(Honolulu, Hawaii, April 26, 2012) – First Hawaiian Bank has completed a loan facility that will be used by Hawaiian Airlines to finance the company's latest aircraft purchase. The announcement was made today by Bob Fujioka, First Hawaiian Bank vice chairman and chief lending officer.

The $67 million loan, which is expected to close today, is being used by Hawaiian Airlines to purchase a new 2012 Airbus A330-200 aircraft. Currently the loan is a joint participation between First Hawaiian Bank and Norddeutsche Landesbank Girozenrale (Nord/LB) of Germany with each bank financing 50 percent of the loan.

"We are pleased to play a role in the expansion of Hawaiian Airlines' aircraft fleet here. They are a respected employer and corporate citizen who share our core values," according to Fujioka.

"This financing was critical to the expansion of our fleet which will be among the most modern, fuel efficient in the industry today," according to Mark Dunkerley, president and chief executive officer of Hawaiian Airlines. "We appreciate the cooperation of these two lenders, particularly First Hawaiian Bank for stepping up to support our Kamaaina company. Local businesses supporting each other through partnerships like this help to create jobs and keep our economy growing."

Once the loan closes, the plane is expected to be put into service between Hawaii and the West Coast. Currently Hawaiian has six Airbus A330-200 aircraft, 18 Boeing B717-200 aircraft and 16 Boeing B767-300 aircraft. Hawaiian is the largest locally based airline in Hawaii.

First Hawaiian Bank with $16.1 billion in total assets is the largest and oldest bank in Hawaii. It is the state's largest local lender providing a wide range of commercial and consumer loans. The bank has 58 branches in Hawaii, three on Guam and two on Saipan.