QantasLink's VH-X4J

National Jet Systems is taking delivery of VH-X4J (msn 55409). This QantasLink-liveried A220-300 (BD-500-1A11) is making its delivery flight from YMX to CBR, with overnight stops at YVR, HNL, and MAJ as QLK6076. It will make its HNL stop tonight.

Royal Canadian Air Force Orders Six Global 6000s

The Government of Canada and Bombardier announced that six BD-700-1A10 Global 6000s will be ordered to replace the current Canadair CC-144 Challenger for the Royal Canadian Air Force's 412 Squadron. The first RCAF Global 6000 is scheduled to be delivered in 2027, and fully operational by 2033.

The 412 Squadron's CC-144s are frequent sites at HNL's South Ramp.

Further information in this Government of Canada press release, and this Bombardier press release. 

Air Niugini's P2-PGC

Air Niugini is taking delivery of their second A220-300 (BD-500-1A11) this month. P2-PGC (msn 55410) is making its delivery flight from YMX to POM, with overnight stops at YVR, HNL, and NAN, as ANG6050. It's making its HNL stop tonight.

Skytraders' VH-VCJ

Skytraders' A319-132, VH-VCJ (msn 1880), is making a stop at HNL from MEL, via NAN, flying as SND2.

1880's History:

Jun 2003: Delivered to PrivatAir as D-APAD, under lease from CIT, and operated for Lufthansa.

Sep 2009: Leased to Olympic Air as SX-OAO.

Apr 2011: Sub-leased to Aegean Airlines as SX-DGH.

Dec 2012: Leased to Skytraders as VH-VCJ.

Apr 2017: Acquired by Avolon, and the lease transferred.

Lāna‘i Air's N975LA

Lāna‘i Air is taking delivery of N975LA (msn 408-0056) today. This C408F SkyCourier is making its delivery flight from VGT to HNL, via SMX. Itʻs Lāna‘i Air's third C408, and its second freighter variant.

VH-TQD

The Avmax Group is ferrying VH-TQD (msn 598) from ASP to YYC, with overnight stops at CNS, MAJ, HNL, and PDX. This white-tail Dash8-315Q Q300 is making its stop at HNL tonight.

598's History:

Jan 2004: Delivered to Eastern Australia Airlines as VH-TQD, to operate for QantasLink.

Jan 2016: Transferred to Jetstar Airways.

Dec 2019: Transferred back to Eastern Australia Airlines, and named "Mount Isa".

Feb 2025: Withdrawn from service, and stored at TMW.

Oct 2025: Ferried to ASP for storage.

Nov 2025: Acquired by the Avmax Group.

Delta Air Lines' N519DN

Delta Air Lines is ferrying N519DN (msn 588) from ATL to QPG, via HNL today. This A350-941 is headed for heavy maintenance. The ATL-HNL leg is being flown as DAL9954, and the HNL-QPG leg will be flown as DAL9965.

It's been a while since Delta used their A350-941s on the ATL-HNL route.

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.

This  » symbol notates the updated information.

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

9275 | B-KWB | 64129 | Greater Bay Airlines | -9 [12.08.25 HGB9739 to KOA ]

FERRIED TO HSN FOR COMPLETION

• • • • •

ON ORDER

8229 | B-____ | 61124 | Shenzhen Airlines | -8 | BOE954 ~ « BFI » Boeing N252BE

-----

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

9214 | HS-VZB | 63898 | VietJetAir Thailand | -8 | BOE352 « BFI

9230 | HS-VZC | 63903 | VietJetAir Thailand | -8 | BOE353 « BFI

9256 | HS-VZD | 63908 | VietJetAir Thailand | -8 | BOE354 « BFI

9286 | HS-VZF | 63911 | VietJetAir Thailand | -8 | BOE356 « BFI

9301 | HS-VZG | 63904 | VietJetAir Thailand | -8 | BOE357 « BFI

9310 | HS-VZH | 63905 | VietJetAir Thailand | -8 | BOE358 « BFI

9369 | HS-VZJ | 63906 | VietJetAir Thailand | -8 | BOE359 « BFI

9375 | 9V-MBT | 44262 | Singapore Airlines |  -8 | BOE221 « BFI

9448 | B-228F | 64429 | Hainan Airlines | -8 « RNT

9470 | B-228D | 64322 | Hainan Airlines | -8 « RNT

9482 | B-228G | 64330 | Hainan Airlines | -8 « RNT »

• • •

P-8A and E-7A

• • • • • 

MARKS

« Final Assembly / Pre-Flight Prep / First Flight from RNT (Location [IATA])

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

« Duplicate Boeing test flight numbers

° New / Modified Livery
* Special Livery / Markings

~ Grey Tail (Only winglets and rudder painted)
» New airline and registration after re-market

« Previous airline and registration prior to re-market
» Boeing registration for ferry to HSN

« Returned to Boeing, NTU

» 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

VCV: Southern California Logistics Airport, Victorville, CA

NIP: Naval Air Station Jacksonville / Jacksonville Airport, Jacksonville, FL (P-8As)

GED: Delaware Coastal Airport, Georgetown, DE (BBJs)

SKF: Kelly Field, San Antonio, TX

• • • • •

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. 

Due to the order backlog for the 737MAX series, 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 an airframe was acquired from a previous airline, it will be noted with a « symbol, along with the old airline and registration. Should 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.

Delivery flights that go through ANC, KEF, or any other non-Hawai‘i airport, will only be listed on our Google Sheet. Most 737s delivering to airlines in India will deliver east-bound through KEF [Keflavik International Airport, Keflavik, Iceland] as their first fuel stop. Some 737s delivering to airlines in the east Asia deliver through ANC [Ted Stevens International Airport, Anchorage, AK] for their first fuel stop. Their information will be deleted upon their delivery flight. In the event that those 737s delivers through Hawai‘i, they will be listed on a post, and on the annual 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 its own listing above, along with a Boeing test flight number, and a temporary US Boeing registration assigned to the particular airframe. Some may have its full livery painted, and is going to HSN for cabin completion; while others may ferry as a grey tail (only the rudder and winglets painted), that will be fully painted, along with its cabin configured.
...

... 

Greater Bay Airlines' B-KWB

Greater Bay Airlines is taking delivery of B-KWB (c/n 64129, l/n 9275) today. This 737-9 is making its delivery flight from BFI to HKG, with overnight stops at KOA and GUM, flying as HGB9739.

Alaska Air Group Mulls A321Ns Future

Aviation Week reports that Alaska Airlines is mulling over the future of their Hawaiian Airlines A321-271N fleet, as the air group states that the fleet of 18 is too small. The two options the Alaska Air Group are considering are "to either double or drop to zero", said Alaska CFO Shane Tackett.

The Alaska Air Group is also considering the replacement of the Hawaiian Airlines 717-200, as they are approaching an average age of 25 years. The first option is to replace the 717s with 737s. The second option would be to "consider a different sort of purpose-built, short stage, high cycle aircraft that could live in Hawai‘i better than a 737?"

The air group plans to retain the Hawaiian Airlines A330-243 and A330-343F fleets, and base them at HNL, while the 787s will be based at SEA.

Alaska Airlines' N784HA

Alaska Airlines is taking delivery of N784HA (c/n 66432, l/n ln 1268, f/n 784) today. This white-tail 787-9 is making its delivery flight from CHS to LAX as ASA9984. It will be ferried to SKF for painting into the new Alaska Airlines "aurora borealis" livery.

Air Niugini's P2-PGB

Air Niugini is taking delivery of their second A220-300. P2-PGB (msn 55406) is making its delivery flight from YMX to POM, via YVR, HNL and NAN. It's making its overnight stop at HNL tonight.

09 December 2025 UPDATE

P2-PGB departed for NAN this morning.

JASDF's 58-1218

58-1218 (msn 018), a Kawasaki C-2 from the Japan Air Self-Dfense Force's 402 Hikotai, is making a stop at HIK this evening from YGJ [Miho Air Base, Yonago, Tottori-ken, Japan] as JF201.

06 December 2026 UPDATE

52-1218 departed for STJ [Rosecrans Memorial Airport, Saint Joseph, MO] as JF201.

C-FJGX

C-FJGX (msn 575), a white-tail Dash8-315 Q300 owned by the Avmax Group is being ferried from ASP to YYC, with stops at CNS, MAJ, HNL, and YYJ. It departed ASP on 01 December, and is making its overnight stop at HNL tonight.

595's History:

Nov 2001: Delivered to Sunstate Airlines as VH-SBG to operate for QantasLink.

Jan 2011: Transferred to Eastern Australia Airlines to operate for QantasLink.

Apr 2018: Painted in the current livery, and named "Kiama".

Jan 2025: Withdrawn from service, and stored at TMW.

Nov 2025: Acquired by the Avmax Group, and ferried to ASP for storage.

Korean Air Adds Extra ICN-HNL Service

For the month of December, Korean Air is adding a second ICN-HNL flight. KAL8053 will arrive an hour after KAL53, and return to ICN hour after KAL54. This flight will be flown with their 777-3B5ERs. HL8208 (c/n 37645, l/n 867) made today's flight.

03 December 2025 UPDATE 

Korean Air's 747-8i will replace their 777-3B5ERs from today. HL7644 (c/n 60411, l/n 1539) is making today's flight.

2-JVDH

Nomadic Aviation is ferrying 2-JVDH (c/n 35774, l/n 3010) from PVG to P08 for storage. This white-tail 737-86D is making stops at GUM and JRF, as OMD215.

35774's History:

Sep 2009: Delivered to China United Airlines as B-5470, under lease from CDB Aviation.

Oct 2017: Painted in the "Maritime Capital - Rizhao Fantasy" special livery.

Oct 2019: Acquired by Wings Capital Partners, and the lease transferred.

Jun 2025: Withdrawn from service, and stored at PVG.

6,000,000 Views!

We broke the 6,000,000 page and post views mark tonight!

Mahalo to all of the contributors, and all of our readers who have made this milestone possible! You are all very much appreciated!

Airbus Advises A320 Emergency Airworthiness Directive

The European Union Aviation Safety Administration has issued an emergency airworthiness directive (EAD) for over 6,000 A320 and A320neo series airliners globally, regarding the elevator and aileron computer software issue, that needs to be updated by 30 November.

Locally, it's not known whether it affects the Hawaiian Airlines' A321-271N fleet. American Airlines and Delta Air Lines also fly their A321-200N airliners to Hawai‘i. None of the three airlines mentioned have released any formal press releases.

Further information in this Airbus press release, this CH-Aviation article, and this Blancolirio YouTube video.

Titan Airways' G-OATW

Titan Airways' A321-253NX, G-OATW (msn 10238), will be making a stop at KOA from BFI as AWC411P. It departed STN yesterday for BFI as AWC411Y, on a tour charter for TCS World Travel.

10238's History:

Mar 2021: Delivered to Titan Airways as G-GBNI, under lease from ALC.

Apr 2022: Subleased to the UK Government, and operated by Titan Airways.

May 2023: Returned to Titan Airways, and re-registered as G-OATW, as the logo jet for TCS World Travel.

Jan 2024: TCS World Travel logo and word mark removed.

Nov 2025: TCS World Travel markings re-applied.

30 November 2025 UPDATE

G-OATW departed for GUM this morning as AWC411.

Wyoming Cowboys Team Charter

The Wyoming Cowboys are chartering an Omni Air International 767-200 for their road game to play the Hawaii Rainbow Warriors on Saturday. N207AX "Kiani" (c/n 30438, l/n 845, f/n 207) is flying the Cowboys from DEN as OAE3106.

30 November 2025 UPDATE 

N207AX took back the Cowboys to DEN following their 27-7 loss to the Rainbow Warriors.

Hau‘oli Lā Ho‘omaika‘i

 The HNL RareBirds™team wishes you all a Happy Thanksgiving!

Viva's OE-IAF

Avolon is delivering OE-IAF (msn 7403) to Viva. This A321-231 is making its delivery flight from HKG to MTY, with brief fuel stops at GUM, MAJ, and HNL. It will receive its Mexican registration after delivery.

7403's History:

Nov 2016: Delivered to Hong Kong Express as B-LEB, under lease from CIT Aerospace.

Apr 2017: Acquired by Avolon, and the lease transferred.

Sep 2020: Ferried to ASP for storage.

Oct 2022: Ferried to HKG for storage.

Jan 2023: Returned to service.

Aug 2025: Withdrawn from service, and prepped for lease to Viva at HKG.

Nov 2025: Re-registered as OE-IAF.

30 November 2025 UPDATE

This A321 is now registered as XA-VCF.

New York Air National Guard's 92-1095

92-1095 (msn 382G5405), an ski-equipped LC-130H Hercules from the New York Air National Guard's 139th Airlift Squadron / 109th Operations Group, is making a stop at JRF, following its Antarctic deployment. This "Ski-130" arrived from CHC this evening. 92-1095 still has its green protective coating on it, as it awaits new paint.

03 December 2025 UPDATE

92-1095 re-positioned to HIK as SKIER95.

Southwest Airlines To Add BUR And ONT Service

Today, Southwest Airlines announced that they will add daily 737-8 service between ONT and HNL on 04 June 2026, and peak-day 737-8 service between BUR and HNL on 04 August 2026. These additions are part of the airline's service expansion in California and the west coast.

Further details in this Southwest Airlines press release.

Southwest Airlines will join Alaska Airlines with daily service to the "Inland Empire".

Smartwings' OK-SWL

A Smartwings 737-8, OK-SWL (c/n 62915, l/n 9060), is making an around-the-world flight that departed from PRG on 21 November. OK-SWL is making a stop at HNL today from LAP [Manuel Marquez International Airport, La Paz, California Sur, México] as TVS6875.

28 November 2025 UPDATE

OK-SWL departed for APW as TVS6876.

Northern Air Cargo's N401YK

Northern Air Cargo's N401YK (c/n 25860, l/n 2545) is returning to HNL from ANC (via OAK) as AAH9401. This 737-436F had been ferried up to SEA, via OAK, as AAH9401, on 01 November to fly cargo in Alaska.

China Southern Airlines' N243BE

Boeing is ferrying China Southern Airlines' N243BE (c/n 65253, l/n 7784) from BFI to HSN, with overnight stops at KOA and GUM. This 737-8 is flying as BOE716. After cabin completion, it will be re-registered as B-226H upon delivery.

Maui Invitational Team Charters

Some of the eight teams participating in the 2025 Southwest Maui Invitational will be arriving via team charters. This year's tournament runs from 24-26 November. at the Lāhainā Civic Center, Lāhainā, Maui.

The eight teams are: Arizona State Sun Devils, Boise State Broncos, Chaminade Silverswords, North Carolina State Wolfpack, Seton Hall Pirates, Texas Longhorns, Southern California Trojans, and the Washington State Cougars.

The Arizona State Sun Devils played the Hawai‘i Rainbow Warriors on 20 November in Honolulu, prior to going to Lāhainā.

The North Carolina State Wolfpack is chartering an Omni Air International 767-300ER from RDU to OGG. N351AX (c/n 27908, l/n 578, f/n 351), a 767-33AER, is flying the Wolfpack as OAE3437. It will re-position to HNL until the team is ready to depart.

The USC Trojans are chartering a Sun Country Airlines 737-800 from LAX to OGG. N821SY (c/n 39952, l/n 5217, f/n 821), a 737-8FH, is flying the Trojans as SCX8635.

The Texas Longhorns are chartering a Sun Country Airlines 737-800 from AUS to OGG, via OAK. N819SY (c/n 34254, l/n 1897, f/n 821), a 737-86N, is flying the Longhorns as SCX8446.

26 November 2025 UPDATE

The North Carolina State Wolfpack will return to RDU tonight aboard N351AX, as OAE3437.

The USC Trojans, who won the tournament, will return to LAX tonight aboard N839SY, as SCX8633.

The Texas Longhorns will return to AUS aboard N808SY, as SCX8446.

Eastern Airlines' N705KW

Eastern Airlines' N705KW (c/n 24342, l/n 363) is making a stop at JRF from OKO tonight. This 767-336ER is flying as EAL9536.

21 November 2025 UPDATE

N705KW departed for MCI as EAL9537 this afternoon.

Greater Bay Airlines' B-KWA

Hong Kong's Greater Bay Airlines is taking delivery of their first 737-9 today. B-KWA (c/n 64132, l/n 9221) is making its delivery flight from BFI to HKG, with brief fuel stops at KOA and GUM, as HGB9739.

B-KWA is the first of 15 737-9s ordered by Greater Bay Airlines to be delivered.

Omni Air International's N423AX

Omni Air International's non-standard-liveried 767-324ER, N423AX (c/n 27569, l/n 601, f/n 423), is making a stop from HAN, as OAE3833.

16:00 UPDATE

N423AX departed for AEX as OAE3833.

Japan Airlines Celebrates 40 Years Of 767 Service

This month, Japan Airlines celebrates 40 years of 767 service. Their first 767, JA8232 (c/n 23213, l/n 118), a 767-246, was delivered in August 1985, and entered service in November 1985. It was one of three 767-246s. Japan Airlines also has 27 767-346ERs currently active in their fleet. The airline has one 767-346ER flight from NRT to HNL, JAL784/783.

Omni Air International's N207AX Ground Collision

Omni Air International's N207AX "Kiani" (c/n 30438, l/n 845, f/n 207) was involved in collision with ground equipment. This 767-224ER's port side leading edge, near the wingtip, was struck by a stair truck from Signature Flight Support yesterday. N207AX was flying a charter for the State of Hawai‘i as OAE3709 from IWA, via ITO.

Sister-ship N225AX (c/n 30434, l/n 833, f/n 225) arrived from AFW last night as OAE3762 as a fleet substitution to complete the OAE3709 charter flight to IWA.

25 November 2025 UPDATE 

Following inspections and repairs, N207AX departed for AFW as OAE3106.

Hawai‘i Rainbow Warriors Team Charter

The Hawai‘i Rainbow Warriors football team chartered a Hawaiian Airlines A321-271N for their road trip to LAS to face the UNLV Rebels on Friday. N202HA "Maile" (msn 7917) departed HNL this morning as ASA9684. This A321N will re-enter service on its next leg.

22 November 2025 UPDATE

The Rainbow Warriors returned home aboard N202HA following their 38-10 beat down from the Rebels.

VH-SBV

VH-SBV (msn 595), a white-tail Dash8-315 owned by the Avmax Group is being ferried from ASP to YYC, with stops at CNS, MAJ, HNL, and PDX. It departed ASP on 13 November, and is making its overnight stop at HNL tonight.

595's History:

Nov 2000: Delivered to Sunstate Airlines as VH-SBV to operate for QantasLink.

Jan 2011: Transferred to Eastern Australia Airlines to operate for QantasLink.

Aug 2018: Painted in the current livery, and named "Devonport".

Aug 2025: Withdrawn from service, and stored at TMW.

Sep 2025: Acquired by the Avmax Group, and ferried to ASP for storage.

Omni Air International's N36NE

Omni Air International's New England Patriots-liveried 767-323ER, N36NE (c/n 25193, l/n 388), is making a stop at HNL from PVD, as OAE3803.

17:00 UPDATE

N36NE departed for AEX as OAE3803.

18 November 2025 UPDATE

N36NE is returning to HNL as OAE3806, and will return to AEX later in the day.

19 November 2025 UPDATE 

N36NE is arriving from AEX as OAE3778.

QantasLink's VH-X4I

National Jet Systems is taking delivery of VH-X4I "Echidna" (msn 55402). This A220-300 (BD-500-1A11) is making its delivery flight from YMX to CBR, with overnight stops at YVR, HNL, and NAN, flying as QLK6076.

Southern Airways Express' N932SP

Southern Airways Express has transferred N932SP (msn 208B5177) from its regional Texas operation to Mokulele Airlines. This C208B Grand Caravan made its ferry flight from MEM to HNL, with stops as TXK, LBB, LRU, IPL, and MCE. Its last leg flew as FDY8072 last night, and seen above having its seats about to be installed.

Hainan Airlines' B-228A

Hainan Airlines is taking delivery of their second 737-8 in three days with B-228A (c/n 64321, l/n 9338). It's making its delivery flight from BFI to HAK, with overnight stops at JRF and GUM, as CHH2288. B-228A is also the third delivery for Hainan Airlines this month.

Luftwaffe's 54+09

54+09 (msn 48), an A400M-180 from  the Luftwaffe's Lufttransportgeschwader 62 (Air Transport Wing 62), is making a stop at HNL. It departed from ETNW [Wunstorf Air Base, Lower-Saxony, Germany] as GAF444, on 10 November, with stops at TER [Lajes Air Base International Airport, Terceira Island, Praia De Vitoria, Azores], CHS, and OAK. It's bound for OHA, via NAN, for an exercise with the New Zealand Defence Forces to join up with sister-ships 54+12 and 54+35.

Further information in this NZDF website article.

DC-10s Included In MD-11 Grounding

The FAA has now included the DC-10s and MD-10s in the grounding of the MD-11 fleet following the crash of N259UP. Though the only current operators of the DC-10/MD-10 are 10 Tanker, Omega Air Tanker, and the Orbis Eye Hospital.

Further information in this Flight Global article.

Hainan Airlines' B-225W

Hainan Airlines is taking delivery of B-225W (c/n 65229, l/n 9323) today. This 737-8, their second delivery in six days, is making its delivery flight from BFI to HAK, with overnight stops at HNL and GUM, as CHH2256.

Conair's C-FFQF

Conair Aerial Firefighting's C-FFQF (msn 4315) is making its way from YXX to AVV for the Australian summer fire season deployment. This Dash8-Q400AT is making stops at OAK, HNL, MAJ, HIR, and BNE as FGD391. It's making its overnight stop at HNL tonight.

Hau‘oli Lā Hānau Hawaiian Airlines!

Hau‘oli Lā Hānau! Hawaiian Airlines celebrates its 96th anniversary today.

All Nippon Airways' JA754A

All Nippon Airways is ferrying JA754A (c/n 27939, l/n 172) from HND to VCV, with a stop at HNL. This domestic configured 777-381 is flying as ANA9432, and is headed for retirement.

JA754A's History:

Oct 1998: Delivered to All Nippon Airways.

Jly 2011: Painted in a Pokémon special livery.

Apr 2016: Repainted in the standard ANA livery.

Oct 2025: Withdrawn from service, and stored at HND.

Veterans Day

On this Veterans Day, the HNL RareBirds™ team expresses our gratitude to the men and women who have served, to those serving, and to those about to enter service to our armed forces.

N53DD Being Parted Out

Crews have begun parting out Resort Air's Cessna 550 Citation, N53DD (msn 550-0711), in the ramp area adjacent to Magnum Helicopters. This C550 was involved in a ground collision with a Cessna C208B in Alleyway 5 a couple of years ago, where the Caravan's propellor blades cut into a portion of the nose section on the port side. Initially, there was sheet aluminum covering the damage to the nose area where the prop blades made impact. It was stored at the Resort Air hangar, then eventually moved to the parking area adjacent to Magnum Helicopters.

Resort Air has since replaced N53DD with a Falcon 50EX, N313TT (msn 297), leased from Top Air Texas LLC [Glendale, CA].

Transair Hawaii's N737CS

Transair Hawaii (flying as Rhoades Aviation) will be ferrying N737CS (c/n 23273, l/n 1089) to TNN, via MAJ and GUM, for a C-check before it can resume scheduled cargo operations. This 737-2T4C is the first of two 737-200Cs that the inter-island cargo airline will send to TNN for a C-check. N737CS flew a test flight yesterday.

20 November 2025 UPDATE

N737CS departed for TNN today as RDS737, and will make stops at MAJ and GUM.

UPS and FedEx Temporarily Ground Their MD-11F Fleets

In the wake of the UPS2976, both UPS Airlines and Federal Express have voluntarily grounded their MD-11F fleets for a safety stand-down. UPS currently has 27 MD-11Fs, and FedEx currently has 29 MD-11Fs in operation that will be temporarily grounded, for safety and inspections.

Both carriers have been using MD-11Fs to fly to/from HNL, and it's uncertain what the impact will be, but both airlines will substitute other airliners in their place.

In a brief statement by Boeing, it also recommends that Western Global Airlines temporarily grounds their fleet of 15 MD-11Fs.

Further information in this Fox Business article, and this UPS press release.

Three MD-11Fs have been grounded at HNL. FedEx's N643FE "Kennedy" (c/n 48486, l/n 509, f/n 643) last flew from OAK to HNL on the 7th as FDX1875, and both UPS's N288UP (c/n 48504, l/n 611, f/n 288) and N254UP (c/n 48406, l/n 547, f/n 254)  last flew from SDF to HNL as UPS5966 and UPS2252 respectively on the 6th.

Cargojet Airways' C-GXAJ

Cargojet Airways' C-GXAJ (c/n 25196, l/n 422, f/n 639) is making a stop at HNL from YVR early this morning, as it transits from YHM to SYD. This 767-323ERF's stop at HNL is a brief one, and is flying as CJT3399.

San Diego State Aztecs Team Charter

The San Diego State Aztecs is chartering an Alaska Airlines 737-9 for their road trip to play the Hawai‘i Rainbow Warriors on Saturday. N967AK (c/n 67419, l/n 8577, f/n 967) is flying the Aztecs in today as ASA9676.

08 November 2025 UPDATE

N936AK took back the Aztecs to SAN as ASA9676, following their 38-6 loss to the Rainbow Warriors.

Washington Huskies Team Charter

The Washington Huskies have chartered a Hawaiian Airlines A330-243 for their road trip to MSN, to face the Wisconsin Badgers on Saturday. N374HA "Melemele" (msn 1565) departed BFI as ASA9682, and will remain at MSN to bring back the Huskies as ASA9683.

HNL One Of 40 Airports Affected By Shutdown

The US Department of Transportation and the Federal Aviation Administration have listed 40 airports to reduce service due to the government shutdown. Citing safety and flight delays, the 40 airports will be required to cut domestic traffic by 10% at 40 of the largest airports in the US by 14 November.

Further information in this FAA press release.

17 November 2025 UPDATE
Following the end of the government shutdown, the FAA has rescinded the flight reductions.

Hainan Airlines' B-225U

Hainan Airlines is taking delivery of B-225U (c/n 63420, l/n 9330) today. This 737-8 is making its delivery flight from BFI to HAK, with overnight stops at HNL and GUM, as CHH2257.

UPS Airlines' N259UP Crash

N259UP (c/n 48417, l/n 467, f/n 259), a UPS Airlines MD-11F, crashed after takeoff at SDF. It was departing for HNL as UPS2976, with a crew of three, who perished. This MD-11F was loaded with cargo and 38,000 gallons of jet fuel for the eight and half hour flight. UPS2976 was scheduled to depart at 15:00EST, departed at 15:41EST, and was scheduled to arrive at HNL around 19:00HAST. There are reports of casualties on the ground as well. The FAA and the NTSB will take the lead on the investigation of this accident.

An eyewitness video on AirNavRadar's Facebook page shows the number one engine on fire during its takeoff roll.

Further information in this Fox News developing story.

48417's History:

Jly 1991: Delivered to Thai Airways as HS-TME "Pathun Wan".

Feb 2006: Withdrawn from service, and stored at BKK.

Jun 2006: Acquired by UPS Airlines as N259UP, and converted to a freighter.

The above photo is the only one we have in our library, taken in May 2008, as it was being towed to the UPS ramp for loading.

The HNL RareBirds™ team extends our thoughts, prayers, and condolences to the families of the lost.

VH-TQM

VH-TQM (msn 604), a white-tail Dash8-315 owned by the Avmax Group is being ferried from ASP to YYC, with stops at CNS, MAJ, and HNL. It departed ASP on 27 October, and is making its overnight stop at HNL tonight.

604's History:

Nov 2000: Delivered to Eastern Australia Airlines as VH-TQM to operate for QantasLink.

Nov 2015: Operated for Jetstar Airways.

Jly 2021: Operated for QantasLink, and named "Merimbula".

Aug 2025: Withdrawn from service, and stored at TMW.

Sep 2025: Acquired by the Avmax Group, and ferried to ASP for storage.

Aeronautica Militare's MM62191

A C-130J from Aeronautica Militare's 50º Gruppo, 46 Brigata Aerea (Italian Air Force's 50 Squadron, 46 Air Brigade) will be making a stop at HIK today. MM62191 (msn 5531, f/n 46-57) departed PSA [Pisa International Airport, Pisa, Italy] on 30 October, with stops at TER, ADW, and SUU.

Luftwaffe's 54+12 And 54+35

A pair of A400M Atlas from the Luftwaffe's Lufttransportgeschwader 62 (Air Transport Wing 62), is making a stop at HIK. 54+12 (msn 059) and 54+35 (msn 105), departed from ETNW [Wunstorf Air Base, Lower-Saxony, Germany] as GAF101, on 30 October, with stops at TER [Lajes Air Base International Airport, Terceira Island, Praia De Vitoria, Azores], CHS, and OAK. They are bound for OHA, via NAN, for an exercise with the New Zealand Defence Forces.

Further information in this NZDF website post.

04 November 2025 UPDATE

54+12 and 54+35 departed HNL today for NAN as GAF101.

N661AZ

N661AZ (c/n 29384, l/n 784), a 767-304ER owned by Amazon Services LLC, is being ferried from MZJ to QPG, with stops at PHX, HNL, and GUM, for freighter conversion.

29384's History:

Feb 2000: Delivered to Britannia Airways as G-OBYJ, under lease from ILFC.

Jan 2001: Subleased to Garuda Indonesia for three months.

Jan 2003: Subleased to Garuda Indonesia for two months. 

Nov 2005: Airline rebrands as Thomsonfly.

May 2009: Airline rebrands as Thomson Airways.

April 2011: Leased to Arkefly as PH-OYJ.

Oct 2013: Airline rebrands as Arke.

May 2014: Acquired by AerCap, and the lease transferred.

Apr 2015: Leased to Jetairfly as OO-JNL "Sunshine".

Oct 2016: Airline rebrands as TUI fly Belgium.

Dec 2022: Leased to TUI fly Netherlands as PH-OYJ "Sunshine".

Nov 2024: Withdrawn from service, and stored at SAW.

Feb 2025: Ferried to MZJ for storage as N29384.

May 2025: Acquired by Amazon Services LLC.

Aug 2025: Re-registered as N661AZ.

Korean Air's HL7638

Korean Air is substituting their 747-8i from today to Monday on KAL53/54. The newly repainted HL7638 (c/n 60408, l/n 1531) is making today's service between ICN and HNL.

Lucky Air's B-227V

Lucky Air is taking delivery of B-227V (c/n 62952, l/n 9311) today. This 737-8 is making its delivery flight from BFI to KMG, with overnight stops at HNL and GUM, flying as LKE9541.

Hawai‘i Rainbow Warriors Team Charter

The Hawai‘i Rainbow Warriors football team is flying commercially aboard a Hawaiian Airlines A321-271N for their Saturday game against the San José State Spartans. N204HA "‘Ōhi‘a Lehua" (msn 7959) is flying the team from HNL to SJC as ASA892. This is the first Rainbow Warriors team flight under the Alaska Airlines flight code.

02 November 2025 UPDATE

The Rainbow Warriors returned home aboard N205HA "Kalo" (msn 8092) today, following their 45-38 loss to the Spartans.

KOA Closed Due To Runway Cracks

The Hawai‘i Department of Transportation-Airports (HDOT-A) has closed KOA due to cracks in the asphalt on Runway 17/35. KOA is scheduled to re-open at 10:00.

If you have a flight in or out of KOA, please check with your airline for its status.

11:00, 30 October 2025 UPDATE

KOA's closure is now to re-open at 14:00.

Hawaiian Airlines Flight Codes And Call-Sign Retired

With the single operating certificate, the Hawaiian Airlines call-sign was officially retired today with HAL866 arriving at HNL from PPT early this morning. From today on, all of the Hawaiian Airlines flights now have Alaska Airlines' IATA / ICAO flight designators, and radio call-sign.

ASA800 and up are domestic and international TransPacific flights, ASA1000 and up are inter-island flights, and ASA2600 and up are the Amazon Prime Air flights.

The Hawaiian Airlines designators may have been retired, but not the spirit of the employees and the culture that the airline has.

LiveATC recording on Brandon Farris' Instagram post.

Further information in this Alaska Air Group news release.

Rhoades Aviation's Inter-Island Focus

According to an application for Certificate of Conveyance and Public Necessity filed with the US Department of Transportation, Rhoades Aviation / Transair Hawaii, noted their main cargo operations focus will be on the inter-island market. The airline plans to return to service this December, after it was cleared to resume operations by the FAA in April 2025.

In order to return to service, two Rhoades Aviation 737-200Cs currently listed as active, must undergo C-Checks. N306AL (c/n 23066, l/n 992), N326TR (c/n 20917, l/n 344), N737CS (c/n 23272, l/n 1093),  and N809TA (c/n 23796, l/n 1420) are the remaining 737s, but no two airframes were specified in the application.

Since Rhoades grounded their 737-200Cs in July 2021, they spend time in storage outside the Transair Hawaii maintenance hangar, though N306AL has been seen towed to the Transair Hawaii operations ramp, and has taxied out to Taxiway R for engine run-ups within the past few months.

Air Canada And WestJet Airlines Resumes YVR Day Flights

Air Canada resumed its seasonal day flight between YVR and HNL today, ACA517/518, operated with their 737-8 fleet. 

WestJet Airlines also resumed their seasonal 737-8 day flight between YVR and HNL today, WJA1862/1863, today.

Both airlines also resumed service to OGG, and these seasonal services will run through the end of April 2026.

Life Flight Network's N661LF

Life Flight Network is ferrying one of their PC-12/47Es, N661LF (msn 1505), from VGT to ITO, via SMX today. This PC-12 will be based on Hawai‘i Island as Life Flight Network as part of its operations.

Omega Tanker's N264DE

Omega Tanker's N264DE (c/n 46985, l/n 264) is making a stop at JRF from VCV today as OME11. It's not known if this KDC-10-30 is accompanying any fighters.

27 October 2025 UPDATE

N264DE departed JRF shortly after midnight headed west-bound.

30 October 2025 UPDATE

N264DE returned to JRF this afternoon.

01 November 2025 UPDATE

N264DE returned to its base at VCV this morning.

Hawaiian Airlines Changes Flight Numbers

As part of its merger with Alaska Airlines, Hawaiian Airlines has changed its flight numbers to begin with 800 and up for all of the TransPacific flights, 1000 and up for inter-island flights, and 2600 for the Amazon Prime Air flights.

This morning, A330-243, N374HA "Melemele" (msn 1565) made the last arrival to HNL under the old flight codes as HAL482 from PPT. While 717-26R, N489HA "Po‘ouli" (c/n 55003, l/n 5002) made the first departure with the new flight codes with HAL1002 from HNL to ITO.

C-FKDL

The Avmax Group is ferrying C-FKDL (msn 552) from ASP to YYC. This Dash8-315 Q300 is making  stops at CNS, MAJ, and HNL. It is making its overnight stop at HNL tonight.

552's History:

Oct 2000: Delivered to Eastern Australia Airlines as VH-TQY "Roma", to operate for QantasLink.

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

Jun 2025: Ferried to ASP for storage.

Jly 2025: Acquired by the Avmax Group.

Oct 2025: Registered as C-FKDL.

Donghai Airlines' N237BE

Boeing is ferrying Donghai Airlines' N237BE (c/n 61285, l/n 9244) from BFI to HSN today, with overnight stops at KOA and GUM, as BOE109. This 737-8, which has the Chinese registration B-227R, will, be completed at Boeing China. It's not known if N237BE was painted in the full Donghai livery.