Hainan Airlines' B-1388

Hainan Airlines led off the month of March with a 737 delivery flight, and ends the month with a 737 delivery flight with B-1388 (c/n 62199, l/n 6780). This 737 MAX 8 is making its delivery flight this morning from BFI as CHH1388, and will overnight at HNL. It's also Hainan's third 737 delivery this month (2 -84Ps, and a MAX 8).

China United Airlines' B-1279

China United Airlines is taking delivery of their third 737-89P in nine days, with B-1279 (c/n 63058, l/n 6883). It's making its delivery flight from BFI as CUA279, and will overnight at HNL.

Shandong Airlines' B-1230

Shandong Airlines is taking delivery of B-1230 (c/n 43907, l/n 6885) this morning. This 737-85N, their second delivery this month, is making its delivery flight from BFI as CDG1230, and will overnight at HNL.

9 Air's B-1233

9 Air is taking delivery of B-1233 (c/n 61365, l/n 6832) this morning. This 737-86X is making its delivery flight from BFI as JYH1233, and will overnight at HNL.

China Southern Airlines' B-2053

China Southern Airlines is ferrying B-2053 (c/n 27359, l/n 46) from Guangzhou, China [CAN] to Victorville, CA [VCV] via HNL as CSN8653. This 777-21B arrived this afternoon, as it will head into storage at VCV.

New South Ramp Designations

The Hawai‘i Department of Transportation Airports Division has designated the parking spots south of the AirService Hawaii Makai Hangar as Spots 188A and 188B. FBOs have been using the two stands for delivery and ferry flights. 

Asia Pacific Airlines used the parking spot closest to the hangar for their 727-200F operations, but with the 757-200s, they moved to Hardstands I and J; though some of their ground equipment remains next to the AirService hangar.

Pacific Air Cargo's N703CK

Kalitta Air has painted N703CK (c/n 24226, l/n 809), a 747-412F, in the Pacific Air Cargo special livery, and is now doing the LAX-HNL run (CKS368/369).

24226 was originally delivered to Singapore Airlines in September 1990 as 9V-SMG. In July 2004, it was purchased by Air India as VT-AIE "Mamallpuram". In May 2007, Boeing Aircraft Holdings acquired 24226, and converted to a freighter, and six months later, sold to Aircastle, who leased it to Martinair Holland as PH-MPR. In November 2012, Aircastle leased this 747-412F to Air Atlanta Icelandic as TF-AMF. From January 2013 to October 2015, it was subleased to Saudi Arabian Airlines; and from October 2015 to November 2016, subleased to Air Bridge Cargo. It was returned to Aircastle, and stored at MCI. Jet Midwest purchased this airliner in February 2017 as N262JM, and sold it nine months later to Kalitta Air. It was re-registered as N703CK in February 2018.

China United Airlines' B-1280

China United Airlines is taking delivery of B-1280 (c/n 63056, l/n 6800) today. This 737-89P is making its delivery flight from BFI as CUA280, and will overnight at HNL.

Dubai Air Wing's A6-HRM

One of the Dubai Air Wing's 747-400s has made a stop at HNL. A6-HRM (c/n 26903, l/n 1171), a 747-422, arrived this afternoon from LAX.

26903 was originally delivered to United Airlines in August 1998 as N108UA, and flew with United until January 2003. Eight months later, it was delivered to the Dubai Air Wing [DUB] (United Arab Emirates) as A6-HRM, with a new VIP-configured cabin.

China Southern Airlines' B-1238

China Southern Airlines is taking delivery of B-1238 (c/n 63258, l/n 6855) today. This 737 MAX 8, their fifth 737 delivery this month, is making its delivery flight from BFI as CSN168, and will overnight at HNL.

Air China 's B-1223

Air China is taking delivery of its second 737 MAX 8 in three days (and third this month), with B-1223 (c/n 60889, l/n 6850) today. It's making its delivery flight from BFI as CCA47, and will overnight at HNL.

China Southern Airlines' B-1283

China Southern Airlines is taking delivery of B-1283 (c/n 63407, l/n 6856) this morning. This 737-81B is making its delivery flight from BFI as CSN183, and will overnight HNL.

Air China's B-1219

Air China is taking delivery of B-1219 (c/n 60890, l/n 6865) today. This 737-89L is making its delivery flight from BFI as CCA48, and will overnight at HNL.

Okay Airways' B-1228

Okay Airways is taking delivery of B-1228 (c/n 63619, l/n 6867) today. This 737-8KF is making its delivery flight from BFI as OKA1228, and will overnight at HNL.

Hawaiian Airlines And Japan Airlines Start Codeshare

Hawaiian Airlines and Japan Airlines launched codeshare ticket sales today, and will launch their codeshare flights on Sunday March 25th with JAL781(HNL-NRT) and HAL457 (HNL-HND).

Further information in this Hawaiian Airlines press release, and Japan Airlines press release.

Japan TransOcean Air's JA07RK

Japan TransOcean Air is taking delivery of JA07RK (c/n 61485, l/n 6863) today. This 737-8Q3 is making its delivery flight from BFI as JTA9851, and will overnight at HNL.

China Southern Airlines' B-1237

China Southern Airlines is taking delivery of B-1237 (c/n 63257, l/n 6835) today. This 737-81B, their third 737 delivery in two days, is making its delivery flight from BFI as CSN137, and will overnight at HNL.

Shenzhen Airlines' B-1377

Shenzhen Airlines is taking delivery of B-1377 (c/n 61134, l/n 6844) this morning. This 737-87L is making its delivery flight from BFI as CSZ1377, and will overnight at HNL.

China United Airlines' B-1281

China United Airlines is taking delivery of B-1281 (c/n 63054, l/n 6761) this morning. This 737-89P is making its delivery flight from BFI as CUA281, and will overnight at HNL.

Xiamen Air Orders 30 737 MAXs

CH-Aviation reports that Xiamen Air has placed an order with Boeing for 30 737 MAXs. The order consists of 20 737 MAX 8s and ten 737 MAX 10s, with the first delivery set for 2019.

‘Ohana by Hawaiian's N810HC

‘Ohana by Hawaiian is taking delivery of their second ATR72-212F, N801HC "Ala‘oli" (msn 423) today. It's being flown in by Southern Cross Aviation as SXA463.

N810HC (msn 423) was delivered to Avianova, under leased from BBAM in February 1995 as EI-CLB "Lago di Bracciano". In December 2005, it was acquired by Alitalia Express as I-ATRO. It went to Magellan Aircraft Services in November 2010, and four months later it was sold to First Air as C-GLHR. In April 2012, it was converted to a freighter. In August 2015, it was acquired by ‘Ohana.

Thai Lion Air's HS-LSH

Thai Lion Air is taking delivery of their first 737 MAX 9, HS-LSH (c/n 42991, l/n 6771), today. Thai Lion Air is the launch customer for the MAX 9, and HS-LSH is making its delivery flight from BFI as TLM1, and will make a brief fuel stop at HNL. 

Shanghai Airlines' B-1262

Shanghai Airlines' second of two 737 deliveries this morning is B-1262 (c/n 63059, l/n 6847). This 737-89P is making its delivery flight from BFI as CSH9763, and will overnight at HNL.

Shanghai Airlines' B-1260

Shanghai Airlines' first of two 737 deliveries this morning is B-1260 (c/ 61628, l/n 6785). This 737 MAX 8 is making its delivery flight from BFI as CSH9761, and will overnight at HNL.

China Eastern Airlines' B-1253

China Eastern Airlines is taking delivery of B-1253 (c/n 63055, l/n 6745) today. This 737-89P BBJ2 is making its delivery flight from BFI as CES299, and will overnight at HNL.

Kunming Airlines' B-1229

Kunming Airlines is taking delivery of B-1229 (c/n 61707, l/n 6773) today. This 737-7LY is making its delivery flight from BFI as KNA1229, and will overnight at HNL. Kunming is one of the few Chinese airlines to still have new-build -700s on order.

Hebei Airlines' B-1366

Hebei Airlines is taking delivery of B-1366 (c/n 42977, l/n 6752) today. This 737-8LW is making its delivery flight from BFI as HBH1366, and will overnight at HNL.

Hainan Airlines' B-1215

Hainan Airlines is taking delivery of B-1215 (c/n 44399, l/n 6853) today. This 737-84P is making its delivery flight from BFI as CHH1215, and will overnight at HNL.

China Eastern Airlines' B-1235

China Eastern Airlines is taking delivery of B-1235 (c/n 63057, l/n 6788) this morning. This 737-89P is making its delivery flight from BFI as CES9001, and will overnight at HNL.

Shanghai Airlines' B-1259

Shanghai Airlines is taking delivery of B-1259 (c/n 61627, l/n 6740) this morning. This 737 MAX 8 is making its delivery flight from BFI as CSH9761, and will overnight at HNL.

Southwest Receives Permission For Hawai‘i Service

Southwest Airlines was granted approval from both the State of Hawai‘i Department of Transportation (HDOT) and the Department of Land and Natural Resources (DLNR) to start service between the west coast and Hawai‘i. The airline still needs FAA approval and certification to perform ETOPS flights.

Further information in this KHON2 article.

Lucky Air's B-1209

The second of the two Lucky Air 737-84P deliveries today, is B-1209 (c/n 60174, l/n 6793). It's making its delivery flight from BFI as B1209, and will overnight at HNL.

Lucky Air's B-1208

Lucky Air is taking delivery of two 737-84Ps today. The first of the two is B-1208 (c/n 60173, l/n 6769), which is making its delivery flight from BFI as B1208, and will overnight at HNL.

Air China's B-1225

Air China is taking delivery of B-1225 (c/n 60886, l/n 6794) today. This 737 MAX 8 is making its delivery flight from BFI as CCA47, and will overnight at HNL.

ConAir's C-GVFK

ConAir's RJ85 firebomber, C-GVFK (msn E2268), has made a stop at HNL this evening, as it returns to Abbotsford, British Columbia, Canada from it summer firefighting assignment in Australia.

N315ST

N315ST (c/n 22611, l/n 75), a 757-225F, is ferrying from GYR [Goodyear, AZ] to CHC [Christchurch, New Zealand], and is making a stop at HNL. It will also make a stop at APW [Apia, Sāmoa]. It will become VH-PQA for Pacific Air Express [PAQ], a new cargo airline in Australia.

22611 was originally purchased by GATX, and leased to Eastern Air Lines in December 1985 as N522EA. In October 1991, it was leased to Air 2000 as G-OOOW. In September 2002, it was leased to Air Atlanta Icelandic as TF-ARE. It was subleased to Excel Airways from April 2003 to November 2005, then from March 2006 to December 2006 as G-VKNC. 22611 was sold to Wells Fargo Bank Northwest as N315ST in December 2006, and converted to a freighter. In May 2007, it was leased to Varig LOG as PR-LGI, until June 2009. In October 2011, it was leased to DHL International as A9C-DHD, until June 2017.

10 Tanker Air Carrier's N522AX Return to Base

After another Australian fire season, N522AX (c/n 48315, l/n 436) is returning to home base in Albuquerque, New Mexico. "912" passed through in late October last year.

Shandong Airlines' B-1360

Shandong Airlines is taking delivery of B-1360 (c/n 63769, l/n 6840) today. This 737-85N is making its delivery flight from BFI as CDG1360, and will overnight at HNL.

2-MSJJ

2-MSJJ (c/n 40152, l/n 4685), a former Malaysia Airlines 737-8H6, is ferrying from KUL to MZJ (via GUM and HNL). It was delivered to Malaysia Airlines in November 2013 as 9M-MSJ; and withdrawn from service in September 2017.

Air Canada To Launch 737 MAX8 Service

Air Canada announced today that they be launching 737 MAX8 service between Western Canada and Hawai‘i later this year. The airline announced that it will also launch thrice-weekly service between Vancouver, British Columbia [YVR] and Līhu‘e, Kaua‘i [LIH] beginning on December 15, 2018 to April 27, 2019. Other 737 MAX8 flights include YVR-HNL and YVR-OGG, that will go twice daily in winter months; and YVR-KOA (seasonal). Air Canada will also launch four-times weekly service between Calgary, Alberta [YYR] and Kahului, Maui [OGG].

With the launch of the Air Canada 737 MAX 8 service, it will replace the Air Canada Rouge 737-300ER flights.

Further information in this Air Canada press release.

Royal Canadian Air Force's 15001

The Royal Canadian Air Force's CC-150 Polaris 15001(msn 446, f/n 01) has made a stop at HNL. This is the only Polaris in the RCAF fleet that has a VIP interior, and is usually the transport for their prime minister.

446 was originally delivered to Wardair Canada [WD/WDA] in February 1988 as C-GBWD "C.C. 'Carl' Agar" (f/n 806). In January 1990, it was transferred to the Canadian International Airlines fleet, when they acquired Wardair. In 1993, this A310 was purchased by the Royal Canadian Air Force, registered as 15001, and had the cabin configured for a VIP transport. In 2013, 15001 was painted in the present livery, and part of "O Canada" ('True North strong and free') is below the cockpit windows English and French.

Hawaiian To Order 10 787-9s

Boeing and Hawaiian Airlines announced this morning that the Honolulu-based carrier has signed a Letter of Intent to order ten 787-9 Dreamliners, with an option for an additional ten aircraft. Delivery of the first Dreamliner is expected to be in the first quarter of 2021.

Further information in this Hawaiian Airlines press release, and this Boeing Media Room press release.

Beijing Airlines' B-3999

Beijing Airlines' 737-79L BBJ, B-3999 (c/n 41090, l/n 3636), is making a stop at HNL today. The charter flight arrived from Tianjin, China (TSN) as BJN099.


03.04.18 Update
B-3999 departed for Long Beach, CA [LGB] this morning.

Hainan Airlines' B-1213

Hainan Airlines is taking delivery of B-1213 (c/n 44398, l/n 6827) today. This 737-84P is making its delivery flight from BFI as CHH1213, and will overnight at HNL.

Aloha Airlines' N809AL

Our March edition of "HNL RareBirds Classic" recognizes the 10th anniversary of the closure of Aloha Airlines, with this photo of N809AL "Keeaumoku" (c/n 21720, l/n 552) taken in June 1990, as I walked to board another Aloha 737-397. This 737-2Q9/Adv is seen above waiting to taxi out for departure.

Sadly, Aloha Airlines was shutdown on 31 March 2008, as it was unable to secure further financing to keep operating, after 61 years of service.

21720 was originally delivered to Air Florida, under lease from the ITEL Corporation, in January 1979 as N37AF, and flew with the airline until September 1984. During its time with Air Florida, N37AF was subleased to Transavia for two five-months stints (May-October 1981 and May-October 1982). In September 1984, it was sold to POLA, and leased to AirCal as N458AC. When American Airlines acquired AirCal, the latter's fleet was transferred over, and wore hybrid liveries. N458AC was also subleased to the second incarnation of Braniff Airways in February 1988. In May 1990, 21720 was sub-subleased to Aloha Airlines as N809AL. In May 1997, it was acquired by ACG, and the lease continued with Aloha Airlines. It was also painted in the airline's final livery, and flew with the airline until March 2003, where it was placed into storage at GYR. In June 2005, this 737-2Q9/Adv was scrapped.