Hawai‘i ANG's 05-5152 Makes Five-0 Cameo

05-5152 "The Spirit of 'Go For Broke'" (c/n P-152), of the Hawai‘i Air National Guard's 204th Airlift Squadron / 154th Wing, made an appearance on tonight's episode of "Hawai‘i Five-0". The scene was shot on HIK's VIP ramp.

The show's producers use the 204th's Globemaster IIIs whenever they are in need of military transport shots. Other C-17s, 05-5149 and 05-5153, have made previous appearances dating back to the series premiere episode. The landing shots were filmed at NGF, and ground shots were done at HIK.

Qantas' VH-TJU

VH-TJU "Currawong" (c/n 24446, l/n 2569), is a Qantas Airways 737-476 is making its way from SYD to VCV (via APW and HNL) as QFA6027. It made a two-day stopover at HNL, before departing for VCV early this morning.

photo to follow ...

Xiamen's B-5635

Xiamen Airlines is taking delivery of B-5635 (c/n 38390, l/n 4012) today. The 737-85C is on its delivery flight from BFI to XMN (via HNL, MAJ, and SPN) as CXA5635.

Sorry, we were unable to get a photo at HNL.

Air China's B-6130

There was an Air China flight, CCA8, that arrived from CUN (Cancun International, Mexico) on the morning of the 23rd. It left this morning for HLP (Halim Perdankusuma International, Jakarta, Indonesia). The flight, operated with an A330-200, originated at LHR, then made stops at YOW, MBJ, CUN before stopping off at HIK.

Team member Bargeld01 told me that he saw the Air China A330 on the HIK ramp. It was possibly a government official flight. MRC Aviation reports that it was B-6130 (msn 930), an A330-243, that flew as CCA8.

Sorry, we were unable to get a photo of B-6130 at HNL.

Qantas' VH-VZZ

Qantas Airways is taking delivery of VH-VZZ (c/n 39445, l/n 4010) today. The 7,37-838 is flying as QFA6024, and will overnight at HNL this evening, as it makes its way to MEL.

CFM56 Celebrates 30 Years

CFM and the CFM56 powerplant celebrates its 30th anniversary today! Beginning as a replacement for the Pratt & Whitney JT3D turbofan, for the Boeing 707-300B (only one prototype built) and KC-135, along with the Douglas DC-8-60 series, the CFM56 has become the exclusive powerplant for the Boeing 737 Classic (-300 to -500) and Next Generation (-600 to -900ER), as well as the Airbus A340-200 and -300 series, and an option for the Airbus A320 series.

The CFM56 in Hawai‘i are regularly seen on Hawai‘i Air National Guard's KC-135Rs, 737 Next Generations (Alaska, Air Pacific, United, and WestJet), and Philippine Airlines' A340-300s. UPS began their cargo flights to HNL with DC-8-70Fs. Aloha Airlines had CFM56s on their 737-300s, -400s, and -700s.

CFM's press release.

Hawaiian Upgrades SYD To A330

Beginning today, Hawaiian Airlines upguages their HNL-SYD service (HAL451/452) to their A330-243s from their 767-300ERs.

Corporate Air's N205CA

Corporate Air recently brought in another B1900C, N205CA (msn UC-103), to help with the inter-island US Postal Service contract. The colorful B1900C is seen above on the South Ramp.

Southern Air's N760SA

Normally, Southern Air's 747Fs park at HIK, but this morning, N760SA (c/n 21221, l/n 299), flying as SOO3310 from UAM, parked at HardStand C on the South Ramp (photo above). The flight continued onto SUU a few hours after.

The flight typically originates from OKO and ends at SUU, with stops at UAM and HIK.

Lion's PK-LJR

Lion Airlines is taking delivery of their second 737-8GP this month. PK-LJR (c/n 37292, l/n 4008) is on its delivery flight today from BFI as LNI1, and will make its brief stop at HNL later this morning. PK-LJR is seen above, on Taxiway C, shortly after landing on Runway 4R.

American 767 With Winglets At OGG

Here is N385AM (c/n 27059 l/n 536), a 767-323ER, arriving today from LAX as AAL253. This aircraft has been seen flying internationally out of LSZH (Zurich, Switzerland [ZRH]) as recently as 03/25/12.

Monarch's G-DAJB

Monarch Airlines [ZB/MON] is flying a round-the-world charter group on behalf of Michellin, as MON9940. The flight originated from MAD, and is making a two-day stop at HNL, after arriving from NRT this morning. G-DAJB (c/n 23770, l/n 125), is the 757-2T7 making this journey, and is seen above pushing out of Gate 13, for re-positioning to the North Ramp. The flight is scheduled to continue onto LAS on the morning of the 22nd.

Mahalo to team member Hawaii Travel Deals for the photo!

Mahalo to team member Aeros for the above photo of G-DAJB on HardStand 3.

American / US Airways Merger?

News of a possible merger between American Airlines and US Airways seems to be getting closer. Though US Airways will be the takeover party, the American Airlines name and branding will be retained, and the headquarters will be at Fort Worth, TX. It appears that unions from both carriers are pushing for the merger to happen, especially with AAL still in Chapter 11 bankruptcy. The  finalization of the merger would have to pass through shareholders, creditors, bankruptcy court, the board of directors, and the federal government.

How will this affect the Hawai‘i market? It remains to be seen. AWE currently has two daily flights between PHX and HNL, and a daily flight between PHX and OGG. AAL has a total of ten daily flights to the four major Hawai‘i airports (LAX-HNL: 3; DFW-HNL: 2; LAX-OGG: 2; DFW-OGG: 1; LAX-KOA: 1; and LAX-LIH: 1)

In this USA Today article, US Airways CEO Doug Parker stated that AWE has reached agreements with three of AAL's labor unions, should a merger go through. This subject is also trending within the aviation industry on Twitter.com.

Dalian's B-5639

Dalian Airlines [CCD "Xiangjian"] took delivery of B-5639 (c/n 40033, l/n 4004), a 737-89L, today. It's flying as CCD8998, and was originally allocated to Air China, who owns 80% of Dalian. It's their third 737-800, along with B-5196 and B-5553 (which were originally delivered to Air China. B-5639 is seen above taxiing to the Castle & Cooke Aviation ramp, and note that the AIr China logo is on the tail and winglets.

The airline, named after the city of Dalian, in Liaoning Province,  began operations in 2011, and is headquartered at the Dalian Zhoushuizi International Airport [DLC/ZYTL].

A big mahalo to blog fan Rick for the photo!

JAL Express' JA342J

JAL Express is taking delivery of JA342J (c/n 39191, l/n 4002), a 737-846. It arrived earlier this evening from BFI as JAL8101, and is seen above arriving on HardStand 4 on the North Ramp.

Mahalo to blog fan Hiroshi for the photo!

China Eastern Downguages PVG-HNL Service

With Friday's flight, China Eastern Airlines will phase out their A340-313Xs on their twice-weekly PVG-HNL service. Beginning 18 May, China Eastern will utilize their A330-243s for CES571/572. In the interim (24 Apr - 15May), CES will substitute their A340-642s.

China Eastern's B-2384 (msn 182) is seen above, earlier this year, taxiing on Taxiway C for a Runway 26L departure to PVG. B-2384 is the last of five A340-313Xs still in service, and will be retired upon arrival in PVG.

China Southern's B-5283

China Southern Airlines is taking delivery of the 4,000th-built 737 Next Generation (and the 7,132nd 737 overall) today. B-5283 (c/n 38919, l/n 4000), a 737-71B, wearing a decal noting the achievement (above photo), is flying from BFI to CAN, via HNL, MAJ, and SPN, as CSN283. In the top photo, B-5283 is seen turning onto Taxiway C, after landing on Runway 4R.

Hawaiian Launches Fukuoka Service

Hawaiian Airlines kicked off its service between Honolulu and Fukuoka, Japan (FUK/RJFF) this morning as HAL453. As with its previous Asia routes, the airline held pre-boarding festivities that included hula, a Japanese dance, a Hawaiian blessing, and an impromptu performance by local entertainer and kumu hula Robert Cazimero (who was on the flight).

N583HA "‘A" (c/n 25531, l/n 423) was the 767-3G5ER selected to make the inaugural flight to FUK, and is pictured above pushing out of Gate 34.

The maile lei and the "Aloha, Fukuoka!" banner at the entry to Gate 34.

Robert Cazimero (grey suit) sang two songs with the Hawaiian Airlines Serenaders.

Two dancers from the Hanayagi Dance School, performing a Japanese cultural dance.

Kahu Richard Kamanu blesses the entryway to Gate 34 with a maile lei, Hawaiian rock salt and water, from a koa bowl.

HAL454 is the return flight that arrives tomorrow morning.

The Terazono family poses with the Hawaiian Airlines Serenaders hula dancers and the "Welcome to Honolulu!" banner after clearing customs and immigration from the inaugural HAL454. Each passenger received a lei as well.

Mahalo to Hawaiian Airlines for the invitation to this event!

Alaska's Dreamliner N512AS

Alaska Airlines' Boeing Dreamliner-liveried 737-890, N512AS (c/n 39043, l/n 2711), came in today from SJC as ASA837. It's seen above on the west guideline of the Diamond Head alleyway, bound to park at Gate 15.

go!'s N407SW

go! recently brought in N407SW (msn 7034), a CRJ-100LR, to replace one of go!'s other CRJ200s. It seen above on the Commuter Terminal ramp, and note that it lacks Mokulele titles.

This CRJ-100LR was with SkyWest Airlines (OO/SKW) from March 1994 to August 2011, under lease from Bombardier Capital. It was originally ordered by Lufthansa Cityline as D-ARJK, but was not taken. It flew for Delta Connection (1994-2009), and had the Delta/SkyWest livery, and the 2000 livery. In 2009, it went to Midwest Connect (a SkyWest regional), until the end of its lease. The Mesa Air Group acquired N407SW in September 2011.

PlaneSpotters.net has N407SW listed as a CRJ-100LR, while Airliners.net has it listed as a CRJ-200ER, we'll try to see which listing is correct.

The Funbird To Be Scrapped

The once-proud "Funbird" retro jet of the now-gone Aloha Airlines looks like it will never fly again. According to the Airchive.com site, N823AL "Liholiho" (c/n 23154, l/n 1078) is shown being parted out at MHV. It was acquired by Skybus LLC in June 2008. 

It seems like it has not been six years since I had the opportunity to photograph the arrival of the "Funbird" was re-introduced to the Aloha Airlines fleet, as the airline celebrated its 60th anniversary (photo above) in 2006.

N171EX Brings Dalai Lama

The Sky River Consulting Falcon 7X, N171EX (msn 24), brought in the Dalai Lama, for this weekend's visit on O‘ahu. Sky River Consulting is one of eBay co-founder Pierre Omidyar's many companies in his Omidyar Network. Sky River took over the Cox Aviation Hangar a few years ago. It was noted in the local news that Omidyar used his private jet to transport the Tibetan Buddhist monk to and from HNL. 

Hainan's B-5661

Hainan Airlines is taking delivery of B-5661 (c/n 38152, l/n 3995) this morning. The 737-84P is flying as B-5661, from BFI to HAK (via HNL, MAJ, and SPN). B-5661 is seen above clearing Taxiway C, for the AirService Hawaii ramp. The pilots used the callsign "Hainan5661", instead of "Boeing5661", today.

Garuda's PK-GMX

Garuda Indonesia is taking delivery of PK-GMX (c/n 38039, l/n 3996) today. The 737-8U3 is flying as GIA8011 from BFI to CGK (via HNL, MAJ and BIK). PK-GMX is seen above taxiing out to the "Reef Runway" on Taxiway RT, for the next leg to MAJ.

JA615J Samantha Thavasa Jet

Also spotted in HNL on April 10, is a JAL 767-346ER carrying a Samantha Thavasa decal. Despite the foreign name, Samantha Thavasa is a Japanese fashion company that is popular for its handbags. JAL also has a different Samantha Thavasa decal on a domestic 777-246, which is currently on JA772J. This commercial shows the decal on the domestic 777-246. The aircraft in the commercial was JA8983, which carried the decal on the Rising Sun livery before it was repainted to the new Tsurumaru livery.

Samantha Thavasa website (in Japanese)

AAY9100

Allegiant Airlines begins its 757-200 ETOPS proving runs today as AAY9100.

It's seen above rolling out on Runway 8L, after arriving from LAS. Mahalo to team member Aeros for the above photo.

QFA94

Qantas 94, with direct service between Los Angeles International Airport (KLAX/LAX) and Melbourne Tullamarine Airport (YMML/MEL) diverted to Honolulu due to a passenger requiring medical assistance. VH-OQK, a A380-842 (c/n 63), was unloaded and towed to the hardstands after determining that the crew's flight duty time limitations would exceed the acceptable time allowed. The flight is due to depart for MEL later tonight.

The top photo shows VH-OQK at a rainy Gate 29, and the above photo was taken a few hours later on the North Ramp Hardstands.

Mahalo to team member NAugusta for this front view of VH-OQK.

Allegiant To Launch In June

Allegiant Airlines [G4/AAY] announced that they will launch Honolulu service from LAS and FAT (Fresno Yosemite International Airport, Fresno, CA) on June 29th using 757-204s. The airline acquired six 757-204s from Thomson Airways (formerly Britannia Airways), and all six are ETOPS-certified.

The LAS segment will be thrice-weekly, and the FAT segment will be weekly. Allegiant will become the third airline to fly non-stop between LAS and HNL. LAS, also their headquarters, will become a hub to connect their MD-80 network with HNL.  It also will become the first airline to fly non-stop between the Central Valley region of California and HNL.

Allegiant spokesman Brian Davis mentioned on Hawai‘i News Now's Sunrise, that the airline will decide future HNL service in the summer.

Some of those 757s have been leased to airlines in the UK, while others have been flying other AAY routes.

Jetstar's VH-EBR

Jetstar Airways has begun to modify the titles on their entire fleet, as seen above, the fuselage titles are all in black, and the typeface has been modified as well.

Currently, only two of Jetstar's A330-202s, VH-EBR (msn 1251) [above] and VH-EBS (msn 1258) have the modified titles.

Mahalo to team member 2003Z06 for the above photo.

JASDF's 64-3501

For a second time this week another JASDF AWACS E-767 (767-27CER) visited Honolulu. 64-3501 (s/n 27358, l/n 557) departed this morning. Sister-ship 86-3504 was seen a few days ago. This E-767 is headed to BFI for upgrades.

Viva AeroBus' XA-VIT

Viva AeroBus [VB/VIV] is taking delivery of XA-VIT (c/n 27635, l/n 2721), a 737-3K2, from CHC, that was the former Air New Zealand ZK-SJE. The ferry flight made stops at WLG, NAN. MAJ, HNL, and TIJ, before reaching its new home at MTY. It's being leased from ILFC. The flight stopped through HNL, but was not listed on any flight trackers. Skyliners.de had it listed, but was discovered this morning, probably after it had departed HNL.

27635 was originally delivered to Transavia (under lease from ILFC) as PH-TSZ in May 1995. Freedom Air International (New Zealand) [SJ/FOM] was its next lessee as ZK-SJE in October 2001. When Air New Zealand acquired Freedom Air, ZK-SJE was transferred to the ANZ fleet. It's lease with ILFC recently expired, hence the new stint with VIV.

N27610

N27610 (c/n 27323, l/n 2616, f/n 0610), a former United Airlines 737-524, is making its way toward somewhere in Asia from HOU (via OAK, HNL, ...).

It was originally delivered to Continental Airlines in May 1994 under lease from GECAS, and had UAL titles replacing the COA following the merger between the two carriers in October 2010.

Sorry, we were unable to get a photo of N27610 while at HNL


*** 04.08.12 Update ***
N27610's final destination of this ferry flight was to CGK. It's the first of a dozen 737-524s that GECAS is leasing Sriwijaya Airlines, and will become PK-CLC "Citra".

N596SC

Another former AirAsia 737-300 is MZJ-bound from CGK (via BIK, GUM, MAJ, and HNL). N596SC (c/n 23376, l/n 1308), a 737-3B7, was registered as PK-AWQ while with the Indonesian carrier from February 2006 to March 2012.

23376 was originally delivered to US Air as N370AU in November 1986, and was re-registered as N501AU in September 1988. In 1995, 23376 was sold to GECAS, and leased to Western Pacific Airlines [KMR] in April of that year as N947WP, and was the logojet for The Broadmoor (in Colorado Springs). In June 1998, following the closure of KMR, it was leased by Delta Air Lines as N947WP, and wore the 1997 Ron Allen livery during the seven-plus year stint at DAL.

Xiamen's B-5633

Xiamen Airlines is taking delivery of B-5633 (c/n 38389, l/n 3987), a 737-85C. It's flying from BFI to XMN (via HNL, MAJ, and SPN) as CXA5633.

Sorry, we were unable to get a photo of B-5633 at HNL.

JAL's Samantha Thavasa

Japan Airline's Samantha Thavasa themed 767-346ER can be seen serving International routes out of Narita. JA615J (c/n 33850, l/n 942) is one of two aircraft that wears the Samantha Thavasa livery. The other aircraft is JA772J (c/n 27657, l/n 507) a 777-246 that flies domestic routes within Japan.

US Coast Guard's 01

This C-37A (Gulfstream V), 01 (msn 653), of the US Coast Guard is the commander's transport. It's one of two C-37As in the USCG aircraft fleet. It's been here at HNL for the past couple of days, parked at Bradley Pacific Aviation (above).

Lion's PK-LJQ

Lion Airlines is taking delivery of their first 737-8GP today! PK-LJQ (c/n 38317, l/n 3985) is the first of a dozen -8GPs that the Indonesian carrier has opted for. It's flying from BFI as LNI1, and will make its brief fuel stop at HNL later this morning, before continuing onto MAJ, BIK, and to its home at CGK.

PK-LJQ is seen above on Taxiway C after arriving landing on Runway 4R.

N834AC

A former Singapore Airlines [SQ/SIA] 747-412, N834AC (c/n 26556, l/n 1084), is headed to MZJ for storage. The flight originated from SIN, and will make a stop at HNL along the way.

26556 was delivered to SIA in July 1996 as 9V-SPJ. It was leased from IEM Airfinance, and was withdrawn from service this past February, and sold to Wells Fargo Bank Northwest.

Mahalo to team member Aeros for the above photo of N834AC, now seen devoid of the SIA titles and logos.

JASDF's 84-3504

One of Japan Air Self Defense Force's four AWACS E-767s (767-27CERs) is making its return flight to Japan after recently receiving radar system upgrades from Boeing. 84-3504 (c/n 28017, l/n 642) is based out of Hamamatsu Air Base (RJNH), and was delivered new to the JASDF in January of 1998.

Hawai‘i Express' N380HE

It seems the SkyLiners website was either pranked, or is pulling an April Fool's Day prank on everyone when it listed a Hawai‘i Express A380-841, N380HE (msn 002), was to have been delivered today from TLS. It appeared on their new registration page.

The photo above, is a snapshot of that SkyLiners news page, taken with my iPhone4.

There was an actual airline called The Hawai‘i Express, it was an airline in the early 1980s that flew between LAX and HNL. It was among one of the first airlines to start the fare war in the LAX and HNL route in the early days of airline deregulation. Unfortunately, the airline lasted for only 16 months (August 1982 - December 1983).

The actual A380-841, F-WXXL (msn 002), is currently being outfitted with a VIP interior, as it's destined for Kingdom Holdings (Saudi Arabia). It was originally the cabin systems prototype for Airbus. Currently, it's at TLS, and the Airbus house livery has been painted over.

Saudi Arabian Government's HZ-124

Our April edition of "HNL RareBirds Classic" features this A340-213, HZ-124 (msn 004), that was photographed while parked on HardStand 1A in October 1998. It's registered to the Saudi Arabian Ministry of Defence and Aviation, and features a VIP cabin configuration. HZ-124 was delivered in February 1997, though it first flew in January 1992.