LAX RareBirds

On Nov. 22nd, we had an opportunity to get a few hours of spotting time at LAX from Imperial Park (Runways 25), the In-N-Out Burger on Sepulveda (Runway 24R arrivals), and the Proud Bird Restaurant (Runway 25L arrivals).

While the aircraft in this post may be a common sight at LAX, we certainly do not see them at HNL. The following are several airlines and/or airliners not commonly seen in Hawai‘i.

China Airlines Cargo 747-409F, B-18711 (c/n 30768), taxies on Taxiway A to the LAX International Cargo Ramp after landing on Runway 24R. It arrived from TPE. As you can see in the background, there are three Qantas A380s parked in north hangar area, due to the Rolls-Royce Trent 900 engine grounding.

Still wearing the old livery, US Airways' A321-211, N171US (msn 1465) taxies westward to Terminal 1. With the renovations to the Tom Bradley International Terminal (TBIT) going on, Taxiways S and Q have been closed, forcing taxiing traffic to go to Taxiway AA (at the west end of LAX) to get from the north side to the south side (and vice-verse). Two of the three Qantas A380s are seen in the background.

All Nippon Airways' 777-381ER, JA733A (c/n 32648), taxies to the Tom Bradley International Terminal on Taxiway C after landing on Runway 24R. It arrived from NRT as ANA6. The immediate background shows some of the construction to the TBIT extension.

An Emirates 777-31HER, A6-ECX (c/n 38982) rockets off of Runway 25R bound for DXB as UAE218. In the background is the LAX Tower, and the world-famous theme building. Also, at the Delta Air Lines Terminal (T5), is one of their 737-832s in the 2001 colors.

B-2431 (c/n 30761), a 747-409F from Yangtze River Express (Y8/YZR) departs for PVG from Runway 25R. This aircraft was originally delivered to China Airlines in 2000, and acquired by YZR in 2007. Yangtze River Express is part of the Hainan Air Group.

LAN Chile's CC-CDP (c/n 27597), a 767-316ER, taxies on Taxiway H after arriving from LIM as LAN600. In the background is a Cathay Pacific 777-367ER from HKG as CPA882. There's also the ANA 777-381ER, an American Airlines 777-223 and MD-83 at their terminal (T4).

N18112 (c/n 27302) is one of several Continental Airlines 757-224s to receive the new United Airlines titles. It's seen above climbing out from a Runway 25R departure. There was a 737-824 with the new United titles that landed on Runway 25L.

While we had lunch at the In-N-Out Burger on Sepulveda Blvd, this Virgin America A320-214, N634VA "mach daddy" (msn 3359), made its approach to Runway 24R. I had one hand on the camera, and the other on the burger.

airTran's N287AT (c/n 32671), a 737-76N, makes a its short final to Rwy 24R. Soon these 737-700s (along with their 717-200s) will become part of the Southwest fleet with the upcoming merger.

Horizon Air's Dash8-Q400, N419QX (msn 4145), passes by In-N-Out Burger.

Air Canada's C-GBIK (msn 831), an A319-114, on short final for Runway 24R.

The last plane I photographed from In-N-Out Burger, was this American Eagle Embraer ERJ-140LR, N853AE (msn 145742).

After lunch, we checked out the Proud Bird Restaurant parking lot to get Runway 25L arrivals, and only managed to get these two, before a lull in the action. 

The first was a United Express (SkyWest) Embraer EMB-120ER, N226SW (msn 120296), still wearing the UA grey livery. The EMB-120 is the smallest airliner serving LAX.

KLM Royal Dutch Airlines' PH-BFE (c/n 24201) "Melbourne", a 747-406M, arrives from AMS as KLM601, on finals for Runway 25L.

LAS RareBirds

During our layover at McCarrann International's Terminal C, we came across four of Southwest's state flag liveried 737s that made stops at LAS from around the country:

"Nevada One", N727SW (c/n 27859), a 737-7H4, was the first of WN flag birds to taxi to Terminal B.

"Lone Star One", N352SW (c/n 24888), a 737-3H4 is seen above taxiing to Terminal B.

Prior to our flight to ONT, "Maryland One", N214WN (c/n 32486), a 737-7H4, taxied to our gate (C21) that departed for RNO.

While taxiing to Runway 19L for departure, we passed "Arizona One", N383SW (c/n 26589), a 737-3H4, parked in Holding Pad 2.

Besides the Southwest flag 737s, we came across these aircraft types that don't come out to HNL, but the airlines do ...

Delta Air Lines' 737-832, N380DA (c/n 30266), taxies to Terminal D on Taxiway C, after arriving on Runway 19R.

This US Airways A321-231, N521UW (msn 3944), taxies to Runway 25R from Terminal A on Taxiway B5.

jetBlue's "Do-Be-Do-Be-Blue", N621JB (msn 2491), an A320-232 taxies along Taxiway B to Terminal D after landing on Runway 19R.

In the northwest corner of LAS is the ramp where the six EG&G ("Janet") 737-66Ns are parked, with the Luxor Hotel in the background.  Seen above are three of the six, as our flight (SWA1793) taxies to Runway 19L.

Hawaiian's N485HA at Kahului

Palila (c/n 55130) is parked at the cargo ramp at OGG sans one of it's BR-700's after a RTO while operating as flight #185 to HNL on 02 Dec.

BOE224

A Republic of Korea Air Force 737-7ES "Peace Eye", N963SS (c/n 35329), is making its delivery flight to South Korea today. It's flying as BOE224, had made its first stop at HNL, with GUM as the next stop before arriving at HIN (Saechon AFB, Chinju, ROK).

HNL photo provided by team member lono68.
Here's the shot of it at BFI.

Airliners.net

I was informed by the admin crew at Airliners.net that I am today's Featured Photographer! It's definitely an honor for us here in Honolulu. Thank you all for your support!

China Eastern To Fly Charters From China

Hawaii News Now is reporting that China Eastern Airlines will be using their Airbus A340-300s to make two flights from Shanghai to HNL for the Chinese New Year.

West Wing Aviation's N330DH

A Beech 1900D of West Wing Aviation (Australia), N330DH (msn UE-403), is returning from Down Under, and headed to the mainland. N330DH has made a stop at HNL from Australia via PPG and CXI. It was registered as VH-XDU in Australia.

N330DH is owned by 1900 Delta Holding Company (Dover, DE), and was originally with CommutAir (Continental Connection) as N857CA.

Conair Aviation Firebombers

Two firebombers from Conair Aviation (Abbotsford, British Columbia, Canada) are in town on HNL's south ramp. They are reportedly headed for Australia for their summer season, to stand by to help fight brush and forest fires. Note that the two Convair-liners are parked in tandem on one hardstand stall.

C-FKFA (msn 100), a Convair CV-580 (upgraded from a CV-340).

C-GYXC (msn 507), a CV-580 (upgraded from a CV-440). This CV-580 was here in August 2009, as it was making its way to Canada from Australia for conversion from a passenger carrier to a firebomber.

Anyone remember when Hawaiian Airlines had Convair-liners in their fleet?

Aloha Air Cargo To Add SF340s

Aloha Air Cargo is adding two Saab SF340BF freighters to their fleet next year. The two converted freighters are expected before the summer of 2011, and will bring the fleet total to six (with their four 737-200Cs).

The Aloha Air Cargo press release.

Shanghai Airlines' B-5550

Shanghai Airlines' third of three GECAS-leased 737-86Ns, B-5550 (c/n 39393), is making its delivery flight from BFI as CSH550.

Sorry, no HNL photo, though team member Drewski2112 got a shot of B-5550 at BFI after a test flight.

Hawaiian Air Adds 6 A330s To Order List

Hawaiian Airlines has converted options to purchase six A330-243s, increasing their current total standing order to 13.  This will give the airline a total of 16 A330s in their fleet, including the current three in service.

HA's press release link.

ANA Panda JA606A

ANA in panda colors stopped by HNL today and departed about 11 AM as ANA1051 to Narita.

LAS and LAX RareBirds

I was out-of-town during the past week. I managed to get a few hours of spotting time at LAS and LAX, and will be posting some airliners and airlines not seen at HNL.

Our flights were on Hawaiian Air's new A330-243s N381HA ("Hōkūle‘a) [HAL8] and N382HA ("‘Iwakeli‘i") [HAL17], and Southwest's 737-3H4W, N373SW [SWA1793].

Hawaiian's N381HA (msn 1114) at HNL's Gate 28 gets prepped for our flight to LAS as HAL8.

Southwest's N373SW (c/n 26581), a 737-3H4, our ride to ONT, taxies into Gate C21 from PHX. This 737-3H4 has been fitted with Blended Winglets and had its eyebrow cockpit windows plugged.

Hawaiian's newest A330-243, N382HA (msn 1171) was our ride back home to HNL from LAS as HAL17. It's seen above parked at Gate 24, shortly after we arrived.

I also videoed the approach and landing of our return flight to HNL, and is posted on YouTube.

Shanghai Airlines' B-5548

Shanghai AIrlines took delivery of B-5548 (c/n 36807), a 737-86N, leased from GECAS, today.  The delivery flight was listed as CSH548.

Sorry, no HNL photo, though our BFI team member Drewski2112, got a photo of CSH548 departing a snowy BFI.

An HNL RareBirds Blast From The Past: The China Clipper - 75 Years Later

75 years ago today on the morning of November 23rd 1935, Pan American Airways and their Martin M-130 named the "China Clipper" arrived at Pearl Harbor after a 20 hour and 33 minute flight completing the first leg of Pan American's Trans-Pacific flight from Alameda California. Piloted by Captain Edwin C. Musick and a crew of six, the flying boat officially started Air Mail service to the Hawaiian Islands and the Pacific. This eventually led the way to what was to become passenger service later in 1936. The rest as they say, is "History".

Continental / United Colors in HNL

Just spotted taxing into the north side hard stands is the first Continental / United logo aircraft seen at HNL.

Sorry didn't get the tail number...too far for me to catch it.

Skymark Airlines 737-8FX

Here's a shot of Skymark Airlines' new 737-800 being towed from the Castle & Cooke parking to Taxiway C for startup. This aircraft tail number is JA73ND (c/n 33440), a 737-8FX.

ex-China Southern B-2103

One of China Southern's MD-90-30s made its way through HNL today. Flying as CSN6999, B-2103 (c/n 60002), is the first MD-90 to make its way to the US mainland. Though, because this was a China-built MD-90 (licensed by McDonnell-Douglas), it will be held in storage at MZJ. Delta has expressed their intent on purchasing the CZ MD-90 fleet, but two were built in China, and may be kept for parts.

Sorry, no HNL photos ...

Hawaiian's First Flight From HND Arrives

Yokosoo! (Welcome!)

Hawaiian Air celebrated its first flight that arrived from HND today. All of the passengers on HAL458 arrived to a gate-side lei greeting, and a hula performance outside the International Arrivals Tour Group Exit.  N589HA, "Moli", made the return trip with some that were on HAL457 on Wednesday, as well as Japanese tour groups.

Shanghai Airlines' B-5549

Shanghai Airlines is taking delivery of B-5549 (c/n 37888) today as CSH549. It's the first of three 737-86Ns, leased from GECAS (along with B-5548 and B-5550), that are currently at BFI.

B-5549 is seen above taxiing to the AirService Hawai‘i ramp on Taxiway C, after landing on Runway 26L.

ANA's Haneda flight

After missing ANA's inaugural HND flight on Oct. 31st, here is a picture taken on Nov 16th of ANA's HND flight just prior to pushback. NH1061 departs HNL at 18:15.

Hawaiian Launches HND Service

Omedetoo gozaimasu (congratulations)!

Hawaiian Air inaugurates service to Haneda International Airport (Tokyo, Japan) today!  HAL457 is the outbound leg to HND, with HAL456 the return. 767-33AER, N589HA, "Moli", had the honors to make Hawaiian's first flight to Japan.  Among the passengers were Hawai‘i News Now videographer/reporter Oscar Valenzuela, and the cast and crew from OC16's "Doko Ga TV".

There were multiple hula performances by the Hawaiian Air Serenaders.

A traditional Japanese dance performed by members of the Soto Mission in Nu‘uanu.

KHON's Brianne Randle interviews Hawaiian Air CEO Mark Dunkerley, who was aboard the flight with his wife Marillia.

Each passenger received an orchid lei prior to boarding.

Ittarashai!

Ganbatte kudasai!

Hawaiian Air, arigato gozaimashita!

Garuda's PK-GFK

Garuda Indonesia's PK-GFK (c/n 37887) is the latest 737-86N to join their fleet. It's making its delivery flight from BFI as GIA8011.

Sorry, no HNL photo, though team member Drewski2112 got a photo of PK-GFK at BFI.

JAL Express' JA333J

JAL and JAL Express 737-846 deliveries have return through HNL as the winter months are upon us. JA333J (c/n 40348) is the first delivery of this winter season to stop at HNL. It arrived last evening. The delivery flight number has changed to JAL8101 as well.

Picture by ha763

N248PA

A Cessna C208B Cargomaster, N248PA (msn 208B0134), is en route to HNL. Its owner is listed as Pofolk Aviation Hawaii Inc, of Honolulu.  The Cargomaster is scheduled to arrive this evening.

N248PA was seen last November at GKY (Arlington Municipal Airport, Arlington, TX) where it was with Priority Air Charter. It's seen above on the Andersen Aviation ramp, and is seen with windows.  The photo in the link shows the C208 without windows.

Malaysia's 9M-MXB

Malaysia Airlines is taking delivery of 9M-MXB (c/n 40129), their newest 737-8H6. Wearing the new livery, it's making its delivery flight to SZB (Sultan Abdul Aziz Shah, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia) from BFI as MAS5473. 9M-MXB made its stop at HNL today from BFI. It's seen above taxiing out to the Reef Runway to depart for MAJ.

Lit up by the ramp lights in the Castle & Cooke alleyway, Malaysia Airlines 9M-MXB awaits her departure later in the morning. Above photo by team member Lono68

Travolta's 707-138B

What a way to end the week! Three private "Heavies" where seen this weekend. John Travolta's N707JT (c/n 18740/388) joined the "Google Jet" and the 747SP this morning at the North hardstands.

Las Vegas Sands Corporation 747SP

What a rare find this morning! Las Vegas Sands' VQ-BMS (c/n 21649), a 747SP-SP21 was parked at the North hardstands.

Originally delivered to Pan Am in 1979 as N540PA, this aircraft has since been in possession of five other outfits. Pan Am sold it to United Airlines back in 1986 and had its registration changed to N149UA. United then leased it to Tajik Air in 1993. It was then repossessed in 1994 and bought by the Brunei government. During that time the registration was changed three times (V8-JBB,V8-JP1,V8-AC1). In 1998, it was sold to Bahrain. The reg changed twice (A9C-HHH, A9C-HMH). In 2008, it was bought by the Las Vegas Sands.

Google Jet, N673BF

Google's N673BF (c/n 23402) a 767-238 arrived yesterday afternoon and is seen here on Alpha. It parked at the North hardstand.

Air Canada's C-GHPH

Air Canada's C-GHPG (c/n 26207, l/n 503) a 767-3Y0ER is seen here on the North ramp undergoing repairs to one of its engines. It was suppose to go out on Wednesday night as AC48. It left Thursday night instead.

Veteran's Day

HNL RareBirds extends a big mahalo to the Veterans of the USA, as we celebrate Veteran's Day today. We thank you for your service to our country, and protecting our freedom!

Hawaiian's N382HA

Today, Hawaiian Airlines is taking delivery of its third Airbus A330-243, N382HA (msn 1171). The aircraft is named "‘Iwakeli‘i", the Hawaiian name for the constellation Cassiopeia. It's making the delivery flight from TLS to HNL, non-stop, as N382HA.

By the way, today is Hawaiian's 81st birthday ... Hau‘oli Lā Hānau!

Mahalo to team member Aeros for the photo!