Helicopter Accident At Kalalau Beach

KHON2 reports that a helicopter with five aboard made a crash landing at Kalalau Beach on Kaua‘i's Nāpali coast after 15:30HAST today. It's being reported to be an air tour helicopter belonging to Airborne Aviation. Flight tracks from FlightRadar24 and FlightAware, shows the last helicopter to be in the area as N715KA (msn 490487D), a Hughes 359D, commonly known as a Hughes 500. There were five people aboard the helicopter. N715KA is owned by AA Leasing LP [Kīlauea, Kaua‘i, HI], and leased to Airborne Aviation.

26 March 2026 - 22:00 UPDATE

Kaua‘i County officials report there were three fatalities, and two injuries.

China Southern Airlines' B-228K

China Southern Airlines is taking delivery of B-228K (c/n 44406, l/n 9503) today. This 737-8 is making its delivery flight from BFI to CAN, with overnight stops at HNL and GUM, as CSN8139. This is China Southern's first new-build 737-8 since the groundings.

photo to follow ...

Upcoming 737MAX Deliveries

With airlines around Asia and Oceania ordering the 737MAX series, a majority of these airliners will stop through Hawai‘i (mainly HNL) during the first segment of their island-hopping delivery flights from Boeing Field (BFI) [map]. Boeing has indicated that the variants will be referred to as the -x without the MAX name, we will do the same.

Our own Google Sheet is documenting the 737 information below, as well as 737MAX series deliveries as of 2017, and is continually updated.

Boeing P-8A Poseidons and E-7A WedgeTails on order for armed forces around the Pacific Rim will be added below when information becomes available.

This post will be continuously updated as we receive new information, and this  » symbol notates the updated information per airframe.

According to the Boeing Test Fights Google Sheet and PlaneSpotters.net's 737 MAX Production List, these listed below are the airframes that have begun final assembly, made its first flight from RNT, or are being readied for delivery on the BFI flightline. Those listed below, should make a stopover in Hawai‘i on their first segment out of BFI on their delivery flights in the near future. In the past, additional information was also provided by Tyke's Aero Blog, and The Boeing Test Flights website.

DELIVERED

9495 | VH-8VG | 67037 | Virgin Australia | -8 "Peregian Beach" [03.01.26 VOZ9947 fr MLB to KOA ]

9523 | HL8760 | 67925 | Eastar Jet | -8 [03.20.26 N769BA to JRF ]

9527 | B-228E | 61298 | Hainan Airlines | -8 [03.21.26 CHH2288]

9503 | B-228K | 44406 | China Southern Airlines | -8 [03.25.26 CSN8139] »

FERRIED TO HSN FOR COMPLETION

• • • • •

ON ORDER

737MAX Series

9511 | 9M-MVO | 43358 | Malaysia Airlines | -8 | BOE715 « BFI

9531 | 9V-MBV | 44260 | Singapore Airlines | -8 | BOE223 « BFI

9539 | JA738A | 65542 | Skymark Airlines | -8 º | BOE61 « BFI

9547 | B-228M | 66419 | China Southern Airlines | -8 | BOE156 « BFI

9567 | VH-8VH | 67038 | Virgin Australia | -8 « RNT

9571 | VH-8VI | 67039 | Virgin Australia | -8 * "Lake Centenary" « RNT

9587 | VH-8VD | 67040 | Virgin Australia | -8 « RNT

• • •

P-8A and E-7A

____ | A47-014 | 64752 | Royal Australian Air Force | P-8A « BFI

• • • • • 

MARKS

« Final Assembly / Pre-Flight Prep / First Flight from RNT (Location [IATA])

« Pre-Delivery Test Flights / Ready For Delivery (Location [IATA])
« Stored (Location [IATA])

« Duplicate Boeing test flight numbers

° New / Modified Livery
* Special Livery / Markings

~ Grey Tail (Only winglets and rudder painted)
» New airline and registration after re-market

« Previous airline and registration prior to re-market
» Boeing registration for ferry to HSN

« Returned to Boeing, NTU

» New / updated information

LOCATIONS [IATA]
RNT: Renton Municipal Airport, Renton, WA
BFI: King County International Airport - Boeing Field, Seattle, WA

PAE: Snohomish County Airport (Paine Field), Everett, WA

MWH: Grant County International Airport, Moses Lake, WA

VCV: Southern California Logistics Airport, Victorville, CA

NIP: Naval Air Station Jacksonville / Jacksonville Airport, Jacksonville, FL (P-8As)

GED: Delaware Coastal Airport, Georgetown, DE (BBJs)

SKF: Kelly Field, San Antonio, TX

• • • • •

NOTES

In the event that a delivery flight stops through any Hawai‘i airport other than HNL, their IATA airport code will noted after the flight number. 

Due to the order backlog for the 737MAX series, some airframes may deliver from sites other than BFI, and will be noted in the flight number information. 

If an airframe listed is sold or re-marketed to another airline, it will be noted with a » symbol, along with the new airline and registration. If an airframe was acquired from a previous airline, it will be noted with a « symbol, along with the old airline and registration. Should the airframe delivers through Hawai‘i, the information will be revised with the delivery information. If it's not making a delivery flight through Hawai‘i, that listing will not be changed to the new airline, then removed upon its delivery flight. That information will be kept on our Google Sheet.

Delivery flights that go through ANC, KEF, or any other non-Hawai‘i airport, will only be listed on our Google Sheet. Most 737s delivering to airlines in India will deliver east-bound through KEF [Keflavik International Airport, Keflavik, Iceland] as their first fuel stop. Some 737s delivering to airlines in east Asia (Japan, South Korea, Thailand, and Vietnam) deliver through ANC [Ted Stevens International Airport, Anchorage, AK] for their first fuel stop. Their information will be deleted upon their delivery flight. In the event that those 737s delivers through Hawai‘i, they will be listed on a post, and on the annual deliveries page.

Some of the deliveries bound for China will ferry to the Boeing China 737 Completion and Delivery Center, in Zhoushan, China, will have its own listing above, along with a Boeing test flight number, and a temporary US Boeing registration assigned to the particular airframe. Some may have its full livery painted, and is going to HSN for cabin completion; while others may ferry as a grey tail (only the rudder and winglets painted), that will be fully painted, along with cabin configuration.
...

... 

United Airlines To Take Delivery of 250+ Airliners By 2028

United Airlines announced today, that between now and 2028, they will take delivery of over 250 new airliners. That includes: 47 787-9s with the "Elevated" cabin, 119 737MAX series (breakdown not specified), 40 A321-200N "Coastliners", 28 A321XLRs; and 18 A321-200Ns. It's not known which of these aircraft will serve Hawai‘i after delivery. The A321neos will be replacing the airline's aging 757-200s.

Though not affecting Hawai‘i, United Airlines is also launching the Mitsubishi CRJ450, which is an upgraded CRJ200, that will be operated by SkyWest Airlines. United has 50 CRJ450s on order with Mitsubishi, and expects to have all 50 by the end of 2028.

Life Flight Network Orders 12 PC-12s

Life Flight Network, that operates air ambulance services on Hawai‘i Island, has placed a firm order with Pilatus Aircraft for 12 PC-12 PROs, that will be equipped with ICU medical gear. Currently, Life Flight Network has two PC-12/47Es, and an EC135P2+, based on the island. The air ambulance service is also expanding to MUE. It's not known if there will be more PC-12s added to their Hawai‘i Island operations.

Further details in this Life Flight Network news release.

HDOT-A Suspends KOA Ops

The Hawai‘i Department of Transportation - Airports has issued a ground stop at KOA due to severe weather in the vicinity, that includes thunderstorm cells. KOA will reopen once the storm cells clear out.

23 March 2026 - 11:15 UPDATE

HDOT-A has reopened KOA.

QantasLink's C-FQWE

JD Aero is delivering C-FQWE (msn 4473) to Sunstate Airlines from YAM to BNE, via DLH, CCR, KOA, and MAJ. This QantasLink-liveried Dash8-402 Q400 is making an overnight stop at KOA tonight. It will be registered as VH-X4J "Dubbo" after its delivery flight.

4473's History:

Jun 2014: Delivered to Westjet Encore as C-FQWE (f/n 415).

Jun 2023: Withdrawn from service, and stored at YYC.

Dec 2025: Ferried to YQA, then YAM for prep for QantasLink.

HDOT-A Closes HDH

Due to the second  "Kona Low" storm in a week, and the closure of access to Waialua, the Hawai‘i Department of Transportation - Airports has closed the Kawaihāpai Airfield (HDH) from today, until 24 March. The Hawai‘i Emergency Management Agency (HIEMA) has closed access to the northwest coastline of Waialua, Mokulē‘ia, and Ka‘ena Point, as it has been flooded from the heavy rains, as well as potential flash floods, and the potential spillover from the Wahaiwā Reservoir Dam.

Hainan Airlines' B-228E

Hainan Airlines is taking delivery of B-228E (c/n 61298, l/n 9527) today. This 737-8 is making its delivery flight from BFI to HAK, with overnight stops at HNL and GUM, flying as CHH2288.

Eastar Jet's N769BA

Boeing is ferrying Eastar Jet's N769BA (c/n 67925, l/n 9523) from BFI to GMP, with stops at JRF and GUM today. This grey-tail 737-8, wearing Eastar winglets, will be registered as HL8760. 

This would be the first delivery flight bound for South Korea to stop in Hawai‘i, as they normally transit through ANC.

25 March 2026 UPDATE

N769BA departed GUM for CRK.

26 March 2026 UPDATE

N769BA departed CRK for HAK.

Kaiser Air's N778MA

Kaiser Air's 737-8Q8, N778MA (c/n 37404, l/n 1958), is making a stop at HNL, from PDX as KAI537.

37404's History:

Jun 2006: Delivered to Sunwing Airlines as C-FTDW, under lease from Babcock & Brown.

May 2009: Subleased to Travel Service for six months.

May 2010: Subleased to Viking Airways for three months.

May 2011: Subleased to Travel Service for five months.

May 2012: Subleased to Smartwings for five months.

May 2013: Subleased to Smartwings for six months.

Jun 2015: Subleased to Smartwings for five months.

Jun 2017: Subleased to Smartwings for five months.

Apr 2019: Subleased to TUI Fly Netherlands for six months.

Nov 2020: Leased to Miami Air International as N778MA, but did not enter service.

May 2023: Leased to Kaiser Air as N778MA.

Sep 2024: Painted in the 2024 Harris/Walz campaign livery for one month.

20 March 2026 UPDATE

N778MA is departing for OAK to day as KAI52.

Life Flight Network's N662LF

Life Flight Network's Hawai‘i Island base took delivery of N662LF (msn 1587) tonight. This PC-12/47E made the delivery flight from VGT, with a stop at SMX. This PC-12 air ambulance is to be based at KOA.

Further information in this Life Flight Network news release.

C-FHHJ

The Avmax Group is ferrying C-FHHJ (msn 555) from YYC to CNS, with stops at GTF, CCR, KOA, and MAJ. This white-tail Dash8-0315 Q300 departed GTF yesterday, and its overnight stop at KOA is tonight.

This Q300 stopped through ITO this past October, as the Avmax Group ferried it from Australia to Canada. It was re-registered as C-FHHJ this past November.

John Travolta Donates N707JT To Australian Museum

Actor John Travolta has donated his 707-138, N707JT "Jet Clipper Ella" (c/n 187840, l/n 388), to the Historical Aircraft Restoration Society at the Shellharbour Airport, New South Wales, Australia. The actor promised to donate the 707 to the HARS, and the plan was to fly it from Florida to Australia, but was not allowed due to regulatory challenges in ferrying the airliner. So it was taken apart, and the wings, engines and other parts have already been shipped. The fuselage is now set to travel via ship.

N707JT had made numerous stops at HNL, including times when it bore a Pan American-like livery, as Travolta's late wife, actress Kelly Preston, was born and raised in Honolulu. It used to park on the AirService Hawaii (now Atlantic Aviation) ramp.

Further information in this ABC Sydney report.

Royal Canadian Air Force's 140117

140117 (msn 285B-5723), a CP-140M Aurora from the Royal Canadian Air Force's 407 Maritime Patrol Squadron, 19 Wing Comox, is making a stop at HNL from YQQ.

On a related note, Air Data News reports that the first CP-8A Poseidon has entered final assembly at RNT last month, been assigned line number 9627. It has yet to be assigned a construction number nor an RCAF serial number.

Rainbow Warriors Team Charter

For their trip to the NCAA Men's Basketball Tournament, the Hawai‘i Rainbow Warriors basketball team chartered an Allegiant Air A319 for their trip from LAS to PDX today. N307NV (msn 2427), an A319-112, flew the 'Bows to play in the West Regional as the 13th seed, as AAY4106. They will play the 4th seed Arkansas Razorbacks on Thursday for the first round.

GO BOWS!!!

Photos from the team's Instagram post.

A Trio of RNLAF MRTTs

A trio of A330-243MRTTs from the Royal Netherlands Air Force are making a stop at HIK from SLC today. These Multi-Role Transport Tankers are escorting six RNLAF F-35A Lightnings from SLC as part of an exercise the RNLAF and USAF are having this month in Utah.

The three MRTTs from 334 Squadron are: T-061 (msn 2030), flying as MMF30; T-054 (msn 1830), flying as MMF35; and T-059 (msn 1982), flying as MMF29. They are flying under the NATO Support and Procurement Agency flight code, as they operate for the Multinational Multi-Role Transport Tanker Fleet.

20 March 2026 UPDATE

This RNLAF group of fighters and tankers are to depart for MSJ [Misawa AB, Misawa-shi, Aomori-ken, Japan].

Atlas Air Orders A350Fs

Atlas Air Worldwide Holdings announced today, that they have placed a firm order for 20 A350F freighters, with the first deliveries expected for 2029. The A350F, a shortened and reinforced version of the A350-1000, with the same wings and engines, is being designed to carry about 111 tonnes (244,000+ pounds) of cargo, with a 4,700nm range. Atlas Air is the first US carrier to order the A350F.

Further information in this Atlas Air press release, and this Airbus A350F fact page.

Kona Low Storm Impacts Flights And Operations

The "Kona Low" storm that is bringing heavy rain, high southerly winds, and thunderstorms, is impacting airlines and airport operations. Both Kamaka Air and Lāna‘i Air suspended operations today. Air traffic was put on ground holds and holding patterns for periods as storm cells sat over the state's airports. Some flights are delayed, and others face cancellation. Departing and arriving traffic patterns are also in flux, as the winds are causing the FAA to reverse, and revert, the traffic patterns.

Surf Air Orders BETA Electric Aircraft

Mokulele Airlines' parent company, Surf Air, is partnering with BETA Technologies, with a firm order of 25 all-electric ALIA CTOL aircraft, with an option of 75 more. Surf Air plans to designate some of the 25 to Mokulele Airlines for inter-island cargo flights. Surf Air also plans to build an MRO (maintenance, repair, and overhaul) facility in Hawai‘i, but did not disclose that location.

Further information in this Surf Air press release.

BBN Airlines Indonesia's PK-BBK

BBN Airlines Indonesia is ferrying PK-BBK (c/n 35717, l/n 2455) from CGK to MZJ, with stops at GUM and HNL. This 737-9GPER is flying as BBL8005, and is being returned to its lessor, Alterna Capital Partners.

Pk-BBK stopped through HNL in September 2024, as 2-IBAZ, as it was being ferried to Indonesia.

Kīlauea Eruption Closes ITO

Due to eruption episode 43 at the Kīlauea Volcano, ash fallout, and southwesterly winds, the FAA and HDOT-A is suspending operations at ITO. The US Geological Service said that with this eruption episode, combined with winds blowing ash fall toward the eastern side of Hawai‘i, will affect air traffic, as ash will damage jet engines.

11 March 2026 UPDATE

Eruption episode 43 ended in the evening hours yesterday, and ITO was opened early this morning.

VH-TQE

VH-TQE (msn 596), a Dash8-315 Q300 owned by the Avmax Group, is being ferried from ASP to YYC, with stops at CNS, MAJ, and JRF. This white-tail Q300 departed ASP on 02 March, and its stop at JRF is tonight.

VH-TQE's History:

Jly 2003: Delivered to Eastern Australia Airlines, to operate for QantasLink.

__ 2017: Painted in the current QantasLink livery, and named "Launceston".

Dec 2024: Withdrawn from service, and stored at TMW.

Dec 2025: Ferried to ASP for storage, and purchased by the Avmax Group.

OGG's Runway 2/20 Reconstruction

The Hawai‘i Department of Transportation - Airports (HDOT-A) held a meeting on 02 March regarding the reconstruction project for Runway 2/20, which was originally built in 1942 during World War II. There are four proposals (one temporary, and three permanent) for a parallel runway to be built before Runway 2/20's reconstruction can begin (along with other governmental regulatory requirements). 

The three permanent runway proposals would place the second runway east of the current ramp area where there are the tour helicopter operations, FBOs, and the FAA control tower. Under the permanent proposals, Runway 5/23 (the general aviation/commuter runway) would be permanently closed.

Further information and HDOT-A illustrations in this Maui News article.

Virgin Australia's VH-8VG

Virgin Australia is taking delivery of VH-8VG "Peregian Beach" (c/n 67037, l/n 9495) today. THis 737-8 is making its delivery flight from MLB (after in-flight entertainment modifications) to BNE, with stops at ONT and KOA, as VOZ9947. Their overnight stop at KOA is tonight.

Coulson Aviation's N130CG

Coulson Aviation's N130CG (msn 382-4339) is making its way back to YXX from its Australian fire season base at BQB. This C-130H is making stops at QPE, OOL, APW, KOA, SMX, and YYJ, flying as CUL140. It's making its KOA overnight stopover today.

05 March 2026 UPDATE

N130CG departed KOA for SMX this morning.

Hainan Airlines' B-228G

Hainan Airlines is taking delivery of B-228G (c/n 64330, l/n 9482) today. This 737-8 is making its delivery flight from BFI to HAK, with overnight stops at HNL and GUM, and flying as CHH2288.

N355FL

N355FL (msn 2553), an A321-231F owned by an undisclosed Bank of Utah trustee, is being ferried from XMN to MZJ, with stops at GUM and JRF. This white-tail A321's stop at JRF is this evening.

2553's History:
Sep 2005: Delivered to TACA International Airlines as N566TA, under lease from RBS.

Jun 2012: Sold to SMBC, and the lease was transferred.

May 2013: Airline rebranded as Avianca El Salvador.

Mar 2014: Leased to Monarch Airlines as G-ZBAI.

Nov 2016: Sold to Castlelake, and the lease was transferred.

Mar 2018: Leased to Aegean Airlines as SX-DNF.

May 2023: Returned to Castlelake as LY-BLW, and stored at TEV.

Sep 2023: Acquired by Flight Lease.

Mar 2024: Ferried to XMN for freighter conversion, registered as N355FL.

Nov 2024: Acquired by a Bank of Utah trustee.

Alaska Airlines Ferries N783HA For Re-painting

Alaska Airlines is ferrying N783HA "Me‘e" (c/n 66431, l/n 1236, f/n 783) from SEA to FTW to be painted in the global livery. 783 is the last of the four Hawaiian Airlines-liveried 787-9 DreamLiners to get the new livery.

Shandong Airlines' N234BE

Boeing is ferrying Shandong Airlines' N234BE (c/n 64322, l/n 9470) from BFI to HSN, with overnight stops at KOA and GUM. This 737-8 is flying as BOE789, was painted in the Shandong livery at VCV with a Hainan Airlines rudder. It will be repainted, and will have its cabin completed at HSN, and will be re-registered as B-228D upon delivery from HSN.

This is the first 737-8 for 2026 to be ferried to HSN for completion. B-228D was to have been leased to Hainan Airlines from MSFL, but was not taken up.

Federal Express' N867FD

Following the passing of Federal Express founder Frederick W Smith, the airline is paying tribute with an FWS logo on the underside of N867FD "Jaxson" (c/n 40673, l/n 1697, f/n 867). The logo was applied to this 777-F in mid-October 2025. It first appeared at HNL on 30 January 2026 from MEM as FDX1413, and onto OAK as FDX1800 later that day. We got a photo of N867FD this morning while on final approach for Runway 8L as FDX1413 from MEM. It will depart for OAK as FDX 1800 this afternoon.

N899FD "Archer" (c/n 66266, l/n 1784, f/n 899) was the first 777-F to receive the FWS tribute logo in August 2025, and ran to October 2025.

VH-VNJ

VH-VNJ (msn 2982), an A320-232, owned by Aircastle, ferrying from PER to P08, with stops at OOL, APW, and KOA. Its overnight stop is at KOA tonight. This white-tail A320 is being returned to Aircastle, and is scheduled to be parted out and scrapped.

2982's History:

Dec 2006: Delivered to Tiger Airways as 9V-TAI, under lease from RBS.

Sep 2009: Transferred to Tiger Airways Australia as VH-VNJ.

Jun 2011: Sold to Mitsubishi UFJ Lease & Finance, and the lease was transferred.

Jly 2013: Airline rebrands as Tigerair Australia.

Nov 2014: Sold to Jackson Square Aviation, and the lease was transferred.

Dec 2016: Sold to Aircastle, and the lease was transferred.

Apr 2018: Airline rebrands as Virgin Australia Regional, and aircraft is named "Cossies Beach".

Dec 2025: Withdrawn from service, and stored at PER.

VH-TQL

The Avmax Group is ferrying VH-TQL (msn 603) from ASP to YYC, with stops at CNS, MAJ, JRF, and PDX. This white-tail Dash8-315 Q300 departed ASP on 18 February, and is making its stop at JRF tonight.

VH-TQL's History:

Jly 2004: Delivered to Eastern Australia Airlines, to operate for QantasLink.

Nov 2015: Transferred to operate for Jetstar Airways.

Aug 2021: Returned to operate for QantasLink, and named "Kyneton".

Nov 2025: Withdrawn from service, and stored at ASP.

Dec 2025: Acquired by the Avmax Group.

Sounds Air ZK-PLS

Sounds Air is ferrying ZK-PLS (msn 363) from BHE to Canada. This PC-12/45 is making stops at AMZ, AKL, APW, CXI, JRF, and ___. Its overnight stop at JRF is tonight.

Vietnam Airlines Finalizes 737-8 Order

Boeing announced today that Vietnam Airlines has finalized their order for 50 737-8s, as the airline continues to modernize its fleet, and plans for route expansion across Southeast Asia. No timetable was given as to when Vietnam Airlines will begin to take delivery.

Further information in this Boeing news release.

Mokulele Airlines And Japan Airlines Interline Agreement

Mokulele Airlines announced on an Instagram post today, that they will enter into an interline agreement with Japan Airlines, that will allow passenger feeds to/from MKK, JHM, and LNY.

Lāna‘i Air's N973LA

Lāna‘i Air is taking delivery of N973LA (msn 408-0050). This Cessna C408 SkyCourier is making its delivery flight from VGT to HNL, with a stop at SMX, as STT973. The original flight plan to Hawai‘i was listed as SMX to OGG, but made it to HNL instead.

Mahalo to renown aviation photographer Jay Selman for this photo taken at VGT on 10 February.

Singapore Airlines' 9V-MBU

Singapore Airlines is taking delivery of 9V-MBU (c/n 44264, l/n 9489) today. This 737-8 is making its delivery flight from BFI to SIN, with overnight stops at HNL and GUM, as SIA8890.

Korean Air's HL8508

Korean Air's 787-8 BBJ, HL8508 (c/n 41987, l/n 11), will be making a stop at KOA from ORD as KAL2450 this afternoon.

Delta Air Lines Expands Hawai‘i Service

Delta Air Lines announced today, that they will expand services to Hawai‘i for next winter. The airline will launch an MSP-OGG route, and resume the BOS-HNL route on 19 December 2026, both operated with their A330-300s. A daily SLC-KOA route, flown with their 767-300ERs, will launch on 09 November 2026.

Seasonal additions include: a second (three-times-weekly) ATL-HNL A330-300 flight, from 04 January 2027 to 31 March 2028; DTW-HNL (A330-300) to go daily from 09 November 2026; JFK-HNL (767-300ER) to go daily on 01 April 2026; and KOA-LAX to upgauge to their 767-300ERs for Winter 2026.

Further details are in this Delta Air Lines news release.

Alaska Airlines Ferries N782HA For Repainting

Alaska Airlines is ferrying N782HA "Humu Ma" (c/n 66430, l/n 1223, f/n 782) from SEA to FTW for repainting into the airline's global livery. This 787-9 is flying as ASA9980, and should return to service in about three weeks.

Shenzhen Airlines' B-225L

Shenzhen Airlines' B-225L (c/n 61124, l/n 8229) is the last of the corona virus / 737MAX grounded 737-8s to be delivered. B-225L is making is making its delivery flight this afternoon, from BFI to SZX, with overnight stops at HNL and GUM, as CSZ225L.

Mahalo to Seattle-based aviation photographer Joe G Walker for the photo of B-225L at BFI.

Skymark Airlines To Delay 737-8 Deliveries

CH-Aviation reports that Japan's Skymark Airlines will push back delivery of their first 737-8 from March to April 2026. Even with the delay, it will still make them Japan's first 737MAX series operator. The airline's first 737-8 will be registered as JA738A, and is about to roll off the assembly line.

VH-SBW

VH-SBW (msn 599), a Dash8-315 Q300 owned by the Avmax Group, is ferrying from ASP to YYC, with stops at CNS, MAJ, and JRF. Its overnight stop at JRF is tonight.

VH-SBW's History:

Jan 2004: Delivered to Sunstate Airlines, to operate for QantasLink.

Jly 2009: Acquired by Eastern Australia Airlines, to operate for QantasLink.

Jan 2017: Painted in the current livery, and named "Goulburn".

Mar 2025: Withdrawn from service, and stored at TMW.

Oct 2025: Ferried to ASP for storage.

Nov 2025: Acquired by the Avmax Group.

Japan Air Self-Defense Force's 58-1219

58-1219 (msn 019), a C-2 from the Japan Air Self-Defense Force's 402 Hikotai, will be participating in a joint exercise with the 154th Wing / 15th Wing from 08 February to 13 February.

Information in this JASDF news release.

Sounds Air ZK-PLX

Sounds Air is ferrying ZK-PLX (msn 396), a PC-12/45, from BHE [Blenheim Airport, Woodburne, New Zealand] to YQT, with stops at PMR, AMZ, AKL, APW, CXI, JRF, OGG, and MCE.

396's History:

Oct 2001: Delivered to Royal Flying Doctor Service as VH-NWO.

Apr 2016: Acquired by Sounds Air as ZK-PLX.

OE-ICE

OE-ICE (msn 4583), an A319-133 ACJ owned by MJet, is making an overnight stop at HNL from LAX as MJF19E.

4583's History:

Feb 2011: Delivered to CIT Aerospace to as VP-CAS.

Mar 2012: Acquired by the Hill Sky Group, and registered as 9H-AGC.

Apr 2012: Acquired by Yalian Business Jet as B-6933.

Jan 2019: Acquired by Qi Xing Investment Ltd, registered as VP-CNC, and operated by Asia United Business Aviation.

Jly 2025: Acquired by MJet as OE-ICE.

05 February 2026 UPDATE

OE-ICE departed for SYD this morning.

N380AC

Nomadic Aviation is ferrying N320AC (msn 3383) from SZX to TUS, with stops at GUM and JRF. This A320-214 is flying as OMD314, is being returned to its lessor, and is making its JRF stopover today.

3383's History:

Jan 2008: Delivered to Shenzhen Airlines as B-6352 "苏州号", under lease from RBS.

Jun 2012: Sold to SMBC, and the lease transferred.

Jun 2016: Sold to Aircastle, and the lease transferred.

Jly 2022: Sold to Aero Capital Solutions, and the lease transferred.

Dec 2025: Withdrawn from service, and stored at SZX.

Air Cambodia Orders Ten 737-8s

Air Cambodia has formalized a firm order for ten 737-8s, with an option for ten more, as part of its modernization of its fleet. This is Air Cambodia's first order with Boeing.

Further information in this Boeing Mediaroom press release.

United Airlines' GUM Base To Switch To 737-8s

United Airlines has sent its first 737-8 to its GUM base, to begin the switch from the 737-824s to the 737-8s. N17302 (c/n 67559, l/n 8560, f/n 7302) began its ferry flight from MIA to GUM, with overnight stops at SFO and HNL. The MIA-SFO leg was flown as UAL3937, SFO-HNL as UAL3938, and HNL-GUM as UAL3939. There are 11 737-824s based at GUM, and it will be a one-for-one swap.

More 737-8s will be ferrying through HNL from next month, then the 737-824s will be ferried to the mainland.

Further information in this United Airlines press release.

Mahalo to Instagram user @palauanguy for the top photo taken at GUM.

All Nippon Airways' JA753A

All Nippon Airways is ferrying JA753A (c/n 28273, l/n 132) from HND to VCV, with an overnight stop at HNL. This 777-381, flying as ANA9432, made its stop at HNL early this morning.

JA753A's History:

Jly 1998: Delivered to All Nippon Airways.

Aug 1998: Sold to ORIX Aviation, and leased back.

Oct 2008: Re-purchased by ANA.

Jan 2026: Withdrawn from service, and stored at HND.

Four Seasons' G-XATW

The Four Seasons Jet Experience A321-253NX, G-XATW (msn 10150), is making a stop at KOA this afternoon, from BFI as AWC622L. This flight originated from STN yesterday.

Mahalo to Joe G Walker for capturing the above photo at BFI.

03 February 2026 UPDATE

G-XATW departed for PPT this morning as AWC622.

Airbus Canada Seeks To Build The A220-500

Airbus Canada is trying to line up orders for its new proposed A220-500 variant, as it seeks to begin development later this year. If approved by the Airbus board, this new variant will seat up to 180 passengers, while reducing its range (unspecified).

Further information in this CH-Aviation article.

Alaska Airlines Ferries N781HA For Repainting

Alaska Airlines ferried N781HA "Kapuahi" (c/n 66429, l/n 1172, f/n 781) from SEA to FTW early this morning for repainting into the new global livery.

Hainan Airlines' B-228F

Hainan Airlines is taking delivery of B-228F (c/n 64429, l/n 9448) today. This 737-8 is making its delivery flight from BFI to HAK, with overnight stops at HNL and GUM, as CHH2288. This the first 737 delivery flight to stop through Hawai‘i for 2026.

Delta Air Lines Orders 31 Airbus Widebodies

Delta Air Lines announced today that they have placed an order for 31 Airbus widebody airliners that comprises of 16 A330-900neos and 15 A350-900s. The order includes an option for 10 airliners.

Further details in this Delta Air Lines press release.

UPS Airlines Retires Their MD-11F Fleet

In their investors earnings call, UPS announced that their fleet of 36 MD-11Fs have been retired from service. Two of the 36 are still stored at HNL, N254UP (c/n 48406, l/n 547, f/n 254) and N288UP (c/n 48504, l/n 611, f/n 288) have been here since the grounding following the crash of UPS2976. 

N254UP has been parked on the ‘Ewa ramp since the grounding, and N288UP has been parked at Hardstand 2. Both aircraft have their engine intakes and exhausts covered, and the vent ports have been taped over.

Nothing has been revealed as to the plans to ferry out these two MD-11Fs.

Further information in this UPS press release.

29 January 2026 UPDATE

N288UP was moved to the Elliott Street ramp by Hawaiian Airlines, and Federal Express' N643FE has been moved to the North Ramp.

Surf Air To Invest In Mokulele Airlines And eIPP

Surf Air, Mokulele Airlines' parent company, announced that they are investing US$22.4 million in the Hawai‘i's commuter airline. This investment will allow Mokulele to expand flight frequencies, and add more C208B Grand Caravans to its fleet. It will also allow Surf Air to prep for their new Advanced Air Mobility (AAM) deployments in the future.

On a related note, Surf Air is also partnering with HDOT and BETA Technologies to tender RFPs for its proposed Electric Vertical Takeoff and Landing Integration Program (eIPP), where electric-powered aircraft would be the base of Mokulele's future fleet.

Further information in this Surf Air press release on the Mokulele Airlines investment, and the press release regarding the eIPP project.

Federal Express' N101FE

Federal Express is adding a flight from OAK to HNL, FDX1860, and it will be flown by their 767-3S2Fs. N101FE "Hannah" (c/n 42706, l/n 1058, f/n 101) is making today's pre-dawn flight. This will be the first time that FedEx will use their 767s for scheduled cargo flights to HNL, and comes on the heels of the MD-11F groundings.

Back in August 2021, Federal Express sent N120FE for ground training at HNL.

24 January 2026 UPDATE

N101FE was sent to HNL for ground training.

27 January 2026 UPDATE

N101FE departed for OAK early this morning, as FDX1830.

FAA To Redesign Hawai‘i Flight Paths

Hawai‘i News Now reports that the Federal Aviation Administration is in the process of redesigning the flight paths around the country, beginning in Hawai‘i. The article stated that two of the people that HNN interviewed, live in Kaimukī, where arriving traffic crosses over that part of Honolulu at 8,000 feet complained of noise.

Hardly noisy, in comparison to west O‘ahu, where aircraft of all sizes are on final approach from Kapolei to Iroquois Point, at altitudes of 3,000 feet to 500 feet respectively. There is a nightly noise-abatement curfew from 21:00 to 06:00 for Runway 8L, when all of the runways are in use.

Further information and Hawai‘i Airspace Modernization Project (HAMP) forms in this FAA weblink.

EDITORIAL

I used to live in Kaimukī for several years, and can personally say that itʻs not noisy at all for arriving traffic from the west coast. Yes, there is general aviation, and small airline traffic that crosses over metro Honolulu, but even the noise levels were not loud. Military helicopters would be the loudest, but they only overfly the city on training missions or medevac flights.

Network Aviation Secures ERJ-190s

Network Aviation has secured three of its 14 second-hand ERJ-190s that is has on order. Operating for QantasLink, and based out of PER, these ERJ-190s will replace Network's aging fleet of Fokker F100s. Deliveries for their ERJ-190s is scheduled to begin in the fourth quarter of 2026. The source of where the ERJ-190s are being procured from has not been disclosed.

The Network ERJ-190s will have the same QantasLink livery as the ones that are operated by Alliance Airlines (above).

Further information in this CH-Aviation.com article.

VH-SBT

VH-SBT (msn 580), a Dash8-315 Q300, owned by the Avmax Group, is being ferried from ASP to YYC, with stops at CNS, MAJ, and JRF. This white-tail Q300's overnight stop at JRF is tonight.

580's History:

Feb 2002: Delivered to Sunstate Airlines as VH-SBT, to operate for QantasLink.

May 2009: Acquired by Eastern Australia Airlines to operate for QantasLink.

__ 2017: Painted in the current livery, and named "Rockhampton".

Dec 2024: Withdrawn from service, and stored at TMW.

Dec 2025: Ferried to ASP for storage.

Virgin Australia's VH-VUG

Virgin Australia is ferrying VH-VUG "Jasmine Tasman" (c/n 34438, l/n 1948) from BNE to MZJ, with stops at NAN and HNL, as VOZ9946. This 737-8FE is being returned to its lessor, Deucalion Aviation. Its overnight stop at HNL is tonight.

VH-VUG's History:

May 2006: Delivered to Virgin Blue, named "Jasmine Tasman", under lease from Goshawk Aviation.

Jly 2009: Transferred to Pacific Blue Airlines.

Dec 2011: Airline re-brands as Virgin Australia.

Jan 2017: Acquired by Deucalion Aviation, and the lease transferred.

Dec 2025: Titles and logos painted over before its lease return ferry flights.

Korean Air Switches To The 777-300ER

Korean Air switched from their 787-10 to the 777-300ER today. HL7783 (c/n 37644, l/n 806), the SkyTeam-liveried 777-3B5ER made this morning's flight. This fleet change is scheduled to run the month of January.

Royal Australian Air Force's N584GA

The Royal Australian Air Force's No. 10 Squadron is receiving their first MC-55A Peregrine electronic warfare / signal intelligence aircraft. N584GA (msn 5584) is making its delivery flight from GVT [Majors Airport, Greenville, TX] to YPED [RAAF Base Edinburgh], with stops at DMA, HIK, and UAM, as SAME55. This airframe is based on the Gulfstream G550, and modified by L3Harris. It's the first of four MC-55As ordered by the RAAF to compliment their EA-18G Growlers, E-7A Wedgetails, and F-35A Lightning IIs.

20 January 2026 UPDATE

N594GA departed for UAM this morning.

Air Vanuatu's N708GH

Air Vanuatu is taking delivery of N708GH (msn 481), and it's making its delivery flight from FPR [Treasure Coast International Airport, Fort Pierce, FL] to VLI, with stops at RVS, FLG, CMA, SMX, ITO, and PPG. Its overnight stop at ITO is tonight.

481's History:

Nov 1975: Delivered to Merpati Nusantra as PK-NUS.

Feb 2014: Airline ceased operations, PK-NUS shipped via boat to FPR for storage.

Jun 2023: Purchased by Aviation Management Sales as N708GH.

Oct 2025: Purchased by a TVPX trustee.

18 January 2026 UPDATE

N708GH departed for PPG this afternoon.

Delta Air Lines Orders 30 787-10s

Boeing and Delta Air Lines announced today that the airline has placed a firm order for 30 787-10 DreamLiners, with an option for 30 more, as part of its fleet modernization. They will be powered by the GENx series of engines. According to a Delta Air Lines Instagram post, deliveries are expected to begin in 2031. This order is in addition to the 100 737-10s Delta placed in July 2022.

Further information in this Delta Air Lines press release and this Boeing press release.

Alaska Airlines' N784HA Makes First HNL Day Flight

Alaska Airlines' first 787-9 in the new global livery, N784HA (c/n 66432, l/n 1268, f/n 784), made its first daytime flight to HNL from SEA this morning. This DreamLiner flew from SEA as ASA821, and will return to SEA as ASA822 this afternoon.

US Air Force's 80-0138

80-0138 (c/n 22830, l/n 948), an E-3G Sentry from the 970th Airborne Air Control Squadron / 513th Air Control Group, is making a stop at HIK from TIK, as NOVA02. It will participate in Sentry Aloha 26-1.

Sentry Aloha 26-1

The first edition of Sentry Aloha 2026 (26-1) begins this week. Hosted by the Hawai‘i Air National Guard's 154th Wing, several other Air National Guard units from across the country will participate in this air combat simulation exercise.

One of the fighter units participating is the Wisconsin Air National Guard's 176th Fighter Squadron "Badgers" / 115th Fighter Wing, and their F-35A Lightning IIs. The other fighter unit is the 122nd Fighter Squadron / 159th Fighter Wing "Bayou Militia" of the Louisiana Air National guard. Hawker Hunters from ATAC are also participating.

Also participating are KC-135R units are from the Wisconsin Air National Guard (126th Air Refueling Squadron / 128th Air Refueling Wing) and the Nebraska Air National Guard (155th Air Refueling Wing). C-130Hs from the Wyoming Air National Guard (187th Airlift Squadron / 153rd Airlift Wing), and E-3Gs from the 970th Airborne Air Control Squadron / 513th Air Control Wing, and 962nd Airborne Air Control Squadron / 3rd Wing.

Further information in this Hawai‘i Department of Defense press release.

Allegiant Airlines To Acquire Sun Country Airlines

Allegiant Airlines and Sun Country Airlines announced today that the former will acquire the latter in a cash and stock deal valued at over US$1.5B. This newly combined airline is subject to government regulations, then a single operating certificate under Allegiant's name, and headquartered in Las Vegas. Both airlines will continue to operate until the merger is approved.

Allegiant is currently adding the 737-8-200 to its fleet, with an initial order of 50 737-7s and 737-8-200s, with an option  for an additional 50, in January 2022. Currently, Allegiant as 16 737-8-200s in service, among its fleet of 127 airliners. In October 2023, the airline added an additional options for 80 more 737MAX. These 737MAXs will be replacing their Airbus A319-100 and A320-200s. Allegiant used to fly from HNL to LAS (then other cities) using 757-200s from 2012 to 2016.

Sun Country Airlines has a fleet of 68 737NGs, 65 737-800s and 3 737-900ERs. The airline does fly to HNL for college football charters for some of the Mountain West Conference opponents. Sun  Country also has a twice-weekly charter flight between LAX and KOA as SCX8501/8502, with VIP cabin-configured N839SY. The Minneapolis-based airline also has a subfleet of 20 737-800Fs flying for Amazon Prime Air. Sun Country also has two more 737-900ERs that have yet to be delivered from their purchase from Oman Air.

Further information in this Allegiant Airlines press release, and this Sun Country Airlines press release.

12 January 2026 UPDATE

FreightWaves.com reports that Sun Country they will add two 737-800Fs for their Amazon Prime Air operations.