Island Air Orders Q400 NextGens

Island Air and Bombardier announced today that the airline has placed an order for two Q400 NextGens, with an option for four more. Delivery of the first two models is expected in December 2014.

Further details in this Bombardier Aircraft press release. Above photo courtesy of Bombardier.

Presently, Island Air has five ATR72-212s, but those were acquired before Larry Ellison purchased the airline.

This will be the airline's second time with the Q400 airframe. N539DS was with Island Air for a little over six months in 2006.

Makani Kai's N208PK

Makani Kai Air has added a Cessna C208B Grand Caravan, N208PK (msn 208B1143), as a replacement for the lost N687MA. It has been undergoing inspections and ferry tank removal after it arrived on March 19th from MCE.

Aloha ‘Oe go!

Mesa Air Group's go! flies its final inter-island flight tonight, with ASH43 from ITO to HNL, as they close their Hawai‘i operations. The 100+ employees will probably transfer to their mainland contract operations, and the five CRJs will be ferried back to their base at PHX.

According to Hawai‘i News Now, their final day got off to a bad start with ASH1021 (HNL-OGG) canceling because of a mechanical issue, and afternoon flights delayed.



04.01.14 Update

Both N27318 and N407SW are parked at their Commuter Terminal gates.

04.08.14 Update
N407SW departed for PHX today as ASH1100.

Sayonara 747 Jumbo!

Today, All Nippon Airways (ANA) retired their last 747-481D after a round trip flight from Haneda (HND) to Naha, Okinawa (OKA). JA8961 (c/n 25644, l/n 975) had the honors of flying as ANA127 (HND-OKA) and ANA126 (OKA-HND).  Both flights were delayed, likely due to commemoration activities.  This marks the end of nearly 36 years of 747 service at ANA, and 44 years of 747 service by Japanese airlines.

ANA operated a total of 46 747s.  The first 747-SR81, JA8134, was delivered on December 20, 1978 and the last 747-481D, JA8966, was delivered on December 11, 1995.  ANA operated 17 747-SR81s, six 747-281Bs, ten 747-481s, and 13 747-481Ds.

At HNL, ANA has historically mainly operated 747-281Bs, but did occasionally have 747-481s on charters and extra section flights.

Further coverage in this Japan Today article Japan to bid farewell to 747 Jumbo, and this post from Zipanguflyer.

China Southern's B-2922

China Southern Airlines is ferrying another 737-31B, B-2922 (c/n 27272, l/n 2555), from from CAN to GWO [Greenwood-Leflore Airport, Greenwood, MS], via LAO, GUM, MAJ,  HNL, and OAK. It's making its ferry flight as CSN2002. This will be the last flights that B-2922 will make, as it will be parted out and scrapped at GWO.

B-2922 was delivered to China Southern in December 1993.

Ex-Garuda 737-300

A former Garuda Indonesia 737-3U3 is making its ferry flight from CGK to LAX (via BIK, MAJ, and HNL) this morning. All we know so far, is that it only had it's Garuda markings on the rudder, and all-white livery, and it overnighted at Castle & Cooke Aviation. It departed HNL as GIA8011, and was tracked briefly on FlightRadar24, then on its approach into LAX.

No registration nor Mode-S code were listed.

JAL Up-Gauges To 787-8

Beginning today, Japan Airlines becomes the first airline to serve HNL with regularly scheduled 787-8 from NRT. Actually, JAL has converted two NRT flights, JAL786/785 and JAL 784/783 from the 767-346ER to the 787-8. The rest of the Japan-HNL flights are now operated by 777-246ERs.

For today's flights, JAL786/785 is operated with JA824J (c/n 34834, l/n 27), and JAL784/783 is operated with JA834J (c/n 34842, l/n 98).

JTA Orders 737-800s

Japan TransOcean Air (JTA) has ordered a dozen 737-800s to replace their current 737-400s, with deliveries expected beginning in 2016. The JAL subsidiary had some of their -400s deliver through HNL in the mid-90s. It's presumed that some of these -800 deliveries will stop through HNL.

Further details in this Boeing press release.

World Airways Shuts Down

World Airways [WO/WOA] operated its final flight last night, as an attempt at securing additional funding for the charter airline fell through. The above photo of N742WA (c/n 27071, l/n 1072), a 747-412F, was taken this past February as WOA8810, a military charter flight. The above photo of N270WA (c/n 48449, l/n 455) was taken in 2011.

World Airways operated many charter flights for the US Department of Defense (DoD) that stopped through HIK since it gained government contracts. At the height of the Viet Nam War, World's 707-373Cs and DC-8-63CFs were frequent visitors to HIK. During the mid-1980s, World Airways operated low-cost DC-10-10 scheduled service between HNL and LAX, and HNL and OAK, which lasted only a few years. World had gone through financial struggles in the 1990s and 2000s, and concentrated on the cargo market, and military ad hoc charters.

Further details in this World Airline News article.


On a personal note, I had flown on one of those HNL-LAX round-trip flights on World in August 1985, and the total fare per person was just US$200 (+ taxes and fees). World used the Tom Bradley International Terminal for these flights.

French Air Force's F-RAJA

F-RAJA (msn 075), an A340-212 belonging to the French Air Force's (Armée de l'Air) Commandment du Transport Aérien Militaire Français (COTAM), has been making stops at HNL recently. According to FlightRadar24.com, flies from HNL to YVR, then CDG. F-RAJA departed HNL this morning as "COTAM1018" (above), and was seen last Thursday parked at Gate 34.

COTAM has two A340-212, the other is F-RAJB (msn 081).

Malaysia's 9M-MXT

Malaysia Airlines is taking delivery of 9M-MXT (c/n 40157, l/n 4848) this afternoon. The 737-8H6, their second this month, is making its delivery flight from BFI as MAS5473, and will overnight at HNL.

Sorry, we were unable to get a photo of 9M-MXT at HNL.

Thai Lion's HS-LTM

Thai Lion Air is taking delivery of their second 737-9GPER this month, and within the past twelve days, with HS-LTM (c/n 38749, l/n 4843). Like the other delivery flight from BFI this month,  HS-LTM did a late-night delivery flight as LTM1, with a brief fuel-stop at HNL before continuing onto to CEB and DMK.

We were unable to get a photo of HS-LTM at HNL, but team member Drewski2112 got a photo of it at BFI.

Spring Air Japan's JA03GR

Spring Airlines Japan [IJ/---] is taking delivery of JA03GR (c/n 41272, l/n 4819) today. The 737-86N, leased from GECAS, is making its delivery flight from BFI as JA03GR, and is overnighting at HNL.



03.30.14 Update

For unknown reasons, JA03GR has yet to leave on its next delivery flight leg, and was moved to the South Ramp (above photo).



04.01.14 Update
JA03GR left this afternoon for MAJ.

Hainan's B-1929

Hainan Airlines is taking delivery of B-1929 (c/n 39209, l/n 4838) this morning. The 737-84P is making its delivery flight from BFI as CHH1929, and will overnight at HNL. B-1929 is seen above taxiing out for departure to MAJ.

ZK-NGO

A former Air New Zealand 737-37Q, ZK-NGO (c/n 28548, l/n 2961), is being ferried back to the US mainland, as its lease with GECAS has expired. According to MRC Aviation, the flight routing is CHC to GYR (via APW and HNL).

28548 was purchased by GECAS, then delivered to British Airways in December 1997 as G-OAMS. It was named "Rendezvous", and featured a Japanese calligraphy "World Tail". In October 2002, it was leased to Air New Zealand as ZK-NGO.


04.10.14 Update

It was registered as N285CL (Cara Aircraft Leasing, Deerfield Beach, FL) after it arrived at GYR.

QFA11 VH-OQF A380

 

Qantas flight QFA11, an A380-842 (VH-OQF "Charles Kingford Smith", msn 029), with direct service between Sydney International Airport (YSSY/SYD) and Los Angeles International Airport (KLAX/LAX), was diverted to Honolulu due to a passenger requiring medical assistance early this morning. The aircraft was in HNL for just over an hour, and continued on to LAX. This is now the second Qantas A380 diversion into HNL within a month.

Shenzhenʻs B-1938

Shenzhen Airlines is taking delivery of B-1938 (c/n 37618, l/n 4834) this morning. The 737-87L is making its delivery flight from BFI as CSZ903, and will overnight at HNL.

‘Ohana's "Lāna‘i Celebration"

This morning, ‘Ohana by Hawaiian invited a few members of the niche market media and local travel industry social media influencers on a day trip to Lāna‘i. We gathered at Gate 49 in the Inter-Island Terminal to board N804HC "Holo Kaomi". Among those accompanying us on the trip were Hawaiian Airlines President and CEO Mark Dunkerley, ‘Ohana by Hawaiianʻs Managing Director Hadden Watt, livery designer Sig Zane and family, Maui Senator J. Kalani English, and the Hawaiian Airlines Serenaders. 

We boarded at around 0910HST, I was seated in seat 2A, which is also the exit row on an ATR42. With everyone seated, we pushed back seven minutes ahead of departure time. After three Hawaiian Airlines take off and landings ahead of us, it was our turn to depart from Runway 8L. Our flight to Lāna‘i reached an altitude of FL070 at 295kts. The 18-minute flight was smooth, as was the landing on LNYʻs Runway 3. We parked at Gate 3, and deplaned to the main terminal (above). The weather at the airport was sunny and cool (70ºF / 21ºC), with a nice breeze blowing. We boarded Mercedes Sprinter vans from the Four Seasons Lāna‘i at Manele Bay to take us to the Lāna‘i Senior Center in Lāna‘i City where the celebration would take place.

The celebration was held with some of the kupuna (elder citizens) of Lāna‘i City. Members of the Hawaiian Airlines team that traveled with us visited with the "aunties and uncles" (a common term of endearment for older local residents) as the Hawaiian Airlines Serenaders and Dancers prepared for their show. The show was similar to the pre-boarding celebrations when Hawaiian launches a new route. Mark Dunkerley led off the speeches, by thanking the residents of Lāna‘i for welcoming them back, as now they can seamlessly fly the Hawaiian Airlines route network from LNY. Hadden Watt spoke next, followed by Sig and Kuha‘o Zane (who talked about the livery), Senator J. Kalani English, and Maui County Council-member G. Riki Hokama. After a brief prayer in Hawaiian, a buffet lunch was served for everyone attending.

Our next venture was to the Four Seasons Lāna‘i at Manele Bay, where we would embark on a short hike to see Pu‘u Pehe (Sweetheart Rock). After getting settled, we began the hike from the pool area, then across Hulopo‘e Beach, then up to Pu‘u Pehe. We spent several minutes up there taking photographs, and a short break before heading back to the resort. We then boarded the Sprinter vans to take us back to LNY.

LNY is a quaint airport with three airlines serving it. It has four gates, but one large holding area. Once we all cleared TSA, it was a short wait before we boarded "Holo Kaomi" through Gate 3, to take us back home to HNL. We back-taxied down Runway 3 to the approach end to take-off, and got off the ground quickly, then making a 180º left turn to head back to HNL. The 21-minute flight was fairly smooth, flying at FL060 at 295kts. We landed on Runway 8L, and taxied back to Gate 49. That was a great day trip, and an incentive for future getaways to Lāna‘i!

HNL RareBirds extends a big mahalo to Mark Dunkerley and his staff at Hawaiian Airlines for hosting this trip and the activities!

JA829J's Repair Complete

It appears that the repairs to the number two engine of JA829J has been completed, and is seen parked at Hard Stand H, next to the United Airlines Hangar. On this past Sunday, crews had the nacelles open, and the engine was missing (sorry, no photo). This photo was taken as the aircraft this morning. It would later taxi to Taxiway RA for engine run-ups.


03.20.14 Update

This evening, JA829J returned to HND on a ferry flight as JAL8141.

China Southern's B-1918

China Southern Airlines is taking delivery of B-1918 (c/n 39815, l/n 4831) this morning. The 737-81B, China Southern's second delivery this month, is making its delivery flight from BFI as CSN1918, and will overnight at HNL.

‘Ohana Launches LNY Service

‘Ohana by Hawaiian launched the first of it's two daily flights between HNL and LNY this morning.

The above photo was taken last week.

Further details in this Hawaiian Airlines press release.

go! To Cease Hawai‘i Service

The Mesa Air Group announced this afternoon that their go! Hawai‘i operation will cease on 31 March 2014, and their five CRJ200s will be reassigned within Mesa's network. go!'s last flight will be on March 31st. Their website has the formal announcement on their home page. No word was given as to the displacement of the go! employees. The airline is in the process of sending three of the five CRJs back to their PHX base.

go!'s present CRJs: N27318 (above) and N407SW (below).
N37178, N75994, and N75995 have already been ferried back to PHX.

Interestingly enough, when my wife & I were at OGG last month, we came across N407SW without any go! markings on the tail nor fuselage, while waiting for our return flight to HNL. It appears that tail logo and the fuselage logo were painted over. Was this a sign of things to come?

go! began service in June 2006 with five CRJ200s, and their fleet size never exceeded those five CRJs. Even when Aloha Airlines shutdown in 2008, they did not seem to gain any market share from Aloha's demise. Mesa never had a dedicated maintenance base at HNL, though they used the Leis hangar next door to Kamaka Air for minor maintenance and checks. For heavy checks, CRJs were flown to Phoenix and swapped out. The livery changed to the current (see top photo), as the original five CRJs were rotated out of the go! fleet. go! also had short-lived code-shares and partnerships with Mokulele Airlines and Island Air.



03.18.14 Update
The Pacific Business News is reporting that Island Air owner Larry Ellison was extremely close to purchasing go!'s operation, but backed away due to go!'s financial situation; and that Larry Ellison is interested in purchasing the rights to the Aloha Airlines name.

Avatar Airlines?

In a World Airline News article, Avatar Airlines is a proposed airline seeking to fly domestic routes with low fares, and each 747-400 would have corporate sponsorship outside and inside the aircraft. One of the proposed cities is HNL, with service from LAX, LAS, SFO, and SJC. The airline is seeking US government approval for service.

Air China's B-1946

Air China's newest 737-89L arrived this afternoon as CCA78 from Boeing-Field (KBFI/BFI). B-1946 (c/n 41095, l/n 4828) will continue with it's delivery run tomorrow.

Nippon Cargo Airlines' JA08KZ

Nippon Cargo Airlines' JA08KZ (c/n 36135, l/n 1408) arrived this morning from Narita (RJAA/NRT) as KZ6014. This 747-4KZF might be here in support of JAL's 787 that diverted here over a week ago. Below the nose, there is a cradle for what I believe is for the stranded Dreamliner's number 2 engine.

Nok Air's HS-DBP

Nok Air is taking delivery of HS-DBP "Nok Petchnaamngern [Blue Diamond Bird]" (c/n 39336, l/n 4821) today. The 737-8FZ, leased from Babcock & Brown Aircraft Management, is making its delivery flight as HSDBP, and will overnight at HNL.

Thai Lion's HS-LTL

Thai Lion Air is taking delivery of HS-LTL (c/n 38748, l/n 4822) this morning. The 737-9GPER is making its late-night delivery flight from BFI to DMK (via HNL and CEB) as LTM1. It made a brief fuel stop at HNL early this morning.

Obviously, with the early hours HS-LTL stopped at HNL, we weren't able to get a photo of it, but our team member Drewski2112 got a photo of it at BFI.

HNL RareBirds Hosts Marco Finelli

This morning, I had the opportunity to take aviation photographer / writer Marco Finelli (from Italy) around the HNL spotting locations. He is making the United Airlines "Island Hopper" flight between GUM and HNL (via PTKK, PNI, TTK, KWA, and MAJ), and back.

In an article about HNL, that I wrote for "Airliner World" in 2008, one of Marco's photos was included among the photos within the article.

Shandong's B-1932

Shandong Airlines is taking delivery of B-1932 (c/n 39937, l/n 4823) this morning. The 737-85N, leased from RBS Aerospace, is making its delivery flight from BFI as CDG1932, and will overnight at HNL. This is their third 737-85N wearing the DEEJ special livery.

China Eastern's B-1961

China Eastern Airlines is taking delivery of B-1961 (c/n 39732, l/n 4820) this morning. The 737-89P is making its delivery flight from BFI as CES299, and will overnight at HNL.

‘Ohana Launches MKK Service

‘Ohana by Hawaiian launched its Moloka‘i service this morning with a special flight this morning. CFS614 (operated by Empire Airlines) left Gate 49 with Hawaiian Airlines CEO Mark Dunkerley, Hawai‘i State Senator J. Kalani English, livery artist Sig Zane (and family), and other Hawaiian Airlines personnel. N804HC, named "Holo Kaomi" (the winds over Paoma‘i, Lānaʻi), made the inaugural flight this morning (above).

Prior to the flight Kahu Richard Kamanu of Kaumakapili Church prayed over, and blessed "Holo Kaomi" (above). He and ‘Ohana's Managing Director Hadden Watt broke the mail lei affixed to the top of the doorway.

Livery designers Sig Zane (left) and his son Kuha‘o pose at the tail section of "Holo Kaomi".

In the passenger holding area, Hawaiian Airlines' Keoni Martin offered an ‘oli before Kahu Kamanu offered a prayer and blessing over the gate area. Mark Dunkerley and Hadden Watt untied the mail lei  before boarding could commence (above).

Further details in this Hawaiian Airlines press release, and this Paul Drewes' report from KITV.

Shanghai's B-1948

Shanghai Airlines is taking delivery of B-1948 (c/n 39307, l/n 4817) today. The 737-86D is making its delivery flight from BFI as CSH573, and will overnight at HNL.

P4-DLK

P4-DLK (msn 300), an A330-223, owned by ILFC is making its ferry from Malaysia to Argentina, and HNL is its first stop along the way. The flight originated from SZB. It's bound for Aerolineas Argentinas, and will be registered as LV-FNJ upon delivery.

This A330 was purchased by ILFC and originally delivered to Sabena [SN/SAB] as OO-SFS in in November 1999. Sabena ceased operations in November 2001. It was leased to Belgium's new flag carrier, VG Airlines (later Delsey Airlines) [IV/FVG] with the same registry in June 2002. It received the name "New York City, The Big Apple". However, the carrier was short-lived, and ended operations in November 2002. In February 2003, it was leased to Malaysia Airlines as 9M-MKW, and was returned to ILFC in September 2013. It currently wears the Aruban registry of P4-DLK.

Japan Airlines 787-8 Dreamliner JA-829J

Japan Airlines' flight JAL2, JA-829J (c/n 34839, l/n 84), with direct service between Tokyo Haneda (RJTT/HND) and San Francisco (KSFO/SFO) diverted to Honolulu earlier this afternoon due to a emergency declared by the pilot. The flight diverted to HNL due to a drop in oil pressure in it's right engine. The 787-8 is currently parked at the north hardstands as it awaits maintenance. This is the first 787 to divert to HNL as well as the first JAL 787 in HNL.

Here is the link to the flight on flightaware.

Here is the link to a Reuters article.

This is the infamous aircraft that had a fire in the electrical compartment after arriving at Boston Logan airport back on January 7, 2013. This was the first of the 787 fires that led to the grounding of the 787 fleet.

Later this month JAL will begin regular 787 service on their Narita-Honolulu route. JL786/785 and JL784/783 will operate utilizing a Boeing 787-8 replacing the 767-300ER.


03.16.14 Update
JA829J is at the United (though still titled Continental) Hangar with its number 2 engine removed.

SilkAir's 9V-MGB

SilkAir is taking delivery of 9V-MGB (c/n 44218, l/n 4808) today. The 737-8SA is making its delivery flight from BFI as SLK8880, and will overnight at HNL.

We were unable to get a photo of 9V-MGB at HNL, but well-known aviation photographer Marco Finelli got this photo at MAJ, before he arrived at HNL.

Qantas' VH-TJS

Qantas Airways' VH-TJS "Jabiru" (c/n 24444, l/n 2454) is the second of the last two 737-476s to be retired from the QFA fleet. It is making its ferry flight from MEL to VCV (via SYD, APW, and HNL) as QFA6020, and will overnight at HNL.

VH-TJS was originally delivered to Australian Airlines in May 1993, and integrated into the Qantas fleet five months later following the merger between the two carriers.

Qantas' VH-TJX

Qantas Airways' VH-TJX "Stalwell" (c/n 28150, l/n 2773), is one of the last two 737-476s that have been retired from the QFA fleet. It is now making its ferry flight to from MEL to VCV (SYD, APW, and HNL) as QFA6025. It will overnight at HNL.

VH-TJX was delivered to Qantas in February 1996, and withdrawn from service last month. It retained the Australian Airlines -_76 Boeing customer code, since this originally ordered by Australian, but received after their merger with Qantas.

Hawaiian To Suspend TPE Service

Hawaiian Airlines announced today that they are suspending its thrice-weekly service between HNL and TPE from early April 2014. The last HAL807 will be on 06 April 2014, and the last HAL808 will be on 07 April 2014. The A330-243s will be re-assigned to the ICN service, as it will be up-gauged to a five-times-per-week service.

 Further details in this Hawaiian Airlines press release.

Malaysia's 9M-MXS

Malaysia Airlines is taking delivery of 9M-MXS (c/n 40156, l/n 4815) today. The 737-8H6 is making its delivery flight as MAS5473, and will overnight at HNL.

China Southern's B-1923

China Southern Airlines is taking delivery of their second 737-800 within the past six days with B-1923 (c/n 35645, l/n 4812). The 737-86N, under lease from GECAS, is making its delivery flight from BFI as CSN1923, and will overnight at HNL.

Governor Releases Funds For Projects

Hawai‘i Governor Neil Abercrombie released US$96 million for the new commuter terminal at HNL (US$50M), a complete repaving of Taxiway Z (US$35M), and the remaining US$16M for Neighbor Island airport projects.

The new Commuter Terminal will be built next to the far end of the Diamond Head Concourse, and will house Island Air, ‘Ohana by Hawaiian, Mokulele Airlines, and go!. When the new terminal is completed, and operations moved over, that will pave the way for the demolition of the old Commuter Terminal, and the construction of the Mauka Extension of the Inter-Island Terminal.

With the building of the new Commuter Terminal, nothing was mentioned on the fate of the North Hardstands. Those eight stands are used quite often.

Further details at the Hawai‘i Airports Modernization website.

A bit of HNL history ... The original location of the Commuter Terminal was very near to the location where the new terminal will be built. During the 1960s through the 1980s, airlines such as Princeville Airways (now Island Air), and Royal Hawaiian Air Service were the mainstays of the old Commuter Terminal, which the building is now part of the east bus lot.

N431LF

While doing a search on the FAA N-Number website, we came across N431LF (c/n 25372, l/n 2280), a 737-4Q8, is registered to Kahala US - 25372, LLC, here in Honolulu, and its certificate was issued in January 2014.  It has a new registration, N452KA, pending.

23572 was originally purchased by ILFC, and it was leased to Turkish Airlines [TK/THY] as TC-JDI "Ürgüp" in May 1992. The next lessee was Sky Airlines [ZY/SHY] (Turkey) in May 2002, as TC-SKD "Black Eagle". It was sub-leased to Air Algérie [AH/DAH] in October 2007 for four months. TC-SKD was returned to ILFC in July 2013, registered as N431LF, and stored at GYR. When Kahala Aviation acquired it, N431LF was ferried to DHN for freighter conversion by Commercial Jet Services.

United Edges Out HND Slot Over Hawaiian

The US Department of Transportation has awarded the HND slot vacated American Airlines, to United Airlines, which will serve the downtown Tōkyo airport from SFO. Hawaiian Airlines also applied for a second HND route, that would have began direct service between HND and KOA.

American had won one of the four original HND slots, with service between JFK-HND. The service ended this past December.

Further details in this ATW Online article.

WestJet's C-GWSZ

Today's WJA1864/1863 flights to and from Vancouver [YVR/CYVR], WestJet Airlines' operated its newest special livery 737-8CT. C-GWSZ (c/n 37092, l/n 3164), dubbed the "Magic Plane", it wears Disney's Mickey Mouse to promote the good standing between WestJet and the Disney Theme Parks. 

Britannia's G-OBYF

Our March edition of "HNL RareBirds Classic" features Britannia Airways' G-OBYF (c/n 28208, l/n 705). This 767-304ER paid a visit to HNL in March 2005 with a series of flights to/from SEA, and to/from PPT. G-OBYF is seen above departing for its last flight out of HNL to SEA.

G-OBYF was originally delivered to Britannia under lease from ILFC in June 1998, but later purchased the 767-304ER. During its time with Britannia, it has been leased to Garuda Indonesia for Hajj charters, with a hybrid livery. When Britannia's parent company, the TUI Group consolidated its carriers, the Britannia Airways name and brand dissolved, and became Thomsonfly, and continues today. The Garuda Hajj lease continued until 2007, including the blue Thomsonfly livery. In late 2009, G-OBYF had Aviation Partners Boeing Blended Winglets installed, and continues to fly for Thomsonfly.