Fiji Airways' DQ-FAB

Fiji Airways is taking delivery of their first 737 MAX 8 tonight. DQ-FAB "Island of Kadavu" (c/n 64307, l/n 7252), is making its delivery flight from BFI as FJI2001, and will make a two-day stop at HNL.

United Airlines' N588HA

United Airlines is ferrying N588HA (c/n 33466, l/n 890) from GYR to HKG, via SFO and HNL as UAL2714 (GYR-SFO-HNL), and UAL2715 (HNL-HKG). This 767-3CBER, was acquired from Hawaiian Airlines this past July. It's going to HKG for re-paint, and United's cabin configuration, then will be registered as N684UA.

N588HA was delivered to Hawaiian Airlines in October 2002, and named "‘Iwa". It flew until this past June, when it was ferried to MCI [Kansas City, MO].

Shanghai Airlines' B-207G

Shanghai Airlines is taking delivery of B-207G (c/n 63076, l/n 7292) today. This 737-89P, their third this month, is making its delivery flight from CSH9007, and will make an overnight stop at HNL.

China Southern Airlines' B-205N

China Southern Airlines is taking deliver of B-205N (c/n 63274, l/n 7258) today. This 737 MAX 8 is making its delivery flight from BFI as CSN205N, and will make an overnight stop at HNL.

Icelandair's TF-LLX

Icelandair's 757-256, TF-LLX "Skjalbreiður (c/n 29311, l/n 940), is making a stop at HNL from POM [Port Moresby, New Guinea], as it ends its short-term lease with Air Niugini. TF-LLX arrived at HNL this afternoon as ICE8918, and will continue onto SEA, then KEF. It had been wet-leased from November 9th to the 26th to operate the POM-SYD-POM [ANG1/2] run.

29311 was originally delivered to Iberia in September 2000, leased from BBAM, as EC-HIU "Colombia". In November 2006, BBAM leased this 757-256 to RAK Airways as A6-RKA, until early 2011. During that time, it was sub-leased to Atlasjet from June 2007 to October 2009; Ariana Afghan Airlines from February to October 2010; and Sun Air from October to December 2010. Icelandair took delivery of TF-LLX in May 2011, and had Blended Winglets installed in May 2012.

Hawaiian Airlines and jetBlue Expand Codeshare

With Hawaiian Airlines launching service between BOS and HNL in April 2019, the airline has expanded its codeshare agreement with jetBlue at Boston's Logan International Airport.  There are 26 cities of jetBlue's route network that serve BOS, and they will be able to connect to Hawaiian's A330-243 service to HNL.

Further details in this Hawaiian Airlines press release.

Hainan Airlines' B-1142

Hainan Airlines is taking delivery of B-1142 (c/n 43559, l/n 7140) today. This 737 MAX 8, their second in eight days, is making its delivery flight from BFI as CHH1142, and will make an overnight stop at HNL.

Scoot Airlines To End HNL Service

Scoot Airlines announced that they will terminate their 787-8 service between KIX and HNL in June 2019, due to low demand.

KHON News report.

Lion Air's PK-LPW

Lion Air is taking deliver of PK-LPW (c/n 43213, l/n 7274) this afternoon. This 737-9GPER is making its delivery flight from BFI as LNI1, and will make a brief fuel stop at HNL. It was previously assigned to Thai Lion Air, registered as HS-LVH, made its test flights with this registration. However, it was recently re-allocated to Lion Air, and given an Indonesian registration.

China United Airlines' B-1148

The second of today's two 737-89P deliveries for China United Airlines is, B-1148 (c/n 63068, l/n 7119). It's making its delivery flight from BFI as CUA148, and will make an overnight stop at HNL.

China United Airlines' B-206U

The first of two 737-89P deliveries for China United Airlines today, is B-206U (c/n 63072, l/n 7232). It's making its delivery flight from BFI as CUA206, and will make an overnight stop at HNL.

China Southern Airlines' B-205J

China Southern Airlines' second 737 MAX 8 delivery today is B-205J (c/n 43954, l/n 7218). It's making its delivery flight from BFI as CSN205J, and will be making an overnight stop at HNL. This is China Southern's sixth 737 delivery this month.

China Southern Airlines' B-205K

China Southern Airlines is taking delivery of a pair of 737 MAX 8s today. The first is B-205K (c/n 62880, l/n 7226), and it's making its delivery flight from BFI as CSN205K, and will make an overnight stop at HNL. It's their fifth 737 delivery this month.

B-205K is the 30th 737 delivery for China Southern this year. In our time tracking deliveries for each airline since 2013, this is the first time any airline has taken delivery of 30 737s.

Antonov Airlines' UR-82072

Antonov Airlines' An-124-100, UR-82072 (c/n 9773053359136, l/n 07-05) has arrived this morning, from MCI [Kansas City International Airport, MO] as ADB3053.

Hainan Airlines' B-207K

Hainan Airlines is taking delivery of B-207K (c/n 43561, l/n 7223) today. This 737 MAX 8 is making  its delivery flight from BFI as CHH207, and will make an overnight stop at HNL.

China Southern Airlines' B-205M

The second 737 delivery for China Southern Airlines today, is B-205M (c/n 63273, l/n 7236). This 737 MAX 8 is making its delivery flight from BFI as CSN205M, and will make an overnight stop at HNL.

China Southern Airlines' B-205C

China Southern Airlines is taking delivery a pair of 737s today. The first is, B-206C (c/n 43904, l/n 7262), a 737-81B, is making its delivery flight from BFI as CSN206C, and will make an overnight stop at HNL.

UNLV Rebels Team Charter

The University of Nevada Las Vegas Rebels football team is chartering a Sun Country Airlines 737-8FH, N821SY "Lake Mille Lacs" (c/n 39952, l/n 5217, f/n 821), for their road game against the University of Hawai‘i Rainbow Warriors, Saturday evening. Their flight from LAS arrived this evening as SCX8618, and N821SY will leave for TUS later in the evening as SCX8668.

Sun Country Airlines Launches PDX Service

Sun Country Airlines is launching seasonal four-times per week 737-800 service between PDX and HNL today as SCX693/694. N820SY "Lake Minnetonka" (c/n 39951, l/n 5166, f/n 820), a 737-8FH is making the first flight.

Shanghai Airlines' B-1149

Shanghai Airlines is taking delivery of B-1149 (c/n 61633, l/n 7105) today. This 737 MAX 8 is making its delivery flight from BFI as CSH9007, and will be making an overnight stop at HNL.

Volga-Dnepr Airlines RA-82044 Returns

Volga-Dnepr Airlines' An-124-100, RA-82044 (c/n 9773054155109, l/n 06-08), is returning from COS as VDA1388, and will overnight at HNL.

China United Airlines' B-1276

China United Airlines is taking delivery of B-1276 (c/n 63062, l/n 6943) today. This 737-89P, which made it's B1 flight this past May, is making its delivery flight from BFI as KNA276, and will make an overnight stop at HNL.

Volga-Dnepr Airlines' RA-82077

Volga-Dnepr Airlines' RA-82077 (c/n 97730544591951, l/n 07-09) has made a stop at HNL from GUM as VDA1387. This An-124-100 will continue onto COS [Colorado Springs, CO] under the same flight number.

Volga-Dnepr Airlines' RA-76950

Volga-Dnepr Airlines' IL-76TD-90VD, RA-76950 (c/n 2053420697, l/n 93-05) is making a stop at HNL as VDA1400 from IND [Indianapolis International Airport, Indianapolis, IN].

China Southern Airlines' B-1176

China Southern Airlines is taking delivery of B-1176 (c/n 63271, l/n 7150) today. This 737 MAX 8 is making its delivery flight from BFI as CSN1176, and will make an overnight stop at HNL.

Hau‘oli Lā Hānau Hawaiian Airlines!

Hawaiian Airlines celebrates its 89th birthday today. From the Bellanca CH-300 Pacemaker to the current fleet of Airbus A321-271Ns, A330-243s, Boeing 717-200s and 767-300ERs, the airline has grown from an inter-island airline to an international airline.

Volga-Dnepr Airlines' RA-82044

Volga-Dnepr Airlines' RA-82044 (c/n 9773054155109, l/n 06-08) is making a stop at HNL from POM as VDA1321. This An-124-100 will continue onto COS with the same flight number.

China Eastern Airlines' B-207L

China Eastern Airlines is taking delivery of B-207L (c/n 63075, l/n 7251) this afternoon. This 737-89P is making its delivery flight from BFI as CES9002, and will make an overnight stop at HNL.

Shanghai Airlines' B-1150

Shanghai Airlines is taking delivery of B-1150 (c/n 61632, l/n 7113) today. This 737 MAX 8 is making its delivery flight from BFI as CSH9007, and will make an overnight stop at HNL. B-1150 is the 50th 737 MAX to delivery through Hawai‘i; as well as the 150th 737 delivering to China.

Aloha ‘Oe N580HA

Hawaiian Airlines has sent N580HA "Kolea" (c/n 28140, l/n 850) to storage at GYR. It made its farewell flight from HNL as HAL8058.

Antonov Airlines' UR-82009

Antonov Airlines' UR-82009 (c/n 19530501008, l/n 01-08) will be making a stop at HNL from GML [Kiev, Ukraine], via KEF [Keflavik, Iceland] as ADB323F. It will make an overnight stop, then continue on to GUM to deliver relief supplies for the region that was hit by a typhoon.

UR-82009 was here this past June 15-17, for a military charter.


11.10.18 Update
UR-82009 is returning to HNL today as ADB323F.

Air China's B-1178

Air China's B-1178 (c/n 60906, l/n 7207), a 737 MAX 8, is making a ferry flight from BFI to HSN [Zhoushan, China], via JRF and GUM. It's using a Boeing flight code, BOE264, to make the flight.

Okay Airways' B-1157

Okay Airways is taking delivery of B-1157 (c/n 60705, l/n 7120) today. This 737 MAX 8 is making its delivery flight from BFI as OKA1157, and will make an overnight stop at HNL.

Air China's B-1179

Air China is taking delivery of B-1179 (c/n 60903, l/n 7123) today. This 737 MAX 8 is making its delivery flight from BFI as CCA48, and will make an overnight stop at HNL.

The Saga That Is ... Hawai‘i's Airports

Over the past couple of years, the Hawai‘i Department of Transportation (HDOT) has come under scrutiny through a series of articles in print, on air, and online, have focused on the lack of progress on the modernization at HNL; along with the shoddy construction of the new Hawaiian Airlines Cargo Building and Hangar, and the discrepancies with the contractors involved. Because of the Hawaiian Airlines complex delays, the old Aloha Airlines/Hawaiian Airlines T-Hangar cannot be torn down, and the work on the Mauka Extension on the Hawaiian Airlines Terminal cannot begin.

During the last years of her governorship (2001-2008), Linda Lingle had received approval for a $2.3B / 12-year plan to modernize the major airports in the state. Governor Lingle's successor, Neil Abercrombie, also wanted the state to push forward with modernization. He acknowledged the fact that our airports are the first and last impressions that tourist will see of Hawai‘i. Somewhere along the way, Governor Abercrombie changed his mind, and limited the scope of the modernization project. Through bureaucracy and mismanagement at HDOT, only a portion of the modernization projects have been completed.

Hawaiian Airlines took matters into its own hands, and took over construction completion of its new hangar and cargo center. The airline paid the remainder of the construction costs, estimated at over $100 million, to fix the shoddy construction work of the contractor that won the state's low-bid procurement system. The airline is looking toward completion of its facilities by the end of this year.

One of the projects that were key to the modernization of HNL, was the new Commuter Terminal, which was to have been built east of Gate 6, on part of the North Ramp. Had this new complex been completed, the existing Commuter Terminal would be torn down, to make way for the Mauka Extension of the Inter-Island Terminal, in which Hawaiian Airlines would move their complete operations to that part of the airport. At the time the new terminal was proposed, there were four airlines using the existing Commuter Terminal: Island Air, go! (operated by Mesa Airlines), Mokulele Airlines, and Pacific Wings. Currently, only Island Air and Mokulele Airlines remain in business. When he owned Island Air, former owner (now a minority stakeholder) Larry Ellison, wanted changes in the design of the new complex, which caused a conflict between him and HDOT. Eventually, Ellison would nix the move to the new terminal. Months later, HDOT Director Ford Fuchigami canceled the project unilaterally, even though Island Air underwent an ownership change. With this move, the Mauka Extension is put on hold, which will add to congestion at peak periods. There has been reports of moving Island Air and Mokulele around HNL, so the extension can proceed. However, gate space in the main terminal is at a premium. The dust cover that was removed after the cancellation, re-appeared at the end of November 2017, as construction will re-start with Mokulele being the sole tenant, but this Commuter Terminal will be temporary, as the new Diamond Head Concourse will be in that location.

HDOT will be modifying Gates 29 and 34 to accommodate the Airbus A380, as All Nippon Airways has pledged to inaugurate super jumbo service between NRT and HNL in 2019. It's part of a $30 million upgrade package.

What has been completed so far? Hawaiian Airlines' Charles Elliott Maintenance and Cargo Facility, Aloha Air Cargo's Hangar and Cargo Center, the ‘Ewa hardstands on the Hickam side of HNL. The widening of Taxiways G and L, north of A, to allow Hawaiian Airlines' A330-200s to taxi to the proposed new terminal. Some infrastructure projects have been completed as well.

Each state-owned and operated airports have their share of needed repairs. The Kalaeloa Airport, which was designated to be the general aviation relief airport, has its share of modernization needs. Except for the few T-Hangars on the west end, former Naval Air Station Barbers Point field looks relatively untouched after the US Navy handed the base over to the state. The newly-named Ellison Onizuka Kona International Airport is under going a $75 million modernization, which will simplify passengers on connecting flights between the inter-island section and the overseas section, but not increase holdroom space that dates to original construction in 1970. That portion of needed improvements at Kona will not happen until Phase II of the Kona Terminal Modernization project as yet still unfunded or unscheduled. The Kahului Airport is in need for expansions for both runways.  Hilo and Līhu‘e are also both in need of terminal renovations.



*** Opinion / Editorial ***
All of the major airports in Hawai‘i need to be modernized. Applying band-aid fixes to major issues will not solve the problems each airport faces. The proposed Airport Authority board is much needed. With the state legislature killing the bill to create the Airport Authority in the 2017 legislative session, it will set back further renovations, as the bureaucratic mess of having HDOT having to deal with several state agencies to get things done, only makes renovations obsolete, and increases costs. Similar to the Los Angeles World Airports (LAWA) in Southern California, the Airport Authority board would oversee operation all Hawai‘i airports, as well as implementing the completion of the long, overdue modernization project; there are too many state agencies and bureaucracies that have their hands in the operation of the airports, and the board will resolve that issue. HDOT already admits they have a hard time managing the airports they are in charge of, therefore, it should relinquish its power to a board that can properly manage the airports.  Current HDOT higher-ups must not be named to this proposed authority due to the on-going issues.

For a world-class tourist destination, as former Governor Abercrombie said, "our airports are the first and last impressions left in the minds of tourists." Yet, he was the very one to cut funding for the modernization. Currently, each facility is in dire need of modernization. The gate areas are in need of better lighting, and better types of windows. The seating, fixtures and decor all need modernization as well.

The renaming of Honolulu International Airport to the Daniel K Inouye International Airport is ill-timed, as the $21M spent to renovate the signage, and to re-brand the airport could have been better spent. It's interesting that there was no attention brought about by the local news outlets of the House Resolution for the renaming. We were informed of this change, via social media, as a pilot posted the FAA chart noting the name change. This move also appears to be politically-motivated by the hushed rollout of the renaming. The late senator was known to disapprove to the posthumous naming of places in his honor. And we are grateful for the late Senator Inouye's work in helping Hawai‘i's tourism and transportation industries.

Regarding the A380 gates, it does not make sense to put the A380 gates only on the ‘Ewa Concourse. Gate 9's footprint is slightly larger than Gate 29s, and would make more sense to have one A380 gate on the Diamond Head Concourse, especially with ANA's operations on that side of HNL. Gate 29 is already used by Qantas when they need to make A380 tech stops or medical diversions between Australia and the continental US. Is this investment to modify the third floors to install Jetways for the A380's upper deck a wise thing? ANA will be receiving three super jumbos as part of its investment in Skymark Airlines', and only plan to use it on the NRT-HNL route. No other airline is planning to start A380 service to HNL. What will happen if ANA decides to downguage the A380 service to a 777-300ER? The upper deck Jetway will be useless, except for Qantas emergency stopovers.

With the planned service by Southwest Airlines for both trans-Pacific and inter-island flights, there may not be enough gates to handle their traffic, especially at the midday peak period. The airline will probably need to establish a maintenance base to service their 737-800s and MAX 8s, and hold reserve aircraft. The "band-aid" approach is to convert Hardstands 4 and 5 to four gates for Southwest, which passengers will board via stairs or ramps. They will have ground level gates and covered walkways until the boarding area.

Another issue is law enforcement. The Hawaii State Sheriff's Department needs to be present at ALL of the state's airports, big and small. Much attention has been brought up with recent events concerning the actions of Securitas Airport Police and security guards at HNL. Contracting out to a private security firm to carry out some police-type duties is not seen at any of the major airports in the US, and Hawai‘i's airports should be no different. If anything, Securitas should be relegated to curb control on the arrival pickup and departure drop-off areas. HDOT, which has control over the Sheriff's deputies at HNL, has even proposed making up a new law enforcement agency just for the airports, or handing everything over to Securitas.  We feel that this would be a waste of taxpayer money, a waste of time, and a slap in the face of law enforcement agencies.

The Consolidated Rental Car (CONRAC) Facility, east of the main parking structure, should have been built off-site, to allow another parking structure for more passenger parking stalls. HNL is the only airport in the state system to have an on-site CONRAC.

HDOT, also in their infinite lack of wisdom, decided to rename HNL's terminal, gates, and baggage claims. The change, that took effect on June 1, 2018, assigned terminal alphabetical codes, the gates alpha-numeric codes, and baggage claims numeric codes. HDOT has not revealed what this change will cost taxpayers and airlines, as new signage around HNL will have to be installed, and gate guidelines on the flight line will need to be repainted. HDOT's reason behind the move was to bring it closer to other airports that the airlines serving HNL. HNL is does not have the size to warrant this move, and funds used could have been better spent on improving the facility.

After the Diamond Head Commuter Terminal is built, the old t-hangars east of United Cargo should be torn down, and the HDOT Base Yard should be moved off-site as well; that move could further extend the North Ramp Hardstands, and put an additional 2-3 parking spots depending on the size of the airliner.

On the south side of HNL, the ramp area south of the Air Service Hawaii Makai Hangar should be hardened to allow parking of two airliners up to 155 feet in length, or a variety of business jets. HNL should also reclaim some of the vacant land fronting that ramp area to increase the depth of the stands by at least 50 feet. Also, the adjacent lot currently being used for FedEx employee parking should be paved over for general aviation and business jet transient parking to relocate the stalls lost.

Also, other employee parking lots should be built off-site instead of using AOA space on the south side of the airport.

At JRF, the old US Navy P-3C T-Hangars on the east end were leased out the University of Hawai‘i, that needs to be taken back. That area could be transformed into a maintenance, repair, and overhaul (MRO) facility for narrow-body airliners. If the original concrete hangars are to stay, they need fresh coats of paint. The ramp, taxiways, and runways need repaving on the asphalt sections. HDOT has let JRF fall into disrepair on so many levels. The area south of Runway 11/29, and west of the General Aviation hangars needs to be reclaimed for airport use, and not be leased to a trucking company's operation or other non-aviation businesses.

For OGG, both runways need to be lengthened to allow dual runway operations, as inter-island flights would use Runway 5/23, and overseas flights would use Runway 2/20. We could foresee at least one non-stop flight from Japan, if Runway 2/20 is extended to the proposed 9,000 feet. Both Hawaiian Airlines and Japan Airlines have previously lobbied for the runway extension. There is a small, but vocal community on Maui that have been the ones pushing back on this issue.

For both ITO and LIH, the main terminal, the walkway, and gate areas are in need of major facelifts.

Shenzhen Airlines' B-206M

Shenzhen Airlines is taking delivery of B-206M (c/n 61138, l/n 7147) today. This 737 MAX 8 is making its delivery flight from BFI as CSZ206M, and will make an overnight stop at HNL.

Thai Lion Air's HS-LSK

Thai Lion Air is taking delivery of HS-LSK (c/n 42989, l/n 6308) today. This 737 MAX 9, which was one of the test MAX 9s, is making its delivery flight from BFI as TLM1, and will make a brief fuel stop at HNL.

China Southern Airlines' B-206A

China Southern Airlines is taking delivery of B-206A (c/n 43903, l/n 7242) today. This 737-81B is making its delivery flight from BFI as CSN1206, and will make an overnight stop at HNL.

Air China Inner Mongolia's B-206T

Air China Inner Mongolia is taking delivery of B-206T (c/n 60892, l/n 7244) today. This 737-89L is making its delivery flight from BFI as CNM47, and will make and overnight stop at HNL.

Japan Airlines' JA8906

Our November edition of "HNL RareBirds Classic" goes back to September 2004, and Japan Airlines' 50th Anniversary of Hawai‘i service logo jet, JA8906 (c/n 26350, l/n 961). This 747-446 had a decal of a Douglas DC-6 affixed to both sides of the fuselage. It commemorated the airline's first international flight (February 1954), along with the 50 years of service between Japan and Hawai‘i.

JA8906 was delivered to Japan Airlines in March 1993 in the Landor livery. In the summer of 2003, it was painted in the "Arc of the Sun" livery. In late 2003, it wore a special decal to note the Hanshin Tigers victory in the Japan League baseball championship. Shortly after that, the above decals were applied, which lasted until late 2004. In November 2006, it was transferred to the JAL Cargo fleet, and converted to a freighter. In November 2010, it was sold to Kalitta Air as N743CK, and became one of the airline's DHL logo jets, and continues to fly with Kalitta.

N743CK was photographed at HNL in December 2016, as it made seasonal Christmas shopping cargo flights.