FAA Bans Trident Helicopters Jump-offs

The Federal Aviation Administration has banned Trident Adventures helicopters from having guests jump into the ocean from their Eurocopter AS355F2, N52ZX (msn 5515). Citing safety reasons, the FAA says that guests must remain inside the helicopter.

Further information in this Hawai‘i News Now report.

Virgin Australia's VH-8VJ

Virgin Australia is taking delivery of VH-8VJ "Dundee Beach" (c/n 67043, l/n 9794). This 737-8 is making its delivery flight from MLB (following IFE enhancements) to BNE, with stops at ONT and KOA, as VOZ9947. It's overnight stop at KOA will be tonight. This is Virgin Australia's third 737-8 delivery this month.

NOAA's N43RF

With Tropical Storm Lowell passing  to the south-southeast of the Hawaiian Islands, and Category 3 Hurricane Karina to the southeast of the islands, the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration is deploying N43RF "Miss Piggy" (msn 285A-5633) from its base at LAL to JRF, via LGB, as NOAA43.

Further weather coverage in this Fox Weather report.

01 September 2026 UPDATE

Tropical Storm Lowell has been upgraded to a Category 1 Hurricane, and Karina has been upgraded to a Category 4.

Qantas Airways' VH-ZNM

On a related note to our post on the 27th regarding Qantas Airways' fleet renewal, the airline has begun seasonal 787-9 DreamLiner fleet substitution for QFA103/104 today. VH-ZNM "Mateship" (c/n 66077, l/n 1035) is making today's flight. According to FlightRadar's flight data for QFA103, it appears that over the next week, 787-9s will be doing most of the flying of the route.

Federal Express' N884FD

Federal Express' original liveried 777-FS2, N884FD "Rosie" (c/n 37137, l/n 917, f/n 884), is making its first appearance at HNL this afternoon. It's flying as FDX1413 from MEM, and will go onto OAK in the evening as FDX3815.

N884FD's History:

Feb 2011: Delivered to Federal Express, named "Ananyaa".
Aug 2026: Repainted in the original Federal Express livery, and renamed "Rosie".

China Southern Airlines' B-229V

China Southern Airlines is taking delivery of B-229V (c/n 66427, l/n 9784) today. This 737-8 is making its delivery flight from BFI to CAN, with overnight stops at HNL and GUM as CSN5682. This is China Southern's tenth 737-8 delivered this year.

Hawai‘i Rainbow Warriors Team Charter

Hawaiian Airlines' A321-271N, N216HA "Mamane" (msn 8471, f/n 216), is flying the Hawai‘i Rainbow Warriors football team to SJC as ASA9681. The Rainbow Warriors are embarking on their "Week 0" road trip to face the Stanford Cardinal on Saturday afternoon.

N216HA will stay at SJC to bring home the Rainbow Warriors following the game with the same fight number.

Hawaiian Airlines has an Instagram reel on the Bows' sendoff, along with the team's Instagram post.

30 August 2026 UPDATE

N216HA brought home the Rainbow Warriors following their 37-27 loss to the Cardinal.

Aloha Air Cargo's N454KH

Aloha Air Cargo is taking delivery of N454KH (c/n 28198, l/n 2806). This white-tail 737-48EF is making its delivery flight from SNN to HNL, with stops at KEF, BGR (as N454KH), TUL and OAK, as AAH9454. It will be leased from World Star Aviation.

28198's History:

Jly 1996: Delivered to Asiana Airlines as HL7509, under lease from ILFC.

Aug 2006: Leased to Miami Air International as "Osa".

May 2014: ILFC becomes AerCap, lease transferred.

May 2016: Painted in the Trump / Pence Campaign livery as an additional campaign aircraft.

Aug 2017: Sold to Vx Capital Partners, and ferried to YLW for freighter conversion.

Oct 2017: Re-registered as N478VX.

Aug 2018: Leased to Azul Cargo as PR-AJZ "Cargo Team".

May 2022: Acquired by World Star Aviation, and the lease transferred.

Feb 2025: Withdrawn from service, and stored at VCP [Viracopos International Airport, Campinas, Sao Paulo, Brazil]

Mar 2025: Ferried to LDE for storage.

Jan 2026: Acquired by World Star Aviation as 2-RJAZ, and ferried to VAR [Varna International Airport, Varna, Bulgaria] for storage.

Jun 2026: Ferried to SNN for preparation to lease to Aloha Air Cargo.

Qantas To Retire A330 Fleet Beginning In 2027

As part of its fleet renewal, Qantas Airways will begin retiring its 16 A330-200s and 13 A330-300s in late 2027. This move comes alongside the airline's accelerated retirement of their ten A380-800s, now scheduled to begin in 2028. Qantas has 12 A350-1000s, 12 A350-1000ULRs, and 12 787-9 DreamLiners in their order book, plus options for more airframes. The A350-1000s and 787-9s will replace the A330s, while the A350-1000ULRs will replace the A380s.

Currently, Qantas uses their A330-300s for their QFA104/103 service between SYD and HNL. Occasionally, they will substitute the smaller A330-200s. Previously, Qantas had used their 787-9s for their SYD-HNL route during the summer of 2024. It has yet to be determined which airliner type will replace the A330.

Further information in this Aviation Week article.

VH-UYN

Southern Cross International is ferrying former QantasLink's ERJ-190AR, VH-UYN (msn 19000095), from BNE to SJO, with stops at APW, JRF, and SDM, flying as SXI2626. It's overnight stop at JRF is tonight.

This E190 stopped through HNL in July 2021 as it was being delivered to Alliance Airlines as N955QQ. In Feb 2025, VH-UYN was painted in the QantasLink livery, and operated by Alliance Airlines. It's last revenue flight was operated on 21 August 2026.

Hawaiian Airlines Football Jersey Patch

The University of Hawai‘i Rainbow Warriors football team will have a Hawaiian Airlines patch on both their home black, and road white jerseys this season. Hawaiian has been a corporate sponsor for the University of Hawai‘i for more than 30 years. The airline will provide A321-200N team charters for the Rainbow Warriors six road games this season (Stanford, Wyoming, Arizona State, Northern Illinois, UTEP, and Nevada).

The Rainbow Warriors will be the first college football team to have an airline as corporate logo affixed to their jerseys.

Further information in this Hawaiian Airlines news release.

Silk Way West Airlines' VQ-BBM

Silk Way West Airlines' VQ-BBM (c/n 62709, l/n 1533) is making a stop at HNL from ORD today as AZG1622. This 747-83QF will continue onto MEL after a brief fuel stop with the same flight number.

VQ-BBM'S History:

Mar 2017: Delivered to Silk Way West Airlines in the original livery.

Jly 2022: "10 Years" decals applied on center fuselage.

Jan 2026: Painted in the current livery (above photo).

QantasLink's VH-X4N

National Jet Systems is taking delivery of VH-X4N "Rock Wallaby" (msn 55463). This A220-300 is making its delivery flight from YMX to CBR, with stops at YVR, HNL, and NAN, as QLK6076. It's making its HNL overnight stop today; and will continue onto NAN tomorrow as QLK6077.

Hawai‘i National Guard Hurricane Relief Support

Ch-47F Chinooks from the Hawai‘i Army National Guard's 211th Aviation Regiment and a C-17A Globemaster III from the Hawai‘i Air National Guard's 204th Airlift Squadron have flown hurricane relief supply and equipment missions to Hawai‘i Island to aid in the recovery from Hurricane Lala. Much of the supplies are being sent to the Ka‘u District, where most of the area was devastated by the Category 1 hurricane.

05-5146 "Spirit of Hawai‘i - Ke Aloha" (c/n F-153, l/n P-146) flew to RIV to bring back equipment from Southern California Edison that aid their crews who are assisting Hawai‘i Electric and Light Company (HELCO) in getting power restored in the most affected areas.

Further information, photos and videos in the Adjutant General of Hawai‘i's Instagram page.

Qatar Cargo's A7-BFM

Qatar Cargo's 777-FDZ, A7-BFM (c/n 62770, l/n 1520), is making a fuel stop at HNL this morning. This 777F arrived early this morning, from DFW as QTR8380, and will continue onto MEL.

QantasLink's C-FOWE

JD Aero is delivering C-FOWE (msn 4471) for Sunstate Airlines, to operate for QantasLink. This Dash8-402Q Q400 is making its delivery flight from YAM to BNE, with stops at YYR, HNL, and MAJ. Its HNL stopover is tonight. This Q400 will be registered as VH-84I after it arrives at BNE.

4471's History:

Jun 2014: Delivered to Westjet Encore as C-FOWE (f/n 413).

Apr 2023: Withdrawn from service, and stored at YAM.

Apr 2026: Acquired by JD Aero, and ferried to YQA for prep to Sunstate Airlines.

Hurricane Hunters Base At LIH

With Tropical Depression 2-C approaching the islands, three WC-130Js from the 53rd WRS "Hurricane Hunters" arrived at LIH today. 96-5302 (msn 382-5453) arrived as TEAL81, 97-5305 (msn 382-5475) arrived as TEAL82, and 98-5308 (msn 382-5487) arrived as TEAL83.

21 August 2026 UPDATE

Tropical Depression 2-C has been upgraded to Tropical Storm Moke today.

N187PF Hard Landing At LNY

The Maui 24/7 Facebook page reports that N187PF (msn 444A), a Sling LSA owned by Pacific Flight Academy, had a hard landing at LNY, at 16:15HAST this afternoon. It was on a flight from HNL as KA87. According to the OpenADSB playback, the LSA had flown the approach for Runway 3, then did a quick go-around for Runway 21, landed hard and ended up leaning on its nose in the infield grass. Fortunately, the pilot did not suffer any injuries.

Further information in this Aviation Safety Network report.

Lynden Air Cargo's N405LC

Lynden Air Cargo's white-tail L-100-30, N405LC (msn 382-5025) is making a stop at HNL from TUS as LYC527.

21 August 2026 UPDATE

N405LC departed west-bound as LYC527 this evening.

Republic of China Air Force's First F-16s

The Republic of China (Taiwan) Air Force is taking delivery of their first two Block 70 F-16V Vipers. 6727 (sn 21-1107 / VN-7) and 6728 (sn 21-1108 / VN-8) are making their delivery flights from FTW to RCQS [Chihang Air Base, Taitung, Taiwan], and are making a stop at HIK. They departed FTW on the 17th, and stopped at CEA [Cessna Field, Wichita, KS], escorted by a US Air Force KC-135R, 61-0293 (c/n 18200, l/n T0515), from the 22nd ARW.

These F-16Vs are the first of 66 that the Republic of China Air Force ordered in 2019. It will be a mix of single-seat C models, and two-seat D models, that fall under the Block 70 V variant.

Further information in this Taipei Times article.

NOAA's N42RF Returns

NOAA has deployed N42RF back to JRF for research flights into Tropical Depression 2-C. The weather system is forecasted to turn into Tropical Storm Moke (pronounced Moh-kay) within the next 12-24 hours. This WP-3D is arriving from LGB this afternoon as NOAA42.

The above photo was taken today, on short final for JRF's Runway 22L, on its arrival from LGB.

21 August 2026 UPDATE

Tropical Depression 2-C has been upgraded to Tropical Storm Moke today.

25 August 2026 UPDATE

With Tropical Depression Moke way off to the west of Hawai‘i, N42RF departed for LGB this morning.

Alaska Airlines' N461AS Brings Hurricane Assistance

Alaska Airlines flew a charter flight from ONT to ITO today, to bring in electrical workers and others to assist in the recovery from Hurricane Lala in Hawai‘i Island's Ka‘ū District. N461AS (c/n 36363, l/n 4850, f/n 461), a 737-990ER, made the flight as ASA9646. It later flew to KOA to reposition as ASA9717.

N461AS is seen above, landing on Runway 4R, in a photo taken in October 2025.

Virgin Australia's VH-8IP

Virgin Australia is taking delivery of VH-8IP "Bicheno Beach" (c/n 67047, l/n 9768) today. This 737-8 is making its delivery flight from MLB to BNE, with stops at ONT and KOA, as VOZ9947. This is Virgin Australia's second 737-8 delivery this month.

18 August 2026 - 12:45 UPDATE

VH-8IP has been diverted to HNL for its overnight stop.

20 August 2026 UPDATE

VH-8IP departed for BNE this morning as VOZ9947.

Hurricane Lala Airport Updates

With Hurricane Lala approaching and expected to pass over Hawai‘i Island today, the Hawai‘i Department of Transportation has already closed ITO for the day, and will close KOA around 14:00.

Flights into and out of OGG have been canceled for latter part of today.

Further information in this HDOT news release.

If you are traveling today and tomorrow, please check with your airline for flight status.

For all of our friends in Hawai‘i, please stay safe!

16 August 2026 UPDATE

Following inspections, HDOT reopened ITO and KOA this morning.

As the now-downgraded Tropical Storm Lala is now south of Kaua‘i, please check with your airline about your flight status. Some airlines have reported cancellations for today.

17 August 2026 UPDATE

Tropical Storm Lala is now west of the main Hawaiian Islands, and continuing toward the International Date Line.

Airzena Georgia Airways' N477AX

Cargo Aircraft Management is ferrying N477AX (c/n 29390, l/n 870) from QPG to MCN [Middle Georgia Regional Airport, Macon GA], with a stop at HNL today. This 767-3Q8ERF just completed freighter conversion, and is headed for painting for its new lessee. It arrived still wearing the Airzena Georgia Airways livery, which was the last airline leased to.

29390's History:

Mar 2002: Delivered to Skymark Airlines as JA767C, under lease from ILFC.

Jan 2007: Painted in the current Skymark livery.

Mar 2008: Leased to Rossiya Airlines as EI-DZH.

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

May 2016: Leased to Omni Air International as N477AX (f/n 477).

Jun 2024: Leased to Airzena Georgia Airways as 4L-GTR.

Mar 2026: Returned to Cargo Aircraft Management as N477AX, and ferried to QPG for freighter conversion.

13 August 2026 UPDATE

N477AX departed for MCN early this morning.

Lāna‘i Air Launches MKK Service

Lāna‘i Air launched daily C408 SkyCourier service between HNL and MKK today. The first flight, STT540/541 was flown by N971LA early this morning. Lāna‘i Air has four scheduled flights round-trip flights between HNL and MKK per day.

Tropical Invest 93C

To get a handle of the storm systems southeast of Hawai‘i, NOAA has dispatched its G-IV, N49RF "Gonzo" (msn 1246), and one of its WP-3Ds, N42RF "Kermit" (msn 285A-5266) to the islands to monitor the storm. N49RF arrived yesterday as NOAA49, and N42RF will arrive later today as NOAA42. Both aircraft will be based out of JRF for this deployment.

The US Air Force is sending 97-5305 (msn 382-5475) from the 53rd Weather Reconnaissance Squadron. This WC-130J Weatherbird is flying from MHR to KOA as TEAL83. 

The National Hurricane Center is tracking Tropical Invest 93C, a system southeast of the Hawaiian Islands. Invest is the NHC term for Investigating for potential tropical development, 93C is the location designator, and would be named Lala in the event of it developing into a tropical depression.

National coverage with this Fox Weather report; and local coverage with this KHON2 report.

12 August 2026 UPDATE

Tropical Invest 93C has been upgraded to Tropical Cyclone 1C. Two more WC-130Js arrived, 96-5302 (msn 382-5453) and 97-5303 (msn 382-5473) to fly into the storm.

13 August 2026 UPDATE
Tropical Cyclone 1C has now been upgraded to Tropical Storm Lala.

Follow updates on the National Hurricane Center advisory.

15 August 2026 UPDATE

Tropical Storm Lala has been upgraded to a Category 1 Hurricane.

Both N42RF and N49RF departed JRF this morning for SDM [Brown Field, San Diego, CA]. 

10,000,000 Views!

A big mahalo goes out to all of our readers and contributors! The HNL RareBirds™ has broken the 10,000,000 views mark this afternoon! Thank you to you all for helping this website reach this milestone! You are very much appreciated!

Royal Air Force's ZZ332

ZZ332 (msn 1275), a Voyager KC3 (A330-243 MRTT) from the Royal Air Force's 10 Squadron / No. 2 Group (Air Combat Support) is making a stop at HNL from YAMB, as RRR2205.

11 August 2026 UPDATE

ZZ332 departed for MCI as RRR2205 this morning.

N613FC

N613FC (msn 208B5151), a C208B Grand Caravan EX Floatplane, owned by Cobra Aviation Services LLC [Oklahoma City, OK] is being ferried from HAN [Noi Bai International Airport, Hanoi, Vietnam] to MCE with stops at DVO [Francisco Bangoy International Airport, Davao, Philippines], GUM, MAJ, and HNL. N613FC is seen above, ferrying without the float kit.

208B5151's History

Oct 2014: Delivered to Hai Au Aviation JSC as N3100L.

Dec 2014: Registered as VN-B466.

Jly 2026: Purchased by Cobra Aviation Services LLC.

11 August 2026 UPDATE

N613FC departed for MCE early this morning.

China Southern Airlines' N240BE

Boeing is ferrying China Southern Airlines' N240BE (c/n 44410, l/n 9775) from BFI to HSN for painting and cabin completion. This 737-8 is making overnight stops at KOA and GUM as BOE143. It will be given its Chinese registration prior to delivery.

Virgin Australia's VH-8IO

Virgin Australia is taking delivery of VH-8IO "Vestey's Beach" (c/n 67046, l/n 9757). This 737-8 is making its delivery flight from MLB to BNE, with stops at ONT and KOA, as VOZ9947. It's overnight stop at KOA is tonight. This is Virgin Australia's tenth 737-8 delivery for 2026.

PK-GLE

The Aviation Capital Group is ferrying PK-GLE (msn 2598) from CGK to P08, with stops at GUM, MAJ, and JRF. This A320-232's overnight stop at JRF is tonight. PK-GLE is seen above wearing the Citilink base livery without titles.

2598's History:

Nov 2005: Delivered to Royal Jordanian as JY-AYD "Amman", under lease from the Aviation Capital Group.

Oct 2011: Withdrawn from service.

Feb 2012: Returned to ACG as N598AG.

Jun 2012: Leased to Citilink as PK-GLE.

Jan 2020: Stored at CGK.

Sep 2023: Re-inducted into service with "PT PPA Danareksa" decals.

Dec 2025: Decals removed.

Apr 2026: Withdrawn from service, and stored at CGK.

Nauru Airlines Aims For HNL Service

CH-Aviation reports that Nauru Airlines is aiming for a first quarter 2027 launch to serve HNL from MAJ with their 737-800. It could also involve a code share with Air Marshall Islands.

Nauru Airlines received clearance to begin service from the US DOT, and the governments of both Nauru and the Marshall Islands in February 2024.

N529HG

N529HG (msn 19000529), an ERJ-190LR owned by Regional One, is being ferried from XSP to OPF, with stops at BIK, MAJ, JRF, and ONT. N529HG is seen above wearing the Myanmar Airlines International base livery without titles. According to the conversation on the scanner, the pilots told the air traffic controller that this E190 is going to OPF for painting.

19000529's History:

Apr 2012: Delivered to China Southern Airlines as B-3145, under lease from CDB Aviation.

Oct 2020: Leased to Myanmar Airlines International as XY-ALO "Sittwe".

Sep 2021: Renamed "Hakha".

Jun 2026: Withdrawn from service, and stored at RGN [Yangon International Airport, Yangon (Rangoon), Myanmar].

Jly 2026: Acquired by Regional One (a Bank of Utah trustee), re-registered as N529HG, and ferried to XSP for storage.

06 August 2026 UPDATE

N529HG departed for ONT, then OPF, early this morning.

Omega Tanker's N235UL

Omega Tanker's N235UL (c/n 46956, l/n 235) is making a stop at JRF tonight, from DNA as OME12. This KDC-10-30CF had been based out of DNA on its first deployment since it entered service, stopped through HNL last month.

07 August 2026 UPDATE

N235UL departed JRF this morning and returned to VCV as OME12.

C-FKDL

The Avmax Group is ferrying C-FKDL (msn 552), from YYC to CNS. This white-tail Dash8-315Q is making stops at YYJ, HNL, and MAJ.

C-FKDL stopped through HNL in October 2025.

06 August 2026 UPDATE

C-FKDL departed for MAJ this morning.

FAA Certifies The 737-7

The Federal Aviation Administration has issued an amended certificate to Boeing for the 737-7 variant, that clears the way for it to enter service.

Southwest Airlines is the launch customer for the 737-7, with an order for 258 airliners, that will replace the 737-700. Other airlines who ordered the 737-7 are Allegiant Air (24), Luxair (4), Ruili Airlines (2), and SkyUp Airlines (2).

Further information in this Boeing Media Room news release, and this statement by the FAA.

Luftwaffe's 54+09

54+09 (msn 048), an A400M-180 Atlas from the Luftwaffe's Lufttransportgeschwader 62 (Air Transport Wing 62), is making a stop at HNL as GAF111 today. It had tail art painted this past May, celebrating the Luftwaffe's 70th anniversary. This A400M made its flight from ETNW to HNL, with stops at YYT, IAD, and OAK.

54+09 was last here in November 2025 en route to New Zealand.

Air Japan Takes Over HND-HNL Service

Beginning today, All Nippon Airways' Air Japan subsidiary has taken over the HND-HNL service. The flight will still be operated as ANA186/185, with ANA 787-9 DreamLiners, but with Air Japan crews.