N330GR

N330GR (msn 447), an A320-231 owned by Beijing Eternity Technologies, is being ferried by Nomadic Aviation as OMD382. It's being ferried from TUS to FOC [Changle Airport, Fuzhou, China], via JRF, MAJ, and GUM. According to the Instagram post from Nomadic Aviation, this A320 will become a maintenance trainer.

447's History:

Dec 1993: Delivered to Dragonair as VR-HYU, under lease from ILFC.

Aug 1997: Re-registered as B-HYU after Hong Kong was handed over to the People's Republic of China.

Mar 1999: Leased to Transmeridian Airlines as N447TM.

Apr 1999: Subleased to Aeropostal.

Mar 2001: Leased Skyservice Airlines, and subleased to Roots Air as C-FRAR.

Jun 2003: Leased to Mexicana Airlines as N447MX "Minatitlán".

Mar 2004: Re-registered as XA-UAH

Oct 2011: Leased to Sky Airline as CC-ADO.

Oct 2015: Leased to Danish Air Transport as OY-RUS.

Dec 2018: Withdrawn from service, and stored at SOF.

Feb 2020: Ferried to TUS for storage, and acquired by Elevate Jet as N330GR, a month later.

Oct 2024: Acquired by Beijing Eternity Technologies.

Lufthansa Cargo's D-ALCA

This quarter's edition of "HNL RareBirds Classic" features Lufthansa Cargo's MD-11F, D-ALCA (c/n 48781, l/n 625), departing Runway 8R for AKL, when they flew cargo for Air New Zealand from FRA to AKL, with stops at ORD and HNL. The flight would continue westbound back to FRA.

48781's History:

Jun 1998: Delivered to Lufthansa Cargo as D-ALCA.

Aug 2021: Sold to Western Global Airlines as N781SN (f/n 781).

Dec 2022: Stored at RSW [Southwest Florida Airport, Fort Meyers, FL] for five months.

May 2023: Stored at SHV [Shreveport Regional Airport, Shreveport, LA].

Jan 2025: Returned to service with Western Global Airlines.

Coulson Aviation's N132CG

Coulson Aviation's C-130H, N132CG (msn 382-4338), is returning to its base at TRM. This aerial firefighter is ferrying from BQB [Busselton Regional Airport, Western Australia, Australia] to TRM, via XRH, PPG and KOA.

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.

Our own Google Sheet is documenting the 737 information below, as well as 737MAX deliveries as of 2017.

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

FERRIED TO HSN FOR COMPLETION

• • • • •

ON ORDER

737 MAX

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 « VCV » Air India Express VT-___
7415 | B-208F | 63277 | China Southern Airlines | -8 | BOE695 « BFI » Air India Express VT-___
7440 | B-20A3 | 61637 | Shanghai Airlines | -8 | BOE616 « BFI

7496 | B-209T | 63279 | China Southern Airlines | -8 | BOE697 « BFI 

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

7624 | B-____ | 61712 | Kunming Airlines | -8 | BOE201 « MWH » Air India Express VT-___

7691 | B-20C9 | 63283 | China Southern Airlines | -8 | BOE704 « BFI » Boeing N244BE

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

7750 | B-20CL | 43836 | Xiamen Air | -8 | BOE342 « BFI » Air India Express VT-___
7761 | B-20DH | 60922 | Air China | -8 BOE275 « 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

7875 | B-____ | 65250 | China Southern Airlines | -8 | BOE719 « VCV
7878 | B-20E2 | 61456 | Shandong Airlines | -8 | BOE878 « VCV

7887 | B-____ | 63291 | China Southern Airlines | -8 | BOE708  « MWH

7931 | B-20DS | 60826 | Air China | -8 | BOE279 « MWH « SWA N8943Q
7948 | B-20DY | 64681 | Xiamen Air | -8 | BOE377 « MWH

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

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

8181 | B-____ | 60938 | Air China | -8 | BOE284 « BFI » Boeing N248BE

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

8206 | B-225Q | 60941 | Air China | -8 | BOE287 « BFI

8229 | B-____ | 61124 | Shenzhen Airlines | -8 | BOE954 « BFI » Boeing N252BE « ACA C-FFIK

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 « VCV » Boeing N249BE

9098 | B-225S | 64317 | Hainan Airlines | -8 « RNT

9111 | HL8553 | 66541 | Jeju Air | -8 « RNT

9132 | HL8581 | 66412 | T'Way Air | -8  « RNT »

9204 | HL8566 | 63488 | Republic of Korea Air Force | -8 BBJ | BOE396 / KAL30D « HAM

• • •

P-8A and E-7A

• • • • • 

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

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

« Duplicate Boeing test flight numbers

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

» New / updated information

LOCATIONS [IATA]
RNT: Renton Municipal Airport, Renton, WA
BFI: King County International Airport - Boeing Field, 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.
...

... 

QantasLink's VH-X4F

National Jet Systems is taking delivery of VH-X4F "Rainbow Lorikeet" (msn 55340). This QantasLink-liveried A220-300 (BD-500-1A11) is making tis delivery flight from YMX to CBR, via YVR, HNL, and NAN as QLK6076. It will make an overnight atop at HNL tonight. This is National Jet Systems' first A220 for 2025, and their sixth overall.

Conair's C-GVFK

Conair's C-GVFK (msn E2268, f/n 164) is returning to its base at YXX, after its deployment for the Australian summer fire season. This RJ85 aerial firefighter is ferrying from BNE to YXX, via HIR, MAJ, HNL, and OAK. It's making an overnight stop at HNL tonight.

QanatsLink's VH-8NW

Network Aviation is taking delivery of VH-8NW "Pink Lake" (msn 2704). Southern Cross Aviation is flying this A319-132 from BQN to BNE, via PHX, KOA, and APW, as SXI2506. It will make an overnight stop at KOA tonight.

2704's History

Mar 2006: Delivered to Spirit Airlines as N516NK "Spirit of Cancun" (f/n 516), under lease from ILFC.

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

Jun 2018: Purchased by Spirit Airlines, and painted in the current livery.

___ 2020: Fleet number redesigned as 1516.

Feb 2024: Withdrawn from service, and stored at P08.

Mar 2024: Acquired by Gryphon Aviation Leasing.

Aug 2024: Ferried to MCN for prep to QantasLink.

Nov 2024: Ferried to MZJ.

Dec 2024: Ferried to BQN.

Smartwings' OK-SWK

Smartwings' OK-SWK (c/n 62914, l/n 9027) is making a stop at HNL from SAN as TVS4363. This 737-8 is making a tour group charter flight from PRG that left on 19 March, and is flying west. It will make an overnight stop at HNL tonight.

OK-SWK's History:

Jan 2025: Delivered to Smartwings, under lease from AerCap.

29 March 2025 UPDATE

OK-SWK departed for APW this afternoon as TVS4364, continuing their group tour charter.

N261FC Hard Landing In Kunia

N261FC (msn 28-24697), a Piper PA-28-140 Cherokee 140 owned by Ai Vu, had a hard landing in a field in Kunia, north of the Royal Kunia subdivision. Thankfully, both pilots on board survived, with one transported to a nearby hospital for treatment.

Hawaiian Airlines' N782HA

Hawaiian Airlines is taking delivery of their third 787-9 DreamLiner, N782HA (c/n 66430, l/n 1223, f/n 782) today. It's making its delivery flight from CHS as HAL9787. Its Hawaiian name is taped over, and will be revealed when the 787 is blessed.

Virgin Australia's VH-VNR

Virgin Australia is returning VH-VNR (msn 3986) to its lessor, Avolon. This A320-232 making its ferry flight from PER to GYR, via CNS, MAJ, and KOA. It will make an overnight stop at KOA tonight.

3986's History:

Dec 2009: Delivered to Tiger Air as 9V-TAK, under ease from GECAS.

Jan 2010: Transferred to Tiger Air Australia as VH-VNK.

Jly 2013: Airline rebrands as Tigerair Australia.

Jly 2016: Acquired by Avolon, and the lease transferred.

Mar 2020: Withdrawn from service, and returned to Avolon.

Mar 2022: Leased to Virgin Australia Regional as VH-VNR.

Feb 2025: Withdrawn from service.

N743AX

N743AX (c/n 22218, l/n 31), a 767-232F owned by Cargo Aircraft Management, is making a flight from SFB to SZB, via HNL and GUM. This white-tail 767 will make an overnight stop at HNL tonight. It's going to be leased to Raya Airways.

22218's History:

Dec 1982: Delivered to Delta Air Lines as N106DA (f/n 106).

___ 2005: Painted in the 2000 livery.

Apr 2007: Sold to ABX Air, re-registered as N743AX (f/n 743), and converted to a freighter.

Jly 2010: Sold to Cargo Aircraft Management, and leased to AmeriJet.

Apr 2022: Withdrawn from service, and stored at SNN.

May 2023: Ferried to ILN for storage.

Oct 2024: Ferried to SFB for storage.

Jan 2025: Ferried to DHN for pre to new lessee.

26 March 2025 UPDATE

N743AX departed for GUM this morning.

27 March 2025 UPDATE

N743AX departed GUM for SZB today.

30 March 2025 UPDATE

N743AX is re-registered as 9M-RXE

US Air Force's 74-0787

74-0787 (c/n 20684, l/n 232), an E-4B Advanced Airborne Command Post (AACP), flying as TITAN29, is making a stop at HIK from ADW. This E-4B is transporting US Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth for visits to bases in the US Indo-Pacific Command theater. 74-0787 is assigned to the 1st Airborne Command and Control Squadron / 595th Command and Control Group, based out of Offutt AFB, OK.

These 50-year-old E-4Bs, built from the 747-200B airframe, will be replaced in several years by the 747-8s acquired from Korean Air, and is being converted by the Sierra Nevada Corp.

G-KELT

Acropolis Aviation's G-KELT (msn 8403), is making a stop at HNL from MSP today. This A320-251N ACJ, flying as CRV1, is scheduled to continue onto SYD tomorrow.

27 March 2025 UPDATE

G-KELT stopped off at HNL returning from SYD.

29 March 2025 UPDATE

G-KELT departed for PBI after midnight.

Xiamen Airlines' N242BE

Boeing is ferrying Xiamen Airlines' N242BE (c/n 64677, l/n 7690) from BFI to HSN, via KOA and GUM, as BOE339. This 737-8 is heading for cabin completion at Boeing China. It was originally registered as B-20CQ, and will be re-registered upon delivery. N242BE will make an overnight stop at KOA tonight.

Malaysia Airlines Orders 30 More 737MAXs

Malaysia Airlines announced a confirmation of an order of an additional 30 737MAX series airliners, with an option for another 30, today. The airline says the order is broken into 18 737-8s and 12 737-10s, with deliveries expected to begin in 2027. Malaysia Airlines originally ordered 25 737-8s under lease from Air Lease Corp, but was disclosed if the additional 30 will be leased or purchased.

Further information in this CH-Aviation.com article.

Honeywell International's N757HW

Honeywell International's 757-225 test airliner, N757HW (c/n 22194, l/n 5), is making a stop at JRF from PHX this afternoon, as HNW757. It's wearing the new livery with the #futureshaper titles on the tail. N757HW is heading for AVV [Avalon Airport, Melbourne, Australia], for the Avalon Airshow.

We've managed to catch N757HW at HNL a few times over the past several years.

21 March 2025 UPDATE

N757HW departed JRF for NAN this morning.

29 March 2025 UPDATE

N757HW arrived from NAN this afternoon, and will return to PHX tomorrow morning.

Zipair To Increase Fleet

As part of a new order with Boeing, Japan Airlines announced that they will transfer two 787-8s and ten 787-9s to Zipair, which will increase the fleet size to 20. The two 787-8s will join Zipair in 2026, while the ten 787-9s will be added in 2027. Japan Airlines also has ten 787-9s on order, slated for deliveries in 2027 and 2028.

Japan Airlines also announced that they are adding 17 more 737-8s to their existing order of 21, bring the total to 38. Deliveries are set to begin in FY2026.

Further information in this Aviation Week article and this Japan Airlines press release.

Xiamen Air's N230BE

Boeing is ferrying Xiamen Air's N230BE (c/n 64680, l/n 7934) from BFI to HSN, via KOA and GUM, as BOE376. This 737-8, was originally registered as B-20DX, and will be re-registered after its cabin configuration is completed. It will make an overnight stop at KOA tonight,

Asiana Airlines Alters Livery

If you haven't noticed, Asiana Airlines began removing the red arrow logo next to the titles, as well as the "Kumho Asiana Group" titles in the tan-colored section of the tail livery, since the merger between Korean Air and Asian Airlines was finalized this past December. With the merger, it began the slow phase out of the identity of Kumho Group's stake in Asiana. However, some of the new-builds A321-251NXs still have the Kumho logo and titles.

Mahalo to HNL RareBirds contributor Joe G Walker for pointing out the change in the Asiana livery, and for the above photo of HL8381 (msn 387), an A350-941 departing SEA as AAR271 to ICN,

Conair's C-FFQF

Conair's C-FFQF (msn 4315, f/n 391) is heading back to its base at YXX, following its assignment in Australia. This Dash8-402QAT is flying from ABX to YXX, via MEL, BNE, HIR, MAJ, HNL, and YVR, as FGD391. It will make an overnight stop at HNL tonight.

QantasLink's VH-8NU

Southern Cross International is delivering QantasLink's VH-8NU (msn 2673) from BQN to PER, via PHX, KOA, APW, and PER, as SXI2505. This A319-132 is owned by Network Aviation, and operated for QantasLink. It will make an overnight stop at KOA tonight.

2673's History

Feb 2006: Delivered to Spirit Airlines as N512NK "Spirit of Turks and Caicos Islands" (f/n 512), under lease from ILFC.

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

Jun 2018: Purchased by Spirit Airlines, and painted in the current livery.

___ 2020: Fleet number redesigned as 1512.

Dec 2023: Withdrawn from service, and stored at P08.

Jan 2024: Acquired by Gryphon Aviation Leasing.

Jly 2024: Ferried to BQN to prep for Network Aviation.

Zipair Resumes HNL Service

After a seasonal hiatus, Zipair resumes its three-times-weekly NRT-HNL service today. JA822J (c/n 34832, l/n 23), made Zipair's flight this morning as TZP2.

Virgin Australia Regional's VH-VKQ

Virgin Australia Regional is returning VH-VKQ (msn 4053) to Avolon, its lessor. This A320-232 is making its ferry flight from PER to P08, via CNS, APW, and KOA. It will make an overnight stop at KOA tonight.

4053's History:

Oct 2009: Delivered to Tiger Airways as 9V-TAL, under lease from GECAS.

Mar 2010: Airline rebrands as Tiger Airways Australia, and re-registered as VH-VNO.

Jly 2013: Airline rebrands as Tigerair Australia.

Dec 2016: Acquired by Avolon, and the lease transferred.

Mar 2020: Withdrawn from service.

Nov 2020: Ferried to SBD for storage.

Oct 2021: Ferried to MPL for storage as OE-INN.

Mar 2022: Leased to Virgin Australia Regional as VH-VKQ.

C-FNEN

C-FNEN (msn 4453), a Dash8-402Q owned by JD Aero, is the latest Q400 bound for Sunstate Airlines to operate for QantasLink. It's making its delivery flight from YAM to BNE, via YYJ, HNL, and MAJ; and will make an overnight stop at HNL tonight. This Q400 will be re-registered as VH-84E, and is named "Launceston".

4453's History:

Oct 2013: Delivered to WestJet Encore as C-FNEN.

Oct 2024: Withdrawn from service, and stored at YAM.

Dec 2024: Acquired by JD Aero, and prep for QantasLink at YAM.

National Jet Express' VH-8QC

National Jet Express is taking delivery of VH-8QC (msn 4246), and is making its delivery flight from YLK to PER, via PTK, CNO, HNL, MAJ, and TSV. This Dash8-402Q will make an overnight stop at HNL tonight.

4246's History:

Nov 2009: Delivered to Horizon Air as N439QX (f/n 439), in the "Comfortably Greener" special livery.

Jan 2012: Repainted in the Alaska Airlines livery.

___ 2018: Repainted in the current Alaska Airlines livery

Sep 2022: Withdrawn from service, and ferried to VCV for storage.

Aug 2024: Sold to the Bank of Utah, and ferried to YQS for storage.

Feb 2025: Prep for National Jet Express at YLK.

Mar 2025: Acquired by EIC Aircraft Leasing, and leased to National Jet Express.

Korean Air To Introduce Rebranding

Airways Magazine's Instagram account has revealed that Korean Air will introduce a new livery, logo, and word mark, shortly after celebrating their 56th anniversary. The official unveiling is set for Tuesday, 11 March. Currently, the airlines' 787-10 HL8515 (c/n 66878, l/n 1152) is the first current aircraft in their fleet to wear the new livery. Korean Air is also set to unveil its first A350-900 in the coming days.

11 March 2025 UPDATE

Korean Air added a section on their website about the rebranding. Aviation vlogger Sam Chui attended the event.

Ukraine AIr Alliance's UR-CAJ

Ukraine Air Alliance's An-12BK, UR-CAJ (msn 8346106), is making an overnight stop at KOA from SBD as UKL5012. The flight originated in LRD as UKL5011.

10 March 2025 UPDATE

UR-CAJ will be flying to ITO as UKL5012.

11 March 2025 UPDATE

After an overnight stop at ITO, UR-CAJ is continuing onto MAJ and TRW.

12 March 2025 UPDATE

UR-CAJ departed TRW for JRF, with a brief fuel stop before continuing onto PHX as UKL5013 (above photo).

N367SP

Samaritan's Purse will soon be taking delivery of N367SP (c/n 33510, l/n 939). This 767-381ERF is being ferried by Elan Express from ASP to GYR, via CNS and OGG as ELX67. It will make an overnight stop at OGG tonight. This 767 will be repainted at GYR before being delivered to Samaritan's Purse, as the Christian-based relief organization expands its fleet.

33510's History:

Feb 2006: Delivered to All Nippon Airways as JA603F, as apart of ANA Cargo, under lease from Sojitz Aircraft Leasing.

Feb 2011: Leased to Express Freighters to operate for Qantas Freight as VH-EFR.

Feb 2014: Painted in the full Qantas Freight livery.

Aug 2022: Purchased by Express Freighters.

May 2024: Withdrawn from service, and stored at ASP.

Feb 2025: Acquired by Samaritan's Purse as N367SP.

Mokulele Airlines' N522SA

Southern Airways has allocated N522SA (msn 208B5819) to Mokulele Airlines, and had it ferried from MCE to HNL as FDY8055. This all-midnight blue Grand Caravan EX was formerly with Southern Airways' upper east coast operations based out of IAD. N522SA was delivered to Southern Airways in November 2024.

National Jet Express' N136AB

National Jet Express is taking delivery of N136AB (msn 19000483). This ERJ-190LR is making its delivery flight from OPF to PER, via SBA, HNL, MAJ, and CNS, as JETS1. It will make an overnight stop at HNL tonight. This E190 is being leased from Regional One, and will be registered as VH-8EB.

19000483's History:

Oct 2011: Delivered to China Southern Airlines as B-3148, under lease from CDB Aviation.

Jan 2020: Leased to Amazonas as CP-3142.

Nov 2024: Acquired by Regional One.

Eastern Airlines' N825KW

Eastern Airlines' 777-212ER, N825KW (c/n 32318, l/n 445), is making a stop from YYC tonight as EAL3501. N825KW made a stop here this past January.

04 March 2025 UPDATE

N825KW repositioned to JRF as EAL9505 (above photo).

07 March 2025 UPDATE

N825KW repositioned to HNL as EAL9506, then returned to YYC as EAL3502.

Hauʻoli Lā Hānau Delta Air Lines

Delta Air Lines celebrates its 100th birthday today. Their centennial began as an aerial crop-dusting company in Macon GA as Huff Daland Dusters on this day in 1925, and became Delta Air Lines three years later. It would not be until 1929, before Delta began passenger operations.

Delta's foray into Hawai‘i began in 1984, and increased their presence as they acquired Western Airlines. They took over Western's routes with their DC-10s. Delta eventually began flights from further east in their route network with L-1011 TriStars, which replaced the DC-10s. The TriStars were replaced by 767-300ERs and 767-400ERs. Delta's routes and fleets further expanded after their merger with Northwest Airlines was completed in 2010. Delta's current flights from Hawai‘i serve ATL, MSP, JFK, DTW, SLC, LAX, SEA, and HND. Delta's fleet service to Hawai‘i also includes 747-400s (retired), 757-200s, 757-300s, A330-300s, A330-900s, A321-200Ns, and A350-900s.

Alliance Airlines' N198JB

Alliance Airlines is taking delivery of N198JB (msn 19000030). This ERJ-190AR, being flown by Southern Cross International, is making its delivery flight from SJO to BNE, via SDM, OAK, KOA, and MAJ, as SXI2509. It will make an overnight stop at KOA tonight. This E190 will receive its Australian registration after its arrival at BNE.

19000021's History

Feb 2006: Delivered to jetBlue as N198JB "Big Apple Blue" (f/n 198) with the "Windowpane" tail livery, under lease from GECAS.

Oct 2015: Tail livery repainted in the "Tartan" design, and renamed "Blue 4 U".

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

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

May 2024: Acquired by TVPX Trust Services.

Sep 2024: Ferried to SJO for prep to Alliance Airlines.

14 March 2025 UPDATE

This E190 is now registered as VH-A2B.

China Southern Airlines' N238BE

Boeing is ferrying China Southern Airlines' N238BE (c/n 65275, l/n 7764) from BFI to HSN, via KOA and GUM, as BOE715. This 737-8 is headed to Boeing China for cabin completion, and will receive its Chinese registration before delivery. It's making an overnight stop at KOA tonight.

Amazon Prime Air's N5897K

Hawaiian Airlines is taking delivery of N5897K "Pioneer" (msn 1245), under lease from Altavair. This A330-343F, painted in the Amazon Prime Air livery, is making its delivery flight from PGV to HNL, via NRT, as HAL9606.

1245’s History:

Aug 2011: Delivered to Etihad as A6-AFF.

Sep 2018: Withdrawn from service, and stored at TEV.

Dec 2020: Acquired by Altavair Finance, and ferried to AUH for storage.

Jan 2024: Ferried to PVG for freighter conversion and paint.

14 March 2025 UPDATE

N5897K made two HNL-HNL test flights today as HAL9970.

16 March 2025 UPDATE

Enters service today as HAL1700 to SBD, then to PDX as HAL1631 (above photo).

9Air's B-224U

9Air is taking delivery of B-224U (c/n 61385, l/n 7929) today. This plum-themed 737-8 is making its delivery flight from BFI to CAN, via HNL and GUM, as JYH1450. It will make an overnight stop at HNL tonight.

N737ST

N737ST (c/n 66147, l/n 7833), a former Ural Airlines 737-8, owned by Boeing, is making another flight from BFI to KOA, as BOE401. Boeing will be performing test flights out KOA.

07 March 2025 UPDATE

N737ST returned to BFI today as BOE401.

Xiamen Air's B-226E

For the second consecutive day, Xiamen Air is taking the delivery of a 737-8. B-226E (c/n 43841, l/n 8186) is making its delivery flight today, from BFI to XMN, via HNL and GUM, as CXA899. It will make an overnight stop at HNL tonight.

Xiamen Air's B-20DV

Xiamen Air is taking delivery of B-20DV (c/n 42964, l/n 7831) this morning. This 737-8 is making its delivery flight from BFI to XMN, via HNL and GUM, as CXA800. It will make an overnight stop at HNL tonight.

Malaysia Airlines' 9M-MVK

Malaysia Airlines is taking delivery of 9M-MVK (c/n 43341, l/n 9071) today. This 737-8, their second delivery in two days, and third within a week, is making its delivery flight from BFI to KUL, via HNL and GUM, as MAS5041. It will overnight at HNL tonight.

Malaysia Airlines' 9M-MVH

Malaysia Airlines is taking delivery of 9M-MVH (c/n 66376, 9033) this afternoon. This 737-8, their second delivery in four days, is making its delivery flight from BFI to KUL, via HNL and GUM, as MAS5043. It will make an overnight stop at HNL tonight.

Malaysia Airlines' 9M-MVJ

Malaysia Airlines is taking delivery of 9M-MVJ (c/n 68123, l/n 9045) today. This 737-8 is making its delivery flight from BFI to KUL, via HNL and GUM, as MAS5041. It will make an overnight stop at HNL tonight.

Shanghai Airlines' B-224E

Shanghai Airlines is taking delivery of B-224E (c/n 61657, l/n 8001) today. This 737-8 is making its delivery flight from BFI to PVG, via HNL and GUM, as CSH9012. It will make an overnight stop at HNL tonight.

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 MKC [Charles Wheeler Downtown Airport, Kansas City, MO] this evening. 

N851EB Returns To Mainland

After flying around the Hawaiian Islands for the past few weeks, Bridger Aerospace's PC-12/47, N851EB is returning to the mainland. It departed for MCE this morning, with a 12-hour flight across the Pacific Ocean. While it was here, this PC-12 made flights to almost every airport in the state. 

Virgin Australia's VH-8IC

Virgin Australia is ferrying VH-8IC "Kirra Beach" (c/n 66635, l/n 8747) from BNE to MLB, via HNL, for a wifi system installation. This 737-8 is flying as VOZ9946, and is making an overnight stop at HNL tonight. It will continue onto MLB tomorrow.

China Southern Airlines' B-20CT

Boeing is ferrying China Southern Airlines' N241BE (65251, l/n 7751) from BFI to HSN, via KOA and GUM, as BOE714. This 737-8 was registered as B-20CT when it was built, but received the US registration as it goes to the Boeing China plant for cabin completion, then re-registered when ready for delivery. It will make an overnight stop at KOA tonight.

US Air Force's 59-1471

On of the 116th Air Refueling Squadron / 141st Air Refueling Wing's KC-135Ts, 59-1471 (c/n 17959, l/n 374), is participating in Sentry Aloha 25-1. This Stratotanker is painted in a commemorative livery celebrating "100 Years of Flight", is part of the Washington Air National Guard unit based at Fairchild AFB.

N260FP

N260FP (msn 1642), an A321-232, owned by Spectre Air Capital, is making a stop at HNL from MZJ, via LGB today. It's bound for XMN to undergo freighter conversion.

1642's History:

Dec 2001: Delivered to Scandinavian Air System as OY-KBB "Hjörjuf Viking".

May 2023: Withdrawn from service, and stored at MZJ.

Mar 2024: Acquired by Spectre Air Capital as N260FP.

08 February 2025 UPDATE

N260FP ferried to KOA this morning.

12 February 2025 UPDATE

N260FP departed for MAJ, then GUM this morning.

Asia Pacific Airlines' N193AN Enters Service

After sitting since its arrival to HNL this past November, Asia Pacific Airlines' 757-223F, N193AN (c/n 32387, l/n 981), entered service this morning, with a flight to GUM as AJT96. This 757 is wet-subleased from AmeriJet, and is flying with the AmeriJet's flight code.

US Air Force's 78-0577

A US Air Force E-3G from the 964th Airborne Air Control Squadron / 552nd Operations Group is making a stop at HIK as LIEGE30. 78-0577 (c/n 21753, l/n 939) arrived from its base at TIK [Tinker AFB, Tinker, OK] today.

07 February 2025 UPDATE

LIEGE30 departed for UAM this morning.

G-KELT

G-KELT (msn 8403), an A320-251N ACJ, owned by Acropolis Aviation, made a fuel stop at HNL today. This 2018 ACJ, flying as CRV1, arrived from SYD, then continued onto BFI later in the day.

Sun Country Airlines' N839SY

Sun Country Airlines' N839SY (c/n 42083, l/n 6232) is making a stop at HNL from LAX as SCX8670, and parking on the South Ramp. This 737-8JP normally operates the Sun Country service between LAX and KOA, and only wears the Sun Country logo on the tail with a modified livery.

04 February 2025 UPDATE

N839SY is returning to LAX as SCX8671 today, and scheduled to continue onto SLC as SCX8672.

Omega Tanker's N264DE

Omega Tanker's KDC-10-30CF, N264DE (c/n 46985, l/n 264), is making a stop at HIK today. This converted tanker arrived from DNA as OME11.

46985's History:

Dec 1978: Delivered to Martinair Holland as PH-MBT "George Gershwin" as a DC-10-30CF.

Sep 1979: Leased to Garuda Indonesia for two years.

Jly 1982: Leased to Caribbean Airways for one year.

__ 1984: Leased to Air Seychelles for one year.

Dec 1987: Leased to Qantas Airways for two months.

Oct 1989: Leased to KLM Royal Dutch Airlines for 30 months.

Jly 1982: Leased to World Airways for one month.

Sep 1995: Acquired by the Royal Netherlands Air Force as T-264 "Prins Bernhard", and converted to an aerial refueler.

Aug 2004: Painted in a grey camouflage livery.

Oct 2019: Withdrawn from service, and stored at SAT.

Feb 2020: Acquired by Omega Tanker as N264DE.

Jun 2021: Ferried to VCV for storage and modifications.

Nov 2023: Inducted into service.

04 February 2025 UPDATE

N264DE returned to Omega's base at VCV.

Lynden Air Cargo's N403LC

Lynden Air Cargo's Lockheed L382G Hercules, N403LC (msn 382-4590), will be making a stop from CHS, via OAK as LYC403.

03 February 2025 UPDATE

N403LC departed JRF westbound this morning as LYC501.

04 February 2025 UPDATE

N403LC arrived at HIK this evening as LYC501.

Weather Causes Delays And Groundstops

With the winter storm hitting the Hawaiian Islands, inbound flights to HNL were diverted to OGG an KOA, and at some points in the worst part of the storm cells, all of Hawaii's airports issued ground stops to ride out the heavy rain and winds. Some arriving flights to HNL had to circle to wait out the weather before landing on Runway 26L.

Condolences To The Accident at DCA

The HNL RareBirds™ team expresses our condolences, thoughts, and prayers to the 67 lives lost in the mid-air collision between the US Army UH-60 Blackhawk flying as PAT25, and the American Eagle (PSA Airlines) CRJ-700 flying as AAL5342, last night over the Potomac River outside DCA. We are sorry for your loss.

All Nippon Airways' JA985A

All Nippon Airways is taking delivery of JA985A (c/n 66999, l/n 1219). This 787-10 is making its delivery flight from CHS to HND, via LAX and HNL, as ANA9397. It departed CHS yesterday for LAX, and it's making its LAX-HNL leg today.

Malaysia Airlines' 9M-MVE

For the second consecutive day, Malaysia Airlines is taking delivery of a 737-8. 9M-MVH (c/n 66368, l/n 8915) is making its delivery flight this afternoon from BFI to KUL, via HNL and GUM, as MAS5043. It will make overnight stop at HNL tonight. This is also Malaysia Airlines' third 737-8 delivery this month.

US Air Force's 21-9045

The US Air Force's newest E-11B, 21-9045 (msn 60045), is making a stop at HIK from WRB, flying as BACN05. This military version of a Bombardier Global 6500, was modified by Northrop Grumman to become a Battlefield Airborne Communications Node (BACN) aircraft. This E-11B assigned to the 430th Expeditionary Electronics Communications Squadron, based at Warner-Robbins AFB, GA.

29 January 2025 UPDATE

21-9045 departed west-bound today.

Malaysia Airlines' 9M-MVI

Today, Malaysia Airlines is taking delivery of their second 737-8 this month. 9M-MVI (c/n 66375, l/n 9035) is making its delivery flight from BFI to KUL, via HNL and GUM, as MAS5041. Today's stop at HNL will be an overnighter.

Sentry Aloha 25-1

The Hawai‘i Air National Guard's 199th Fighter Squadron / 154th Wing is hosting its annual Sentry Aloha exercise that begins today, and runs through 12 February 2025. Six F-35Cs from the US Navy's VX-9, and KC-135Rs from the Washington ANG (116th ARS / 141st ARW) and Mississippi ANG (153rd ARS / 186th ARW) will be joining them in the exercise.

Further information in this Hawai‘i DoD press release. The official start date says 29 January, but the fighter aircraft have already been flying.

In a related note, the F-35C detachment to VX-9 based at Edwards AFB, CA, will be relocated to NAS Point Mugu, CA, and re-designated as VX-4.