Honolulu-based inter-island private passenger and air cargo business Kamaka Air has made a significant leadership transition as it continues its evolution under new ownership since 2022. The current ownership group has appointed two former directors of Southwest Airlines to lead the company into its next phase of growth.

Effective immediately, David Hinderland will assume the role of CEO, bringing with him more than 30 years of airline, air cargo and integrated logistics experience. Hinderland has excelled in developing all aspects of air cargo business development including start-up cargo airline development, strategic marketing, sales management, advertising, promotions, ground operations, cargo facility development, international air cargo interline network programmes and customer centric service strategies. During his tenure at Southwest Airlines, he was the director of cargo marketing and business development for 19 years and led the cargo management team to generate double-digit revenue growth adding to the highly successful growth of Southwest Airlines passenger revenues of $18 billion.

Joining him is Ken Gile, who will serve as COO and leverage his extensive background in airline operations to drive Kamaka Air forward in the competitive air cargo market. Gile was one of the original flydubai employees. He served as COO for 12 years, developing and executing the strategic start up plan that grew from zero to over 60 aircraft, generating $3 billion in revenue. He was responsible for safety, maintenance, quality assurance, security, flight operations, scheduling, network-control and in-flight sales. His departments developed flydubai's aircraft utilisation plan, which enabled the company to create one of the highest aircraft daily utilisation rates. He was also an employee at Southwest Airlines for 25 years in flight operations serving in several key roles, latterly as chief pilot and director of flight operations. During his tenure, Southwest Airlines experienced a historic network and revenue growth of 35 times.

The appointments are fully supported by Kamaka Air's current executive team. Jim Petrides and John Gravener will remain involved as board members, providing valuable insight and guidance as the company embarks on its ambitious growth trajectory.

With new leadership in place, Kamaka Air plans to pursue ongoing sales initiatives to strengthen its air cargo business while concurrently exploring opportunities to establish strategic partnerships with local businesses using its fleet of Cessna Caravan and SkyCourier turboprops.