HNL RareBirds

04 March 2012

Island Air's N808WP: The End of an Era

I knew Island Air's N808WP had been taken out of service, but today on the HNL South Ramp I discovered just how far out of service. It's been stripped and chopped to bits. According to some of the folks in the area, parts had been sent back to Bombardier in Canada for testing and examination, since it was the highest time Dash-8 in existence.

03 March 2012

N682AG

N682AG (c/n 28663, l/n 2922), a former China Xinhua Airlines 737-46Q that was B-2987, is being ferried across the Pacific, as it is being returned to its lessor, Boullioun Aviation Services. It left TNA on the 1st, and made stops at GUM and MAJ, before arriving here last evening.

B-2987 was delivered to China Xinhua [XW/CXH] in August 1997, in CXH colors, and named "Tianjin Daily". In mid-2003, it was painted in the Hainan Air Group generic livery, save for the airline's titles.

01 March 2012

Air Australia's VH-YQC

One of the now-defunct Air Australia's A320-212s, VH-YQC (msn 395), is transiting through HNL, as it is being reclaimed by its lessor, Aero Turbine Inc (Doral, FL). VH-YQC arrived late last evening from MAJ (seen above on the AirService Hawai‘i ramp), but the flight information is not available online.

395 was originally purchased by leasing company GATX, and delivered to TAP - Air Portugal [TP/TAP] in March 1993, as CS-TNE, and named "Sa De Miranda". It was with the TAP fleet for seven years. It then went to Air Luxor [LK/LXR] in March 2000, and was sub-leased to Novair [1I/NVR] twice during the four year lease. In May 2004, it was leased again by TAP, with the same name for six more years. The A320 was sold to Aero Turbine Inc, and leased to Strategic Airlines (Air Australia's predecessor) as VH-YQC in May 2010. VH-YQC, and fleet mate VH-YQB, were the only aircraft to receive the Air Australia livery and branding.

Mahalo to MRC Aviation for the heads-up!

Qantas' VH-VZY

Qantas Airways is taking delivery of their second 737-838 in the past four weeks. VH-VZY "Temora" (c/n 39363, l/n 3944) is making its delivery flight as QFA6024, and will overnight at HNL this evening.

Mahalo to blog fan Hiroshi for the above photo of VH-VZY on the north ramp. In a rare occurrence, two Qantas 737s were at HNL, though VZY was bound for Australia, but TJW was headed for retirement.

Upcoming 737NG Deliveries

With many of the Pacific Rim carriers ordering Next Generation 737s, most of them will stop through Hawai‘i (mainly HNL) during their first segment of its island-hopping delivery flights from Boeing Field. This list will be continuously updated as information becomes available.

According to PlaneSpotters.net's 737NG production list, these listed below are the airframes that have been assigned assembly line numbers, and currently on the RNT assembly lines, or BFI flightlines that are being readied for delivery. Those listed below should make a stopover at HNL on their first segment out of BFI on their delivery flights in the near future:
3929 | B-5631 | 38387 | Xiamen Airlines | -85C [02.18.12 CXA5631]
3934 | B-5628 | 39125 | Shandong Airlines | -85C [02.21.12 CDG5628]
3930 | PK-GMU | 38073 | Garuda Indonesia | -8U3 [02.21.12 GIA8011]
3918 | PK-LJL | 37290 | Lion Airlines | -9GPER [02.21.12 LNI1]
3933 | JA73NL | 38104 | Skymark Airlines | -8HX [02.23.12 SKY73NL]
3940 | JA73NM | 39421 | Skymark Airlines | -81D [02.25.12 SKY73NM]
3936 | PK-LJM | 38313 | Lion Airlines | -9GPER [02.28.12 LNI1]
3944 | VH-VZY | 39363 | Qantas Airways | -838 "Temora" [03.01.12 QFA6024]
3902 | PK-___ | 41706 | Government of Indonesia | -8U3(BBJ2) {N454BJ}
3951 | B-5638 | 38151 | Hainan Airlines | -84P
3957 | B-5629 | 38638 | Shandong Airlines | -85N
3959 | B-5647 | 38105 | China Eastern Airlines | -8HX
3960 | PK-GMV | 38074 | Garuda Indonesia | -8U3
3961 | B-5640 | 38918 | China Southern Airlines | -81B*
3963 | VH-YFI | 41000 | Virgin Australia | -8FE
* special livery

3937 | B-5637 | 38150 | Hainan Airlines | -84P [02.23.12 B5637 - OGG]
3941 | VH-YFG | 40999 | Virgin Australia | -8FE "Hanson Bay" [02.27.12 VBH9080 - LIH]
On occasion, there are some 737NG delivery flights that stop through Neighbor Island airports instead of HNL.

3927 | HL8243 | 38825 | Korean Airlines | -8Q8 [02.17.12 KAL30D]
3942 | HL8244 | 38826 | Korean Airlines | -8Q8 [03.02.12 KAL30D]
Some of the Japan-based and South Korea-based carriers deliver through ANC.

Also, a big mahalo to the The Boeing Test Flights blog for the additional information. Team member Drewski2112 is taking a well-deserved, extended break from updating his 737NG production blog. We wish him well during his time away. He will continue to post Boeing photos on his Flickr page.

Also according to PlaneSpotters.net, these are the Pacific-bound 737NGs currently on the order books which have been assigned Construction Numbers. As each ordered 737 is assigned a Line Number, and the airframe is moved to the assembly lines, that listing will be moved to the top list.
B-5283 | 38919 | China Southern Airlines | -71B
HL8245 | 38827 | Korean Air | -8Q8
HL8___ | 41299 | Korean Air | -8B5
HL8___ | 41300 | Korean Air | -8B5
JA342J | 39191 | Japan Airlines | -846
JA343J | 39192 | Japan Airlines | -846
JA344J | 39193 | Japan Airlines | -846
JA345J | 39194 | Japan Airlines | -846
JA73NN | 39422 | Skymark Airlines | -81D
JA73NP | 38109 | Skymark Airlines | -8HX
JA804X | 38026 | Solaseed Airlines | -86N
PK-G__ | 41605 | Garuda Indonesia | -8U3
PK-G__ | 41607 | Garuda Indonesia | -8U3
PK-LJO | 38315 | Lion Airlines | -9GPER
PK-LJP | 37291 | Lion Airlines | -9GPER
PK-LJQ | 38317 | Lion Airlines | -8GP
PK-LJR | 37292 | Lion Airlines | -8GP
PK-LJS | 37293 | Lion Airlines | -8GP
PK-LJT | 38720 | Lion Airlines | -9GPER
PK-LJU | 37294 | Lion Airlines | -8GP
PK-LJV | 38721 | Lion Airlines | -8GP
PK-LJW | 37295 | Lion Airlines | -8GP
PK-LJY | 38722 | Lion Airlines | -8GP
PK-LJZ | 37296 | Lion Airlines | -9GPER
PK-LKF | 38723 | Lion Airlines | -9GPER
VH-VZZ | 39445 | Qantas Airways | -838
VH-YFL | 41002 | Virgin Australia | -8FE
9M-MLN | 39324 | Malaysia Airlines | -8H6
9M-MLO | 39325 | Malaysia Airlines | -8H6
9M-MXI | 40136 | Malaysia Airlines | -8H6

China Airlines' B-18605

This month's edition of "HNL RareBirds Classic" takes us back to November 14, 1998, and the delivery flight of China Airlines' 737-809, B-18605 (c/n 28404, l/n 130). It's seen above, on the Anderson Aviation ramp, with a double rainbow in the background.

B-18605 remains with China Airlines. In 2007, the 737-809 was fitted with Aviation Partners Boeing Blended Winglets™.

29 February 2012

VH-TJW

Another former Qantas 737-400 is making its way to the US mainland. VH-TJW "Strahan" (c/n 26961, l/n 2517), a 737-4L7, is headed for storage at VCV. It flew from SYD to HNL, via APW, as QFA6027. For the HNL-VCV leg, it will fly as QFA6029.

26961 was originally delivered to Air Nauru in August 1993 as C2-RN11, until it was sold to Qantas in June 1995.

Mahalo to blog fan Hiroshi for the photo of VH-TJW on HNL's North Ramp.

N146PA

N146PA (c/n 27166, l/n 2410) is another former Malaysia Airlines 737-4H6 that the Bank of Utah bought from the airline. It's being ferried to OKC from KUL (via ROR, MAJ, HNL, and OAK).

Malaysia Airlines received this 737-4H6 in January 1993 as 9M-MMM.

28 February 2012

Hoaloha Blessing

Today, Island Air held a blessing of the Pen Air Saab SF340B, N364PX, in their hangar. The plane was named "Hoaloha" (friend in Hawaiian) by Island Air employees Summer Harrell (center, back) and Larry Kuamo‘o (center, front). Kahu Kelekona Bishaw blesses "Hoaloha" as Pen Air Captain Kirk Watson looks on. N364PX will begin service on March 1.

Lion Air's PK-LJM

Lion Air is taking delivery of their second 737-9GPER in a week. PK-LJM (c/n 38313, l/n 3936) is making its delivery flight as LNI1, and will stop through HNL later today.

27 February 2012

Island Air To Upgrade Fleet

In a move to upgrade their fleet, Island Air is switching to the European-made ATR turbo-props. The inter-island carrier's Dash8-100s will be phased out as they receive both the ATR42 and ATR72. They are also wet-leasing a Pen Air SF340B as N809WP is reaching its service limits.

25 February 2012

Skymark Airlines' JA73NM

Skymark Airlines' JA73NM (c/n 39421, l/n 3940), is their second 737-800 delivery in as many days. The AWAS-leased 737-81D, is flying as SKY73NM, and will overnight here in HNL.

Mahalo to blog fan Hiroshi for the photo of JA73NM, as it taxies to the Castle & Cooke Aviation ramp, after arriving from BFI.

23 February 2012

Skymark Airlines' JA73NL

Skymark Airlines' JA73NL (c/n 38104, l/n 3933), is the newest 737-800 to join their fleet. The 737-8HX, leased from ACG, is making its delivery flight from BFI as SKY73NL. It will overnight at HNL, upon arrival this afternoon. JA73NL is seen above on Taxiway RT for departure to GUM.

21 February 2012

Lion Air's PK-LJL

Lion Air's PK-LJL (c/n 37290, l/n 3918), is their latest 737-9GPER to make its delivery flight from BFI to CGK (via HNL, MAJ, and BIK).

Sorry, we were unable to get a photo of it while it was here, but team member Drewski2112 got a photo of it at BFI.

Garuda's PK-GMU

Garuda Indonesia is taking delivery today of PK-GMU (c/n 38073, l/n 3930). This new 737-8U3 is flying as GIA8011, and overnighted here at HNL. It's seen above, on Taxiway RT, as it taxies for departure to MAJ the next morning, with a HIK-based C-17A departing Runway 8R in the background.

Shandong's B-5628

Shandong Airlines is taking delivery of B-5628 (c/n 39125, l/n 3934) today. It's their newest 737-85C, and is flying out of BFI as CDG5628, and overnighted at HNL. It's seen above, on Taxiway RT, as it taxies for departure to MAJ the next morning.

18 February 2012

Xiamen's B-5631

Xiamen Airlines is taking delivery of their newest 737-85C, B-5631 (c/n 38387, l/n 3929). It's flying as CXA5631, and is overnighting at HNL tonight.

Sorry, we were unable to get a photo of B-5631 at HNL.

Our Mission

This is the original, definitive blog about the Honolulu International Airport (HNL) by a team of aviation enthusiasts, spotters, and photographers.

We cover rare airlines and airliners stopping over at HNL, as well as HNL media events, airline news affecting Hawai‘i, rarebirds visiting Neighbor Island airports, and some military rarebirds as well.

"Our little corner of the Pacific on the Internet." -- PanAm Hawaii

This is the place to see HNL RareBirds photos and information before anywhere else on the Internet!

For the latest HNL RareBirds updates, follow us on our Twitter page, and we also have our own Facebook page!

Mahalo, Blue Wave 707 (chief editor)

The Fine Print ...

Disclaimer

HNL RareBirds is not affiliated with any airline, the Honolulu International Airport, the State of Hawai‘i Department of Transportation Airports Division, nor any other state or federal governmental agency.

We cannot promise nor guarantee that we can get every rarebird that passes through HNL, but we will do our best to document and photograph each one that we do catch, and provide the most accurate information and history on that aircraft.

We will do our best to remain objective. However, any comments, views, and opinions expressed on this blog by an HNL RareBirds team member, belong solely to the person posting the item, and may not reflect the views of the entire HNL RareBirds team.

We are also not responsible for all comments made by non-HNL RareBirds team members. They are solely their own opinion.

Any comments that we find offensive, derogatory, and/or irrelevant will be immediately removed.

Spotting at HNL

This is an unofficial guide to aircraft spotting locations around Honolulu International Airport (HNL). We, nor the Airports Division of the State of Hawai‘i’s Department of Transportation, nor any other government agency will not accept any responsibility for any actions taken by individuals while engaging in spotting and photography. Each person assumes responsibility for their actions while spotting and photographing around HNL (or any other Hawai‘i airport).

If you have a boarding pass, HNL offers a few open air locations in the Main Terminal, between the three concourses. The Inter-Island Terminal's walkways have been enclosed.

There are two locations on the southeast side of HNL, on Lagoon Drive where spotting is possible. The first is at the extreme south end of Lagoon Drive, in the General Aviation parking lot. This location is excellent for watching traffic depart from the Runway 8R, “the Reef Runway”, and arrivals to both Runways 4L & 4R, during tradewind weather (which is 90-95% of the time). There is a fence to contend with, and standing on one’s car is way to overcome that.

The second location, a parking lot on Palekona Street is a good location to watch 22L departures.

The length of Lagoon Drive after Aolele Street is a No Parking Zone, none of side streets, except Palekona Street and Kalewa Street have public parking.

It's not advised to do any spotting along Elliott Street as well.

Please do not encroach on any private property to do any spotting, unless you obtain permission.

There are several times during the course of the year when the winds shift from the northeast tradewinds to the southwesterly “Kona” winds. When these winds occur, the traffic is reversed. Landing traffic will make their final approach abeam the world-famous Waikīkī Beach for both Rwy 26L & 26R. Departing traffic will depart west-bound Rwy 26L (heavy jet) & 26R(inter-island) , or south-bound on Rwy 22L (mostly domestic).

The top floor of the Inter-Island Terminal’s parking structure offer great views of the ‘Ewa end of the main terminal. While the 6th level offers a view of the Inter-Island and Commuter Terminals. Though loitering is not advised.

Four caveats:
1) You may be subject to questioning by either the private security firm that guards HNL’s parking lots, or the Hawai‘i State Sheriffs Department (the governing law enforcement agency of HNL), especially if they see you with any kind of camera in any of these spotting locations. Be courteous, and cooperative with them, and comply.

2) If you plan an extended stay in Honolulu, you might want to apply for a hobby photographers permit from the airport manager’s office. It’s free, and it will allow you to take photos (for personal use & non-commercial purposes) around HNL.

3) There are no rest rooms, nor water fountains in either Lagoon Drive spotting locations. The nearest public lavatory is at Ke‘ehi Park, and there are two convenience stores at the corner of Aolele Street and Lagoon Drive. The spotting locations can get quite warm and sunny, therefore, sunblock and drinks are strongly recommended. Do not litter! These locations also have no shade areas.

4) It is recommended to have a rental car when spotting on the Lagoon Drive side of HNL. There is a municipal bus line, The Bus, that runs next to the Palekona Street parking lot. It runs in 30-minute intervals on weekdays, and longer on weekends. It will require you to make bus transfers to get to Lagoon Drive. Taxi fares can run as high as US$50 between Waikīkī and HNL, each way. There also are no pay phones, so it is advised you carry a mobile phone.