Korean Air's HL8508

Korean Air's VIP-configured 787-8, HL8508 (c/n 41987, l/n 11), will be making a stop at OGG from AFW as KAL2455. It left GMP for AFW on two days ago as KAL2453.

Xiamen Air's B-20DU

Xiamen Air is taking delivery of B-20DU (c/n 42963, l/n 7817) today. This 737-8 is making its delivery flight from BFI to XMN, via HNL and GUM, as CXA800. It will overnight at HNL tonight.

Shenzhen Airlines' N235BE

Boeing is ferrying Shenzhen Airlines' N235BE (c/n 61151, l/n 7856) from BFI to HSN, via JRF and GUM as BOE944. This 737-8, which already has the Chinese registration of B-20DZ, is headed for the Boeing China Completion Center for cabin completion.

ConAir's C-GVFK

ConAir's Avro RJ85 fire fighting aircraft, C-GVFK (msn E2268) will be making a stop at HNL from YXX, via OAK. It's on its way Down Under for the Australian summer fire fighting season, wearing a new tail number, 164.

QantasLink's VH-YQY

Southern Cross International is ferrying QantasLink's VH-YQY "Kuranda National Park" (c/n 55056, l/n 5015) from CBR to VCV, via PPG and KOA, as SXI2471. This 717-2K9, that was operated by National Jet Systems, will make an overnight stop at KOA tonight.

55056's History:

Dec 1999: Delivered to Olympic Aviation as SX-BOA "Andromeda", under lease from BIAL.

Dec 2003: Airline rebrands as Olympic Airlines.

Jun 2007: Leased to Spanair as EC-KFR.

May 2011: Leased to Blue1 as OH-BLO "Metsälampi / Forest Pond".

May 2013: Sold to Falko, and the lease transferred.

Jan 2016: Purchased by National Jet Systems as VH-YQY, to operate for QantasLink.

Jly 2022: Painted in the current livery, and named "Kuranda National Park".

Oct 2024: Withdrawn from service.

Upcoming 737MAX Deliveries

With airlines around Asia and Oceania ordering the 737 MAX series, a majority of these airliners will stop through Hawai‘i (mainly HNL) during the first segment of their island-hopping delivery flights from Boeing Field (BFI) [map]. Boeing has indicated that the variants will be referred to as the -x without the MAX name, we will do the same.

We launched our own Google Sheet documenting the 737 information below, as well as deliveries as of 2021.

Boeing P-8As and E-7As on order for armed forces around the Pacific Rim have been added below.

This post will be continuously updated as new information becomes available.

According to the Boeing Test Fights Google Sheet and PlaneSpotters.net's 737 MAX Production List, these listed below are the airframes that have begun final assembly, made its first flight from RNT, or are being readied for delivery on the BFI flightline. Those listed below, should make a stopover in Hawai‘i on their first segment out of BFI on their delivery flights in the near future. In the past, additional information was also provided by Tyke's Aero Blog, and The Boeing Test Flights website.

DELIVERED

7856 | B-20DZ | 61151 | Shenzhen Airlines | -8 [10.18.24 BOE944 to JRF as N235BE] »

7817 | B-20DU | 42963 | Xiamen Air | -8 [10.19.24 CXA800 fr PAE]

» Ferrying to HSN [Zhoushan, China] for cabin completion, with a Boeing flight code.

• • • • •

ON ORDER

737 MAX

7263 | B-206L | 61374 | 9 Air | -8 (orange) | BOE452 « MWH
7351 | B-208E | 63276 | China Southern Airlines | -8 | BOE692 « MWH » Air India Express VT-___
7371 | B-209A | 63284 | China Southern Airlines | -8 | BOE693 « VCV » Air India Express VT-___
7408 | B-209C | 63287 | China Southern Airlines | -8 | BOE694 « MWH » Air India Express VT-___
7415 | B-208F | 63277 | China Southern Airlines | -8 | BOE695 « MWH » Air India Express VT-___
7440 | B-20A3 | 61637 | Shanghai Airlines | -8 | BOE616 « BFI

7493 | B-209V | 61143 | Shenzhen Airlines | -8 | BOE936 « BFI » Air India Express VT-___
7496 | B-209T | 63279 | China Southern Airlines | -8 | BOE697 « BFI
7508 | B-20A0 | 61448 | Shandong Airlines | -8 * | BOE658 « MWH » Air India Express VT-___
7511 | B-209S | 63278 | China Southern Airlines | -8 | BOE698 « MWH

7530 | B-209U | 63289 | China Southern Airlines | -8 | BOE699 « MWH » Air India Express VT-___

7546 | B-20AY | 61644 | Shanghai Airlines | -8 | BOE618 « BFI 

7575 | B-20AG | 61449 | Shandong Airlines | -8 | BOE659 « MWH » Air India Express VT-___

7595 | B-20C7 | 63281 | China Southern Airlines | -8 | BOE696 « MWH » Air India Express VT-___
7613 | B-20AU | 63290 | China Southern Airlines | -8 | BOE701 « MWH » Air India Express VT-___

7624 | B-____ | 61712 | Kunming Airlines | -8 | BOE201 « MWH » Air India Express VT-___
7645 | B-20CC | 61645 | Shanghai Airlines | -8 | BOE619 « BFI
7651 | B-20AX | 61450 | Shandong Airlines | -8 | BOE661 « MWH » Air India Express VT-___

7676 | B-20DK | 61147 | Shenzhen Airlines | -8 | BOE940 « MWH » Air India Express VT-___

7690 | B-20CQ | 64677 | Xiamen Air | -8 | BOE339 « MWH
7691 | B-20C9 | 63283 | China Southern Airlines | -8 | BOE704 « BFI

7715 | B-20D6 | 65258 | China Southern Airlines | -8 | BOE712 « MWH

7723 | B-20DL | 61148 | Shenzhen Airlines | -8 | BOE941 « MWH

7750 | B-20CL | 43836 | Xiamen Air | -8 | BOE342 « BFI » Air India Express VT-___
7751 | B-20CT | 65251 | China Southern Airlines | -8 | BOE714 « MWH
7761 | B-20DH | 60922 | Air China | -8 BOE275 « MWH
7764 | B-____ | 65275 | China Southern Airlines | -8 | BOE715 « MWH

7784 | B-____ | 65253 | China Southern Airlines | -8 | BOE716 « MWH
7795 | B-____ | 65257 | China Southern Airlines | -8 | BOE717 « MWH
7798 | B-20DP | 61157 | Shenzhen Airlines | -8 | BOE942 « MWH
7813 | B-20DJ | 60923 | Air China | -8 | BOE276 « MWH
7826 | B-____ | 61652 | China Eastern Airlines | -8 | BOE622 « MWH » Air India Express VT-___
7831 | B-20DV | 42964 | Xiamen Air | -8 | BOE372 « VCV 

7865 | B-20DQ | 60924 | Air China | -8 | BOE278  « MWH
7867 | B-20E1 | 64679 | Xiamen Air | -8 | BOE375 « VCV
7875 | B-____ | 65250 | China Southern Airlines | -8 | BOE719 « VCV
7878 | B-20E2 | 61456 | Shandong Airlines | -8 | BOE666 « VCV
7887 | B-____ | 63291 | China Southern Airlines | -8 | BOE708  « MWH

7929 | B-224U | 61385 | 9Air | -8 (orange) | BOE454  « MWH » Boeing N5515R
7931 | B-20DS | 60826 | Air China | -8 | BOE279 « MWH
7934 | B-20DX | 64680 | Xiamen Air | -8 | BOE376  « MWH
7944 | B-20E3 | 60928 | Air China | -8 | BOE280 « BFI
7948 | B-20DY | 64681 | Xiamen Air | -8 | BOE377 « MWH

8001 | B-224E | 61657 | Shanghai Airlines | -8 | BOE625 « VCV

8100 | B-____ | 43840 | Xiamen Air | -8 | BOE380 « MWH

8125 | B-____ | 61661 | Shanghai Airlines | -8 | BOE629 « MWH

8178 | B-____ | 61154 | Shenzhen Airlines | -8 | BOE950 « MWH » Boeing N239BE

8181 | B-____ | 60938 | Air China | -8 | BOE284 « MWH

8186 | B-226E | 43841 | Xiamen Air | -8 | BOE387 « MWH

8189 | B-____ | 61460 | Shandong Airlines | -8 | BOE679 « MWH

8194 | B-____ | 43845 | Xiamen Air | -8 | BOE388 « MWH

8206 | B-____ | 60941 | Air China | -8 | BOE287 « BFI

8229 | B-____ | 61124 | Shenzhen Airlines | -8 | BOE954 « BFI

8235 | B-____ | 61153 | Shenzhen Airlines | -8 | BOE955 « MWH » Boeing N5573B

8248 | B-____ | 43847 | Xiamen Air | -8 | BOE391 « MWH

8254 | B-224L | 65254 | China Southern Airlines | -8 | BOE171 « BFI

8879 | HL7216 | 63442 | Jin Air | -8 | BOE385 « PDX

8882 | VH-8IE  | 66644 | Virgin Australia | -8 "Brighton Beach" | BOE6 « BFI

8914 | VT-YBB | _____ | Akasa Air | -8 200 | BOE451 « BFI 

8918 | HL7217 | 63445 | Jin Air | -8 | BOE386 « BFI

8965 | VT-YBC | _____ | Akasa Air | -8 200 | BOE452 « BFI 

8974 | HL7218 | 63441 | Jin Air | -8 « BFI

9004 | VT-___ | _____ | Akasa Air -8 200 « RNT

• • •

P-8A and E-7A

9142 | 230921 | 66448 | Republic of Korea Navy | P-8A | « NIP

9526 | 230922 | 67012 | Republic of Korea Navy | P-8A | POSIDN1 « NIP

9602 | 230923 | 67013 | Republic of Korea Navy | P-8A « BFI

____ | 230925 | 67014 | Republic of Korea Navy | P-8A « RNT

____ | 230926 | 67015 | Republic of Korea Navy | P-8A « RNT

____ | 230927 | 67016 | Republic of Korea Navy | P-8A « RNT

The RoK Navy P-8As may be re-designated as P-8Ks.

• • • • • 

« Final Assembly / Pre-Flight Prep / First Flight from RNT

« Pre-Delivery Test Flights / Ready For Delivery
« Stored (Location [IATA])

° New / Modified Livery
* Special Livery / Markings
» New airline and registration
» Boeing registration for ferry to HSN


LOCATIONS [IATA]
RNT: Renton Municipal Airport, Renton, WA
BFI: Boeing Field International Airport, Seattle, WA

PAE: Snohomish County Airport (Paine Field), Everett, WA

MWH: Grant County International Airport, Moses Lake, WA

SKF: Kelly Field, San Antonio, TX

VCV: Southern California Logistics Airport, Victorville, CA

NIP: Naval Air Station Jacksonville / Jacksonville Airport, Jacksonville, FL

GED: Delaware Coastal Airport, Georgetown, DE

• • • • •

NOTES

In the event that a delivery flight stops through any Hawai‘i airport other than HNL, their IATA airport code will noted after the flight number. 

Delivery flights that go through ANC, KEF, or any other non-Hawai‘i airport, will only be listed on our Google Sheet.

Due to the airworthiness directive for the 737MAX series, along with delivery deferrals, some airframes may deliver from sites other than BFI, and will be noted in the flight number information. 

If an airframe listed is sold to another airline, it will be noted with a » symbol, along with the new airline and registration. If the airframe delivers through Hawai‘i, the information will be revised with the delivery information. If it's not making a delivery flight through Hawai‘i, that listing will not be changed to the new airline, then removed upon its delivery flight. That information will be kept on our Google Sheet.

Air India Express is acquiring 55 737-8s that were built for Chinese customers, and have been re-marketed by Boeing, as part of Air India's massive order with Boeing. Akasa Air is also purchasing China-bound 737-8s re-marketed by Boeing.

Most 737s delivering to airlines in India will deliver east-bound through KEF [Keflavik International Airport, Keflavik, Iceland] as their first fuel stop. 

Most 737s delivering to airlines in the Republic of Korea normally delivers through ANC [Ted Stevens International Airport, Anchorage, AK] for their first fuel stop.

In the event they deliver through Hawai‘i, they will be listed on a post, and on the deliveries page.

Some of the deliveries bound for China will ferry to the Boeing China 737 Completion and Delivery Center, in Zhoushan, China, will have this » symbol following the flight number, that probably will be the Boeing test flight number assigned to the particular airframe.

...

VP-BEL

VP-BEL (c/n 29139, l/n 189), a 737-74T BBJ owned by Orient Global Singapore, is making a stop at HNL from DAL. VP-BEL has made stops at HNL over the past several years.

Hawai‘i Rainbow Warriors Team Charter

The Hawai‘i Rainbow Warriors football team is chartering a Hawaiian Airlines A321-271N for their road trip to Pullman, WA to play the Washington State Cougars on Saturday. N204HA "ʻŌhiʻa Lehua" (msn 7959) is flying the team to GEG as HAL758. The A321N will remain at GEG, and bring the 'Bows home following the game.

19 October 2024 UPDATE

N204HA is bringing the Rainbow Warriors home as HAL759 tonight, following their 42-10 loss to the Cougars.

NASA's N436NA

NASA's HC-130H, N436NA (msn 382-5104), is making a stop at HIK, from WAL, via RIV, as NASA436.

18 October 2024 UPDATE

N436NA departed for UAM this morning.

Air Niugini's C-FFOY

Air Niugini is taking delivery of their fourth Dash8-Q400, with C-FFOY (msn 4327). This Dash8-402Q is making its delivery flight from YQA to POM, via YLK, YWG, YYJ, HNL, and MAJ.

4327'S History:

Dec 2010: Delivered to Olympic Air as SX-OBH, under lease from MIG Aviation.

Jly 2012: Sold to Nordic Aviation Capital (NAC), and the lease transferred.

Jan 2020: Air ambulance decals added.

Jun 2022: WIthdrawn from service, and stored at EXT.

Aug 2022: Re-registered as OY-FFA, and ferried to YYZ for storage.

Oct 2022: Due to lease to Connect Airlines as N885WM (f/n 885), but not taken up.

Nov 2022: Ferried to YQA for storage.

May 2024: Acquired by World Wide Ferry as C-FFOY to prep for Air Niugini.

Korean Air Launches ICN-HNL 787-10 Service

Korean Air launched 787-10 service today on their ICN-HNL service, KAL53/54. HL8515 (c/n 66878, l/n 1152) is making the first B78X flight. Korean Air becomes the second airline to have 787-10s serving HNL, along with United Airlines.

Airnorth's N197JB

Southern Cross International is delivering N197JB (msn 19000020) to Airnorth from SJO to DRW, via SDM, HNL, and MAJ, as SXI2477. This ERJ-190AR is owned by Alliance Airlines, and is being leased to Airnorth. It will be registered as VH-A2A in Australia.

19000020's History

Feb 2006: Delivered to jetBlue as N197JB "Color Me Blue" (f/n 197) with the "Dots" tail livery, under lease from GECAS.

Dec 2014: Tail livery repainted in the "Tartan" design.

Aug 2020: Withdrawn from service, and stored at MZJ, returned to service six months later.

Nov 2021: Sold to AerCap, and the lease transferred.

Dec 2023: Withdrawn from service, and stored at MCN.

May 2024: Acquired by TVPX Trust Services

Jun 2024: Ferried to SJO for prep to Alliance Airlines to lease to Airnorth.

17 October 2024 UPDATE

SXI2477 departed for MAJ this morning, but has since turned back to HNL.

19 October 2024 UPDATE

SXI2477 departed this morning for SDM, then returning to SJO.

N706GD

N706GD (msn 87006), the Gulfstream G700 prototype, is making a stop at HNL from SAV [Savannah / Hilton Head International Airport, Savannah, GA]. It will continue onto DAD [Da Nang International Airport, Da Nang, Vietnam].

16 October 2024 UPDATE

N706GD returned from DAD, and will return to SAV the next morning.

Boise State Broncos Team Charter

The Boise State Broncos football team is chartering an Omni Air International 767-224ER for their road trip to play the Hawai‘i Rainbow Warriors on Saturday. N234AX (c/n 30436, l/n 833) is making the flight as OAE2070.

The Broncos will return to BOI following the game.

Royal Canadian Air Force's 330002

The Royal Canadian Air Force's CC-330, 330002 (msn 1653), is making a brief fuel stop at HNL from YOW, as it transits westward as CFC1. This VIP-configured A330-243 is transporting Prime Minister Justin Trudeau. During its brief fuel stop, 330002 parked on the south cargo ramp.

1653's History:

Aug 2015: Delivered to Kuwait airways as 9K-APC "Al Sabahiya".

Mar 2019: 65th Anniversary decals applied, and renamed "Al-Jalboot".

Feb 2023: Withdrawn from service, and stored at BSL.

Aug 2023: Acquired by the Royal Canadian Air Force, to be configured with a VIP cabin, and registered as 330002.

REX Airlines' VH-PAG

REX Airlines is returning VH-PAG (c/n 37821, l/n 3288) to its lessor, Castlelake. This 737-8FE is ferrying from MEL to MZJ, via BNE, GUM, MAJ, and HNL. It's making an overnight stop at HNL.

37821's History:

May 2010: Delivered to Virgin Blue as VH-VUV "Ruby Blue".

May 2011: Airline rebrands as Virgin Australia, and renamed "Binalong Bay".

Mar 2020: Withdrawn from service, and stored at CGK.

Feb 2021: Sold to Castlelake, and leased to REX Airlines as VH-PAG.

US Navy's 160770 PlaneTags

When MotoArt came down to the Kalaeloa Airport, the second former Naval Air Museum at Barbers Point aircraft they dismantled, was the former US Navy Lockheed P-3C Orion, BuNo 160770 (msn 285A-5679). MotoArt released the PlaneTags for 160770 today.

160770's history is noted in this blog piece on the PlaneTags website.

QantasLink's VH-8NZ

Network Aviation is taking delivery of VH-8NZ "Abrolhos Islands" (msn 3395). This QantasLink-liveried A319-132 departed BQN for BNE yesterday. It's being flown by Southern Cross International as SXI2468 from BQN to PHX, then as SXI2467 from PHX to HNL. Other stops en route to PER, are APW and CNS; they are being flown as SXI2468.

3395's History:

Feb 2008: Delivered to Spirit Airlines as N534NK (f/n 534), under lease from GECAS.

Jun 2014: Painted in the current livery.

Jun 2018: Sold to Merx Aviation, and the lease transferred.

Jan 2020: Given the fleet number 1534.

Jun 2021: Purchased by Spirit Airlines.

Feb 2023: Withdrawn from service, and stored at P08 [Coolidge Muni Airport, Coolidge, AZ].

Mar 2023: Acquired by Gryphon Aviation Leasing.

May 2024: Ferried to MCN, then BQN [Rafael Hernandez Airport, Aguadilla, PR] to prep for Network Aviation to operate for QantasLink.

Kamaka Air's N99131

We're bringing back "HNL RareBirds Classic", this time, on a quarterly basis. This quarter, we are featuring Kamaka Air's C-47A-65-DL Skytrain, N99131 (c/n 18949), as it sat on HNL's South Ramp in 2005. While it never formally wore Kamaka Air titles, the faint outline of "Aero Venezuela" titles can be seen. This C-47A made appearances in the motion picture "Pearl Harbor" and "Outbreak"; and the television series "Magnum P.I." [episodes "Let Me Hear The Music" (1985) and "Going Home" (1985)] that were filmed in Hawai‘i.

N99131 was donated by James Petrides to the Pearl Harbor Aviation Museum in April 2012, and was restored and repainted to its World War II US Army Air Force livery.

18949's History:

Oct 1943: Delivered to the US Army Air Force as 42-100486 "Cheeky Charlie".

Dec 1943: Assigned to the 40th TCS, 371th TCG, 5th AF.

Mar 1945: Assigned to the 6th TCS, 374th TCG, 5th AF.

Dec 1945: Sold to Australian National Airlines as VH-ANX "Tarrana".

Oct 1957: Transferred to Ansett-ANA.

Apr 1966: Transferred to Ansett-Airline of South Australia.

Mar 1970: Converted to a freighter, and transferred to Ansett-McRoberston Miller Airlines.

Aug 1972: Sold to Island Air Transfer as N99131.

Mar 1976: Leased to Genavco Corp and named "Tyranna".

Mar 1978: Acquired by Genavco.

Apr 1986: Loaned to Aloha Airlines to celebrate its 40th Anniversary.

Mar 2001: Transferred to the Kamaka Air fleet after the airline acquired Genavco.

Jan 2010: Sold to James Petrides.

Apr 2012: Donated to the Pearl Harbor Aviation Museum.

NBA Team Charters

Both the Los Angeles Clippers and the Golden State Warriors of the National Basketball Association arrived today aboard their own team charters today. Both teams are holding their preseason training camps here on O‘ahu, and will play a single exhibition game in October.

The Clippers arrived from LAX, aboard a Hawaiian Airlines A330-243, N383HA "Hānaiakamālama" (msn 1217), as HAL741.

The Warriors arrived from SFO, aboard Omni Air International's 767-323ER, N36NE (c/n 25193, l/n 388) as OAE2563. They used the New England Patriots-liveried 767.

05 October 2024 UPDATE

The Warriors returned to SFO aboard N36NE as OAE2563 tonight. The Clippers returned to LAX aboard N393HA "Lehuakona" (msn 1422) as HAL742 tonight.

N796SA

N796SA (c/n 24796, l/n 1887), a 737-4S3F owned by Classic QF Freighters, is ferrying from MEL to MZJ, via BNE, MAJ, and HNL. It will make an overnight stop at HNL.

24796's History:

Jly 1990: Delivered to Air Europe as G-BRKG, under lease from ILFC.

Apr 1991: Leased to Dan-Air London as G-TREN.

Oct 1992: Leased to British Airways.

___ 1995: Painted in the "Landor livery".

Apr 1997: Leased to GB Airways, operating for British Airways.

Dec 1997: Painted with the "Blue Poole" tail livery.

Mar 2002: Sold to Triton Aviation Finance, and the lease transferred.

Jun 2002: Leased to Islandflug as TF-ELV, and operated on behalf of Air Miles.

Jan 2005: Leased to Air Atlanta Icelandic.

May 2005: Subleased to Excel Airways, and returned five months later.

Dec 2005: Subleased to Xtra Airways.

Feb 2006: Leased to Xtra Airways as N43XA.

Aug 2007: Subleased to Direct Air, and operated by Xtra Airways for 11 months.

Jly 2008: Returned to Xtra Airways titles.

Nov 2011: Painted in the Direct Air livery, and operated by Xtra.

Feb 2016: Sold to World Star Aviation, and converted to a freighter at DHN.

Apr 2017: Sold to Express Freighters to operate for Qantas Freight as VH-XNH with StarTrack decals.

Jly 2019: Australian Post decals replaced Star Track decals.

Aug 2024: Withdrawn from service, and stored at MEL.

Sep 2024: Acquired by Classic QF Freighters as N796SA.

Aloha ‘Oe KC-10A Extender

In a few days, the US Air Force will officially retire the remaining McDonnell-Douglas KC-10A Extenders in service. The first KC-10As entered the US Air Force fleet in March 1981, and has faithfully served for 43+ years. Over 50 were built for the Air Force.

82-0191 (c/n 48213, l/n 383), pictured above, is seen on final approach for Runway 8L. This KC-10A entered service in April 1983, and retired in November 2023. It was last with the 60th AMW/ 349th AMW based at Travis AFB, CA.

Shanghai Airlines' B-226F

Despite the machinists strike at Boeing, Shanghai Airlines is taking delivery of B-226F (c/n 61659, l/n 8038) today. This 737-8 is making its delivery flight from BFI to PVG, via HNL and GUM as CSH9003, and will overnight at HNL.

Royal New Zealand Air Force's NZ7012 & NZ7013

The Royal New Zealand Air Force's No. 40 Squadron is taking delivery of two C-130J-30s, as they both make their way from MGE to MHB, via SUU, HNL, and APW. Both Super Hercules will overnight at HIK.

NZ7012 (msn 382-5986) is flying as KIW926.

NZ7013 (msn 382-5988) is flying as KIW939.

Southwest Airlines To Launch Red-Eye Flights To Mainland

Southwest Airlines announced this morning that they will launch overnight (or red-eye) flights from Hawai‘i to the US mainland, starting on 08 April 2025. According to the airline, it will offer travelers more options on connecting flights.

The following red-eye routes are:

HNL-LAS

HNL-PHX

KOA-LAS

OGG-LAS

OGG-PHX

QantasLink's VH-NXQ

Southern Cross International is ferrying National Jet Systems' VH-NXQ "Port Campbell National Park" (c/n 55097,  l/n 5095) from CBR to VCV, via APW and KOA, as SXI2470. This QantasLink-liveried 717-231 will make an overnight stop at KOA tonight.

55097's History:

Dec 2001: Delivered to American Airlines as N430TW (f/n 2430), under lease from Pembroke, but never entered service.

Apr 2002: Leased to Impulse Airlines as VH-VQK to operate for QantasLink.

May 2004: Leased to Jetstar Airways.

Nov 2005: Re-registered as VH-YQK.

Sep 2007: Leased to National Jet Systems to operate for QantasLink, registered as VH-NXQ.

Oct 2011: Sold to BBAM, and the lease transferred.

Mar 2013: Sold to Falko, and the lease transferred.

Nov 2015: Purchased by National Jet Systems.

Jan 2021: Re-painted in the current livery, and named "Port Campbell National Park".

Hawaiian Airlines To Join Oneworld Alliance

With its merger with Alaska Airlines complete, Hawaiian Airlines will join the Oneworld alliance in 2026. It will join sister-airline Alaska Airlines and American Airlines as the US representatives in the global airline alliance.

Further information in this CH-Aviation article.

Amazon Prime Air's N5827K

Hawaiian Airlines is taking delivery of N5827K "Lady Lindy" (msn 1081). This A330-343F, operating for Amazon Prime Air, is making its delivery flight from PVG to HNL, via KIX, as HAL9664. This is Hawaiian's fourth of ten A330-343Fs to be delivered, under lease from Altavair Finance.

1081's History:

Jan 2010: Delivered to Etihad as A6-AFB. 

Nov 2019: Withdrawn from service, and stored at AUH.

Jly 2020: Acquired by Altavair Finance, and ferried to TEV for storage.

Jan 2024: Ferried to PVG, registered as F-WTAW, for storage, then freighter conversion.

10 October 2024 UPDATE

N5827K departed for SMF this afternoon, as HAL1720.

QantasLink's VH-8NS

Network Aviation is taking delivery of VH-8NS (msn 2490) as part of its QantasLink operation. This A319-132 is being flown by Southern Cross International, and is making its delivery flight from BQN to PER, via PHX, HNL, APW, and CNS, as SXI2467.

2490's History:

Jun 2005: Delivered to Spirit Airlines as N506NK (f/n 506), under lease from ILFC.

Dec 2007: Painted in the 2007 livery.

May 2014: Sold to AerCap, and the lease transferred.

Jun 2015: Painted in the current livery.

May 2018: Purchased by Spirit Airlines.

Jan 2020: Given fleet number 1506.

May 2023: Withdrawn from service, and stored at P08 [Coolidge Muni Airport, Coolidge, AZ].

Jun 2023: Acquired by Gryphon Aviation Leasing.

Apr 2024: Ferried to MCN, then BQN [Rafael Hernandez Airport, Aguadilla, PR].

Sep 2024: Sold to Network Aviation as VH-8NS.

Alaska Airlines Completes Merger With Hawaiian Airlines

After the US Department of Transportation (USDOT) granted an exemption to allow the transfer of international routes, it cleared the way for the Alaska Airlines / Hawaiian Airlines merger to proceed with the completion of the merger of the two airlines. The two airlines will operate separately, even after they come under one operating certificate.

Further information in the Alaska Airlines press release.

2-IBAZ

Alterna Capital Partners is having 2-IBAZ (c/n 35717, l/n 2455), a 737-9GPER, ferrying from ONT to Asia, with an overnight stop at HNL. It's still wearing the Fly Baghdad livery. The final destination for this ferry flight will be CGK, though the new lessee has been revealed.

35717's History:

Dec 2007: Delivered to Lion Air as PK-LFP, under lease from Merx Aviation.

Apr 2018: Leased to Azur Air Germany as D-AZUG.

Nov 2018: Leased to Azur Air as VQ-BYX.

Mar 2022: Withdrawn from service, and stored at ADB.

Apr 2022: Ferried to CQM, then CAI for storage.

Aug 2023: Leased to Fly Baghdad as YI-BAZ.

Jan 2024: Withdrawn from service, and stored at AYT.

Feb 2024: Acquired by Alterna Capital Partners as 2-IBAZ.

Apr 2024: Ferried to ROW for storage.

Aug 2024: Ferried to ONT for storage.

18 September 2024 UPDATE

2-IBAZ departed HNL this morning, but returned about 90 minutes later.

28 September 2024 UPDATE

2-IBAZ departed HNL for MAJ.

30 September 2024 UPDATE

35717 is being leased to Lion Air as PK-LVG.

Virgin Australia Adjusts 737MAX Order

Aerospace Global News reports that Virgin Australia will convert 12 of its 25 737-10s to 737-8s. With the delays in the 737-10 certification, the airline felt that it could keep new aircraft deliveries by converting to the 737-8.

QantasLink VH-X4D

National Jet Systems is taking delivery of VH-X4D "Platypus" (msn 55298). This QantasLink-liveried A220-371 (BD-500-1A11) is making its delivery flight from YMX to CBR, via YVR, HNL, and NAN as QFA6075, and will overnight at HNL. VH-X4D departed YMX yesterday, and overnighted at YVR.

Boeing Machinists Strike

Machinists for Boeing began a strike today, as they rejected a four-year deal that was endorsed by union leadership. This affects all of Boeing's operations, assembly lines, and deliveries out of Washington. The 737MAX, KC-46A, 767-300F, and 777 production and testing lines haver come to a screeching halt.

Further details in this Aviation Week article.

Hawai‘i Rainbow Warriors Team Charter

The Hawai‘i Rainbow Warriors football team is chartering a Hawaiian Airlines A321-271N for their road game to play the Sam Houston State Bearkats on Saturday. N204HA "ʻŌhiʻa Lehua" (msn 7959, f/n 204) is taking the team as HAL750, with its first stop at OAK. The team charter will continue onto IAH as HAL752. N204HA is scheduled to stay at IAH to bring the Rainbow Warriors home following the game.

14 September 2024 UPDATE

N204HA is departed IAH for OAK as HAL753, then to HNL as HAL755.

Never Forget!

Twenty-three years ago today, the world changed as four airliners were hijacked by radical islamists, and two flown into the World Trade Center towers in New York City; one flown into the Pentagon in Washington, DC; and one crashed in a field in Shanksville, PA. These terrorists acts killed thousands of innocents and first responders.

We honor, and pay tribute to the fallen of the heinous events of this day in 2001.

LEST WE NEVER FORGET! 🇺🇸

Westpac Air Ambulance's ZK-PSR

Westpac Air Ambulance's Mitsubishi MU-2B-60 Marquise, ZK-PSR (msn 1569SA) is making a stop at HNL from APW. It's making its way to its new home at MRI [Merrill Field, Anchorage, AK]. The flight originated in HLZ [Hamilton International Airport, Hamilton, New Zealand], with stops at AKL and APW, HNL, OAK, EAT [Pengborn Memorial Airport, Wenatchee, WA], and HOM [Homer Airport, Homer, AK].

1596SA's History:

Apr 1986: Delivered to Hoover Inc as N222HH.

Aug 2007: Acquired by Vulcan Drywall & Acoustical inc.

Jly 2008: Acquired by Allstate Veneer Corp.

Jan 2011: Acquired by Terence Cunningham as N696CM.

Jun 2016: Acquired by Search and Rescue Service Ltd as ZK-PSR.

Jan 2018: Acquired by Westpac Air Ambulance.

Jly 2024: Acquired by Helicopter Leasing New Zealand Ltd.

14 September 2024 UPDATE

ZK-PSR departed HNL this morning for OAK.

China Southern Airlines' B-20AT

China Southern Airlines is taking delivery of their second 737-8 in as many days, with B-20AT (c/n 63280, l/n 7646). It's making its delivery flight from BFI to CAN, via HNL and GUM, as CSN5034; and will overnight at HNL. B-20AT is the 50th 737MAX, all 737-8s, to deliver through Hawai‘i so far this year.

VP-CTT

Phenix Jet's 737-7ZH BBJ, VP-CTT (c/n 38751, l/n 3796), is making another stop at HNL. This time, flying as CPJ88, from GED [Delaware Coastal Airport, Georgetown, DE], via DAY [James M Cox Dayton International Airport, Dayton, OH]. This BBJ made a stop at HNL this past February.

11 September 2024 UPDATE

VP-CTT departed for NRT today as CPJ88.

Air China's N231BE

Boeing is ferrying Air China's N231BE (c/n 60942, l/n 8221) from BFI to HSN for completion. This grey-tail 737-8 is flying as BOE289, and will make overnight stops at JRF and GUM.

China Southern Airlines' B-20CU

China Southern Airlines is taking delivery of B-20CU (c/n 65274, l/n 7728) today. This 737-8 is making its delivery flight from BFI to CAN, via HNL and GUM, as CSN5033, and will overnight at HNL.

REX Airlines' VH-RYU

REX Airlines is ferrying VH-RYU (c/n 33794, l/n 1373) from SYD to MZJ, via NAN and HNL. It's being returned to its lessor, Castlelake, as the airline is in voluntary administration with the Australian government. 

The ten 737-800s REX were operating, are now in storage, and in the process of being returned to its lessors. REX Airlines is still operating with their fleet of Saab 340s.

33794's History:

Sep 2003: Delivered to Virgin Blue as VH-VOM "Little Blue Peep".

May 2011: Airline re-brands as Virgin Australia, and renamed "Fairhaven Beach".

Mar 2021: Acquired by Castlelake, then leased to REX Airlines as VH-RYU.

US Coast Guard's 1790 PlaneTags

Earlier this year, crews from MotoArt came down to JRF to dismantle the former US Coast Guard HC-130H, 1790 (msn 382-4391) along with the former US Navy P-3C 160770. MotoArt released PlaneTags of 1790 today. 1790 was part of the former Naval Air Museum at Barbers Point after its service. During its retirement, it made appearances in episodes of "Hawai‘i Five-O (Version 2)", "Magnum, P.I. (Version 2)", and "NCIS Hawai‘i".

1790's History:

Originally ordered by the US Air Force as 81-0999, then given to the US Coast Guard as 1790.

Jly 1983: Assigned to the 17th Coast Guard District at Kodiak, AK.

___ 1990s: Assigned to the 7th Coast Guard District at Clearwater, FL.

Sep 2005: Re-assigned to the 17th Coast Guard District at Kodiak, AK.

Feb 2008: Assigned to the 11th Coast Guard District at Sacramento, CA.

Nov 2009: Re-assigned to the 17th Coast Guard District at Kodiak, AK.

Aug 2017: Assigned to the 14th Coast Guard District at Barbers Point, HI.

Apr 2018: Retired from service, donated to the Naval Air Museum at Barbers Point.

QantasLink's VH-YQT

Southern Cross International is ferrying QantasLink's VH-YQT "Tasman National Park" (c/n 55179, l/n 5129) from CBR to VCV, via APW and HNL. This 717-2BL is flying as SXI2469 [CBR-APW and HNL-VCV], and QFA6070 [APW-HNL].

55179's History:

Mar 2004: Delivered to Midwest Airlines as N917ME, under lease from Boeing Capital.

Sep 2009: Leased to MexicanaClick.

Aug 2010: Withdrawn from service, and stored at MEX.

Dec 2010: Ferried to VCV for storage.

Aug 2013: Ferried to VQQ for storage.

Nov 2013: Leased to National Jet Systems to operate for QantasLink as VH-YQT.

___ 2019: Painted in the current livery, and named "Tasman National Park".

Aug 2024: Withdrawn from service.

05 September 2024 UPDATE

VH-YQT departed for VCV this morning as SXI2469.

Qantas To Take Over MEL-HNL From Jetstar

Aeroroutes.com reports that Qantas will take over the MEL-HNL service from Jetstar from 01 May 2025. Qantas will employ its A330-200s on a thrice-weekly service, which will be one more day than the current Jetstar 787-8 service.

Korean Air To Use 787-10s For Winter Season

According to an AeroRoutes.com report, Korean Air will use their 787-10s for their ICN-HNL service beginning 01 December 2024, for their northern winter season, in place of their 787-9s. Currently, the airline has only two 787-10s in service, and they have three undergoing production testing. They also have one 787-9 in the production test phase, with 13 in service.

Korean Air recently ended their 747-8i service to HNL, and currently employs 777-3B5ERs, with 787-9s slated to take over in October.

Royal New Zealand Air Force's NZ7011

The Royal New Zealand Air Force is taking delivery of their first C-130J, NZ7011 (msn 382-5978). This C-130J-30 Super Hercules is making its delivery flight from MGE to MHB [RNZAF Base Auckland Whenuapai], via LRF [Little Rock AFB, Jacksonville, AR], SUU, HIK, and APW, as KIW843.

NZ7011 is the first of five C-130Js will be assigned to No 40 Squadron "Ki Nga Hau e Wha (Maori for To the Four Winds)". They are to replace the current, aging C-130Hs.

Kunming Airlines' B-225Y

Kunming Airlines is taking delivery of B-225Y (c/n 61710, l/n 8213) today. This 737-8 is making its delivery flight from BFI to KMG, via HNL and GUM, as KNA225Y; and will overnight at HNL.

Alliance Airlines Adjusts E190 Deliveries

Australia's Alliance Airlines has adjusted its deliveries of the remaining ERJ-190ARs they purchased from AerCap, with all deliveries completed by June 2026. Four of the remaining E190s will be painted in the QantasLink livery. Most of these deliveries will be through HNL by Southern Cross International.

Delivery schedule:

3rd Q 2024: 4 (3 to QantasLink)

4th Q 2024: 3 (1 to QantasLink)

1st Q 2025: 3

2nd Q 2025: 2

3rd Q 2025: 2

4th Q 2025: 3

1st Q 2026: 2

2nd Q 2026:1

Further information in this CH-Aviation.com article.