Six months ago, Aloha Airlines shutdown it's service. Now, Mokulele Airlines says it's picking up the slack just in time for the holidays.

The small airline announced big plans for expansion. It already makes nearly 60 interisland flights a day on its small propellor planes but starting Nov. 19 it will use up to four jets that seat 70 people to go between Honolulu, Kona and Lihue.

Don't expect to see $19 fares. Prices online show $61 one way tickets which is about the same as competitors.

"We won't see the fares that are unreasonable. Those fares don't exist and they never should have existed," said Bill Boyer, Mokulele Airlines President and CEO.

He will take over the old Aloha Airlines counters and plans to have 400 employees half of which will be laid off Aloha workers.

"There are so many of us who have not found employment so we're so happy about Mokulele coming in," said Kalana Awa, former Aloha Airlines flight attendant for 41 years.

"This is a great opportunity for the Aloha Airline employees to jump on at ground zero and just show our gifts," said Roxanne Onuma, former Aloha Airlines reservations department for 24 years.

Mokulele will partner with Republic Airways which has put up $150 million for planes and a line of credit to get the airline off the ground.

But Mokulele was already a partner with go! Express to fly to smaller islands.

go! CEO Jonathan Ornstein says he's disappointed in Mokulele and says he does not plan to continue a partnership with a competitor.

He said Mokulele is two months late paying its fuel bill and wishes they'd focus on their current issues rather than starting another airline.

"Jonathan kind of talks a lot but Jonathan should look at his own operation before talking to other people about past due bills. That's all I have to say," responded Boyer.

Mokulele Airlines and Republic Airways signed a long term agreement and early next year they plan to add flights to Maui and Hilo.

Tickets are on sale now. Click here for more information on Mokulele Airlines.

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