Ellison buys airline to go with Hawaiian island paradise

Oracle chief executive buys Island Air for undisclosed sum, less than a year after buying 98 per cent of island Lanai

As if the purchase of Hawaiian island Lanai last summer were not enough, Oracle chief executive Larry Ellison has decided to buy an airline to go with it.

Ellison, whom Forbes ranks as the sixth-richest individual in the world with a $36bn (£24bn) fortune, acquired Hawaiian airline Island Air for an undisclosed sum yesterday.

Island Air operates more than 200 weekly flights between Hawaiian islands Honolulu, Kapalua, Kona, Lihue, Molokai, Kahului and Lanai.

In June last year, Ellison bought 98 per cent of Lanai for an undisclosed sum, leaving the state owning the remaining two per cent.

Last year, Ellison told CNBC that he planned to turn his island paradise into a "little laboratory" for sustainable energy, researching solar power and organic farming.

Island Air, which employees about 245 staff, said it would not make any personnel changes following the acquisition and would continue its business as usual.

Les Murashige, Island Air president, said the firm was very excited about Ellison's acquisition, adding: "He has the vision and resources to literally take Island Air to new heights."

A representative for Ellison said the major investment showed his commitment to Hawaii.