Federal Express 757 Rotations

Federal Express is rotating 757-200Fs flying inter-island cargo. N939FD "Camila" (c/n 24528, l/n 250, f/n 939) will depart for IND today as FDX9078. On 04 May, N948FD "Anissa" (c/n 25059, l/n 363, f/n 948), returned to HNL from MEM, via OAK, as FDX9077.

Ukraine Air Alliance's UR-CGV

Ukraine Air Alliance's An-12BK (msn 6344610) is returning to LRD, from its deployment to GUM for its relief flights to SPN from Super Typhoon Sinlaku. It's making an overnight stop at HNL today from MAJ as UKL5033, and will continue onto SBD tomorrow.

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

9592 | B-228Q | 66421 | China Southern Airlines | -8 [04.30.26 CSN8139]

9539 | JA738A | 65542 | Skymark Airlines | -8 º [04.30.26 SKY738A to KOA ]

FERRIED TO HSN FOR COMPLETION

• • • • •

ON ORDER

737MAX Series

9567 | VH-8VH | 67038 | Virgin Australia | -8 "Port Noarlunga" | BOE25 « MLB »

9571 | VH-8VI | 67039 | Virgin Australia | -8 * "Lake Centenary" | BOE26 « BFI

9587 | VH-8VD | 67040 | Virgin Australia | -8  "Fairhaven Beach" | BOE27 « RNT

9591 | 9M-MVP | 68138 | Malaysia Airlines | -8 | BOE716 « BFI

9595 | B-228N | 44407 | China Southern Airlines | -8 | BOE141 »N230BE « VCV »

9632 | B-____ | 647111 | Shandong Airlines | -8 »N238BE « RNT

9634 | 9M-MVQ | 68152 | Malaysia Airlines | -8 | BOE634 « BFI

9640 | 9M-MVR | 68153 | Malaysia Airlines | -8 | BOE718 « VCV

9646 | VH-8VE | 67041 | Virgin Australia | -8 "Kingscliff Beach" « RNT »

9648 | 9M-MBW | 44267 | Singapore Airlines | -8 | BOE224 « BFI

9649 | B-228P | 44908 | China Southern Airlines | -8 | BOE142 »N253BE « BFI

9653 | B-228T | 66424 | China Southern Airlines | -8 | BOE158 « VCV

9672 | VN-A___ | 63914 | VietJet Air Group | -8 « RNT »

9685 | VH-8V_ | 67044 | Virgin Australia | -8 « RNT »

9695 | B-____ | 67926 | 9Air | -8 « RNT

9716 | JA031A | 68209 | All Nippon Airways | -8 « RNT

9733 | B-____ | 60193 | China Southern Airlines | -8 « RNT

9747 | JA032A | 68210 | All Nippon Airways | -8 « RNT

9777 | JA033A | 68211 | All Nippon Airways | -8 « RNT

• • •

P-8A and E-7A

9618 | 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.
...

... 

Delta Air Lines' N411DX

Delta Air Lines' Team USA-liveried A330-941, N411DX (msn 1991) made its first appearance at HNL today. It arrived from ATL as DAL837, then continued onto MSP as DAL313.

03 May 2026 UPDATE

N411DX returned to HNL from MSP today, as DAL312, then departed for ATL as DAL309.

Air Canada's YVR-HNL Adjustment

With the wind down of the winter season, Air Canada switched its daytime flight from YVR to HNL [ACA517/516] from a daily 737-8 service, to a weekly 787-9 flight on Saturdays. C-FGDX (c/n 35269, l/n 395, f/n 836) made today's flight from YVR.

Southwest Airlines' N8719Q

Southwest Airlines' N8719Q "Liberty One" (c/n 42572, l/n 7020, f/n 8719) made its first appearance at HNL today. This 737-8 arrived from SMF this morning as SWA4335, and departed for LGB as SWA2378 a few hours later.

02 May 2026 UPDATE

"Liberty One" returned to HNL from LGB as SWA1987 today, then departed for SJC, as SWA936, a couple of hours later.

Spirit Airlines Ceases Operations

Spirit Airlines ceased operations immediately after its last flight, NKS1833 [DTW-DFW] by N604NK (msn 4431), an A320-232. The airline tried to get a $500M bailout from the federal government, but failed due to financial complications.

While there is no direct impact to Hawai‘i, there will be residual effects as the other airlines work to assist stranded Spirit passengers get on flights.

We wish those Spirit Airlines employees well, and hope they can find work with other carrriers.

Further information in this Fox Business article.

Skymark Airlines' JA738A

Skymark Airlines is taking delivery of their first 737-8, JA738A (c/n 65542, l/n 9539) today. It's making its delivery flight from BFI to HND, with overnight stops at KOA and GUM, as SKY738A. This 737-8 is also debuting the modified Skymark livery that has the blue section on the tail down to the aft section of the fuselage.

Skymark posted a video digest of JA738A's construction on their YouTube channel.

China Southern Airlines' B-228Q

China Southern Airlines is taking delivery of B-228Q (c/n 66421, l/n 9592) today. This 737-8 is making its delivery flight from BFI to CAN, with overnight stops at HNL and GUM, as CSN8139.

Federal Express To Resume MD-11F Service

FreightWaves reports, that beginning in late next month, Federal Express plans to restart MD-11F cargo flights. An engine repair by Boeing has been made, and adopted by FedEx, but has yet to receive FAA approval. the airline plans to have all 29 MD-11Fs back in service once the repair procedures are approved.

N643FE "Kennedy" (c/n 48486, l/n 509, f/n 643) has been at HNL since the grounding last November. It taxied under its own power on 25 April, moving from the North Ramp hardstands to the ‘Ewa Ramp hardstands (above photo).

Alaska Air Group Reworks Amazon Prime Air Agreement

The Alaska Air Group has reworked its lease agreement for the ten A330-343Fs with Amazon Prime Air to make it more profitable for the group. The original deal made with Hawaiian Airlines has ended up being a money loser.

Further information in this FreightWaves article.

Lāna‘i Airʻs N974LA

Lāna‘i Air is taking delivery of N974LA (msn 408-0051). This C408 SkyCourier is making its delivery flight from BOI to HNL with stops at VGT and SMX. It will be Lāna‘i Airʻs third passenger model of the SkyCourier.

30 April 2026 UPDATE

N974LA was inducted into service today as STT974 to/from LNY.

Air Marshall Islands' V7-2613

Air Marshall Islands is taking delivery of their first Cessna C408 SkyCourier, V7-2613 (msn 408-00__). It's making its delivery flight from BEC to MAJ, with stops at LVS, VGT, SMX, and OGG. Its SMX-OGG segment is today.

27 April 2026 CORRECTION

According to FlightAware, V7-2613 was originally scheduled to deliver through OGG, but diverted tho HNL.

29 April 2026 UPDATE

V7-2613 is scheduled for an early morning departure for MAJ.

Mokulele Airlines' N485SA

Mokulele Airlines has taken delivery of N485SA (msn 208B5924) last evening. This C208B Grand Caravan EX made its delivery flight from WJF to HNL, with stops at MCE, as FDY8051. It was ferried to KOA later in the day as FDY8051.

Sun Country Airlines' N809SY

Sun Country Airlines' N809SY (c/n 30863, l/n 1669) is making a stop at HNL from ADW, via ONT, as SCX8900. This 737-8Q8, wearing the University of Minnesota Golden Gophers special livery arrived yesterday afternoon.

30 April 2026 UPDATE

N809SY departed for LIH this afternoon as SCX8914 (above photo), then flew to KOA as SCX9001.

01 May 2026 UPDATE

N809SY departed for LAX as SCX8502.

02 May 2026 UPDATE

N809SY returned to LIH from LAX as SCX9039, then departed for ONT then ADW as SCX8927.

Lāna‘i Air Plans Expansion To MKK

According to a report by Hawai‘i Public Radio, Lāna‘i Air is planning to expand service to MKK from HNL with their Cessna C408 Sky Couriers, pending government approvals. The airline would become the second airline, next to Mokulele Airlines, to serve MKK from HNL.

Virgin Australia's VH-VUH

Virgin Australia is ferrying VH-VUH (c/n 34440, l/n 2003) from BNE to MZJ, with stops at NAN and HNL, as VOZ9946. This 737-8FE is being returned to its lessor, Goshawk Aviation. Its HNL overnight stop is tonight.

34440's History:

Jly 2006: Delivered to Virgin Blue as VH-VUH, named "Lady Rebecca".

Jun 2008: Transferred to Pacific Blue as ZK-PBI "Lady Rebecca".

Dec 2011: Pacific Blue rebranded as Virgin Australia New Zealand, and airliner sold to Goshawk Aviation and leased back.

Feb 2015: Returned to Virgin Australia as VH-VUH.

Shandong Airlines' N235BE

Boeing is ferrying Shandong Airlines' N235BE (c/n 64325, l/n 9582) from BFI to HSN today, with overnight stops at KOA and GUM. This 737-8 is flying as BOE790, and will undergo cabin completion at HSN before delivery. It will be registered as B-229M upon delivery from HSN.

Cathay Pacific Airlines' B-KQR

A Cathay Pacific Airlines 777-367ER, B-KQR (c/n 41759, l/n 1240), made a diversion to HNL this afternoon. CPA885 was scheduled to fly from LAX to HKG, but made a medical diversion after a passenger fell ill.

24 April 2026 UPDATE

B-KQR has been moved to the ‘Ewa Hardstands.

25 April 2026 UPDATE

B-KQR continued onto HKG this morning as CPA885D.

Ukraine Air Alliance's UR-CAJ

Ukraine Air Alliance's UR-CAJ (msn 8346106) is making a stop at HNL today, as it transits from PER to LRD as UKL5068. This An-12BK also made stops at CNS and MAJ, and will stop at SBD before arriving at LRD.

Hawaiian Airlines Becomes Part Of oneworld

Hawaiian Airlines officially becomes a member of the oneworld alliance today. It will allow passengers to travel throughout the globe via the network of airlines in the alliance. A oneworld logo has been placed by the L1 and L2 doors throughout the Hawaiian fleet.

Further information in this oneworld news release, and this Alaska Air Group news release.

Delta Air Lines Pushes Back On Merger Speculation

CH-Aviation reports that Delta Air Lines is downplaying any talk of mergers. Concerns about current fuel prices have been causing speculation of airline mergers among industry people. Delta executives say that are not in the market for a merger.

7,000,000 Views!

A big mahalo to all of our contributors and readers! You are very much appreciated! The HNL RareBirds™ website broke the 7,000,000 page and post views mark earlier today!

Samaritan's Purse's N367SP

Following Super Typhoon Sinlaku hitting the Northern Marianas Islands, Samaritan's Purse is sending relief supplies and personnel aboard their 767-381ERF, N367SP (c/n 33510, l/n 939) from GSO to SPN, with stops at ONT, and KOA, flying as NSP6.

N367SP's only other stop in Hawai‘i was when it was delivered to Samaritan's Purse in March 2025.

21 April 2026 UPDATE

N367SP made another stop from GSO, via ONT, en route to SPN today.

22 April 2026 UPDATE

N367SP made another relief flight stop from ONT, en route to SPN today.

Mokulele Airlines Upgrades Terminal H

In an Instagram post this morning, Mokulele Airlines has upgraded the passenger check-in and waiting at HNL's Terminal H.

18 April 2026 UPDATE

Mokulele Airlines announced via Instagram, that they will add two more C208Bs this summer, one will be named "Huaka‘i" and the other named "Laulima". The registrations have yet to be revealed.

21 April 2026 UPDATE

Parent compan, Surfair posted on Instagram this morning that N485SA (msn 208B5924) and N490SA (msn 208B5925) will be delivering to Mokulele very soon.

USDOT Approves Allegiant / Sun Country Merger

The US Department of Transportation gave approval for the merger between Allegiant Air and Sun Country Airlines to proceed, with an expected closing date in mid-May. The two carriers will operate separately until a single operating certificate is obtained some time within the next 14 months.

Further information in this Aviation Week article.

With both airlines operating separately, it remains to be seen if Sun Country will fly Mountain West football teams to HNL for road games against the Hawai‘i Rainbow Warriors for the 2026 season.

Ukraine Air Alliance's UR-CGV

Ukraine Air Alliance's An-12BK (msn 6344610) is making a stop at HNL today from SBD, as UKL5031. The flight originated from LRD, and will be crossing the Pacific to Asia, with its next stop to MAJ.

20 April 2026 UPDATE

UR-CGV departed for MAJ early this morning as UKL5032.

21 April 2026 UPDATE

UR-CGV is headed for GUM to assist in relief efforts following Super Typhoon Sinlaku hitting the area.

United Airlines CEO Hints At Merger With American Airlines

CH-Aviation reports that United Airlines CEO Scott Kirby has posed the idea of a merger between his airline and American Airlines. No one is commenting on how far these talks have gone so far, but Kirby also approached some federal officials the possible merger.

If such a merger would take place, it would form the largest airline in the US, and possibly in the world, with a combined fleet of over 2,100 airliners.

Such a move as this will have to go through the federal government regulatory and antitrust process. It would be protested by Delta Air Lines, Southwest Airlines, Alaska Air Group, and the other smaller carriers.

ANALYSIS

If this merger were to happen, the effect on the Hawai‘i market would be impacted on two destinations, LAX and ORD, where service would have to be consolidated.

18 April 2026 UPDATE

American Airlines released a statement today, that said they are not interested nor pursuing a merger with United Airlines.

American Airlines And Philippine Airlines Propose Codeshare

American Airlines and Philippine Airlines filed a joint application for a codeshare agreement with the US Department of Transportation. PAL applied for a codeshare out of LAX on AAL's flights to HNL, LAS, SFO, and SEA.

Further information in this Aviation Week article.

Amazon Prime Air's N661AZ

Amazon Prime Air's N661AZ (c/n 29384, l/n 784) is ferrying from QPG to BQK [Golden Isles Airport, Brunswick, GA], with stops at CRK, JRF, and PHX. This 767-304ERF completed its conversion to a freighter at QPG. N661AZ stopped through HNL last October. It most likely will be operated by Air Transport International.

Federal Express' N919FD

Federal Express is ferrying N919FD "Evan" (c/n 24636, l/n 259, f/n 919) from MEM to HNL, via OAK, as FDX9075. It will join the other 757-200Fs in the inter-island cargo service.

N919RA

Southern Cross International is ferrying N919RA (c/n 30174, l/n 1175) from PVG to GYR, with stops at GUM and JRF, as SXI2612. This white-tail 737-809F, owned by Boeing Capital, completed freighter conversion at PVG.

30174's History:

Jly 2002: Delivered to China Airlines as B-18615.

__ 2007: Blended Winglets installed.

May 2021: Withdrawn from service, and stored at TPE for three months.

Aug 2021: Ferried to TSA for storage for three months.

Oct 2021: Ferried back to TPE for storage.

Dec 2022: Acquired by Royal Aero GmbH as N919RA, and ferried to MZJ for storage.

Apr 2023: Acquired by Boeing Capital Corporation.

Jly 2023: Ferried to PVG for freighter conversion.

Sumisho Air Lease Begins Operations

Sumisho Air Lease, the merged companies of SMBC and Air Lease Corp., officially began operations as the largest aircraft leasing company as the merger was finalized today.

Further information in this SMBC news release.

China Southern Airlines' B-228M

China Southern Airlines is taking delivery of B-228M (c/n 66419, l/n 9547) today. This 737-8 is making its delivery flight from BFI to CAN, with overnight stops at HNL and GUM, as CSN8139.

Super Air Jet's PK-SAF

Super Air Jet is ferrying PK-SAF (msn 3357) from DJJ [Sentani Airport, Jayapura, Indonesia] to P08, with stops at MAJ and HNL, as SJV1. This A320-232 is being returned to its lessor, Avolon Aeropsace, and is due to be parted out and scrapped.

PK-SAF stopped through HNL in September 2023 on its delivery flight.

Conair's C-GVFK

Conair's RJ85 Aerial Firefighter, C-GVFK "Hunter" (msn E2268, f/n 164), is ferrying back to YXX from BQB. It departed BQB on 02 April, and is making stops at AVV, BNE, HIR, MAJ, HNL, OAK, and YVR. Its stop at HNL is tonight.

Malaysia Airlines' 9M-MVO

Malaysia Airlines is taking delivery of 9M-MVO (c/n 43358, l/n 9511) today. This 737-8, their first delivery for 2026, is making its delivery flight from BFI to KUL, with overnight stops at HNL and GUM, as MAS5041.

Singapore Airlines' 9V-MBV

Singapore Airlines is taking delivery of 9V-MBV (c/n 44260, l/n 9531) today. This 737-8 is making its delivery flight from BFI to SIN, with overnight stops at HNL and GUM, as SIA8890.

Hawaiian Airlines Ends Code-Share With Virgin Australia

Hawaiian Airlines filed a termination notice with the US Department of Transportation, that it is ending its code-share with Virgin Australia today. This ends the decade-long partnership between the two airlines.

N583JH

N583JH (msn 208B1001), a C208 Caravan owned by 208B1001 LLC Saipan [Saipan, NMI], is ferrying from SPN to the mainland, with stops at HIR, APW, HNL, and MCE. Its stop at HNL is tonight.

N583JH's History:

Dec 2002: Delivered to Mallard Haven LLC.

Jun 2005: Sold to Skytech Inc.

Sep 2005: Sold to Air Holdings Inc.

Nov 2010: Sold to Lowcountry Trading LLC.

Jun 2018: Sold to 208B1001 LLC Saipan.

Virgin Australia's VH-E2C

Virgin Australia is taking delivery of VH-E2C "Margaret River" (msn 19020209). This E190-E2 is making its delivery flight from SJK to PER, with stops at BGI, OPF, TUS, KOA, NAN, BNE, and CNS, as VOZ9943. VH-E2C departed SJK on 01 April, and it's overnight stop at KOA is tonight.

Aloha Airlines' N741AL

This quarter's HNL RareBirds Classic Aloha Airlines' tribute features N741AL "Olopana" (c/n 28641, l/n 809, f/n 741). This 737-76N is seen above, was photographed while under tow from the RON Ramp at SNA, as it would depart for OGG, prior to my flight to HNL. It was one of two Aloha 737-76Ns that overnighted at SNA.

28641's History:

Mar 2001: Delivered to Aloha Airlines as N741AL "Olopana", under lease from GECAS.

Mar 2008: Withdrawn from service due to airline shutdown, and returned to GECAS a month later.

Jan 2009: Leased to Arik Air as 5N-MJJ "City of Benin".

Jun 2018: Stored at LOS [Murtalla Muhammed International Airport, Lagos, Nigeria].

Nov 2021: Acquired by AerCap, the lease transferred, and remains in storage.

Mokuele Airlines' N839MA Hard Landing At MKK

Mokulele Airlines' N839MA (msn 208B2392) suffered a flat tire on a hard landing at MKK this afternoon. Flying as FDY39, this C208B Grand Caravan landed hard on MKKʻs Runway 5. Nā Hōkū Hanohano Award winner and Hawaiian music singer Raiatea Helm was aboard the flight, and posted the result on her Instagram post.

After a tire change and inspection, N839MA continued onto OGG this evening.

Korean Air To End KAL Branding

Shareholders of Korean Air voted to end the English KAL branding, in favor of the new "KE Way" and KE branding, and the airline updated its livery last year. The KE branding is based on the airline's IATA two-letter designation. Part of this has to do with the merger with Asiana Airlines, which is scheduled to be completed this December. Nothing was mentioned regarding the status of the KAL ICAO three-letter designator.

Further information in this Newsis article.

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.

27 March 2026 UPDATE

The FAA confirmed that it was N715KV that crashed, and the accident is under investigation by the FAA and the NTSB.

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.

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.

On a related note, Simple Flying noted that United has canceled its order for 45 A350-900s with Airbus.

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, flying as N769BA. 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.

11 April 2026 UPDATE

N769BA appears to have been sold to 9Air, and has been painted in 9Air's new livery at HAK.

19 April 2026 UPDATE

This 737-8 has been re-registered as B-228U, and is awaiting delivery.

29 April 2026 UPDATE

B-228U delivered to 9Air, from HAK to CAN.

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.

Royal Australian Air Force's N567G

The Royal Australian Air Force is taking delivery of their second L3Harris MC-55A Peregrine. N567G (msn 5607) is making its delivery flight from GVT to QPE, with stops at DMA, HIK, and UAM, flying as SAME55. It will be assigned to the RAAF's No. 10 Squadron.

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.