Singapore-based low-cost carrier, Scoot, landed its first U.S. flight at Daniel K. Inouye International (HNL) Airport in Honolulu today. The flight from Singapore through Osaka is also the first direct route from Honolulu to Singapore using the 787 Dreamliner.

“We are excited about entering the U.S. market with a destination as special as Hawaii,” said Mr. Lee Lik Hsin, Scoot CEO. “We look forward to connecting our two communities which are both known for their rich multi-cultural heritage. We are confident that travellers from Singapore and the region are eager to visit Hawai‘i as a world-famous vacation destination.”

Today’s flight landed at 7:30 a.m. with 319 passengers flying in from both Singapore and Japan. The return flight to Singapore via Osaka departed at 9:35 a.m. and is scheduled to land at 2 p.m. local time on Wednesday, December 20 at Osaka. The four-times-weekly flights will be operated on a twin-aisled Boeing 787 Dreamliner with a total capacity of 329 seats.

“Scoot’s flight today is great news for Hawaii and our local economy,” said Governor David Ige. “The flight is estimated to provide $79.7 million in visitor spending and $9.3 million in state tax revenue and help to grow and support our tourism industry. This will also provide our local residents with more opportunities to visit a major Southeast Asia city.”

Arriving passengers were greeted at HNL with fresh flower lei, Hawaiian music, hula, and refreshments. A traditional Hawaiian blessing was also held at Scoot’s check-in counter.

“Our tourism industry is thrilled to welcome Scoot to Hawaii and we appreciate how this new service makes it more inviting for travellers from Singapore to experience the beautiful Hawaiian Islands,” said George D. Szigeti, president and CEO of the Hawaii Tourism Authority. “Scoot’s customers will enjoy our aloha spirit and warmth of hospitality, as well as the diversity of culture, activities, cuisine and beautiful settings to be discovered throughout the islands.”

Based out of Singapore, Scoot is the low-cost arm of the Singapore Airlines Group. It was voted the Best Low-Cost Airline (Asia/Pacific) by AirlineRatings.com for 2015, 2016, 2017 and 2018.