United's N15712

United Airlines' fleet of 737's with the standard blended winglets are currently in the process of being retrofitted to receive the new Split-Scimitar winglets. Sporting a pair of newly fitted winglets, N15712 (c/n 28783, l/n 105) was the first 737-724 spotted in Honolulu. It will be based out of Guam and operate on United's Micronesia network.

Ellison To Sell Island Air

Hawaii News Now is reporting that Island Air owner Larry Ellison is looking to sell the airline he purchased in 2013, to an undisclosed investment group.

N135GU

N135GU (msn 340A-135), a Saab SF340A/QC, acquired by Skydive Guam, is making its ferry flight from INT (Smith Reynolds Airport, Winston-Salem, NC) to GUM, via MQY, DUX, CHD, MCE, JRF, and MAJ. It's making its overnight stop at JRF tonight. It departed INT on the 24th, and is expected to reach GUM on the 31st.

340A-135 was originally delivered to Finnaviation in November 1988 as OH-FAD. When Finnair merged with Finnaviation, OH-FAD was transferred to the Finnair fleet. In March 2000, it was sold to Flying Enterprise AB (Sweden) as SE-KCU, then transferred to the Skyways Enterprise fleet in October 2001. In September 2005, it was sold to Sky Express (Poland) as SP-KPF. In March 2008, Sky Express re-branded itself into SprintAir, and also became an all-cargo carrier, with their SF340 fleet converted to a Quick Change interior. Skydive Guam acquired this SF340 in October 2015, and had the skydiving modifications done at INT.

Xiamen's B-7176

Xiamen Air is taking delivery of B-7176 (c/n 41393, l/n 5721) today. The 737-85C is making its delivery flight from BFI as CXA7176, and will overnight at HNL. B-7176 is the last 737NG delivery through Hawai‘i for 2015.

Mele Kalikimaka!

The HNL RareBirds team wishes you all a very Merry Christmas!

China United's B-7372

China United Airlines is taking delivery of B-7372 (c/n 61315, l/n 5711) this afternoon. The 737-89P, allocated from China Eastern Airlines, is making its delivery flight from BFI as CUA732, and will overnight at HNL.

Hainan's B-6063

Hainan Airlines is taking delivery of B-6063 (c/n 41384, l/n 5538) today. The 737-84P, the third of three stored at MZJ, is making its delivery flight as CHH6063, and will overnight at HNL. This the airline's sixth 737-84P delivery within the past seven days; and the 200th 737-800 delivery flight to stop through Hawai‘i this year.

Hainan's B-6065

Hainan Airlines is taking delivery of B-6065 (c/n 41385, l/n 5544) today. The 737-84P, the second of three that were stored at MZJ, is making its delivery flight as CHH6065, and will overnight at HNL. It's also the first of two Hainan deliveries today.

Lucky Air's B-7167

Lucky Air is taking delivery of B-7167 (c/n 41591, l/n 5710) this morning. The 737-84P, allocated from Hainan Airlines, is making its delivery flight from BFI as B7167, and will overnight at HNL.

Urumqi Air's B-7198

Urumqi Air is taking delivery of B-7198 (c/n 61324, l/n 5695) today. The 737-84P, allocated from Hainan Airlines, is making its delivery flight from BFI as B7198, and will overnight at HNL.

Shanghai's B-6993

Shanghai Airlines is taking delivery of B-6993 (c/n 41505, l/n 5713) today. The 737-89P, allocated from China Eastern Airlines, is making its delivery flight from BFI as CSH338, and will overnight at HNL.

Beijing Airlines B-3999

One of Beijing Airlines' 737-79L BBJs, B-3999 (c/n 41090, l/n 3636) is making a stop at HNL. Beijing Airline is the business jet division of Air China.

Hainan's B-6061

Hainan Airlines is taking delivery of B-6061 (c/n 41383, l/n 5489) today. This is one of three 737-84Ps that were flown to MZJ for storage, earlier this year. It's making its delivery flight from MZJ as CHH6061, and will make an overnight stop at HNL. It's also Hainan's fourth 737-84P within the past five days.

Garuda's PK-GNV

Garuda Indonesia is taking delivery of PK-GNV (c/n 41815, l/n 5716) today. The 737-8U3 is making its delivery flight from BFI as GIA8011, and will make a brief fuel stop at HNL, before continuing onto TKK.

Virgin Australia's VH-ZPC

Virgin Australia's VH-ZPC "Cabarita Beach" (msn 19000170) is making its way back to BNE as VOZ9902. The E190 is making its stop at HNL from VNY, and will continue onto APW tomorrow.

Shanghai's B-2875

Shanghai Airlines is ferrying B-2875 (c/n 33966, l/n 1049) to the mainland, as the 757-26D will join the Delta Air Lines fleet as N822DX. It's making its ferry flight from PVG with stops at SPN and HNL as CSH2875.

Lion's PK-LPM

Lion Air is taking delivery of PK-LPM (c/n 39874, l/n 5709) today. The 737-8GP is making its delivery flight from BFI as LNI1, and will make a brief fuel stop at HNL, before continuing onto PNI. PK-LPM, without titles, is destined for KUL, so it will be allocated to the Malindo Air fleet.

N420XJ

N420XJ (msn 340B-420), a Saab SF340B, is ferrying from BGR [Bangor International Airport, Bangor, ME] to ADL [Adelaide International Airport, Australia], via LUM, RNT, ITO, APW, OOL and OAG. It arrived tonight from RNT at ITO, and will join the REX - Regional Express fleet.

This SF340B was originally delivered to Mesaba Airlines in June 1997. It operated as part of the Northwest Airlines Express network, then part of the Delta Air Lines network. In July 2011, it was acquired by Colgan Air, then a year later sold to Silver Airways (f/n 301).

Jin Air Starts Honolulu Route

Korean Airlines' low cost operation, Jin Air started operations today from Incheon, Republic of Korea. The flights are scheduled to run every Monday, Wednesday, Thursday, Saturday and Sunday as LJ601/LJ602.

Jin Air's two 777-2B5ERs formerly flew with Korean Airlines going from a total seat capacity of 261 to 355 seats. Operating today's inaugural flight was HL7743 (c/n 34208, l/n 584).

Hawaiʻi Bowl Team Charters

The 2015 Hawaiʻi Bowl features the San Diego State University Aztecs (Mountain West Conference) against the University of Cincinnati Bearcats (American Athletic Conference). Both teams arrived today from their respective cities.

The Aztecs chartered a Hawaiian Airlines 767-3CBER, N592HA "Hunakai" (c/n 33648, l/n 898), as HAL715, direct from SAN.

The Bearcats chartered an Atlas Air 767-3S1ER, N640GT, as GTI8797, which flew non-stop from CVG.

Both teams are expected to return home after the game. The Bearcats returned to CVG as GTI8800 on N640GT; and the Aztecs returned to SAN as HAL716 on N590HA.

China United's B-7370

China United Airlines is taking delivery of B-7370 (c/n 61313, l/n 5865) today. The 737-89P, allocated from parent China Eastern Airlines' order book, is making its delivery flight from BFI as CUA737, and will overnight at HNL. It's China United's second 737-89P delivery in as many days.

Air China's B-6498

Air China is taking delivery of B-6498 (c/n 44929, l/n 5707) today. The 737-89L is making its delivery flight from BFI as CCA78, and will overnight at HNL.

Donghai's B-6981

Donghai Airlines is taking delivery of B-6981 (c/n 61271, l/n 5704) today. The 737-83Z is making its delivery flight from BFI as EPA287, and will overnight at HNL. This is the sixth of six 737-800 delivery flights stopping through HNL today, an HNL RareBirds first!

Shenzhen's B-7083

Shenzhen Airlines is taking delivery of B-7083 (c/n 39142, l/n 5696) this afternoon. The 737-87L is making its delivery flight from BFI as CSZ308, and will overnight at HNL. It's also the fourth of four delivery flights stopping over at HNL today. B-7083 is also the 150th China-bound 737NG delivery stopping through Hawai‘i this year.

Hainan's B-6808

Hainan Airlines' second 737-84P delivery flight to stop through HNL today is B-6808 (c/n 41389, l/n 5633). It's making its delivery flight from BFI as CHH6808, and will overnight at HNL. This is also the airline's third delivery in two days.

China United's B-7371

China United Airlines is taking delivery of B-7371 (c/n 61314, l/n 5697) today. The 737-89P, allocated from its parent company, China Eastern Airlines, is making its delivery flight from BFI as CUA371, and will overnight at HNL.

China Eastern's B-7170

China Eastern Airlines is taking delivery of B-7170 (c/n 61312, l/n 5702) today. The 737-89P is making its delivery flight from BFI as CES9002, and will overnight at HNL.

Hainan's B-6809

Hainan Airline's B-6809 (c/n 43409, l/n 5693) is the first of two 737-84P delivery flights making their way to HAK. It's flying as CHH6809, and will make an overnight stop at HNL.

China Southern To Order 80 737s

World Airline News reports that China Southern Airlines is in the process of finalizing an order with Boeing for 30 737NGs and 50 737MAXs. Other outlets are reporting that Xiamen Air, a China Southern subsidiary, will also order 30 737MAXs. Included in the deal, will be the sale of all 13 China Southern 757-200s back to Boeing.

Hainan's B-6066

Hainan Airlines is taking delivery of B-6066 (c/n 41387, l/n 5577) today. The 737-84P is making its delivery flight from BFI as CHH6066, and will overnight at HNL. It has been sitting in storage at BFI, after being used as a display for the Chinese President's visit to PAE in September.

Air China's B-6497

Air China is taking delivery of B-6497 (c/n 44930, l/n 5699) today. The 737-89L is making its delivery flight from BFI as CCA74, and will overnight at HNL. B-6497 is the 200th 737NG to make a delivery flight stopover in Hawai‘i.

ANA Holiday Charters

Airliner Route is reporting that All Nippon Airways will have holiday season charter flights from several Japanese airports to HNL, using their 767-381ERs.

Lynden's N403LC

Lynden Air Cargo [L2/LYC] (Anchorage, AK) flew one of their L-100-30 Hercules freighters from ANC to HNL. N043LC (msn 382-4590) arrived yesterday, and parked on the North Ramp.

Thai Lion's HS-LUL

Thai Lion Air is taking delivery of HS-LUL (c/n 39873, l/n 5698) today. The 737-8GP is making its delivery flight from BFI as TLM1, and will make a brief fuel stop at HNL, before continuing onto DVO.

New Livery For N747GE

General Electric's 747-121 testbed, N747GE (c/n 19651, l/n 25) is returning from three months of maintenance at XMN, and is sporting a new livery. The aircraft engine testbed stopped through HNL this past September.

Xiamen's B-6842

Xiamen Air is taking delivery of B-6842 (c/n 40957, l/n 5691) today. The 737-85C is making its delivery flight from BFI as CA6842, and will overnight at HNL.

Shandong's B-7087

Shandong Airlines is taking delivery of B-7087 (c/n 39969, l/n 5688) today. The 737-85N is making its delivery flight from BFI as CDG7087, and will overnight at HNL.

China Eastern's B-6249

China Eastern Airlines is taking delivery of B-6249 (c/n 41480, l/n 5689) today. The 737-89P is making its delivery flight from BFI as CES9001, and will overnight at HNL.

N944NZ

N944NZ (c/n 24444, l/n 2454), a 737-476F, is making its delivery flight to AKL from DHN (via OAK, HNL, and PPG), to join the Toll Airwork fleet.

24444 was originally delivered to Australian Airlines in May 1993 as VH-TJS. When Qantas Airways acquired Australian Airlines, VH-TJS was transferred into the QFA fleet, and was named "Jabiru". It was ferried to VCV for storage in March 2014.

Sriwijaya Air's PK-CML

Sriwijaya Air is taking delivery of PK-CML "Gaharu" (c/n 30636, l/n 768), and the 737-8Q8 is flying as SJY1003. It arrived this evening from GYR.

30636 was originally delivered to ILFC, and leased to Mandarin Airlines [AE/MDA] in February 2001 as B-16805. In October 2003, it was sub-leased to China Airlines with the same registration, until it was returned to ILFC in early 2009. In May 2009, it was leased to GOL Transportes Aéreos as PR-GIX. It was also sold to AerCap in May 2014, and the lease continued until September 2015, where it was placed into storage at GYR.


12.08.15 Update
PK-CML is still at HNL.

Virgin America Launches Maui Service

Virgin America launched its thrice-weekly service between SFO and OGG today. VRD39 is the SFO-OGG segment, and VRD42 is the OGG-SFO segment.

Russian Air Force's RF-85655

A Russian Air Force TU-154M-LK1 arrived today for a brief fuel stop at Hickam. RF-85655 (c/n 89A-798) operates under the "Open Skies" treaty which in parts, allows participating nations under the treaty to perform observation flights within each others boarders.

Sriwijaya's PK-CKC

Jet Test & Transport is ferrying Sriwijaya Air's PK-CKC "Agung" (c/n 26285, l/n 2416) from CGK to ROW (via BIK, MAJ, JRF, and OAK), as JTN5130, and is making its stop at JRF. The 737-4Q8 was under lease from Boeing Capital, and now being returned.

26285 was originally purchased by ILFC, and leased to Carnival Airlines in January 1993 as N402KW. From May 1995 to October 1995, it was sub-leased to Pegasus Airlines. In May 1998, it was leased to Air Europa as EC-GUO. In January 2006, ILFC sold 26285 to Boeing Capital, and was leased to Futura as EC-JNU. In May 2009, it was leased to Sriwijaya Air as PK-CKC, and remained until this past September, where it was withdrawn from use, and stored at CGK.

American's N773AN

Our December edition of "HNL RareBirds Classic" takes us back to September 2004, with this American Airlines 777-223ER, N773AN (c/n 29583, l/n 199), seen above on Hard Stand 1A. It was flown in as a fleet substitute for one of the 767-323ER flights, as American Airlines "Triple Sevens" are quite rare to Hawai‘i routes.

N773AN continues to fly with American Airlines, and has been painted in the "New American" livery.

Hawaiian To Expand To NRT

Hawaiian Airlines announced today that they will launch daily A330-243 flights between HNL and NRT, and is scheduled to begin on July 22, 2016. This will be Hawaiian's fourth destination in Japan, and 11th overall, internationally. HAL821 will be the HNL-NRT segment, and HAL822 will be the NRT-HNL segment.

Further details in this Hawaiian Airlines press release.

Aloha ‘Oe N840AL

This morning, Aloha Air Cargo is bidding a fond aloha ‘oe (farewell) to N840AL "Ho‘omaka‘ana Hou" (c/n 23124, l/n 1046), as its being flown to TUS to be placed into storage. The 737-2X6C/Adv is making its final flight out of HNL as AAH840, and will make a stop at OAK, before heading to TUS. It's seen above a few days prior to its farewell.

N840AL was the cargo airline's first 737-200C, when the airline held its unveiling in October 2008.

Allegiant Puts N901NV In Storage

Allegiant Air is flying N901NV (c/n 26963, l/n 450) to GYR from its LAS base for storage, as the airline begins winding down its 757-204 operations. N901NV last flight out of HNL was four days ago, as it flew to LAS as AAY1050.

Virgin Australia's VH-ZPB

Virgin Australia's VH-ZPB is making its way back to Australia as VOZ9902. It arrived from VNY this afternoon, and will continue onto APW tomorrow.

Mokulele Changes ICAO Code & Callsign

Today, Mokulele Airlines changes its ICAO code to MHO, and it's callsign to "Mahalo" for its Hawai‘i flight operations. The airline's IATA code, MW, remains the same.

Fuzhou's B-7113

Fuzhou Airlines [FZA] is taking delivery of B-7113 (c/n 61322, l/n 5678) this afternoon. The 737-84P is making its delivery flight from BFI as B7113, and will overnight at HNL.

Setouchi Seaplanes' N143QK

Setouchi Seaplanes is taking delivery of N143QK (msn 100-0143), Quest Kodiak 100 seaplane, that will be registered as JA03TG upon arrival in Japan. Prior to its delivery flight, it has been used as a demonstrator, including being on display at the 2015 EAA Oshkosh Air Show.

Shanghai's B-6698

Shanghai Airlines is taking delivery of B-6698 (c/n 41489, l/n 5674) today. The 737-89P, allocated from its parent company, China Eastern Airlines, is making its delivery flight from BFI as CSH336.

Air China's B-6499

Air China is taking delivery of B-6499 (c/n 44927, l/n 5679) today. The 737-89L is making its delivery flight from BFI as CCA78, and will overnight at HNL.

Shandong's B-7086

Today, Shandong Airlines is taking delivery of their second 737-85N in as many days. B-7086 (c/n 44928, l/n 5676) is making its delivery flight from BFI as CDG7086, and will overnight at HNL.

Shandongʻs B-7085

Shandong Airlines is taking delivery of B-7085 (c/n 41629, l/n 5673) today. The 737-85N is making its delivery flight from BFI as CDG7085, and will overnight at HNL.

Malindoʻs 9M-LNY

Malinda Air is taking delivery of 9M-LNY (c/n 39871, l/n 5654) today. The 737-8GP is making its delivery flight from BFI as MXD1, and will make its brief pre-dawn fuel stop at HNL.

Virgin Australia's VH-ZPC

Virgin Australia's VH-ZPC "Cabaret Beach" (msn 19000170) is making its ferry flight from BNE to BNA for its maintenance check. The E190 is flying as VOZ9901, and arrived from APW this afternoon, and will continue onto VNY tomorrow.

Virgin Australia's VH-ZPC

Virgin Australia is ferrying VH-ZPC "Cabaret Beach" (msn 19000170) from BNE to BNA (via APW, HNL and VNY)  for its maintenance check. The E190 is making the flight as VOZ9901.

SF Airlines' B-7342

To continue the transit through HNL for cargo conversion theme, SF Airlines B-7342 (c/n 26278, l/n 671) a 757-2G5F arrived this afternoon. B-7342 stopped at Honolulu back in June of this year on it's way to the mainland for freighter conversion.

11.25.15 Update

B-7342 was moved into the United Airlines hangar, after being relocated to the South Ramp.

Aloha Air Cargo's N303KH

Five months have passed since N303KH (c/n 25606, l/n 3123) passed through Honolulu to the mainland for conversion. The arrival of the 3rd 737-300 coincides with the imminent retirement of N840AL, which has had its titles painted over..

Nok Airʻs HS-DBU

Nok Air is taking delivery of HS-DBU (c/n 61294, l/n 5762) today. The 737-88L is making its delivery flight from BFI as HSDBU, and will overnight at KOA.

China Eastern's B-1649

China Eastern Airlines is taking delivery of B-6149 (c/n 39748, l/n 5666) today. The 737-89P, their second this week, is making its delivery flight from BFI as CES9001, and will overnight at HNL.

Hawaiian's N379HA

Hawaiian's 22nd A330-243 has joined the fleet. N379HA (c/n 1672) is named "Pau-Ahi", Hawaiian for "People's Star"

Hawaiian Re-Purposes 717 Upholstery

Hawaiian Airlines donated upholstery from their replaced 717-200 seats to the Honolulu Community College Fashion Technology Program for an upcycle project that would be done by its students for HONOLULU Fashion Week, this weekend.

Allegiant To End HNL Service in 2016

Allegiant Air announced that will end HNL service in September 2016, and will retire all six 757-204s in early 2017. The airline cited rising costs as the main factor to exit its Hawai‘i service.

China Eastern's B-6148

China Eastern Airlines is taking delivery of B-6148 (c/n 41479, l/n 5661) today. The 737-89P is making its delivery flight from BFI as CES9001, and will overnight at HNL. 

Aero-Flite's N355AC

Aero-Flite's N355AC (msn E2293),a converted RJ-85 is making its way down south to Australia once again for their upcoming fire season.

Paris Attacks

Our thoughts and prayers go out to the people of Paris, France, and around the world, affected by the cowardly terrorist attacks in Paris.

Hauʻoli Lā Hānau Hawaiian Airlines

Hawaiian Airlines celebrates its 86th birthday today!

Veteran's Day

The HNL RareBirds team expresses our gratitude to those who currently serve, or who have served, in the US Armed Forces, on this Veteran's Day. And to those who serve (or served) in Canada, Australia, New Zealand, and the United Kingdom, we honor you on this Remembrance Day.

American Airlines Airbus A321 Service To OGG

American recently introduced the A321 between OGG and LAX, replacing the 752's.

Particularly interesting was their choice of registration for the aircraft seen today departing for LAX as AAL254. N125AA was previously worn by an American Airlines DC-10-10 and the registration was retained when the aircraft operated for Hawaiian Airlines.

Urumqi Air's B-6995

Urumqi Air is taking delivery of B-6995 (c/n 61323, l/n 5655) today. The 737-84P, allocated from Hainan Airlines, is making its delivery flight from BFI as B6995, and will overnight at HNL.

China Eastern's B-6166

China Eastern Airlines is taking delivery of B-6166 (c/n 41814, l/n 5651) today. The 737-89P is makings delivery flight from BFI as CES9001, and will overnight at HNL.

Donghai's B-6982

Donghai Airlines is taking delivery of B-6982 (c/n 61270, l/n 5640) today. The 737-83Z is making its delivery flight from BFI as EPA286, and will overnight at HNL.

Kunming's B-6495

Kunming Airlines is takin delivery of B-6495 (c/n 44383, l/n 5643) today. The 737-8LY is making its delivery flight from BFI as KNA6495, and will overnight at HNL.

Air China's B-6496

Air China is taking delivery of B-6496 (c/n 44926, l/n 5648) today. The 737-89L is making its delivery flight from BFI as CCA79, and will overnight at HNL.

Xiamen's B-6889

Xiamen Air is taking delivery of B-6889 (c/n 43914, l/n 5647) this morning. The 737-8MB, leased from ICBC, is making its delivery flight from BFI as CXA6889, and will overnight at HNL.