Today marks the first time a Southwest Airlines jet has landed in Honolulu. At approximately 2:50 p.m. HST, the passenger-less flight landed at Daniel K. Inouye International Airport.

The Boeing 737-800 departed Oakland at 9:13 a.m. HST, carrying federal safety inspectors. This is a key step towards the certification necessary for flying twin-engine jets across the Pacific.

While a timeline for passenger service has not been released, Southwest plans on beginning ticket sales shortly after their ETOPS certification is approved.

To accommodate Southwest’s new presence, Daniel K. Inouye International Airport has completed improvements in the G gate area in Terminal 2. New holdrooms with charging stations, restrooms, as well as new dining and shopping choices which includes a new Starbucks, Kona Brewery and additional concessions.