. Ella Deverill was a well-known
teacher at Hanalei School until her retirement in 1952. Her sister, Etta Lee,
was a silent-film movie star known for her exotic roles opposite Rudolph
Valentino and Douglas Fairbanks, Sr.
Deverill said Air Service Kaua’i, and
his family, are pleased to be an integral part of Kaua’i’s growing visitor
industry, and look forward to more successful years of success.
Air Service
Hawai’i’s Lihu’e Airport number is 246-0016.
New Media Manager Chris
Cook can be reached at ccook@pulitzer.net, or 245-3681, ext. 222.
