NBA Team Charters

Both the Los Angeles Clippers and the Golden State Warriors of the National Basketball Association arrived today aboard their own team charters today. Both teams are holding their preseason training camps here on O‘ahu, and will play a single exhibition game in October.

The Clippers arrived from LAX, aboard a Hawaiian Airlines A330-243, N383HA "Hānaiakamālama" (msn 1217), as HAL741.

The Warriors arrived from SFO, aboard Omni Air International's 767-323ER, N36NE (c/n 25193, l/n 388) as OAE2563. They used the New England Patriots-liveried 767.

05 October 2024 UPDATE

The Warriors returned to SFO aboard N36NE as OAE2563 tonight. The Clippers returned to LAX aboard N393HA "Lehuakona" (msn 1422) as HAL742 tonight.

N796SA

N796SA (c/n 24796, l/n 1887), a 737-4S3F owned by Classic QF Freighters, is ferrying from MEL to MZJ, via BNE, MAJ, and HNL. It will make an overnight stop at HNL.

24796's History:

Jly 1990: Delivered to Air Europe as G-BRKG, under lease from ILFC.

Apr 1991: Leased to Dan-Air London as G-TREN.

Oct 1992: Leased to British Airways.

___ 1995: Painted in the "Landor livery".

Apr 1997: Leased to GB Airways, operating for British Airways.

Dec 1997: Painted with the "Blue Poole" tail livery.

Mar 2002: Sold to Triton Aviation Finance, and the lease transferred.

Jun 2002: Leased to Islandflug as TF-ELV, and operated on behalf of Air Miles.

Jan 2005: Leased to Air Atlanta Icelandic.

May 2005: Subleased to Excel Airways, and returned five months later.

Dec 2005: Subleased to Xtra Airways.

Feb 2006: Leased to Xtra Airways as N43XA.

Aug 2007: Subleased to Direct Air, and operated by Xtra Airways for 11 months.

Jly 2008: Returned to Xtra Airways titles.

Nov 2011: Painted in the Direct Air livery, and operated by Xtra.

Feb 2016: Sold to World Star Aviation, and converted to a freighter at DHN.

Apr 2017: Sold to Express Freighters to operate for Qantas Freight as VH-XNH with StarTrack decals.

Jly 2019: Australian Post decals replaced Star Track decals.

Aug 2024: Withdrawn from service, and stored at MEL.

Sep 2024: Acquired by Classic QF Freighters as N796SA.

NOAA Selects The C-130J To Replace The WP-3Ds

The National Ocean and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) announced today that they have awarded a contract to Lockheed-Martin for two C-130Js to replace their aging WP-3D Orion Hurricane Hunters. NOAA is expected to take delivery of the C-130Js in 2030, and will have the options for more aircraft.

Aloha ‘Oe KC-10A Extender

In a few days, the US Air Force will officially retire the remaining McDonnell-Douglas KC-10A Extenders in service. The first KC-10As entered the US Air Force fleet in March 1981, and has faithfully served for 43+ years. Over 50 were built for the Air Force.

82-0191 (c/n 48213, l/n 383), pictured above, is seen on final approach for Runway 8L. This KC-10A entered service in April 1983, and retired in November 2023. It was last with the 60th AMW/ 349th AMW based at Travis AFB, CA.

Shanghai Airlines' B-226F

Despite the machinists strike at Boeing, Shanghai Airlines is taking delivery of B-226F (c/n 61659, l/n 8038) today. This 737-8 is making its delivery flight from BFI to PVG, via HNL and GUM as CSH9003, and will overnight at HNL.

Royal New Zealand Air Force's NZ7012 & NZ7013

The Royal New Zealand Air Force's No. 40 Squadron is taking delivery of two C-130J-30s, as they both make their way from MGE to MHB, via SUU, HNL, and APW. Both Super Hercules will overnight at HIK.

NZ7012 (msn 382-5986) is flying as KIW926.

NZ7013 (msn 382-5988) is flying as KIW939.

Southwest Airlines To Launch Red-Eye Flights To Mainland

Southwest Airlines announced this morning that they will launch overnight (or red-eye) flights from Hawai‘i to the US mainland, starting on 08 April 2025. According to the airline, it will offer travelers more options on connecting flights.

The following red-eye routes are:

HNL-LAS

HNL-PHX

KOA-LAS

OGG-LAS

OGG-PHX

QantasLink's VH-NXQ

Southern Cross International is ferrying National Jet Systems' VH-NXQ "Port Campbell National Park" (c/n 55097,  l/n 5095) from CBR to VCV, via APW and KOA, as SXI2470. This QantasLink-liveried 717-231 will make an overnight stop at KOA tonight.

55097's History:

Dec 2001: Delivered to American Airlines as N430TW (f/n 2430), under lease from Pembroke, but never entered service.

Apr 2002: Leased to Impulse Airlines as VH-VQK to operate for QantasLink.

May 2004: Leased to Jetstar Airways.

Nov 2005: Re-registered as VH-YQK.

Sep 2007: Leased to National Jet Systems to operate for QantasLink, registered as VH-NXQ.

Oct 2011: Sold to BBAM, and the lease transferred.

Mar 2013: Sold to Falko, and the lease transferred.

Nov 2015: Purchased by National Jet Systems.

Jan 2021: Re-painted in the current livery, and named "Port Campbell National Park".

Hawaiian Airlines To Join Oneworld Alliance

With its merger with Alaska Airlines complete, Hawaiian Airlines will join the Oneworld alliance in 2026. It will join sister-airline Alaska Airlines and American Airlines as the US representatives in the global airline alliance.

Further information in this CH-Aviation article.

Amazon Prime Air's N5827K

Hawaiian Airlines is taking delivery of N5827K "Lady Lindy" (msn 1081). This A330-343F, operating for Amazon Prime Air, is making its delivery flight from PVG to HNL, via KIX, as HAL9664. This is Hawaiian's fourth of ten A330-343Fs to be delivered, under lease from Altavair Finance.

1081's History:

Jan 2010: Delivered to Etihad as A6-AFB. 

Nov 2019: Withdrawn from service, and stored at AUH.

Jly 2020: Acquired by Altavair Finance, and ferried to TEV for storage.

Jan 2024: Ferried to PVG, registered as F-WTAW, for storage, then freighter conversion.

10 October 2024 UPDATE

N5827K departed for SMF this afternoon, as HAL1720.

QantasLink's VH-8NS

Network Aviation is taking delivery of VH-8NS (msn 2490) as part of its QantasLink operation. This A319-132 is being flown by Southern Cross International, and is making its delivery flight from BQN to PER, via PHX, HNL, APW, and CNS, as SXI2467.

2490's History:

Jun 2005: Delivered to Spirit Airlines as N506NK (f/n 506), under lease from ILFC.

Dec 2007: Painted in the 2007 livery.

May 2014: Sold to AerCap, and the lease transferred.

Jun 2015: Painted in the current livery.

May 2018: Purchased by Spirit Airlines.

Jan 2020: Given fleet number 1506.

May 2023: Withdrawn from service, and stored at P08 [Coolidge Muni Airport, Coolidge, AZ].

Jun 2023: Acquired by Gryphon Aviation Leasing.

Apr 2024: Ferried to MCN, then BQN [Rafael Hernandez Airport, Aguadilla, PR].

Sep 2024: Sold to Network Aviation as VH-8NS.

Alaska Airlines Completes Merger With Hawaiian Airlines

After the US Department of Transportation (USDOT) granted an exemption to allow the transfer of international routes, it cleared the way for the Alaska Airlines / Hawaiian Airlines merger to proceed with the completion of the merger of the two airlines. The two airlines will operate separately, even after they come under one operating certificate.

Further information in the Alaska Airlines press release.

2-IBAZ

Alterna Capital Partners is having 2-IBAZ (c/n 35717, l/n 2455), a 737-9GPER, ferrying from ONT to Asia, with an overnight stop at HNL. It's still wearing the Fly Baghdad livery. The final destination for this ferry flight will be CGK, though the new lessee has been revealed.

35717's History:

Dec 2007: Delivered to Lion Air as PK-LFP, under lease from Merx Aviation.

Apr 2018: Leased to Azur Air Germany as D-AZUG.

Nov 2018: Leased to Azur Air as VQ-BYX.

Mar 2022: Withdrawn from service, and stored at ADB.

Apr 2022: Ferried to CQM, then CAI for storage.

Aug 2023: Leased to Fly Baghdad as YI-BAZ.

Jan 2024: Withdrawn from service, and stored at AYT.

Feb 2024: Acquired by Alterna Capital Partners as 2-IBAZ.

Apr 2024: Ferried to ROW for storage.

Aug 2024: Ferried to ONT for storage.

18 September 2024 UPDATE

2-IBAZ departed HNL this morning, but returned about 90 minutes later.

28 September 2024 UPDATE

2-IBAZ departed HNL for MAJ.

30 September 2024 UPDATE

35717 is being leased to Lion Air as PK-LVG.

Virgin Australia Adjusts 737MAX Order

Aerospace Global News reports that Virgin Australia will convert 12 of its 25 737-10s to 737-8s. With the delays in the 737-10 certification, the airline felt that it could keep new aircraft deliveries by converting to the 737-8.

QantasLink VH-X4D

National Jet Systems is taking delivery of VH-X4D "Platypus" (msn 55298). This QantasLink-liveried A220-371 (BD-500-1A11) is making its delivery flight from YMX to CBR, via YVR, HNL, and NAN as QFA6075, and will overnight at HNL. VH-X4D departed YMX yesterday, and overnighted at YVR.

Boeing Machinists Strike

Machinists for Boeing began a strike today, as they rejected a four-year deal that was endorsed by union leadership. This affects all of Boeing's operations, assembly lines, and deliveries out of Washington. The 737MAX, KC-46A, 767-300F, and 777 production and testing lines haver come to a screeching halt.

Further details in this Aviation Week article.

Hawai‘i Rainbow Warriors Team Charter

The Hawai‘i Rainbow Warriors football team is chartering a Hawaiian Airlines A321-271N for their road game to play the Sam Houston State Bearkats on Saturday. N204HA "ʻŌhiʻa Lehua" (msn 7959, f/n 204) is taking the team as HAL750, with its first stop at OAK. The team charter will continue onto IAH as HAL752. N204HA is scheduled to stay at IAH to bring the Rainbow Warriors home following the game.

14 September 2024 UPDATE

N204HA is departed IAH for OAK as HAL753, then to HNL as HAL755.

Never Forget!

Twenty-three years ago today, the world changed as four airliners were hijacked by radical islamists, and two flown into the World Trade Center towers in New York City; one flown into the Pentagon in Washington, DC; and one crashed in a field in Shanksville, PA. These terrorists acts killed thousands of innocents and first responders.

We honor, and pay tribute to the fallen of the heinous events of this day in 2001.

LEST WE NEVER FORGET! 🇺🇸

Westpac Air Ambulance's ZK-PSR

Westpac Air Ambulance's Mitsubishi MU-2B-60 Marquise, ZK-PSR (msn 1569SA) is making a stop at HNL from APW. It's making its way to its new home at MRI [Merrill Field, Anchorage, AK]. The flight originated in HLZ [Hamilton International Airport, Hamilton, New Zealand], with stops at AKL and APW, HNL, OAK, EAT [Pengborn Memorial Airport, Wenatchee, WA], and HOM [Homer Airport, Homer, AK].

1596SA's History:

Apr 1986: Delivered to Hoover Inc as N222HH.

Aug 2007: Acquired by Vulcan Drywall & Acoustical inc.

Jly 2008: Acquired by Allstate Veneer Corp.

Jan 2011: Acquired by Terence Cunningham as N696CM.

Jun 2016: Acquired by Search and Rescue Service Ltd as ZK-PSR.

Jan 2018: Acquired by Westpac Air Ambulance.

Jly 2024: Acquired by Helicopter Leasing New Zealand Ltd.

14 September 2024 UPDATE

ZK-PSR departed HNL this morning for OAK.

China Southern Airlines' B-20AT

China Southern Airlines is taking delivery of their second 737-8 in as many days, with B-20AT (c/n 63280, l/n 7646). It's making its delivery flight from BFI to CAN, via HNL and GUM, as CSN5034; and will overnight at HNL. B-20AT is the 50th 737MAX, all 737-8s, to deliver through Hawai‘i so far this year.

VP-CTT

Phenix Jet's 737-7ZH BBJ, VP-CTT (c/n 38751, l/n 3796), is making another stop at HNL. This time, flying as CPJ88, from GED [Delaware Coastal Airport, Georgetown, DE], via DAY [James M Cox Dayton International Airport, Dayton, OH]. This BBJ made a stop at HNL this past February.

11 September 2024 UPDATE

VP-CTT departed for NRT today as CPJ88.

Air China's N231BE

Boeing is ferrying Air China's N231BE (c/n 60942, l/n 8221) from BFI to HSN for completion. This grey-tail 737-8 is flying as BOE289, and will make overnight stops at JRF and GUM.

China Southern Airlines' B-20CU

China Southern Airlines is taking delivery of B-20CU (c/n 65274, l/n 7728) today. This 737-8 is making its delivery flight from BFI to CAN, via HNL and GUM, as CSN5033, and will overnight at HNL.

REX Airlines' VH-RYU

REX Airlines is ferrying VH-RYU (c/n 33794, l/n 1373) from SYD to MZJ, via NAN and HNL. It's being returned to its lessor, Castlelake, as the airline is in voluntary administration with the Australian government. 

The ten 737-800s REX were operating, are now in storage, and in the process of being returned to its lessors. REX Airlines is still operating with their fleet of Saab 340s.

33794's History:

Sep 2003: Delivered to Virgin Blue as VH-VOM "Little Blue Peep".

May 2011: Airline re-brands as Virgin Australia, and renamed "Fairhaven Beach".

Mar 2021: Acquired by Castlelake, then leased to REX Airlines as VH-RYU.

US Coast Guard's 1790 PlaneTags

Earlier this year, crews from MotoArt came down to JRF to dismantle the former US Coast Guard HC-130H, 1790 (msn 382-4391) along with the former US Navy P-3C 160770. MotoArt released PlaneTags of 1790 today. 1790 was part of the former Naval Air Museum at Barbers Point after its service. During its retirement, it made appearances in episodes of "Hawai‘i Five-O (Version 2)", "Magnum, P.I. (Version 2)", and "NCIS Hawai‘i".

1790's History:

Originally ordered by the US Air Force as 81-0999, then given to the US Coast Guard as 1790.

Jly 1983: Assigned to the 17th Coast Guard District at Kodiak, AK.

___ 1990s: Assigned to the 7th Coast Guard District at Clearwater, FL.

Sep 2005: Re-assigned to the 17th Coast Guard District at Kodiak, AK.

Feb 2008: Assigned to the 11th Coast Guard District at Sacramento, CA.

Nov 2009: Re-assigned to the 17th Coast Guard District at Kodiak, AK.

Aug 2017: Assigned to the 14th Coast Guard District at Barbers Point, HI.

Apr 2018: Retired from service, donated to the Naval Air Museum at Barbers Point.

QantasLink's VH-YQT

Southern Cross International is ferrying QantasLink's VH-YQT "Tasman National Park" (c/n 55179, l/n 5129) from CBR to VCV, via APW and HNL. This 717-2BL is flying as SXI2469 [CBR-APW and HNL-VCV], and QFA6070 [APW-HNL].

55179's History:

Mar 2004: Delivered to Midwest Airlines as N917ME, under lease from Boeing Capital.

Sep 2009: Leased to MexicanaClick.

Aug 2010: Withdrawn from service, and stored at MEX.

Dec 2010: Ferried to VCV for storage.

Aug 2013: Ferried to VQQ for storage.

Nov 2013: Leased to National Jet Systems to operate for QantasLink as VH-YQT.

___ 2019: Painted in the current livery, and named "Tasman National Park".

Aug 2024: Withdrawn from service.

05 September 2024 UPDATE

VH-YQT departed for VCV this morning as SXI2469.

Qantas To Take Over MEL-HNL From Jetstar

Aeroroutes.com reports that Qantas will take over the MEL-HNL service from Jetstar from 01 May 2025. Qantas will employ its A330-200s on a thrice-weekly service, which will be one more day than the current Jetstar 787-8 service.

Korean Air To Use 787-10s For Winter Season

According to an AeroRoutes.com report, Korean Air will use their 787-10s for their ICN-HNL service beginning 01 December 2024, for their northern winter season, in place of their 787-9s. Currently, the airline has only two 787-10s in service, and they have three undergoing production testing. They also have one 787-9 in the production test phase, with 13 in service.

Korean Air recently ended their 747-8i service to HNL, and currently employs 777-3B5ERs, with 787-9s slated to take over in October.

Royal New Zealand Air Force's NZ7011

The Royal New Zealand Air Force is taking delivery of their first C-130J, NZ7011 (msn 382-5978). This C-130J-30 Super Hercules is making its delivery flight from MGE to MHB [RNZAF Base Auckland Whenuapai], via LRF [Little Rock AFB, Jacksonville, AR], SUU, HIK, and APW, as KIW843.

NZ7011 is the first of five C-130Js will be assigned to No 40 Squadron "Ki Nga Hau e Wha (Maori for To the Four Winds)". They are to replace the current, aging C-130Hs.

Kunming Airlines' B-225Y

Kunming Airlines is taking delivery of B-225Y (c/n 61710, l/n 8213) today. This 737-8 is making its delivery flight from BFI to KMG, via HNL and GUM, as KNA225Y; and will overnight at HNL.