Hawaiian Airlines' N479HA "Moana" Special Livery

Hawaiian Airlines has applied decals for the live-action version of "Moana" to one of its 717-22As. N479HA "‘Akepa" (c/n 55124, l/n 5069, f/n 479) will wear the decals for its inter-island flights. It re-entered service this morning as ASA1096 [HNL-OGG].

Two Hawaiian Airlines Airliners In Ground Collision

According to eyewitness reports, a Hawaiian Airlines A330-243, N390HA "Namahoe" (msn 1389) was under tow when its port side winglet clipped the a corner of the starboard elevator of 717-22A, N480HA "Pueo" (c/n 55125, l/n 5070) this afternoon.

N480HA had just emerged from a C-check, and was parked near the hangar. N390HA was also involved in an uncontrolled collision with a jet bridge several days ago, when the chocks were removed while the parking brakes were off.

Hawaiian Airlines' N488HA Gets "Lilo & Stitch" Decals

The third of three Hawaiian Airlines' airliners to receive decals to promote Disney's motion picture "Lilo & Stitch", is N488HA "Puaiohi" (c/n 55001, l/n 5002). This 717-26R, was taken out of service on 09 June, and re-entered service today with the new decals.

Hawaiian Airlines' N494HA Moana 2 Special Livery

Hawaiian Airlines' 717-2BL, N494HA "Koaʻe Kea" (c/n 55182, l/n 5138, f/n 494), is now wearing the Moana 2 decals. It had the decals applied over the past few days, and has returned to service this morning.

N476HA "Elepaio" (c/n 55118, l/n 5053, f/n 476) was slated to receive the decal treatment, but was switched out.

Hawaiian Airlines Completes GTF Issues

CH-Aviation reports that Hawaiian Airlines has completed all of the necessary repairs on the Pratt & Whitney PW1100G, that affected their A321-271N fleet. All of Hawaiian's A321Ns are now back in service.

The report also mentioned that Hawaiian plans to keep their 717-200 fleet for at least the next three to five years, as they have calculated the timeline to reach 110,000 cycles per airframe. Currently, the airframes are approaching the 80,000 cycles mark.

QantasLink's VH-YQS

Southern Cross International is ferrying QantasLink's 717-2BL, VH-YQS "Great Otway National Park" (c/n 55178, l/n 5128), from CBR to VCV, via APW and KOA, as SXI2472. Its stop today at KOA will be an overnighter.

According to our sources in Australia, this will be the last 717 to ferry out of Australia, as sister-ship, VH-YQW "Tassie Devil" (c/n 55194, l/n 5154) will remain in Down Under to be used by an engineering school.

55178's History:

Feb 2004: Delivered to Midwest Airlines as N916ME, under lease from Boeing Capital.

Jun 2009: Leased to MexicanaClick as XA-CLE.

Oct 2013: Leased to National Jet Systems to operate for QantasLink as VH-YQW.

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

Oct 2024: Flew the final QantasLink 717 revenue flight, then withdrawn from service.

Hawaiian Airlines To Have Three Moana 2 Theme Jets

Hawaiian Airlines announced today, that they will be promoting "Moana 2", the sequel to the 2016 Disney animated motion picture "Moana". Three airliners will wear "Moana 2" decals: an A330-243, N381HA "Hōkūleʻa" (msn 1114, f/n 381); an A321-271N, N208HA "Koa" (msn 8123, f/n 208); and a 717-22A, N476HA "ʻElepaio" (c/n 55118, l/n 5053, f/n 476). These three airliners were selected based upon their fleet name in relation to voyaging methods. This promotion is also tied into the airlines "Navigate Your Own Adventure" sweepstakes Hawaiian is conducting.

Hawaiian Airlines published a behind-the-scenes video go "Hōkūleʻa" having its decals applied on their YouTube channel.

In October 2016, Hawaiian Airlines had decals of the original "Moana" motion picture applied to three A330-243s: N390HA "Nāmāhoe", N391HA "Hōkūlei", and N392HA "Hikianalia".

QantasLink's VH-YQY

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

55056's History:

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

Dec 2003: Airline rebrands as Olympic Airlines.

Jun 2007: Leased to Spanair as EC-KFR.

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

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

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

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

Oct 2024: Withdrawn from service.

QantasLink's VH-NXQ

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

55097's History:

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

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

May 2004: Leased to Jetstar Airways.

Nov 2005: Re-registered as VH-YQK.

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

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

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

Nov 2015: Purchased by National Jet Systems.

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

QantasLink's VH-YQT

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

55179's History:

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

Sep 2009: Leased to MexicanaClick.

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

Dec 2010: Ferried to VCV for storage.

Aug 2013: Ferried to VQQ for storage.

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

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

Aug 2024: Withdrawn from service.

05 September 2024 UPDATE

VH-YQT departed for VCV this morning as SXI2469.

QantasLink's VH-NXO

Southern Cross International is ferrying National Jet Systems' VH-NXO "Wilsons Promontory National Park" (c/n 55096, l/n 5093) from CBR to VCV, via APW and KOA. This 717-231 is flying as SXI2466, and will overnight at KOA tonight.

55096's History:

Nov 2000: Delivered to Trans World Airlines as N429TW (f/n 2429), under lease from Pembroke.

Dec 2000: Transferred to the American Airlines fleet following the merger.

Apr 2002: Leased to Impulse Airlines as VH-VQJ, and operated for QantasLink.

May 2004: Leased to Jetstar Airways.

Jly 2005: Logo jet for Avis Rent-A-Car.

Jan 2006: Re-registered as VH-YQJ.

Jly 2006: Withdrawn from service.

Jly 2007: Leased to National Jet Systems as VH-NXO, and operated for QantasLink.

Oct 2011: Acquired by BBAM, and the lease transferred.

Mar 2013: Acquired by Falko, and the lease transferred.

Nov 2015: Purchased by National Jet Systems.

Jan 2020: Painted in the current livery, and named "Wilsons Promontory National Park".

Jly 2024: Withdrawn from service.

QantasLink's VH-NXE

Southern Cross International is ferrying QantasLink's VH-NXE "Maria Island National Park" (c/n 55063, l/n 5034) from CBR to VCV, via APW and KOA. This 717-23S, which was owned by National Jet Systems, is flying as SXI2452, and will make an overnight stop at KOA tonight.

55063's History:

Sep 2000: Delivered to Impulse Airlines as VH-SMH, under lease from Pembroke.

May 2001: Operated for QantasLink VH-VQE.

May 2004: Leased to Jetstar Airways.

Jun 2005: Leased to National Jet Systems, re-registered as VH-NXE, and named "Maria Island National Park".

Jun 2007: Sold to All Aviation, and the lease transferred.

Jan 2011: Sold to HKAC, and the lease transferred.

Jan 2022: Painted in the current livery.

QantasLink's VH-NXN

National Jet Systems is having VH-NXN "Freycinet National Park" (c/n 55095, l/n 5087) from CBR to VCV, via APW and HNL. This QantasLink-liveried 717-231, is being ferried by Southern Cross International as SXI2435. The APW-HNL segment is being flown as QFA6070.

55095's History:

Nov 2001: Delivered to Trans World Airlines as N428TW (f/n 2428), under lease from Pembroke.

Dec 2001: Integrated into the American Airlines fleet following the merger.

Apr 2002: Leased to Impulse Airlines, and operated as QantasLink, as VH-VQI.

May 2004: Leased to Jetstar Airways.

Jan 2006: Re-registered as VH-YQI.

Dec 2007: Leased to National Jet Systems as VH-NXN, and named "Freycinet National Park".

Oct 2011: Acquired by BBAM, and the lease transferred.

Mar 2013: Acquired by Falko, and the lease transferred.

Oct 2015: Purchased by National Jet Systems.

___ 2019: Painted in the current livery.

Mar 2024: Withdrawn from service.

QantasLink's VH-YQX

Southern Cross International is ferrying VH-YQX "Bouddi National Park" (c/n 55053, l/n 5016) from CBR to VCV, via APW and HNL, as SXI2421. This 717-2K9, owned by National Jet Systems, is being retired from its fleet. The APW-HNL segment is being flown as QFA6070.

55053's History:

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

Dec 2003: Airline rebrands as Olympic Airlines.

Jly 2007: Leased to Spanair as EC-KHX.

Dec 2010: Leased to Blue 1 as OH-BLN, and painted in the Star Alliance special livery.

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

Feb 2016: Sold to, and delivered to National Jet Systems as VH-YQX, to operate for QantasLink.

Jan 2022: Repainted in the current Qantas livery, and named "Bouddi National Park".

11 Apr 2024 UPDATE

VH-YQX departed for VCV as SXI2421 this morning.

QantasLink's VH-NXG

National Jet Systems is having VH-NXG "Brindabella National Park" (c/n 55057, l/n 5020) from CBR to VCV. Southern Cross International is ferrying this 717-2K9 as SXI2414 from CBR to APW, and QFA6070 from APW to HNL.

55057's History:

Apr 2000: Delivered to Impulse Airlines as VH-LAX, under lease from BIAL.

May 2001: Operated for QantasLink.

May 2004: Leased to Jetstar Airways.

Nov 2005: Leased to National Jet Systems to operate for QantasLink.

Dec 2005: Re-registered as VH-NXG "Brindabella National Park".

Jun 2011: Acquired by ANZ Banking Group, and the lease transferred.

Jun 2016: Purchased by National Jet Systems.

Sep 2022: Painted in the current Qantas livery

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

QantasLink's VH-NXL

National Jet Systems is ferrying VH-NXL "Daintree National Park" (c/n 55093, l/n 5083) from CBR to VCV, via APW and HNL. Southern Cross International is ferrying this 717-231 as SXI2411. The APW-HNL segment is being flown as QFA6701.

55093's History:

Sep 2001: Delivered to Trans World Airlines as N426TW (f/n 2426), under lease from Pembroke.

Dec 2001: Intergrated into the American Airlines fleet following the merger.

May 2002: Leased to Impulse Airlines as VH-VQG, and operated for QantasLink.

May 2004: Leased to Jetstar Airways.

Feb 2006: Re-registered as VH-YQG.

Mar 2007: Sold to GGAM, and leased to National Jet Systems as VH-NXL, to operate for QantasLink.

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

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

Sep 2015: National Jet Systems purchased VH-NXL, and named it "Daintree National Park".

QantasLink's VH-YQU

Southern Cross International is ferrying VH-YQU "Royal National Park" (c/n 55180, l/n 5132) from CBR to VCV, via APW and HNL, as SXI2402. The APW-HNL leg is being flown as QFA6070. This 717-2BL was part of the National Jet Systems fleet, and operated for QantasLink.

55180's History:

Jun 2004: Delivered to Midwest Airlines as N918ME, under lease from Boeing Capital Corporation (BCC).

Mar 2009: Leased to Mexicana Click as XA-CLB.

Jan 2011: Returned to BCC, and stored at VCV, after Mexicana Click ceased operations.

Dec 2013: Leased to National Jet Systems as VH-YQU, and operated for QantasLink.

Jan 2021: Painted in the current livery, and named "Royal National Park".

Hawaiian Airlines To Keep The 717s

According to an article published today on SimpleFlying.com, Alaska Airlines intends to keep the Hawaiian Airlines 717-200 fleet going for at least the next five years, before considering a replacement. Hawaiian has 19 in service, along with another four recently purchased from Boeing Capital, and in storage at VCV.

737MAXs Hinted As Hawaiian Airlines' 717-200 Replacement

During the acquisition presentation between Alaska Airlines and Hawaiian Airlines, it was noted on page 18, that the Alaska 737s, would be the prime candidate to replace the Hawaiian Airlines 717-200 fleet when that time comes. Alaska has several 737-8s have on order with Boeing, with a total of 85 MAX series on order.

Further analysis in this CH-Aviation report. The yet-to-be-certified 737-7 was also mentioned as a possible replacement, though the -7 has not been mentioned in Alaska's and Boeing's order book.

This past August, Hawaiian Airlines, prior to the acquisition, noted four types that were candidates to replace the 717-200 fleet. We did a comparison and analysis of the four types to see which would be the best fit. With the acquisition by Alaska Airlines, it seems like to be a moot point.

COMPARISON

The two big questions for the 737MAX as a 717 replacement are, will any of these candidates be able to handle the rigorous schedule that the 717-200s currently maintain, and will Hawaiian have to make adjustments to work with the LEAP-1B cool down times? With the multitude of inter-island flights, will they be able to accommodate available belly space that Hawaiian uses for a lot of their inter-island cargo operations? 

717-200: RR BR715 | 128 seats | 1,430nm range | 935 cu ft cargo

to

737-7: CFM LEAP-1B | 138-153 seats | 3,800nm range | 1,139 cu ft cargo

737-8: CFM LEAP-1B | 178 seats | 3,400nm range | 1,540 cu ft cargo

ANALYSIS

Engines: Both 737MAX variants use the CFM LEAP-1B series.

Seats: Both 737MAX variants offer more seating. At 138 seats, the 737-7 adds 10 more seats, especially with Hawaiian's two-class layout. With the 737-8's 178 seats, it could also allow inter-island flight schedules to be consolidated.

Range: Both 737MAX variants offer ETOPS capability to Hawaiian's west coast destinations they choose to fly from any of the islands.

Cargo Volume: Both 737MAX variants offer more cargo belly space.

The 737-7 comes closest to the 717-200, but it's has not been decided by Alaska Airlines to add this variant to their order book.

QantasLink's VH-NXH

Southern Cross International is ferrying VH-NXH "Grampians National Park" (c/n 55055, l/n 5014) from CBR to VCV, with stops at APW and ITO. This 717-2K9 flying as SXI3280, except for the APW-ITO segment, which is being flown as QFA6070.

55055's History:

Dec 1999: Delivered to Bavarian International Aircraft Leasing (BIAL) as N9201S.

Apr 2000: Leased to Impulse Airlines as VH-IMD.

May 2001: Operated for QantasLink by Impulse Airlines.

May 2004: Leased to Jetstar Airways.

Dec 2005: Leased to National Jet Systems, and operated for QantasLink.

Jan 2006: Re-registered as VH-NXH.

Jun 2011: Sold to ANZ Banking Group, and the lease transferred.

Dec 2015: Purchased by National Jet Systems.