Makani Kai Awarded Kalaupapa EAS

The US Department of Transportation (DoT) awarded the Essential Air Service contract to Makani Kai Charters (a subsidiary of Schuman Aviation) to provide air service between HNL and LUP. Makani Kai will be using two of their three nine-seat Cessna 208B Grand Caravans for the flight. 

Schuman had all of their three Caravans (N687MA [c/n 208B1002, above], N865MA [c/n 208B0996], and N866MA [c/n 208B0934, a Cargomaster]) parked on the South Ramp for the past couple of months, with the termination of the Pacific Air Express venture. Only the Cargomaster (N866MA) remains parked outside the Leis Air hangar.

US Senator Daniel Inouye's press release.

Skymark Airlines' JA73NJ

Skymark Airlines is taking delivery of a GECAS-leased 737-86N today. JA73NJ (c/n 39405, l/n 3845) is making its way from BFI to HND (via HNL, MAJ, and SPN) as SKY73NJ. It's seen above taxiing to the Castle & Cooke Aviation ramp.

Air China's B-5621

Air China is taking delivery of B-5621 (c/n 40030, l/n 3846) today. The 737-89L is flying as CCA51. It's seen above on the AirService Hawaii ramp.

John Travolta's N707JT

This past Sunday (11/20/11), John Travolta arrived in his 707-138B. After spending a few days in Hawaii, N707JT (c/n 18740, l/n 388) departed this evening.

Sun Country's N801SY

The producers of "Hawai‘i Five-0" chartered a Sun Country Airlines 737-800 for use tonight's episode "Ki‘ilua". N801SY (c/n 30332, l/n 777), a 737-8Q8, was flown in on October 20th as SCX8603 from EFP (via SFO). Filming took place over the next two days, then N801SY flew out to PGD (Punta Gorda, FL), via SFO and ELP in the wee hours of the 23rd.

The two photos show the production crew scouting out the location and 737. Production trucks lined Kapalulu Street, but the cast trailers were in another location.

Also, in tonight's episode was N6131P (c/n 66-16093), a UH-1H Huey owned by Pacific Helicopter Tours of Kahului, Maui.

North American N752NA & N755NA at OGG

We used to see North American Airlines 757s every day from OAK. Now, they only come here as charters. Shown above are N752NA (c/n 28174, l/n 865) and N755NA (c/n 30043, l/n 925), both 757-28As

NAO62 flew in from FOE (Forbes Field, Topeka, KS) and NAO66 flew in from MEM, both stopped off at OAK. NAO62 flew in the University of Kansas Jayhawks, and NAO66 flew in the University of Memphis Tigers for the Maui Invitational men's college basketball tournament going on in Lahaina, Maui.

DAL8908 brought in the Duke University Blue Devils from RDU.

ESPN's tournament preview.

QFA6027

One of Qantas' 737-400s is headed for storage on the US mainland as QFA6027. VH-TJF (c/n 24431, l/n 1863) "Brolga", a 737-476, is pictured above on HNL's North Ramp.

This 737-476 was originally delivered to Australian Airlines in May 1990, and merged into the Qantas fleet in October 1993.

Mahalo to team member Areos for the photo!

CSN3026

The last China Southern MD-90-30 to join the Delta Air Lines fleet is making its way to the US mainland as CSN3026. B-2267 (c/n 53533, l/n 2258) has the distinction of the final MD-90 to leave China. It will become N963DN when it joins the Delta fleet.

Mahalo to team member Areos for the photo!

Shenzhen's B-5619

Shenzhen Airlines is taking delivery of their second 737-87L this month. B-5619 (c/n 39125, l/n 3841) is making its island-hopping delivery flight from BFI to SZX (via HNL, MAJ, and SPN) as CSZ920.

Sorry, we were unable to get an HNL photo.

China Eastern's B-5282

China Eastern Airlines is taking delivery of their newest 737-79P, B-5282 (c/n 37920, l/n 3840), today. It's flew out of BFI as CES5282, and just arrived at HNL. It's seen above about to embark on its second segment to MAJ.

Hawaiian Orders Five More A330s

Hawaiian Airlines announced a firm order for five more A330-243s, and has purchase rights for another three. Delivery for the five are scheduled for 2015. This firm order raises the count of Hawaiian's A330s to 22, which includes four that are leased, and all those already delivered.

Hawaiian Air's press release.

Lion Air's 737MAX Boeing Order

Indonesia's Lion Air placed an order for 380 Boeing 737s, of which 201 are the new 737MAX. The other 29 are the current 737-9GPER, and the remaining 150 are for purchase rights.

Flightglobal article.

Boeing's artist rendition of a Lion 737MAX from their Flickr page.

China Southern's B-5609

China Southern Airlines is taking delivery of B-5609 (c/n 38963, l/n 3838), a 737-81B. It will island hop across the Pacific from BFI to PVG as CSN454.

Sorry, no HNL photo.

Hawaiian Announces JFK Service

Hawaiian Airlines has announced that they will be flying daily, non-stop to JFK beginning June 4, 2012. This new service initially showed up as one of their special offers on their website hours before their press release came out.

HAL50: HNL-JFK

HAL51: JFK-HNL

The flights will be using their A330-243s. This service will be Hawaiian's first mainland destination east of PHX.

Just some history, Hawaiian was originally going to announce service to JFK in September 2001. However, the 9/11 terrorist attacks derailed those plans.

I'm not sure how long this link will work, but it will be updated once a press release comes out.

Hawaiian Air's New York Special Offer

More details on Hawaiian Air's Press Release.

Presently, the only time a Hawaiian Air 767 is spotted in New York, is for team charters for the NFL's Oakland Raiders or Seattle Seahawks. Continental (United) offers daily, non-stop service between HNL and EWR. The last airline to fly non-stop between HNL and JFK was Pan American in 1989. Though, according to some reports, American Trans Air had a JFK-HNL flight operated with an L1011-500 in the late 90s.

Mesa To Sell Off Mokulele Operations

Mesa Airlines announced that they are selling their Mokulele Airlines operations to Transpac Aviation (Scottsdale, AZ). Mesa will continue to run the inter-island CRJ service, while Transpac run the Caravan operations as Mokulele Flight Service. Though the two airlines will have separate ownerships, the go!Mokulele brand and code-share will continue on.

Yahoo! Finance article.

"Air Force 1"

President Barack Obama departed Honolulu this morning for Canberra (CBR/YSCB), then Darwin (DRW/YPDN), Australia in "Air Force 1", seen above lifting off from Runway 8L. 82-8000 (c/n 23824, l/n 679), a VC-25A (747-2G4B), brought the President here for the APEC 2011 Conference. The blue helicopter, in the background, is HPD's N504HP which carried a pair of Secret Service agents, that followed the motorcade, and landed after "Air Force 1" made its right turn south over Ke‘ehi Lagoon.

This C-32A (757-2G4W), 98-0001 (c/n 29025, l/n 783), followed "Air Force 1" as SAM (Special Air Missions) 44. It departed a few minutes after, on Runway 8L. It received its Aviation Partners Boeing Blended Winglets in 2007.

Air China's B-2472

Chinese President Hu Jintao and his entourage came to Honolulu for the APEC 2011 Conference using one Air China's 747-4J6s. B-2472 (c/n 30158, l/n 1243) flew as CCA25 to and from PEK. The 747 parked on the HIK ramp, where President Hu arrived at the HIK VIP Terminal, and left from there this morning. It's seen above climbing out from its Runway 8L take-off.

B-2472 has been configured as a VIP transport for Chinese dignitaries.

The J6 Boeing customer code was originally allocated to the CAAC (Civil Aviation Authority of China). It carried onto Air China, after its creation. Air China's 777-200s, 767-300ERs, and some of their 737-300s carry the J6 code, while newer purchases carry the current 9L Boeing code.

Some APEC RareBirds

With the Asia Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) conference in town, there comes various, different aircraft from around the world. This morning arrivals included Russia's President Dmitri Medvedev, Australia's Prime Minister Julia Gillard, Philippine's President Benigno Aquino III, Chile's President Sebastian Pinera, and Brunei's Sultan Hassanal Bolkiah.

Seen above is an entourage of two Il-62Ms. There was also a Il-96-300 that landed before the Il-62Ms' carrying Dmitri Medvedev himself. RA-86559 (c/n 2153258) and RA-86467 (c/n 3749733) made the trip over from Moscow.

Also above is the Sultan of Brunei's V8-ALI (c/n 26426, l/n 910), a 747-430.

Australia's Prime Minister used one of their 737-7DF BBJs, the Philippines President used a Philippine Airlines A340-313X, and Chile's President arrived on their air force's 767-3YOER.

Arriving later tonight will be dignitaries from Japan, Canada, South Korea, and USA's Barack Obama.

Hau‘oli Lā Hānau Hawaiian Air!

82 years ago today, Hawaiian Airlines (then-named Inter-Island Airways), launched their first inter-island flight from HNL to ITO, with a stop in Maui.

Veteran's Day

Today, we remember the veterans who served, and who are currently serving our country.

Four Hawai‘i Air National Guard F-22As will make their first "Missing Man" formation pass over the National Cemetary of the Pacific at Pū‘owaina (Punchbowl Crater) today.

Blue Hawaiian Helicopter Crashes On Moloka‘i

A Blue Hawaiian helicopter crashed on Moloka‘i today, and claimed the lives of all five on board.

Hawai‘i News Now article coverage.

Lion Air's PK-LJG

Lion Airlines is taking delivery of their latest 737-9GPER today. PK-LJG (c/n 37287, l/n 3831) is making its island-hopping delivery flight from BFI to CGK (via HNL, MAJ, and BIK) as LNI1.

Sorry, no HNL photo.

Air New Zealand To Increase HNL Service

Beginning in July 2012, Air New Zealand will increase the frequency of their round-trip AKL-HNL service from twice-weekly to thrice-weekly. From July to September 2012, the aircraft will be upgraded to their 777-200ERs from their 767-300ERs.

AirlineRoute.com article.

Russian Air Force's RA-78818

RA-78818 (msn 0093495858), an Ilyushin Il-76MD of the Russian Air Force (Voyenno-Vozdushnye sily Rossiya [Военно-Воздушные сили Россия]) arrived at HNL this morning to bring in the limousines for President Dmitry Medvedev, for his visit for the APEC Conference. It's seen above taxiing to Taxiway F, where it will park until the end of the conference.

The Il-76 taxied on its own power to the parking spot, because the tow bar attached to the ground handler's tug had snapped right before towing from the UPS/FedEx ramp. A few minivans led the way to the parking to bring the cargo jet's crew back.

RA-78818 is assigned to the 224th Air Detachment of Military Transport Aviation, 61st Air Army, based at Tver Migalovo (KLD/UUEM), Kalinin, Russia.

HNL's APEC Security Zone

Hawaii News Now has posted maps of security zones for the APEC Conference that begins on Monday, Nov 7th. This is the map for the extra security around HNL for the conference.

Map from Hawaii News Now and Department of Homeland Security.

Shenzhen's B-5618

Today, Shenzhen Airlines is taking delivery of B-5618 (c/n 39151, l/n 3828), a 737-87L. It's flying as CSZ919 from BFI, with its first stop at HNL.

Sorry, no HNL photo.

Qantas' VH-VZU

Qantas Airways is taking delivery of VH-VZU (c/n 34187, l/n 3826) today. The 737-838 is flying out of BFI as QFA6024.

Sorry, no HNL photo, though team member Drewski2112 got a photo of it at BFI.

Alaska To Add Bay Area - HNL Service

Alaska Airlines announced today that they will launch daily non-stop service to HNL from SJC and OAK, in April 2012. With this move, Alaska will now have service between the Northern California Bay Area and all four major Hawai‘i airports. The airline will use their 737-890s for these new flights, as their fleet also continues to expand with more 737NGs on the way.

ASA835: OAK-HNL

ASA836: HNL-OAK

ASA837: SJC-HNL

ASA838: HNL-SJC

Alaska Airlines press release.

Garuda's PK-GIJ

The November edition of "HNL RareBirds Classic" goes back to January 6, 1996, where Garuda Indonesia's MD-11, PK-GIJ (c/n 48504, l/n 548) was photographed as it taxied along Taxiway RT. Garuda used to fly between CGK and HNL from the mid-90s to the late 90s. The short-lived service arrived from CGK around midnight, and returned the next morning.

PK-GIJ was originally delivered to Garuda in December 1993, and stayed for over four years. In November 1998, it went to Varig as PP-VQH. In 2007, 48504 was converted to a freighter, and acquired by Aeroflot in June 2008, as VP-BDQ.

During one of their landings on Runway 4R, a Garuda MD-11 had a tail-strike, that resulted in a go-around that had the tri-jet rocket over Kalihi, Nu‘uanu, downtown Honolulu, and Kaka‘ako before turning out to sea to re-cycle for another approach to Runway 4R. I was sitting out on my lanai of my condo that night, watching the string of late evening 4R arrivals, when I heard the Garuda crew request the go-around over my scanner. It was an amazing to watch and hear that MD-11 go full throttle over the city, especially watching the marker lights climb and bank. The MD-11 was subsequently parked on the South Ramp. It was determined that the damage was rather extensive, and temporary repairs could be made, so it could be ferried to the McDonnell-Douglas facilities at LGB for major repairs. I heard that the tail section did suffer damage to the airframe.

Royal Canadian Air Force's 15001

An RCAF Airbus CC-150 Polaris (A310-304), 15001 (msn 446), paid a visit to HNL today, and parked at Gate 34. It's one of five CC-150s in the RCAF fleet.

This A310 was originally delivered to Wardair Canada as C-GBWD in February 1988. When Canadian Airlines acquired Wardair Canada, C-GBWD was absorbed into the combined fleet. The Royal Canadian Air Force acquired the A310 in 1993, and had a main deck cargo door installed in 1996.

A big mahalo to team member Aeros for the photo!

This also our 1,500th blog post!

Work Stoppage Cancels All Qantas Flights

In reaction to simultaneous labor disputes among three Qantas workers unions, the Australian carrier has grounded of all Qantas mainline and international flights today, including QFA3/4. QantasLink, JetStar, and JetConnect flights are not affected.

Qantas press release.

***10.30.11 Update***
According to the BBC, an independent tribunal has forced the airline to resume operations.

MT ANG Extends HI Deployment

The Great Falls Tribune reports that the six F-15C Eagles of the Montana Air National Guard's 120th FW that are here on alert deployment will extend their stay until September 2012. The Hawai‘i Air National Guard's 199th FS (and US Air Force's 19th FS) is completing its transition to the F-22A Raptor.

Hawaiian Upgrades SFO Service To A330

Beginning November 6th, Hawaiian Airlines announced that their lone SFO service, HAL11/12, will be upgraded to one of their A330-243s. This fleet upgrade will add 30 extra seats each way.

Hawaiian Airlines' press release.

Japan Airlines' 777 Flights

AirlinerRoutes.com reports that Japan Airlines will be substituting 777s on two flights. JAL's NGO service will have 777-246ERs on certain days, and JAL72/71 will have 777-346 service from 09-14 November.

Correction...JL72/71 will be 777-346ERs. JAL will also not be flying JL74/73 during APEC.

Ex-RAAF 707-338Cs

Earlier this week, two ex-Royal Australian Air Force 707-338Cs arrived from Pago Pago Pago (PPG/NSTU), after coming out of storage at Richmond, New South Wales, Australia (RCM/YSRI). N624RH (c/n 19624, l/n 689) and N629RH (c/n 19629, l/n 737) were registered as A20-624 and A20-629, respectively. Note that N624RH [top photo] still has special tail markings commemorating the 707's 29 years of service with the RAAF. Omega Air Tankers recently brought three 707-300s from the RAAF. N623RH (c/n 19623, l/n 671) [A20-623] should be leaving Richmond any time now.

All of the three 707-338Cs were with Qantas before they were acquired by the RAAF. A20-623 was VH-EAC, A20-624 was VH-EAD, and A20-629 was VH-EAI.

Hainan's B-5625

Hainan Airlines is taking delivery of B-5625 (c/n 38146, l/n 3812), a 737-84P. It's flying as B5625, and made its stop at HNL.

Sorry, no HNL photo.

Aloha Air Cargo's Next Saab

The 2nd Saab SF340AF for Aloha Air Cargo, N844KH (msn 340A-108), has arrived in HNL. It is currently parked in front of the maintenance hangar. More information to follow.

CLX659

Cargolux Airlines International (CV/CLX) began weekly Friday cargo flights from ORD, last week. The flight is operated with a 747-400F, and continues onto SYD. The flight arrives around 1445, and departs around 1600.

The last European cargo company to operate a similar flight was Lufthansa. That MD-11F service lasted a few years, which ended a couple of years ago; it also originated from ORD but continued onto AKL.

CSN6999

B-2266 (c/n 53532, l/n 2253), os the second-to-last China Southern MD-90-30 to join the Delta Air Lines fleet is en route from CAN to MZJ (via SPN, MAJ, HNL, and OAK). It's flying as CSN6999, and arrived at HNL last evening. It will be registered as N962DN when it joins the Delta fleet.

Lion Air's PK-LJF

Lion Airlines is taking delivery of their second 737-9GPER in four days. PK-LJF (c/n 37286, l/n 3813) is making its delivery flight from BFI today as LNI1, with its first leg to HNL. PK-LJF is seen above taxiing down the alleyway to Castle & Cooke Aviation.

VDA6238

A Volga-Dnepr Airlines Il-76TD-90VD arrived yesterday morning as VDA6238 from Vancouver Canada (CYVR/YVR). The flight originated from Keflavik International (BIKF/KEF), Iceland. RA-76590 (c/n 2043420697) was spotted before it left for Guam (PGUM/GUM). It later departed Guam, and headed for Australia's Darwin International (YPDN/DRW).

Skymark Airlines' JA73NH

Skymark Airlines is taking delivery of JA73NH (c/n 38101, l/n 3803) this evening, a 737-8HX leased from ACG. It's making its delivery flight as SKY73NH, and is due at HNL around midnight. JA73NH is seen above in the alleyway fronting the Castle & Cooke Aviation Building.

Fly Guam's N720VX, Vol II

According to a well-placed source, Fly Guam's N720VX is returning to Florida. Sky King, the wet-lease company, has also recalled half of the pilots assigned to Fly Guam. The other 737-400, N238AG, is still with the airline, but its flight to NGO has been cancelled. 

Malaysia's 9M-MXF

Malaysia Airlines is taking delivery of 9M-MXF (c/n 40133, l/n 3806) today. The 737-8H6 is making its multi-stop flight from BFI to KUL as MAS5473, with its first overnight stop at HNL. 9M-MXF is seen above taxiing out to Runway 8R for its next leg to MAJ.

Polet Airlines' RA-82077

Along with the National DC-8-63CF, is an An-124-100 of Polet Airlines was also parked at the Ewa Hardstands this week. RA-82077 (c/n 9773054459151) is seen above, which has been parked since last Thursday, after arriving from COS as POT4186.

National Air Cargo's N865F

Seen above is one of National Air Cargo's N865F (c/n 46088, l/n 464). This DC-8-63CF departed this afternoon for YIP (Willow Run, MI) as NCR865, after spending a few days at the Ewa hard-stands. It arrived on the 15th from SEA, but the flight originated from YIP, and made a stop at MCI.

N865F had its beginnings with Overseas National Airways [ONA] (OV), when it received the "Super Sixty" in May 1969. During its time with ONA, it was leased out to a variety of cargo airlines around the globe. Wells Fargo Bank acquired N865F in February 1982, and leased it back to ONA. When ONA went out of business, it was leased to various cargo firms. Emery Worldwide held the longest lease from May 1984 to January 2001. It was then leased to Murray Air in January 2001. Murray Air changed its name to National Air Cargo Group (dba National Airlines), and it acquired N865F in December 2008. As seen above, N865F is wearing partial National colors.

Garuda's PK-GFR

Garuda Indonesia is taking delivery of PK-GFR (c/n 39417, l/n 3802), a 737-81D leased from Ansett Worldwide. It's flying out of BFI as GIA8011, and will be making an overnight stop at HNL.

PK-GFR has the distinction of being the 123rd 737 (all variants, purchased or leased) delivered to the Garuda fleet.

Lion Air's PK-LHZ

PK-LHZ (c/n 38305, l/n 3807) is Lion Air's newest 737-9GPER to join their fleet, and is making its delivery flight out of BFI as LNI1.

PK-LHZ had a hydraulic issue that delayed it's departure time by an hour, as it can be seen above with its flaps, slats and spoilers deployed, with one of the crew members walking toward the starboard trailing edge.

Omni Upgrades LAS Service To 767-200

Omni Air International has upgraded its airliners serving their LAS-HNL charter with Vacations Hawai‘i with two 767-224ERs acquired from Continental Airlines. N225AX "Kīkaha" (c/n 30434, l/n 825, prev. N68155) and N67157 (c/n 30436, l/n 833) are the pair of 762s that will be exclusively used on the charter package runs between HNL and "the 9th Island".

N225AX received a blessing at HNL on the 14th before launching Omni's 762 service.

KHON 2 News video link.

Qantas' VH-VZT

Qantas Airways is taking delivery of their newest 737-838, VH-VZT "Kalgoorlie" (c/n 34186, l/n 3798). It's flying from BFI today bound for BNE (via HNL and NAN), as QFA6024.

Lion Air To Create Full-Service Carrier

Indonesian low-cost carrier Lion Air announced that they are applying for a new AOC (Air Operator Certificate) for a full-service airline venture. The new airline is looking at a November 2012 launch with its own name and branding. The new venture is slated to use Lion's 737-9GPERs. Lion Air is a frequent visitor to HNL, with their 737-9GPERs delivering through HNL, as seen above with PK-LHP.

Mahalo to World Airline News for the article link.

Hawaiian Air's N384HA

Hawaiian Air received its fifth A330-243, N384HA "Hōkūpa‘a" (msn 1259) this past Thursday. "Hōkūpa‘a" (Polaris, North Star) flew out of TLS to LAX as HAL9975, and was readied for service there. It arrived at HNL today from LAX as HAL8005, and seen above at Gate 19.

Mahalo to team member Aeros for getting the shot this morning!

Swissair's HB-IWO

For the October edition of "HNL RareBirds Classic", we go back to January 1998, when this Swissair (SR/SWR) MD-11, HB-IWO (c/n 48540, l/n 611), paid a charter visit to HNL. It's seen above, parked on North Ramp Hardstand 1A, along with a Hawaiian Air DC-10-10 (Hardstand 1B), and a Continental Airlines DC-10-30 (Hardstand 1C). The empty lot in the foreground is now the United Airlines Cargo Facility, it was in the process of clearing and leveling the land prior to construction.

HB-IWO was originally delivered to Swissair in March 1997. It remained with Swiss International Air Lines (LX/SWR) as HB-IWO, after the assets of Swissair underwent restructuring in March 2002. Two years later, in May 2004, it was acquired by Varig (RG/VRN), and registered as PP-VTK. UPS then bought 48540 from Varig in February 2007, had it converted to freighter, and had it registered as N288UP. It's seen above, being pushed out of Hardstand A on HNL's South Ramp, last year. It's amazing to see this airliner's progression, and that I was able to get it's original livery, and its present livery. As with most of the UPS MD-11F fleet, N288UP makes its  occasional rotation through HNL.

N900SA

This Cessna C208B Caravan, N900SA (c/n 208B0816), made an appearance on last night's episode of Hawai‘i Five-0, "Kame‘e". It's owned by Avtran LLC (Clayton, MO), and is seen above taxiing out of the Anderson Aviation ramp for departure. 

N829AR

N829AR (c/n 26460, l/n 2533), a former Malaysia Airlines 737-4H6, that was acquired by the AAR Corporation (a Bank of Utah trustee) is at HNL, as it is being ferried from KUL to the mainland (via ROR, MAJ, and HNL). N829AR arrived late Saturday night, and has been undergoing maintenance on the right main landing gear on the AirService Hawaii ramp. It's scheduled to continue onto OAK, then IND, later this evening.

It was registered as 9M-MQC when it was delivered to MAS in October 1993. The 737-4H6 was sold to the AAR Corporation last month, and stored.

Special thanks to blog fan Gerald C for noticing N829AR parked on the AirService Hawaii ramp, and notifying us.