The head of the airline that shook up the interisland air competition with fares that dropped to $9 for a one-way ticket praised the Hawaii Superferry decision to start early with $5 fares.

"Interisland transportation has finally become competitive," said Jonathan Ornstein, chief executive officer for Phoenix-based Mesa Air Group, which runs local carrier go!

"This is great for the consumer," he said.

Reached by telephone on the Mainland, Ornstein said the cheap fares and fast start for the ferry are good for the market and the consumers who will now have another choice in how they travel between islands.

"My hat's off to them for starting early and getting things rolling with a promotion like that," Ornstein said. "I'm sure it's a good idea."

Aloha and Hawaiian airlines had no immediate comment on the Hawai'i Superferry decision. But Ornstein said: "I truly believe competition's a good thing."

Ornstein said the low fare on the ferry could take some customers from his airline and the other interisland carriers.

"I don't see it as a big impact," he said, because most of his customers are business travelers or Hawai'i residents.

Ornstein said residents are likely to try the ferry as a different way to travel, but he expects tourists will make up a significant part of the ferry business as they look to find a fun and different way to experience the Islands.

Reach Robbie Dingeman at rdingeman@honoluluadvertiser.com.