Jetstar To Resume MEL-HNL

Jetstar Airways announced today that they will resume their twice-weekly A330-200 service between MEL and HNL, beginning 15 December 2012.

JQA1: MEL-HNL

JQA2: HNL-MEL 

Both flights operate on Tuesdays and Saturdays

Lion's PK-LJY

Lion Airlines' PK-LJY (c/n 38722, l/n 4125), is their second 737-8GP delivery this month. It's making its delivery flight this morning as LNI1, and will make its brief fuel stop at HNL later this morning. It's seen above taxiing to the Castle & Cooke Aviation ramp for its two-hour break.

Allegiant To Order 19 A319s

Allegiant Travel Company announced today that they will be ordering 19 A319-100s, where nine will be leased from GECAS, and all ten A319-111s from Cebu Pacific Air [5J/CEB] (Manila, Philippines) will be leased, to be purchase later. The first two A319s are scheduled for delivery in the second quarter of 2013.

More information in this Allegiant Airlines press release.

PlaneSpotters.net list of Cebu Pacific's A319-111 inventory.

Xiamen's B-5655

Xiamen Airlines is taking delivery of their second 737-85C in a week, today. B-5655 (c/n 38392, l/n 4121) is making its delivery flight from BFI to XMN (via HNL, MAJ, and SPN) as CXA5655.

Sorry, we were unable to get a photo of B-5655 at HNL, though team member Drewski2112 got a photo of it at BFI.

Volga-Dnepr's RA-82045

I suppose this post should be called "JRF RareBird", as one of Volga-Dnepr's An-124-100s, RA-82045 (msn 9773052255113) made a stop at JRF (Kalaeloa Airport) on a flight from IAH as VDA1385, that arrived yesterday afternoon. According to sources, this was the third of three Ruslan flights to transport Hawai‘i Army National Guard assets for an overseas deployment. This An-124-100 recently had the orange 20th Anniversary decals removed.

It's seen in the top photo during its pre-flight check phase, with the main entry door open, and a crew member doing a pre-flight walk-around. The An-124 departed from JRF on Runway 4R, made a 180º right turn to cycle for a Runway 8L arrival at HNL, with its landing gear down the entire flight, and never got above 5,000 feet in altitude.

It flew to HNL as VDA4018 this morning, and returned to IAH after a three-hour fuel stop, as seen in the above photo, departing from Runway 8R.

China Southern's B-5290

This morning, China Southern Airlines is taking delivery of B-5290 (c/n 38925 l/n 4120). It's their second 737-71B in ten days, and is making its trans-Pacific delivery flight from BFI as CSN5290, with its first stop at HNL. It's seen above, flaring a for a Runway 4R landing.

RAAF's A30-006

One of the Royal Australian Air Force's 737-7ES Wedgetails is participating in the 2012 RIMPAC exercise. A30-006 (c/n 33987, l/n 1991) was recently delivered to the RAAF a couple of months ago. The AEW&C version of the 737-700 is seen above departing Runway 8R for a RIMPAC sortie as "Wedgetail11".

Omega Tanker's N707MQ

One of Omega Tanker's 707-300s is in town in support of the 2012 RIMPAC naval exercise. N707MQ (c/n 21368, l/n 925) has been working out of the North Ramp. This 707-368C is seen above departing Runway 8R as "Omega11Heavy" for a refueling sortie.

Hainan's B-5685

Hainan Airlines is taking delivery of B-5685 (c/n 38155, l/n 4115), a 737-84P, this morning. It's making its delivery flight from BFI as B5685, and will overnight at HNL.

Sorry, we were unable to get a photo of B-5685 at HNL. It departed 30 minutes before its stated departure time.

Air China's B-5679

Air China is taking delivery of B-5679 (c/n 40034, l/n 4117) this morning. The 737-89L is making its delivery flight as CCA51. It will overnight at HNL upon its arrival from BFI. B-5679 is seen above on Taxiway RT, as it readies for departure to MAJ.

Hawaiian's SDJ Charters

According to a report on this morning's Hawaii News Now's "Sunrise" news show, Howard Dicus reported that Hawaiian Airlines is flying four round-trip charters between SDJ [Sendai, Japan] and HNL for Japan Travel Bureau (JTB). Hawaiian is using one of their 767-300ERs for the service. The first flight from SDJ arrived this past Saturday, and the return flight is Wednesday.

This is one of the first flights between HNL and the Sendai region that was devastated by the March 11, 2011 earthquake and tsunami. 

Previously, JALWays used to fly seasonal charters between SDJ and HNL.

SAS Institute's N7600K

A BBJ owned by business software developer SAS Institute was also on the AirService Hawaii ramp today. N7600K (c/n 32628, l/n 953), a 737-7BC, is seen above being prepared for departure.

Xiamen's B-5653

Xiamen Airlines is taking delivery this morning of their first factory-fresh 737-85C painted in their new livery. B-5653 (c/n 38391, l/n 4112) is making its delivery flight as CXA5653. It's seen above coming to a stop on the AirService Hawaii ramp. Along with the new livery, it looks like the titles have been shortened to Xiamen Air, the tail logo added to the fuselage titles, and the winglets painted plain white.

Island Air Unveils New Look

Today, Island Air unveiled a new look for their corporate branding, ATR72s, and website. The ATR72s are currently on order, and due to arrive in the coming months.

More details on the Island Air Group website.

Artist rendition courtesy of Island Air.

Delta Air Lines 767-332ER N171DZ

On July 16, Delta's Habitat for Humanity 767-332ER, N171DZ (c/n 29690, l/n 717), paid a visit to HNL. The aircraft arrived from Japan and was headed back there. N171DZ has been wearing the 'Habitat for Humanity' special livery since 2006 and has gone through a couple of updates. In early 2008, the Delta titles and "Force for Global Good" tag line were changed to the current titles. Then in 2011, N171DZ had winglets installed.

Turboprops For Hawaiian?

In part of a new fare structure press release, Hawaiian Airlines intimated that they have signed a letter of intent to acquire turboprop airliners, and establish a regional subsidiary. No specifics were given as to the name of the proposed carrier, nor the aircraft type.

With the acquisition of the turboprops, it appears that Hawaiian will resume service to secondary markets like MKK, LNY, and JHM.

China Southern's B-5291

China Southern Airlines' B-5291 (c/n 38962, l/n 4103) closes out the 737 delivery trifecta en route to HNL this morning. The 737-71B is crossing the Pacific as CSN5291. It's seen above on Taxiway C, to embark on its next leg to MAJ.

Shenzhen's B-5671

Shenzhen Airlines' B-5671 (c/n 39154, l/n 4107) is the second 737 in today's trifecta. The 737-87L is making its delivery flight as CSZ908, and is seen above on Taxiway RT, for departure to MAJ.

China Eastern's B-5589

Leading off today's 737NG delivery flight trifecta is, China Eastern's B-5589 (c/n 40989, l/n 4101). The 737-89L is flying as CES299. It's also the second 737-800 China Eastern has received in a week.

Sorry, we were unable to get a photo of B-5589 at HNL.

Hawaiian Announces HNL-AKL

Hawaiian Airlines announced today, that beginning March 13, 2013, they will launch thrice-weekly service between HNL and AKL using their 767-300ERs. Flight schedule information will be released later. 

Further details in this Hawaiian Airlines press release.


*** 07.31.12 Update ***
Hawaiian's flight information:
HAL445: HNL-AKL (Mon, Wed, Fri)
HAL446: AKL-HNL (Tue, Thu, Sat)

Hawaiian Increases ICN Frequency

Effective this morning, Hawaiian Airlines increased the frequency of its HNL-ICN 767-300ER service [HAL459/460] from four-times weekly to daily. Service commenced 16 months ago, and the frequency increase will add another 40,000 seats annually.

Further details in this Hawaiian Airlines press release.

Shandong's B-5650

Shandong Airlines is taking delivery of B-5650 (c/n 38641, l/n 4102) this morning. The 737-85N is making its delivery flight as CDG5650, and is on its first leg: BFI-HNL. It's seen above on Taxiway C on its way to the AirService Hawaii ramp, after its Runway 4R arrival.

United's 737 Order

United Airlines announced today that they are ordering 150 737s. The order will be split between 50 737-924ERs and 100 737MAX9s. The -924ERs will begin delivery in 2013.

More details in this United Airlines press release.

Polar / DHL's N451PA

One of the three 747-400Fs that wear a combined Polar Air Cargo and DHL hybrid liveries, stopped off at HNL today. N451PA (c/n 30809, l/n 1259, f/n 451), a 747-46NF, flew in from CVG, and parked on the South Cargo Ramp. It left two hours later for SYD, and will terminate at HKG.

N451PA is seen above on the South Cargo Ramp at HardStand B, getting additional cargo loaded on board.

Royal Jet's A6-RJX

Royal Jet [ROJ] (United Arab Emirates) has one of its BBJs in town. A6-RJX (c/n 29865, l/n 241), a 737-7AK, was parked on the AirService Hawaii ramp. It's seen above on the AirService Hawaii ramp. I tried to get closer rampside shots while getting photos of the Polar/DHL 747-400 later in the day, but there was an unmarked vehicle with security personnel parked by the nose of A6-RJX, who were keeping watch over the BBJ.

29865 was originally delivered to PrivatAir as HB-IIO in April 1999. It was configured with 28 first class seats. Aviation Partners Boeing Blended Winglets were installed two years later. When Royal Jet acquired the BBJ, it had the interior re-done to an all VIP configuration.

Asiana Upgrades ICN-HNL To Daily

Beginning today, Asiana Airlines has upgraded its twice-weekly service between ICN and HNL (AAR232/231) to daily. Asiana also moved its ticket counter to the main terminal, from it's counter space at the makai end of the Inter-Island Terminal. A blessing and festivities were held this morning at HNL.

China Eastern's B-5683

China Eastern Airlines is taking delivery of a GECAS-leased 737-86N this morning. B-5683 (c/n 39400, l/n 4097), wearing a special Yunnan Peacock-themed livery, is making its delivery flight as CES299. It's seen above taxiing into its overnight parking spot.

RNZAF's 75th Anniversary NZ7571

The Royal New Zealand Air Force is celebrating its 75th Anniversary, and their 757-2K2, NZ7571 (c/n 26633, l/n 519) has markings on the fuselage and tail to note the event. It seen in the top photo, on HNL's South Ramp, and is probably here to support Royal New Zealand Armed Forces units participating in the 2012 RIMPAC exercise. In the above photo, is the 75th Anniversary logo applied on the tail of NZ7571.

N661AG

N661AG (c/n 28661, l/n 2910), a former Garuda Indonesia 737-46Q, is making its way to the mainland, as it has been acquired by Aviation Capital Group last month. It will stopover at HNL later tonight. It has traveled from CGK, with stops at CEB, GUM, and MAJ. N661AG is seen above on its South Ramp parking spot.

28661 was originally delivered to Boullion Aircraft Holdings, then leased to Air Europa [UX/AEA] as EC-GPI in July 1997. It was sub-leased to Iberia in April 1998, for a three-year stint. Upon its return to Air Europa, it received their current livery, and also had special decals to promote the Andalucia region of Spain. In July 2002, it was leased to Air One [AP/ADH] as EC-CXI. Garuda Indonesia was the next lessee of this 737-46Q, as PK-GZP, in May 2007.


*** 07.10.12 Update ***
N661AG left for VCV around 0700HST.

N782AG

A former China Xinhua Airlines 737-46Q, N782AG (c/n 28758, l/n 2939), is island-hopping its way to the mainland, as it has been acquired by Aviation Capital Group.

28758 was originally delivered to China Xinhua Airlines [XW/CXH] as B-2989, in October 1997, on lease from Boullion Aircraft Holdings. It also wore the old blue Hainan Air Group livery, but not the current red/yellow livery. The 737 was taken up by ACG a few days ago.

Sorry, we were unable to get a photo of N782AG at HNL, as it was raining hard when I stopped there. The 737 was painted all-white, and is headed to VQQ (Cecil Field, Jacksonville, FL) after stopping off in OAK.

Virgin Australia Orders 737MAXs

Virgin Australia announced today that they have ordered 23 737MAXs due in 2019. The airline still has 31 737-800s on order, and will phase out its older 737-700s by the end of next year.

More details in this Aviation Week article.

Lion Air's PK-LJW

Lion Airlines is taking delivery of their third 737-8GP within the past six weeks. PK-LJW (c/n 37295, l/n 4092) is making its delivery flight from BFI to CGK (via HNL, MAJ, and BIK) as LNI1. It's seen above pulling onto the Castle & Cooke Aviation ramp to refuel for its next leg to MAJ.

June Deliveries

Beginning this month, we'll be posting the 737NG trans-Pacific delivery flights for the month.

These were the June 2012 737NG deliveries stopped through Hawai‘i:

4060 | B-5642 | 40017 | Dalian Airlines | -89L [06.07.12 CCD8996]

4061 | B-5649 | 38640 | Shandong Airlines | -85N [06.07.12 CDG5649]

4063 | B-5663 | 38154 | Hainan Airlines | -84P [06.12.12 B5663]

4064 | B-5646 | 38932 | China Southern Airlines | -81B [06.12.12 CSN129]

4071 | PK-LJU | 37294 | Lion Airlines | -8GP [06.15.12 LNI1]

4070 | VH-YIH | 38712 | Virgin Australia | -8FE "Hastings Point" [06.18.12 VBH9080 (LIH)]

4076 | B-5645 | 38922 | China Southern Airlines | -81B [06.20.12 CSN618]

4077 | PK-LJV | 38721 | Lion Airlines | -8GP [06.22.12 LNI1]

4085 | 9M-MLO | 39325 | Malaysia Airlines | -8H6 [06.26.12 MAS5403]

4089 | VH-YFJ | 41001 | Virgin Australia | -8FE [06.29.12 VBH9082 (LIH)]

Aloha's N818AL

The July edition of "HNL RareBirds Classic" goes back almost a decade, to December 2002, with this photo of an Aloha Airlines 737-230/Adv, N818AL "Ka‘umu‘ali‘i" (c/n 22117, l/n 703), at KOA. I was on a Japanese TV news assignment, and took this early morning photo as our crew walked to the gate.

22117 was originally delivered to Lufthansa as D-ABFF in January 1981, and wore the current livery before it left the fleet in 1996. D-ABFF was leased to ModiLuft [HT/MOD] (India) as VT-MGD from May 1994 to May 1996. Five months later, Aloha Airlines received this 737-230/Advanced. The airframe was sold to Stewart Industries International in August 2006. The N-Number was cancelled in February 2008, and its whereabouts and fate are unknown.