Korean Air's HL8210

With the New Year coming up, it is again the time of the year of when HNL receives many extra section and charter flights from Japan. This year, among the usual A330-300s, 747-400s, and 767-300s is Korean's 777-3B5/ER. Korean has been flying a charter between HND and HNL using one of their 777-3B5/ERs since December 27 as KAL9053. Today's flight was flown using HL8210. HL8210 (c/n 40377, l/n 882) was delivered to Korean on July 16, 2010.

Christmas Specials

Some special guest on Christmas day. A pair of China Southern 777-21BERs flew in from CAN [Guangzhou Baiyun International], China as CSN2002 and CSN2003. B-2056 (c/n 27525, l/n 66), in the SkyTeam livery, and B-2058 (c/n 27605, l/n 110), leased from ALAFCO, are headed for storage at GYR.

Royal Jet's 737-7AK (BBJ), A6-RJX (c/n 29865, l/n 241) flew in a few days earlier and departed on the 30th to Minneapolis - St. Paul International [MSP].

Lastly, an Ex-MASwings DHC-6-310 Twin Otter which arrived on the 23rd. C-GKPG (msn 802) flew in from Kota Kinabalu International, Malaysia via Guam and the Marshall Islands. Sister-ship C-GKKN (msn 792, formerly 9M-MDK) arrived on the 29th via the Philippines, Guam, and the Marshall Islands. It departed tonight to McMinnville Municipal Airport, Oregon leaving C-GKPG behind. 802 was 9M-MDL with MASwings. It was delivered to Malaysia Airlines in July 1983. It also wore the 1990s MAS livery. In August 2006, 9M-MDL was transferred to FlyAsian Express (FAX), the predecessor to Air Asia X, as MAS transferred their regional prop fleet and operations to FAX. In October 2007, FAX ended their operations, and transferred the operations and aircraft to MASwings.

Mele Kalikimaka!

The HNL RareBirds Team would like to wish our readers and fans a very Merry Christmas!

China United's B-1753

China United Airlines is also taking delivery of B-1753 (c/n 61311, l/n 5215) today. The 737-89P, their fourth in seven days, is making its delivery flight from BFI as CUA894, and will overnight at HNL. Like the previous three, this one was also allocated from China Eastern's order book.

Mahalo to team member AndrewC for the photo.

Xiamen's B-1709

The second half of the Xiamen Air 737-85C two-fer, is B-1709 (c/n 39912, l/n 5212). It is making its delivery flight from BFI as CXA1709, and will also overnight at HNL.

Mahalo to team member AndrewC for the photo.

Xiamen's B-1971

Xiamen Air is taking delivery two 737-85Cs today. The first, B-1971 (c/n 39904, l/n 5034P), is making its delivery flight from BFI as CXA1971, and will overnight at HNL. This is a replacement airframe to the one damaged in the Montana derailment.

Mahalo to team member AndrewC for the photo.

Royal Malaysian Air Force's 9M-NAA

The Royal Malaysian Air Force's A319-115CJ, 9M-NAA (msn 2949), has made a stop at HNL from KUL (via KIX). It left for LAX and then on to IND on December 26.

Thanks to team members HNL Ramper and hal763 for the pictures of 9M-NAA.

Air China Orders 60 737s

Air China has committed to purchase 60 737s, as a mix of 737NGs and 737MAXs.

Further information in this Boeing Media Room release.

China United's B-1752

China United Airlines is taking delivery of their third 737-89P within the past four days. B-1752 (c/n 61310, l/n 5211) is making its delivery flight from BFI to NAY (via HNL and GUM) as CUA752, and will overnight at HNL.

Shenzhen's B-1713

Shenzhen Airlines is taking delivery of their second 737-87L within the past three days with B-1713 (c/n 39161, l/n 5213). It's making its delivery flight from BFI as CSZ908, and will overnight at HNL.

Hawai‘i Bowl Team Charters

Both the Fresno State Bulldogs and the Rice Owls are using Omni Air International as their team charters for this year's Hawai‘i Bowl, on December 24th, at Hawaiian Airlines Field at Aloha Stadium. The Bulldogs arrive this afternoon on OAE890 (a 767-300ER) from FAT. The Owls arrive this evening aboard OAE882 (a 777-200) from IAH. Both teams will depart following the game, with the flights using the same respective flight numbers.

China United's B-1751

China United Airlines is taking delivery B-1751 (c/n 61309, l/n 5209) today. The 737-89P, allocated from China Eastern Airlines, is making its delivery flight from BFI as CUA751, and will overnight at HNL. This is their second 737-89P within the past three days.

Malaysia's 9M-MXY

Malaysia Airlines is taking delivery of 9M-MXY (c/n 40162, l/n 5208) this afternoon. The 737-8H6 is making its delivery flight from BFI as MAS5013, and will overnight at HNL.

According to the Boeing Media Room, 9M-MXY is the 100th 737 delivered to Malaysia Airlines, and noted with a decal on the nose section.

Hawaiian Finalizes A330-800neo Order

Hawaiian Airlines has finalized the purchase agreement for six A330-800neo as replacements for the airlines order for the A350-800XWB. Deliveries are expected in 2019.

Further information in this Hawaiian Airlines press release.

China Eastern's N7820L

Southwest Airlines is taking delivery of N7820L (c/n 28253, l/n 1247) today. The 737-79P, once with China Eastern Airlines as B-2683, was under lease from AerCap. It is ferrying from HKG to PAE (via GUM and HNL).

N9420D

N9420D (c/n 49824, l/n 1554), an MD-83, is ferrying through JRF today. The flight originated from ROW (via BFL), and is bound for somewhere in Asia, as it owned by AWAS. It will make a brief fuel stop at JRF, before continuing onto MAJ and SPN.

49824 was oringally purchased by ILFC, then leased to BWIA-British West Indies Airways [BW/BWA] in December 1998 as 9Y-THU "Sunjet St. Kitts". In December 1996, it was leased to Trans World Airlines as N9420D (f/n 9420). A year later, it was sold to AWAS, and continued with TWA. When American Airlines acquired TWA, N9420D was transferred over, and assigned the AAL fleet number 4WY. In January 2013, it was returned to AWAS, and stored at ROW.

China Southern's N847TM

China Southern Airlines is returning one of their 737-76Ns to GECAS. N847TM (c/n 32583, l/n 994), is making its ferry flight from CAN (via GUM and HNL) to the mainland, and has been at HNL since the 14th. As you can see above, with all the zinc chromate green primer areas, there has been a lot of work done to this 737-700. There has been nothing noted if this airliner was involved in any kind of accident.

32583 was originally purchased by GECAS, and delivered in November 2001 as N583SF. It was leased to China Xinjiang Airlines as B-2698 in November 2001. When China Southern Airlines acquired China Xinjiang, B-2698 was transferred to the CSN fleet. It was returned to GECAS earlier this month.


01.05.15 Update
N847TM will be taken up by Southwest Airlines. The Dallas-based airline is in the process of acquiring unwanted 737-700s.

Shenzhen's B-1712

As the last of today's delivery trio, Shenzhen Airlines is taking delivery of B-1712 (c/n 39160, l/n 5199) this afternoon. The 737-87L, their second in seven days, is making its delivery flight from BFI as CSZ121, and will overnight at HNL.

Shandong's B-1730

Shandong Airlines is taking delivery of B-1730 (c/n 41100, l/n 5205) today. The 737-89L, allocated from parent company Air China's order list, is making its delivery flight from BFI as CDG1730, and will overnight at HNL. It's the second of today's delivery trio.

China Eastern's B-1723

China Eastern Airlines is taking delivery of B-1723 (c/n 41511, l/n 5197) this morning. The 737-89P is making its delivery flight from BFI as CES299, and will overnight at HNL. B-1723 starts off a trio of 737-800s delivering to China today.

China United's B-1750

China United Airlines is taking delivery of B-1750 (c/n 61308, l/n 5201) today. The 737-89P, allocated from parent company China Eastern Airlines, is making its delivery flight from BFI as CUA750, and will overnight at HNL. It's seen above, taxiing out for departure to MAJ.

China Southern's B-1718

China Southern Airlines is taking delivery of B-1718 (c/n 38934, l/n 5203) today. The 737-81B is making its delivery flight from BFI as CSN718, and will overnight at HNL.

Hainan's B-1728

Hainan Airlines is taking delivery of B-1728 (c/n 39218, l/n 5194) today. The 737-84P is making its delivery flight from BFI as CHH1728, and will overnight at HNL.

Malindo's 9M-LNP

Malindo Air is taking delivery of 9M-LNP (c/n 39830, l/n 5195) early this morning. The 737-8GP is making its overnight delivery flight from BFI as MXD1. It made a brief fuel stop at HNL, before continuing on.

Nok Air's HS-DBR

Nok Air is taking delivery of HS-DBR "Nok Yoknapha" (c/n 43420, l/n 5031P) today. The 737-86N, leased from GECAS, is making its delivery flight from BFI as HSDBR, and will overnight at KOA.

Pictured below, Nok Air's HS-DBR Boeing 737-800 on the south ramp at KOA on 12/12/14.

Shouldn't every airplane be painted as creatively as this?!  :)

Shenzhen's B-1972

Shenzhen Airlines is taking delivery of B-1972 (c/n 37620, l/n 5035P). This 737-87L is making its delivery flight from BFI as CSZ903, and will overnight at HNL. This is the replacement airframe to one damaged in the Montana derailment. It was scheduled for its delivery flight yesterday, but postponed to today.

N979PG

N979PG (c/n 26608, l/n 559), a 767-3S1ER is making its way from BKK to MEX, has made a stop at JRF, after a stop at SPN.

26608 was originally delivered to TACA International Airlines [TA/TAI] (El Salvador) in November 1994 as N769TA. It was leased to Avianca Colombia in the late 90s. It was also painted the current TACA livery. In May 2000, it went to Canadian Airlines International [CP/CDN] as C-GGBI (f/n CP650), and was transferred to the Air Canada fleet (f/n 650) after the latter acquired the former. It was also sold to Pegasus Aviation Finance Company (PAFCO), then leased back. In January 2004, it was leased to Alitalia as EI-DDW "Sebastiano Caboto". In March 2013, 22608 was sold to Sky Holding Company while in storage at MEX. In April 2013, it was leased to Business Air [8B/BCC] (Thailand) as HS-BIH, and returned in October 2014.

Shanghai's B-1721

Shanghai Airlines is taking delivery of B-1721 (c/n 41501, l/n 5193) today. The 737-86D is making its delivery flight from BFI as CSH721, and will overnight at HNL.

Thai Lion's HS-LTP

The second of the two Thai Lion Air 737-9GPER deliveries was HS-LTP (c/n 38301, l/n 5176). It made its delivery flight from BFI as TLM1, and also made a brief fuel stop at HNL, before continuing onto its new home at DMK.

Thai Lion's HS-LTK

Thai Lion Air has taken delivery of a pair of 737-9GPERs in the overnight hours. The first to depart BFI for HNL was HS-LTK (c/n 38304, l/n 5162), used the callsign HSLTK, and made a brief fuel stop here, before making its way to DMK. This 737-9GPER was originally destined for Lion Air as PK-LPJ, but then allocated to its Thai subsidiary.

N130FF

N130FF (msn 382-4901), a Lockheed EC-130Q(AT), owned by Wells Fargo Bank Northwest, and leased to Coulson Flying Tankers, is making a stop at HNL. It's from YYJ [Victoria, British Columbia, Canada], on its way to Australia, for their summer fire season.

This EC-130Q was previously with NASA as N427NA.

Air China's B-1977

Air China is taking delivery of B-1977 (c/n 41099, l/n 5181) today. The 737-89P is making its delivery flight from BFI as CCA78, and will overnight at HNL.

Hawaiian To Add Seats To 717 Fleet

Hawaiian Airlines will be adding new, thinner seats, that will add up to ten more seats (or two rows) in their inter-island 717-200 fleet. This move will seat up to 128 passengers in all 18 717s, while keeping the same seat pitch.

Further information in this NewsObserver.com article.

China Southern's B-2582

China Southern Airlines is ferrying B-2582 (c/n 25895, l/n 2499), a 737-31B, to MWH for parting out and scrapping. It's making its ferry flight from CAN (via LAO, GUM, MAJ, HNL, and OAK) as CSN2002.

B-2582 was delivered to China Southern Airlines in Aug 1993. In July 1998, it was leased to Guizhou Airlines [CGH] (China) until 2004. After its return to the CSN fleet, it was sold to ALC, then leased back to the airline.

Delta To Resume MSP-HNL Next October

Beginning October 2015, Delta Air Lines will resume the MSP-HNL service that was terminated in 2011, following its merger with Northwest Airlines. Delta will use their 767-300ERs for this daily service.

The MSP-HNL route had been a staple of Northwest Airlines (which was headquartered in Minneapolis), that had been operated with their DC-10s and 747-200s. After its merger with Delta, it was decided to cancel that route.

Further information in this AirlineRoute.net article.

Aero-Flite's RJ-85

Aero-Flite is sending one of their 3 firefighting capable Avro RJ-85s to Australia in anticipation of their upcoming fire season. N355AC (msn E2293) arrived from Oakland International this afternoon, and will most likely continue Down Under to CNS (via MAJ and HIR) after an overnight stay. It will be based at CNS, during its assignment.

The Aero-Flite RJ-85s' were converted to carry fire retardant solution in an external configuration by British Columbia based company, Conair. Before being converted, N355AC was originally delivered to Lufthansa Cityline in September, 1996 as D-AVRN and their it flew until it was retired in late 2011.

Conair equipment has been caught in HNL in the past. A pair of converted Convair CV-580s' made the trip to the land down under in December 2010 and transited back through on their way home to British Columbia in April, 2011.

Hawaiian To Bring Back Summer Routes

Hawaiian Airlines will bring back service California and the Neighbor Islands for the 2015 summer travel season. Beginning May 20th, KOA will have thrice-weekly service to LAX, and four-times-weekly service to OAK; while LIH will have thrice-weekly service to OAK, and four-times-weekly service to LAX. On June 11th, Hawaiian will add a second OGG-LAX daily flight.

Further information in this Hawaiian Airlines press release.

American International's N102CK

Our December edition of "HNL RareBirds Classic" takes us back to November 1995, and this American International Airways L-1011-200F, N012CK (msn 193N-1198), seen above on Taxiway C, taxiing out for departure on Runway 8R.  American International Airways was the precursor to the current Kalitta Air [K4/CKS].

This Tri-Star was originally delivered to British Airways [BA/BAW] in November 1980 as G-BHBM "The Piccadilly Rose". It was also painted in the Landor livery, and re-named "Poole Bay" in the late 80s. It was leased to Kuwait Airways for a short period in 1992. It was acquired by American International in November 1994, after going through its freighter conversion. In May 1999, it was transferred to Kalitta's Kitty Hawk International [CB/CKS] subsidiary. After Kitty Hawk's closure, N102CK was sold to Wells Fargo Bank Northwest, and ferried to Jordan. It then was ferried to Greece, where it was supposed to be leased to Freedom Air (Cyprus), with the Greek registry of SX-CVE. Last known photo taken in January 2013, reports are that this Tri-Star remains stored at KVA [Megas Alexandros Airport, Kavala, Geece], still in the Kitty Hawk livery.