VIP Aboard Hawaiian's Bellanca

Yesterday, the Hawaiian Airlines Bellanca CH-300 Pacemaker had a very special passenger for one of its air tours over O‘ahu. Archbishop Desmond Tutu, his wife, and son-in-law were treated to an air tour on the 80-year-old propliner, flown by Hawaiian's President and CEO Mark Dunkerley. Archbishop Tutu is seen above, seated in the co-pilot's seat, with CEO Dunkerley seated in the left seat, as the Bellanca taxies back from its flight.

I came across this flight while trying to get photos of the China Eastern 737-79P delivery flight. Upon editing the photo, I noticed the honored passengers aboard the Bellanca, along with other photos I took after the plane parked.

Makali‘i Blessing

Hawaiian Airlines had their first Airbus A330-243, N380HA "Makali‘i", blessed today in before employees, local dignitaries, and the media.

Hawaiian also brought out their Bellanca CH-300 Pacemaker as well, showing their first aircraft alongside their newest aircraft.

Aboard The Pacemaker

As the finishing part of an article I'm writing, I received an invitation to take a ride in Hawaiian Air's Bellanca CH-300 "Pacemaker", NC251M, yesterday. We took a 25-minute flight over Honolulu. As seen in the photo above, we're departing Runway 4L, with HA's new A330-243, N380HA ("Makali‘i") in the upper left corner.

Hawaiian Air's NC251M

Hawaiian Airlines unveiled their first ever aircraft, NC251M (msn 154), a Bellanca CH-300 "Pacemaker" in their maintenance hangar, before the media, government officials, employees, and special guests. HA had the CH-300 restored in Washington, before being shipped to HNL, re-assembled, and test flown. The 80-year-old aircraft was brought back to celebrate HA's 80th anniversary.

Hawaiian's 1st aircraft to return to Hawaii

The first aircraft flown by Hawaiian, the Bellanca CH-300 Pacemaker, will be making a return to the skies above Honolulu. The aircraft was found in Oregon and is being restored in Washington. The aircraft is scheduled to be brought to Honolulu in September.

Although the official Hawaiian Airlines anniversary date is November 11, Hawaiian actually started flying in October of 1929. It was then that Inter-Island Airways started aerial sightseeing tours of Oahu using a Bellanca CH-300 Pacemaker.

Read more at:
Honolulu Advertiser
Honolulu Star Bulletin
Hawaiian press release