Skymark Airlines' JA738A

Skymark Airlines is taking delivery of their first 737-8, JA738A (c/n 65542, l/n 9539) today. It's making its delivery flight from BFI to HND, with overnight stops at KOA and GUM, as SKY738A. This 737-8 is also debuting the modified Skymark livery that has the blue section on the tail down to the aft section of the fuselage.

Skymark posted a video digest of JA738A's construction on their YouTube channel.

China Southern Airlines' B-228Q

China Southern Airlines is taking delivery of B-228Q (c/n 66421, l/n 9592) today. This 737-8 is making its delivery flight from BFI to CAN, with overnight stops at HNL and GUM, as CSN8139.

Federal Express To Resume MD-11F Service

FreightWaves reports, that beginning in late next month, Federal Express plans to restart MD-11F cargo flights. An engine repair by Boeing has been made, and adopted by FedEx, but has yet to receive FAA approval. the airline plans to have all 29 MD-11Fs back in service once the repair procedures are approved.

N643FE "Kennedy" (c/n 48486, l/n 509, f/n 643) has been at HNL since the grounding last November. It taxied under its own power on 25 April, moving from the North Ramp hardstands to the ‘Ewa Ramp hardstands (above photo).

Alaska Air Group Reworks Amazon Prime Air Agreement

The Alaska Air Group has reworked its lease agreement for the ten A330-343Fs with Amazon Prime Air to make it more profitable for the group. The original deal made with Hawaiian Airlines has ended up being a money loser.

Further information in this FreightWaves article.

Lāna‘i Airʻs N974LA

Lāna‘i Air is taking delivery of N974LA (msn 408-0051). This C408 SkyCourier is making its delivery flight from BOI to HNL with stops at VGT and SMX. It will be Lāna‘i Airʻs third passenger model of the SkyCourier.

30 April 2026 UPDATE

N974LA was inducted into service today as STT974 to/from LNY.

Air Marshall Islands' V7-2613

Air Marshall Islands is taking delivery of their first Cessna C408 SkyCourier, V7-2613 (msn 408-00__). It's making its delivery flight from BEC to MAJ, with stops at LVS, VGT, SMX, and OGG. Its SMX-OGG segment is today.

27 April 2026 CORRECTION

According to FlightAware, V7-2613 was originally scheduled to deliver through OGG, but diverted tho HNL.

29 April 2026 UPDATE

V7-2613 is scheduled for an early morning departure for MAJ.

Mokulele Airlines' N485SA

Mokulele Airlines has taken delivery of N485SA (msn 208B5924) last evening. This C208B Grand Caravan EX made its delivery flight from WJF to HNL, with stops at MCE, as FDY8051. It was ferried to KOA later in the day as FDY8051.

Sun Country Airlines' N809SY

Sun Country Airlines' N809SY (c/n 30863, l/n 1669) is making a stop at HNL from ADW, via ONT, as SCX8900. This 737-8Q8, wearing the University of Minnesota Golden Gophers special livery arrived yesterday afternoon.

30 April 2026 UPDATE

N809SY departed for LIH this afternoon as SCX8914 (above photo), then flew to KOA as SCX9001.

01 May 2026 UPDATE

N809SY departed for LAX as SCX8502.

02 May 2026 UPDATE

N809SY returned to LIH from LAX as SCX9039, then departed for ONT then ADW as SCX8927.

Lāna‘i Air Plans Expansion To MKK

According to a report by Hawai‘i Public Radio, Lāna‘i Air is planning to expand service to MKK from HNL with their Cessna C408 Sky Couriers, pending government approvals. The airline would become the second airline, next to Mokulele Airlines, to serve MKK from HNL.

Virgin Australia's VH-VUH

Virgin Australia is ferrying VH-VUH (c/n 34440, l/n 2003) from BNE to MZJ, with stops at NAN and HNL, as VOZ9946. This 737-8FE is being returned to its lessor, Goshawk Aviation. Its HNL overnight stop is tonight.

34440's History:

Jly 2006: Delivered to Virgin Blue as VH-VUH, named "Lady Rebecca".

Jun 2008: Transferred to Pacific Blue as ZK-PBI "Lady Rebecca".

Dec 2011: Pacific Blue rebranded as Virgin Australia New Zealand, and airliner sold to Goshawk Aviation and leased back.

Feb 2015: Returned to Virgin Australia as VH-VUH.

Shandong Airlines' N235BE

Boeing is ferrying Shandong Airlines' N235BE (c/n 64325, l/n 9582) from BFI to HSN today, with overnight stops at KOA and GUM. This 737-8 is flying as BOE790, and will undergo cabin completion at HSN before delivery. It will be registered as B-229M upon delivery from HSN.

Cathay Pacific Airlines' B-KQR

A Cathay Pacific Airlines 777-367ER, B-KQR (c/n 41759, l/n 1240), made a diversion to HNL this afternoon. CPA885 was scheduled to fly from LAX to HKG, but made a medical diversion after a passenger fell ill.

24 April 2026 UPDATE

B-KQR has been moved to the ‘Ewa Hardstands.

25 April 2026 UPDATE

B-KQR continued onto HKG this morning as CPA885D.

Ukraine Air Alliance's UR-CAJ

Ukraine Air Alliance's UR-CAJ (msn 8346106) is making a stop at HNL today, as it transits from PER to LRD as UKL5068. This An-12BK also made stops at CNS and MAJ, and will stop at SBD before arriving at LRD.

Hawaiian Airlines Becomes Part Of oneworld

Hawaiian Airlines officially becomes a member of the oneworld alliance today. It will allow passengers to travel throughout the globe via the network of airlines in the alliance. A oneworld logo has been placed by the L1 and L2 doors throughout the Hawaiian fleet.

Further information in this oneworld news release, and this Alaska Air Group news release.

Delta Air Lines Pushes Back On Merger Speculation

CH-Aviation reports that Delta Air Lines is downplaying any talk of mergers. Concerns about current fuel prices have been causing speculation of airline mergers among industry people. Delta executives say that are not in the market for a merger.

7,000,000 Views!

A big mahalo to all of our contributors and readers! You are very much appreciated! The HNL RareBirds™ website broke the 7,000,000 page and post views mark earlier today!

Samaritan's Purse's N367SP

Following Super Typhoon Sinlaku hitting the Northern Marianas Islands, Samaritan's Purse is sending relief supplies and personnel aboard their 767-381ERF, N367SP (c/n 33510, l/n 939) from GSO to SPN, with stops at ONT, and KOA, flying as NSP6.

N367SP's only other stop in Hawai‘i was when it was delivered to Samaritan's Purse in March 2025.

21 April 2026 UPDATE

N367SP made another stop from GSO, via ONT, en route to SPN today.

22 April 2026 UPDATE

N367SP made another relief flight stop from ONT, en route to SPN today.

Mokulele Airlines Upgrades Terminal H

In an Instagram post this morning, Mokulele Airlines has upgraded the passenger check-in and waiting at HNL's Terminal H.

18 April 2026 UPDATE

Mokulele Airlines announced via Instagram, that they will add two more C208Bs this summer, one will be named "Huaka‘i" and the other named "Laulima". The registrations have yet to be revealed.

21 April 2026 UPDATE

Parent compan, Surfair posted on Instagram this morning that N485SA (msn 208B5924) and N490SA (msn 208B5925) will be delivering to Mokulele very soon.

USDOT Approves Allegiant / Sun Country Merger

The US Department of Transportation gave approval for the merger between Allegiant Air and Sun Country Airlines to proceed, with an expected closing date in mid-May. The two carriers will operate separately until a single operating certificate is obtained some time within the next 14 months.

Further information in this Aviation Week article.

With both airlines operating separately, it remains to be seen if Sun Country will fly Mountain West football teams to HNL for road games against the Hawai‘i Rainbow Warriors for the 2026 season.

Ukraine Air Alliance's UR-CGV

Ukraine Air Alliance's An-12BK (msn 6344610) is making a stop at HNL today from SBD, as UKL5031. The flight originated from LRD, and will be crossing the Pacific to Asia, with its next stop to MAJ.

20 April 2026 UPDATE

UR-CGV departed for MAJ early this morning as UKL5032.

21 April 2026 UPDATE

UR-CGV is headed for GUM to assist in relief efforts following Super Typhoon Sinlaku hitting the area.

United Airlines CEO Hints At Merger With American Airlines

CH-Aviation reports that United Airlines CEO Scott Kirby has posed the idea of a merger between his airline and American Airlines. No one is commenting on how far these talks have gone so far, but Kirby also approached some federal officials the possible merger.

If such a merger would take place, it would form the largest airline in the US, and possibly in the world, with a combined fleet of over 2,100 airliners.

Such a move as this will have to go through the federal government regulatory and antitrust process. It would be protested by Delta Air Lines, Southwest Airlines, Alaska Air Group, and the other smaller carriers.

ANALYSIS

If this merger were to happen, the effect on the Hawai‘i market would be impacted on two destinations, LAX and ORD, where service would have to be consolidated.

18 April 2026 UPDATE

American Airlines released a statement today, that said they are not interested nor pursuing a merger with United Airlines.

American Airlines And Philippine Airlines Propose Codeshare

American Airlines and Philippine Airlines filed a joint application for a codeshare agreement with the US Department of Transportation. PAL applied for a codeshare out of LAX on AAL's flights to HNL, LAS, SFO, and SEA.

Further information in this Aviation Week article.

Amazon Prime Air's N661AZ

Amazon Prime Air's N661AZ (c/n 29384, l/n 784) is ferrying from QPG to BQK [Golden Isles Airport, Brunswick, GA], with stops at CRK, JRF, and PHX. This 767-304ERF completed its conversion to a freighter at QPG. N661AZ stopped through HNL last October. It most likely will be operated by Air Transport International.

Federal Express' N919FD

Federal Express is ferrying N919FD "Evan" (c/n 24636, l/n 259, f/n 919) from MEM to HNL, via OAK, as FDX9075. It will join the other 757-200Fs in the inter-island cargo service.

N919RA

Southern Cross International is ferrying N919RA (c/n 30174, l/n 1175) from PVG to GYR, with stops at GUM and JRF, as SXI2612. This white-tail 737-809F, owned by Boeing Capital, completed freighter conversion at PVG.

30174's History:

Jly 2002: Delivered to China Airlines as B-18615.

__ 2007: Blended Winglets installed.

May 2021: Withdrawn from service, and stored at TPE for three months.

Aug 2021: Ferried to TSA for storage for three months.

Oct 2021: Ferried back to TPE for storage.

Dec 2022: Acquired by Royal Aero GmbH as N919RA, and ferried to MZJ for storage.

Apr 2023: Acquired by Boeing Capital Corporation.

Jly 2023: Ferried to PVG for freighter conversion.

Sumisho Air Lease Begins Operations

Sumisho Air Lease, the merged companies of SMBC and Air Lease Corp., officially began operations as the largest aircraft leasing company as the merger was finalized today.

Further information in this SMBC news release.

China Southern Airlines' B-228M

China Southern Airlines is taking delivery of B-228M (c/n 66419, l/n 9547) today. This 737-8 is making its delivery flight from BFI to CAN, with overnight stops at HNL and GUM, as CSN8139.

Super Air Jet's PK-SAF

Super Air Jet is ferrying PK-SAF (msn 3357) from DJJ [Sentani Airport, Jayapura, Indonesia] to P08, with stops at MAJ and HNL, as SJV1. This A320-232 is being returned to its lessor, Avolon Aeropsace, and is due to be parted out and scrapped.

PK-SAF stopped through HNL in September 2023 on its delivery flight.

Conair's C-GVFK

Conair's RJ85 Aerial Firefighter, C-GVFK "Hunter" (msn E2268, f/n 164), is ferrying back to YXX from BQB. It departed BQB on 02 April, and is making stops at AVV, BNE, HIR, MAJ, HNL, OAK, and YVR. Its stop at HNL is tonight.

Malaysia Airlines' 9M-MVO

Malaysia Airlines is taking delivery of 9M-MVO (c/n 43358, l/n 9511) today. This 737-8, their first delivery for 2026, is making its delivery flight from BFI to KUL, with overnight stops at HNL and GUM, as MAS5041.

Singapore Airlines' 9V-MBV

Singapore Airlines is taking delivery of 9V-MBV (c/n 44260, l/n 9531) today. This 737-8 is making its delivery flight from BFI to SIN, with overnight stops at HNL and GUM, as SIA8890.

Hawaiian Airlines Ends Code-Share With Virgin Australia

Hawaiian Airlines filed a termination notice with the US Department of Transportation, that it is ending its code-share with Virgin Australia today. This ends the decade-long partnership between the two airlines.

N583JH

N583JH (msn 208B1001), a C208 Caravan owned by 208B1001 LLC Saipan [Saipan, NMI], is ferrying from SPN to the mainland, with stops at HIR, APW, HNL, and MCE. Its stop at HNL is tonight.

N583JH's History:

Dec 2002: Delivered to Mallard Haven LLC.

Jun 2005: Sold to Skytech Inc.

Sep 2005: Sold to Air Holdings Inc.

Nov 2010: Sold to Lowcountry Trading LLC.

Jun 2018: Sold to 208B1001 LLC Saipan.

Virgin Australia's VH-E2C

Virgin Australia is taking delivery of VH-E2C "Margaret River" (msn 19020209). This E190-E2 is making its delivery flight from SJK to PER, with stops at BGI, OPF, TUS, KOA, NAN, BNE, and CNS, as VOZ9943. VH-E2C departed SJK on 01 April, and it's overnight stop at KOA is tonight.

Aloha Airlines' N741AL

This quarter's HNL RareBirds Classic Aloha Airlines' tribute features N741AL "Olopana" (c/n 28641, l/n 809, f/n 741). This 737-76N is seen above, was photographed while under tow from the RON Ramp at SNA, as it would depart for OGG, prior to my flight to HNL. It was one of two Aloha 737-76Ns that overnighted at SNA.

28641's History:

Mar 2001: Delivered to Aloha Airlines as N741AL "Olopana", under lease from GECAS.

Mar 2008: Withdrawn from service due to airline shutdown, and returned to GECAS a month later.

Jan 2009: Leased to Arik Air as 5N-MJJ "City of Benin".

Jun 2018: Stored at LOS [Murtalla Muhammed International Airport, Lagos, Nigeria].

Nov 2021: Acquired by AerCap, the lease transferred, and remains in storage.