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Amazon Air expands operations to Kona International Airport
#1
First plane landed last night.

Hawaii Island residents ordering products via Amazon can expect faster shipping following the start of Amazon Air operations Thursday at Ellison Onizuka Kona International Airport at Keahole.

The Kona airport, as well as Kahului Airport on Maui, will service daily flights originating from Amazon Air’s mainland regional gateway at March Air Reserve Base in Riverside, California. The “regional gateways” are Amazon’s second and third destinations in the state after entering the establishing a gateway at Daniel K. Inouye International Airport in Honolulu in April 2018.




The company said its Amazon Air operations will enable faster shipping for customers on both islands. Amazon began air operations in 2016 and currently has a fleet of more than 80 aircraft.

“We are excited to expand Amazon Air’s operations in Hawaii so that we can deliver for Hawaiian customers who are relying on us during this time,” said Chris Preston, director of Amazon Air Gateway Operations. “We look forward to improving the delivery window for customers in Maui and on Hawaii Island over time, just like we did in Honolulu when we first began operations in the state in 2018.”

Amazon Air’s continuing fleet expansion comes at a time when people in communities across the country continue to adjust to the pandemic, with many relying on having the items they need delivered directly to their doorstep.

Amazon Air said it has played a central role during the COVID-19 pandemic by transporting essential PPE supplies for Amazon associates, frontline health workers and relief organizations across the U.S., all while maintaining capacity for regular cargo operations to ensure customers continue to receive the items they need.

Now, with expanded cargo capacity to come to Hawaii and Maui islands, Amazon will continue to meet evolving demand and a growing customer base, the company said.
The online company has seen net income increase by 41% in the second quarter this year compared to 2019.

“Amazon Air is critical to ensuring fast delivery for our customers – both in the current environment we are facing, and beyond,” said Sarah Rhoads, vice president of Amazon Global Air. “During a time when so many of our customers rely on us to get what they need without leaving their homes, expanding our dedicated air network ensures we have the capacity to deliver what our customers want: great selection, low prices and fast shipping speeds.”




The launch of the regional gateways on Hawaii Island and Maui comes on the heels of Amazon’s land purchase in Honolulu last month.
“We are excited about Amazon’s growing presence in Hawaii and welcome Amazon Air to two new locations in the state, said Gov. David Ige. “Amazon has already invested more than $100 million in our great state and has more than 6,500 small and medium-sized businesses growing their business using Amazon products and services. We look forward to the continued benefits Amazon’s presence will have for customers and commerce across our islands.”


https://www.westhawaiitoday.com/2020/08/...l-airport/
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#2
This may have been discussed in another thread somewhere, but who will be actually delivering the packages to consumers' doors? Also, is it safe to assume that Amazon's in-house shipping will extend to the Hilo side of the island?

Frau Chunkster and I have been relying on the USPS a lot due to their generally lower cost than UPS or FedEx. As noted by many others, however, the quality of the USPS has been slipping seriously lately and shows signs of getting worse. We'd love to bypass them entirely and get as much as humanly possible dropped off at our house, some thing impossible with USPS as we live in HPP. We have Amazon Prime, and their "free shipping" hasn't been consistent to Hawaii in our experience. Will this new development change that?
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#3
but who will be actually delivering the packages to consumers' doors?

Good question Chunkster.
When Amazon only flew into Honolulu, it made sense for them to drop off packages at USPS for inter island delivery.  But if Amazon flies directly into Kona & Maui, why would they use USPS, which has to fly them to Honolulu for sorting, and then back again?  

Anyone on Punaweb from Oahu?  How does Amazon deliver parcels from their Honolulu warehouse?
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#4
A private delivery contractor would make the most sense. Other than FedEx or ups.
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#5
My last Amazon delivery had a USPS tracking number, but the entire history is "Shipping Partner: AMAZON" right up until it "Arrived at Post Office" Hilo.

Looks like a solved problem. Waiting for Amazon to build out a network of package depot locations where people can pick stuff up. Macy*s is about to go bankrupt, they have locations nationwide, generally with loading docks... would make a great install base of warehouses with retail front.
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#6
Waiting for Amazon to build out a network of package depot locations where people can pick stuff up.

I bought & shipped something for my sister who lives near Dallas last year.  She had a choice of 17 pickup locations in the DFW area, or delivery to her house the following day.
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#7
If Amazon follows it's traditional business model the packages will be handed over to the postal service pre-sorted for last mile delivery until a distribution center is constructed and they switch to other delivery options (a mix of USPS, private contractors, trunk delivery, lockers, amazon 'associates', etc).
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#8
OK, this may be something of an improvement in terms of speed, but it still doesn't get the goodies to our door if their final "partner" is USPS. Also, we have had packages scanned in at Hilo and then not be available for pickup for two working days. I guess we will start paying extra for UPS or FedEx when something is important.
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#9
I have not yet bought anything on Amazon. Generally I don't feel inclined to make the richest man in the world a bit richer I guess.
Assume the best and ask questions.

Punaweb moderator
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#10
My two small Amazon's packages have been delivered at my house in HPP this week by UPS.
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