Hawaiian's N399HA

Hawaiian Airlines is taking delivery of N399HA "Kūmau" (msn 1496) today, with a delivery flight from TLS to SEA as HAL9975. This is the second A330-243 delivery to Hawaiian this year, and their 16th overall.

Hebei's B-1930

Hebei Airlines [NS/HBH] is taking delivery of B-1930 (c/n 39335, l/n 4796) today. The 737-85C, under lease from Babcock & Brown, is making its delivery flight from BFI as HBH1930, and will overnight at HNL. 

It seems that this -800 was allocated from the Xiamen Airlines order (5C Boeing customer code). Hebei's parent company is Sichuan Airlines [3U/CSC], and one of their shareholders is China Southern Airlines, whose subsidiary is Xiamen Airlines.

Allegiant Celebrates 15 Years

Allegiant Airlines celebrates 15 years of service today. The Las Vegas-based airline has grown from a small fleet of a few DC-9s to a current mixed fleet of 70 airliners, comprised of MD-80s, 757-204s, A319-112s and A320-214s.

Allegiant's 757-204 operation is based out of HNL. When they aren't in service, some of the six 757s can be seen parked on HNL's hardstands. 

N483VA Lost Near LNY

A Piper PA-31-350 Navajo owned by Maui Aircraft Leasing LLC, N483VA (msn 31-7552124), crashed about a mile from the departure end of LNY's Runway 3 last evening, after take-off. Reports are three of the six on-board perished, and the other three survived. The passengers were officials from Maui County on Lānaʻi for county meeting. The three lost were the pilot and two passengers. The three survivors were put on an AirMed King Air 200 (N911ZD) medevac flight to HNL for treatment. The FAA and NTSB will be investigating the cause of this accident.

N483VA was one of three Navajo owned by Maui Aircraft Leasing, along with N471VA (msn 31-8352015) and N35892 (msn 31-8052140).

The HNL RareBirds team expresses our condolences, thoughts and prayers to those involved and their families.

Mahalo to team member OGGturbojets for the top photo.

AirMed's N911ZD (msn LJ-1559) taxiing out to Taxiway C earlier this year.

Further details in this Maui County press release, and this American Live Wire article.

China Eastern's B-5819

China Eastern Airlines is taking delivery of B-5819 (c/n 39731, l/n 4806) today. The 737-79P, in the orange Yunnan Peacock livery, is making its delivery flight from BFI as CES599, and will overnight at HNL.

Qantas Announces Major Cuts And Atlas Agreement

The Qantas Group announced today that they will be reducing their fleet by 50 aircraft, as well as eliminating 5,000 jobs, over the next three years.

No word about how it will affect both Qantas and JetStar flights from Australia to HNL. One thing is certain, all of Qantas' 767-338ERs will be retired by the third quarter of FY2015. No word as to what will replace the 763s when the time comes, but it will probably their A330s. On occasion, A330s have been substituted on the SYD-HNL flight (QFA3/QFA4).

The last two 737-476s will be withdrawn, and probably ferried through HNL for storage.

Further details in this World Airline News article.

In other Qantas news, Qantas and Atlas Air also extended their agreement for the two trans-Pacific ACMI cargo flights, that the latter provides. Terms were not released. One of the two daily cargo flights makes a brief fuel stop at HNL, as QFA755x.

Further details in this World Airline News article.

Hawaiian To Suspend FUK Route

Hawaiian Airlines announced this morning that they will be suspending their 767-300ER service to Fukuoka, Japan, citing insufficient passenger growth.

Further details in this Hawaiian Airlines press release.

China Southern's B-1917

China Southern Airlines is taking delivery of their third 737-800 within the past seven days, with B-1917 (c/n 41316, l/n 4803). The 737-81B is making its delivery flight from BFI as CSN1917, and will overnight at HNL.

Shenzhen's B-1937

Shenzhen Airlines is taking delivery of their second 737-87L within the past six days, with B-1937 (c/n 37619, l/n 4804). It's making its delivery flight from BFI as CSZ903, and will overnight at HNL.

Aloha Air Cargo's N845KH

Aloha Air Cargo's third Saab SF340AF, N845KH (msn 340A-111) appears to be in service. For a couple of months, it appeared that 845 did not move from Spot 80 on the Elliott Street ramp. Unlike Aloha's other two company-owned Saabs, 845 is under lease from Wells Fargo Bank Northwest.

340A-111 was originally delivered to Brockway Air (part of the Piedmont Commuter network) in December 1987 as N745BA. It was acquired by Business Express (BEX, Delta Connection) in May 1991. Quebec Express acquired it in February 2004, and registered it as C-GQXK. It then went to Air Åland in February 2006 as LY-KXE and SE-KEX. NextJet leased it in August 2012, for a brief period. It was converted to a freighter in October 2013, and acquired by WFBN.

Maui Vacation

My wife, mother-in-law, and I took flew on Island Air for a short trip to Maui this past weekend. Our flight to OGG, Saturday morning, was MKU414.  N941WP (msn 349) "Manawanui" was the ATR72-212 that was used for the flight, seen above before boarding from Gate 77.

Here's a shot of the interior of N941WP from seat 15D ...

Our return flight on Sunday afternoon was MKU407. N420AT (msn 420) "Ho‘olauna" was the ATR72-212 used for the flight. It's seen above taxiing into OGG's Gate 9 from HNL.

Hainan's B-1928

Hainan Airlines is taking delivery of B-1928 (c/n 39208. l/n 4794) today. The 737-84P is making its delivery flight from BFI as CHH1928, and will overnight at HNL.

Viva AeroBus' XA-VAF

Mexico's Viva AeroBus [VB/VIV] is taking delivery of an A320-232, XA-VAF (msn 2443). The A320 is making its ferry flight from XSP [Seletar, Singapore] to MTY [Generál Mariano Escobedo International Airport, Monterrey, Mexico], via GUM and HNL. It was at XSP for maintenance and new paint.

2443 was originally delivered to Kingfisher Airlines [IT/KFR] (India) as VT-KFB in May 2005. It was sold to AWAS in July 2013, and registered as OE-ICG. The leasing company recently leased it to Viva AeroBus.

Garuda's PK-GNE

Garuda Indonesia is taking delivery of PK-GNE (c/n 39936, l/n 4800) this morning. The 737-8U3 is making its delivery flight from BFI as GIA8011, and will make a brief fuel stop at HNL, before continuing onto KSA.

Frontier's N223FR

Frontier Airlines is taking delivery of an A320-2214, N223FR (msn 2695). It made a ferry flight stop at JRF last night. The flight originated from MNL, and is bound for GYR, with stops at GUM and JRF. It was most recently with Starflyer [7G/SFJ] (Japan), under lease from GECAS.

2695 was originally delivered to Starflyer as JA03MC in February 2006, and was withdrawn from service in December 2013.

Shenzhen's B-1936

Shenzhen Airlines is taking delivery of B-1936 (c/n 39141, l/n 4797) today. The 737-87L is making its delivery flight from BFI as CSZ969, and will overnight at HNL.

China Southern's B-1919

China Southern Airlines is taking delivery of their second 737-800 in as many days. B-1919 (c/n 38965, l/n 4799), a 737-81B, is making its delivery flight from BFI as CSN9, and will overnight at HNL.

Island Air To Cancel MKK

Island Air announced today that they will be discontinuing service to MKK on 01 April 2014. This will leave ‘Ohana by Hawaiian and Mokulele Airlines as the main air service for MKK.

More information in this "Hawaii Insider" article.

N225CY

N225CY (c/n 26064, l/n 438) is making a stop at HNL as it transits from QPG to GYR (via SIN and HNL). The 767-35EERF, under lease to Cargo Aircraft Management from Guggenheim Aviation Partners. It recently underwent a freighter conversion at Paya Lebar, Singapore. It reportedly is still wearing the First Choice Airways livery.

26064 was originally delivered to EVA Airways [BR/EVA] in June 1992 as B-16605. In April 2001, B-16605 was sold to Aviation Financial Services, then leased back to EVA. In April 2007, GECAS acquired 26064, and leased it to First Choice Airways [DP/PCA] as G-PJLO. In May 2009, it was transferred to Thomson Airways [BY/TOM], as First Choice was merged with Thomson. However, G-PJLO continued to fly in the First Choice livery. In July 2013, it was acquired by Guggenheim Aviation Partners, and sent for freighter conversion.

China Southern's B-1922

China Southern Airlines is taking delivery of B-1922 (c/n 41246, l/n 4792) today. The 737-86N, leased from GECAS, is making its delivery flight from BFI as CSN212, and will overnight at HNL.

Lion Air's PK-LOI

Lion Air is taking delivery of their second 737-8GP within the past five days. PK-LOI (c/n 38746, l/n 4783) is making its delivery flight from BFI today as LNI1, and will make its usual brief fuel stop at HNL.

Shandong's B-1931

Shandong Airlines is taking delivery of B-1931 (c/n 39935, l/n 4789) today. The 737-85N is making its delivery flight from BFI as CDG1931, and will overnight at HNL. B-1931 is the second 737-85N to wear the DEEJ special livery.

Air China's B-1945

Air China is taking delivery of B-1945 (c/n 41094, l/n 4790) today. The 737-89L is making its delivery flight from BFI as CCA78, and will overnight at HNL.

N496SA

N496SA (c/n 26455, l/n 2507), a 737-4H6, formerly with Malaysia Airlines, is making its way from Malaysia to the Mainland. The aircraft was acquired by Petrus Asset Management (Plano, TX). The flight routing is from KUL to DHN (Dothan Regional Airport, AL), with stops at BIK, MAJ, HNL, and BFL. The flight was supposed to have stopped at JRF, but was diverted to HNL.

26455 was originally delivered to Malaysia Airlines in in August 1993 as 9M-MMY, and was recently withdrawn from service. During its time with MAS, it was leased to Myanmar Airways International [8M/MMA] from December 1994 to July 2001.

Lion Air's PK-LOJ

Lion Air is taking delivery of PK-LOJ (c/n 38747, l/n 4777) today. The 737-8GP is making its delivery flight from BFI as LNI1, and will make its brief fuel stop at HNL.

‘Ohana Commences Ticket Sales

‘Ohana by Hawaiian launched ticket sales today for their ATR42-500 service to MKK and LNY. The launch for MKK is scheduled for March 11th, and the LNY launch scheduled for March 18th, both pending government approval.

Further details in this Hawaiian Airlines press release.

N804HC is seen above departing Runway 8L for a training flight.

JT8D Celebrates 50 Years

The Pratt & Whitney JT8D power plant celebrates its 50 years of service. It has been the mainstay engine for the 727, the 737 Original, the DC-9, and the MD-80. The JT8D has been in Hawai‘i since the late 1960s when Aloha Airlines brought in their 737-200s and Hawaiian Airlines brought in their DC-9-10s.

Hawaiian operated their DC-9s (Series 15, 30, 50 and MD-80) from 1966 to 2001.

Aloha operated their 737-200s from 1969 to 2008.

Continental's Air Micronesia operated 727s out of HNL for their "Island Hopper" flights throughout from the 1970s to 1990s. Up until recently, the US Air Force and US Navy C-9s frequently transited through HIK.

Presently, Aloha Air Cargo (737-200Fs), Asia Pacific Airlines (727-200Fs), and TransAir (737-200Fs) are airlines in Hawai‘i using the JT8D on their aircraft.

Hawai‘i ANG's 05-5153 At Singapore Air Show

The Hawai‘i Air National Guard's C-17A Globemaster III, 05-5153, is being used as a flight demonstrator at the Singapore Air Show. The C-17A belongs the 204th AS / 535th AS, 15th Wing, based at Joint Base Pearl Harbor - Hickam.

This link shows 5153's fly-by.

SilkAir's 9V-MGA

SilkAir is taking delivery of their first 737-8SA today, as the airline will transition from the A320. 9V-MGA (c/n 44217, l/n 4765) is making its delivery flight from BFI as SLK8880, and will overnight at HNL.

More details in this Flightglobal.com article.

747's 1st Flight 45 Years Ago

Boeing's first 747-100, N7470 (c/n 20235, l/n 1), made its first flight 45 years ago today.

Presently, HNL has 747-400 service from United Airlines, Korean Air, China Airlines, UPS, and Atlas Air; and 747-200F service from Kalitta Air.

Atlas has substituted their 747-8Fs on occasion for their Qantas Cargo flights.

No passenger 747-8I service has been scheduled to serve HNL.

727 Celebrates 50 Years Of Service

This month, the Boeing 727 celebrates 50 years of service. The tri-jet, the second of the Boeing airliners 7_7 series, was a top seller among US carriers in its day, until it was unseated by the 737 series, and replaced by the 757 series.

With respect to Hawai‘i, Continental Airlines' Air Micronesia division used both the 727-100 and 727-200 series on their "Island Hopper" service from the 1970s until they were replaced by Continental's 737-800s in the early 2000s. Earlier this month, our "HNL RareBirds Classic" featured Kitty Hawk's N252US. Kalitta Charters II brought in N720CK to fly inter-island cargo for Pacific Air Cargo in 2005, but the service lasted only a few years. Asia Pacific Airlines continues to fly cargo between HNL, GUM, and Micronesia with three 727-200Fs.


On a personal note, I got to ride the 727-200 with Trans World Airlines (TWA) in the 1970s, and Pacific Southwest Airlines (PSA) in the 1980s on a few intra-California flights.

ANA 787 At HND

This is the first time I've seen a 787 in person. Sorry all the servicing vehicles clutter the shot. Haneda has some great observation areas for planespotting and this is pre-security so anyone can enjoy the views.

Aloha Air Cargo To Add 737-330SF To Fleet

A press release from Aeronautical Engineers, Inc. (AEI) on Feb. 4th, announced that Aloha Air Cargo has selected AEI to convert a passenger 737-300 to a 737-300SF.  According to the press release, the 737-300 acquired for conversion is CN 27904 / LN 2691.  It was a former Lufthansa 737-330 (D-ABEU) built in 1995.  The aircraft is currently in Miami, FL undergoing conversion by Commercial Jet, Inc. and is scheduled to be completed in May 2014.  Aloha Air Cargo has not yet released its own press release. 27904 is now registered as N904JW.

Link to the AEI press release

Link to pictures of D-ABEU on airliners.net

VP-CNI

Corporate Aircraft Co.'s MD-87, VP-CNI (c/n 49767, l/n 1587) is paying a visit to HNL. It was here two years ago.

KIAS vs TAS vs MPH/KPH

Sorry for posting the question using layman's terms. The FlightTracker display in the cabin shows MPH and KPH so that's how I posed the query. 

I still think its kinda funny to take 580 steps forward and 200 back. But I look forward to experiencing Mach 1 (in a way) on the way back. 

Enjoy the classic tale I found a while ago that I think y'all will enjoy, whether knots or MPH, IAS or TAS. 

Good One ...

Funny story from an SR-71 pilot...

"One day, high above Arizona , we were monitoring the radio traffic of all the mortal airplanes below us. First, a Cessna pilot asked the air traffic controllers to check his ground speed. 'Ninety knots,' ATC replied. A twin Bonanza soon made the same request. 'One-twenty on the ground,' was the reply. To our surprise, a Navy F-18 came over the radio with a ground speed check. I knew exactly what he was doing. Of course, he had a ground speed indicator in his cockpit, but he wanted to let all the bug-smashers in the valley know what real speed was. 'Dusty 52, we show you at 620 on the ground,' ATC responded. The situation was too ripe. I heard the click of Walter's mike button in the rear seat. In his most innocent voice, Walter startled the controller by asking for a ground speed check from 81,000 feet, clearly above controlled airspace. In a cool, professional voice, the controller replied, ' Aspen 20, I show you at 1,982 knots on the ground.' We did not hear another transmission on that frequency all the way to the coast."

Thanks to all for the HNL to HND replies. 

N87SW

Our February edition of "HNL RareBirds Classic" features N87SW (c/n 22903, l/n 905), a 737-2H4/Adv, that was photographed at HNL in March 2005, as it taxied on Taxiway RT to the south ramp, where it overnighted as it made its way to Asia.

22903 was originally delivered to Southwest Airlines as N87SW in September 1982. It was withdrawn from service in late 2004, and was sold to a few different owners. In September 2005, it was acquired by Royal Khmer Airlines [FE/RKH] (Kampuchea) as XU-RKC. In May 2006, it was leased to Benin Golf Air [A8/BGL] (Benin) with the same registration, and currently is still under lease. According to PlaneSpotters.net, RKH no longer has a fleet as it all has been leased out.