go!'s N407SW

go! recently brought in N407SW (msn 7034), a CRJ-100LR, to replace one of go!'s other CRJ200s. It seen above on the Commuter Terminal ramp, and note that it lacks Mokulele titles.

This CRJ-100LR was with SkyWest Airlines (OO/SKW) from March 1994 to August 2011, under lease from Bombardier Capital. It was originally ordered by Lufthansa Cityline as D-ARJK, but was not taken. It flew for Delta Connection (1994-2009), and had the Delta/SkyWest livery, and the 2000 livery. In 2009, it went to Midwest Connect (a SkyWest regional), until the end of its lease. The Mesa Air Group acquired N407SW in September 2011.

PlaneSpotters.net has N407SW listed as a CRJ-100LR, while Airliners.net has it listed as a CRJ-200ER, we'll try to see which listing is correct.

The Funbird To Be Scrapped

The once-proud "Funbird" retro jet of the now-gone Aloha Airlines looks like it will never fly again. According to the Airchive.com site, N823AL "Liholiho" (c/n 23154, l/n 1078) is shown being parted out at MHV. It was acquired by Skybus LLC in June 2008. 

It seems like it has not been six years since I had the opportunity to photograph the arrival of the "Funbird" was re-introduced to the Aloha Airlines fleet, as the airline celebrated its 60th anniversary (photo above) in 2006.

N171EX Brings Dalai Lama

The Sky River Consulting Falcon 7X, N171EX (msn 24), brought in the Dalai Lama, for this weekend's visit on O‘ahu. Sky River Consulting is one of eBay co-founder Pierre Omidyar's many companies in his Omidyar Network. Sky River took over the Cox Aviation Hangar a few years ago. It was noted in the local news that Omidyar used his private jet to transport the Tibetan Buddhist monk to and from HNL. 

Hainan's B-5661

Hainan Airlines is taking delivery of B-5661 (c/n 38152, l/n 3995) this morning. The 737-84P is flying as B-5661, from BFI to HAK (via HNL, MAJ, and SPN). B-5661 is seen above clearing Taxiway C, for the AirService Hawaii ramp. The pilots used the callsign "Hainan5661", instead of "Boeing5661", today.

Garuda's PK-GMX

Garuda Indonesia is taking delivery of PK-GMX (c/n 38039, l/n 3996) today. The 737-8U3 is flying as GIA8011 from BFI to CGK (via HNL, MAJ and BIK). PK-GMX is seen above taxiing out to the "Reef Runway" on Taxiway RT, for the next leg to MAJ.

JA615J Samantha Thavasa Jet

Also spotted in HNL on April 10, is a JAL 767-346ER carrying a Samantha Thavasa decal. Despite the foreign name, Samantha Thavasa is a Japanese fashion company that is popular for its handbags. JAL also has a different Samantha Thavasa decal on a domestic 777-246, which is currently on JA772J. This commercial shows the decal on the domestic 777-246. The aircraft in the commercial was JA8983, which carried the decal on the Rising Sun livery before it was repainted to the new Tsurumaru livery.

Samantha Thavasa website (in Japanese)

AAY9100

Allegiant Airlines begins its 757-200 ETOPS proving runs today as AAY9100.

It's seen above rolling out on Runway 8L, after arriving from LAS. Mahalo to team member Aeros for the above photo.

QFA94

Qantas 94, with direct service between Los Angeles International Airport (KLAX/LAX) and Melbourne Tullamarine Airport (YMML/MEL) diverted to Honolulu due to a passenger requiring medical assistance. VH-OQK, a A380-842 (c/n 63), was unloaded and towed to the hardstands after determining that the crew's flight duty time limitations would exceed the acceptable time allowed. The flight is due to depart for MEL later tonight.

The top photo shows VH-OQK at a rainy Gate 29, and the above photo was taken a few hours later on the North Ramp Hardstands.

Mahalo to team member NAugusta for this front view of VH-OQK.

Allegiant To Launch In June

Allegiant Airlines [G4/AAY] announced that they will launch Honolulu service from LAS and FAT (Fresno Yosemite International Airport, Fresno, CA) on June 29th using 757-204s. The airline acquired six 757-204s from Thomson Airways (formerly Britannia Airways), and all six are ETOPS-certified.

The LAS segment will be thrice-weekly, and the FAT segment will be weekly. Allegiant will become the third airline to fly non-stop between LAS and HNL. LAS, also their headquarters, will become a hub to connect their MD-80 network with HNL.  It also will become the first airline to fly non-stop between the Central Valley region of California and HNL.

Allegiant spokesman Brian Davis mentioned on Hawai‘i News Now's Sunrise, that the airline will decide future HNL service in the summer.

Some of those 757s have been leased to airlines in the UK, while others have been flying other AAY routes.

Jetstar's VH-EBR

Jetstar Airways has begun to modify the titles on their entire fleet, as seen above, the fuselage titles are all in black, and the typeface has been modified as well.

Currently, only two of Jetstar's A330-202s, VH-EBR (msn 1251) [above] and VH-EBS (msn 1258) have the modified titles.

Mahalo to team member 2003Z06 for the above photo.

JASDF's 64-3501

For a second time this week another JASDF AWACS E-767 (767-27CER) visited Honolulu. 64-3501 (s/n 27358, l/n 557) departed this morning. Sister-ship 86-3504 was seen a few days ago. This E-767 is headed to BFI for upgrades.

Viva AeroBus' XA-VIT

Viva AeroBus [VB/VIV] is taking delivery of XA-VIT (c/n 27635, l/n 2721), a 737-3K2, from CHC, that was the former Air New Zealand ZK-SJE. The ferry flight made stops at WLG, NAN. MAJ, HNL, and TIJ, before reaching its new home at MTY. It's being leased from ILFC. The flight stopped through HNL, but was not listed on any flight trackers. Skyliners.de had it listed, but was discovered this morning, probably after it had departed HNL.

27635 was originally delivered to Transavia (under lease from ILFC) as PH-TSZ in May 1995. Freedom Air International (New Zealand) [SJ/FOM] was its next lessee as ZK-SJE in October 2001. When Air New Zealand acquired Freedom Air, ZK-SJE was transferred to the ANZ fleet. It's lease with ILFC recently expired, hence the new stint with VIV.

N27610

N27610 (c/n 27323, l/n 2616, f/n 0610), a former United Airlines 737-524, is making its way toward somewhere in Asia from HOU (via OAK, HNL, ...).

It was originally delivered to Continental Airlines in May 1994 under lease from GECAS, and had UAL titles replacing the COA following the merger between the two carriers in October 2010.

Sorry, we were unable to get a photo of N27610 while at HNL


*** 04.08.12 Update ***
N27610's final destination of this ferry flight was to CGK. It's the first of a dozen 737-524s that GECAS is leasing Sriwijaya Airlines, and will become PK-CLC "Citra".

N596SC

Another former AirAsia 737-300 is MZJ-bound from CGK (via BIK, GUM, MAJ, and HNL). N596SC (c/n 23376, l/n 1308), a 737-3B7, was registered as PK-AWQ while with the Indonesian carrier from February 2006 to March 2012.

23376 was originally delivered to US Air as N370AU in November 1986, and was re-registered as N501AU in September 1988. In 1995, 23376 was sold to GECAS, and leased to Western Pacific Airlines [KMR] in April of that year as N947WP, and was the logojet for The Broadmoor (in Colorado Springs). In June 1998, following the closure of KMR, it was leased by Delta Air Lines as N947WP, and wore the 1997 Ron Allen livery during the seven-plus year stint at DAL.

Xiamen's B-5633

Xiamen Airlines is taking delivery of B-5633 (c/n 38389, l/n 3987), a 737-85C. It's flying from BFI to XMN (via HNL, MAJ, and SPN) as CXA5633.

Sorry, we were unable to get a photo of B-5633 at HNL.

JAL's Samantha Thavasa

Japan Airline's Samantha Thavasa themed 767-346ER can be seen serving International routes out of Narita. JA615J (c/n 33850, l/n 942) is one of two aircraft that wears the Samantha Thavasa livery. The other aircraft is JA772J (c/n 27657, l/n 507) a 777-246 that flies domestic routes within Japan.

US Coast Guard's 01

This C-37A (Gulfstream V), 01 (msn 653), of the US Coast Guard is the commander's transport. It's one of two C-37As in the USCG aircraft fleet. It's been here at HNL for the past couple of days, parked at Bradley Pacific Aviation (above).

Lion's PK-LJQ

Lion Airlines is taking delivery of their first 737-8GP today! PK-LJQ (c/n 38317, l/n 3985) is the first of a dozen -8GPs that the Indonesian carrier has opted for. It's flying from BFI as LNI1, and will make its brief fuel stop at HNL later this morning, before continuing onto MAJ, BIK, and to its home at CGK.

PK-LJQ is seen above on Taxiway C after arriving landing on Runway 4R.

N834AC

A former Singapore Airlines [SQ/SIA] 747-412, N834AC (c/n 26556, l/n 1084), is headed to MZJ for storage. The flight originated from SIN, and will make a stop at HNL along the way.

26556 was delivered to SIA in July 1996 as 9V-SPJ. It was leased from IEM Airfinance, and was withdrawn from service this past February, and sold to Wells Fargo Bank Northwest.

Mahalo to team member Aeros for the above photo of N834AC, now seen devoid of the SIA titles and logos.

JASDF's 84-3504

One of Japan Air Self Defense Force's four AWACS E-767s (767-27CERs) is making its return flight to Japan after recently receiving radar system upgrades from Boeing. 84-3504 (c/n 28017, l/n 642) is based out of Hamamatsu Air Base (RJNH), and was delivered new to the JASDF in January of 1998.

Hawai‘i Express' N380HE

It seems the SkyLiners website was either pranked, or is pulling an April Fool's Day prank on everyone when it listed a Hawai‘i Express A380-841, N380HE (msn 002), was to have been delivered today from TLS. It appeared on their new registration page.

The photo above, is a snapshot of that SkyLiners news page, taken with my iPhone4.

There was an actual airline called The Hawai‘i Express, it was an airline in the early 1980s that flew between LAX and HNL. It was among one of the first airlines to start the fare war in the LAX and HNL route in the early days of airline deregulation. Unfortunately, the airline lasted for only 16 months (August 1982 - December 1983).

The actual A380-841, F-WXXL (msn 002), is currently being outfitted with a VIP interior, as it's destined for Kingdom Holdings (Saudi Arabia). It was originally the cabin systems prototype for Airbus. Currently, it's at TLS, and the Airbus house livery has been painted over.

Saudi Arabian Government's HZ-124

Our April edition of "HNL RareBirds Classic" features this A340-213, HZ-124 (msn 004), that was photographed while parked on HardStand 1A in October 1998. It's registered to the Saudi Arabian Ministry of Defence and Aviation, and features a VIP cabin configuration. HZ-124 was delivered in February 1997, though it first flew in January 1992.

China Eastern's SkyTeam B-6053

For their PVG-HNL service today, China Eastern Airlines substituted their SkyTeam A340-642 logojet, B-6053 (msn 577), in place of their normal A340-343s.

Skymark's JA73NN

Skymark Airlines is taking delivery of JA73NN (c/n 39422, l/n 3975) today. The AWAS-leased 737-81D is flying from BFI as SKY73NN, and will overnight at HNL, as it makes its way to HND. It's seen above taxiing on Taxiway RT for departure to GUM.

Air Pacific's DQ-FJC

Air Pacific's 767-3X2ER, DQ-FJC "Island of Taveuni" (c/n 26260, l/n 552), is being returned to its lessor, ILFC. It was originally delivered to Fijian flag carrier in September 1994, and withdrawn from service in January of this year. It was sent to CAN for maintenance and re-paint to all-white. It's stopping through HNL as FJI2001, and will leave for ATL tomorrow afternoon as FJI2002.

Xiamen's B-5632

Today, Xiamen Airlines is taking delivery of B-5632 (c/n 38388, l/n 3973). It's their newest 737-85C that is flying from BFI to XMN (via HNL. MAJ, and SPN) as CXA5632.

UA 777-224ER N77012 (PMCO)

Today, on my way to a training session, three things about this United Airlines 777-200 caught my eye. First, it was parked at Gate 13. Second, was the registration, N77012 (c/n 29860, l/n 234). Third was the engines, GE-90 decal. This UA 777 is actually a pre-merger Continental Airlines (PMCO) 777-224ER! This aircraft is operating UAL01/02 (IAH-HNL-IAH). The UA schedule does show the flight being operated by a 777, and apparently will be operated by PMCO 777s. The aircraft for UAL01 comes in from LHR as UAL35.

Pre-merger UA (PMUA) has been regularly sending their 777-222As and 777-222ERs to HNL for many years. However, PMCO have not regularly sent their 777-224ERs to HNL since 2001/2002, when they first added a second flight from IAH.

I'm not exactly sure if I got the correct registration, as this picture was taken by my phone, but the UA flight status page shows today's aircraft number as 3012. A list of PMUA aircraft numbers show the 777 aircraft numbers being 2XXX and PMCO aircraft numbers as 00XX. Seeing that this is a PMCO 777, I am assuming that the aircraft numbers for PMCO 777s will now be 3XXX.

Virgin Australia's VH-YFI

Virgin Australia is taking delivery of VH-YFI (c/n 41000, l/n 3963) today. Named "Porpoise Bay", this 737-8FE is making its delivery flight through LIH as VBH9080.

Team member Drewski2112 got a photo of it at BFI.

OGG Master Plan

A $1billion, 20-year master plan was unveiled for the future of the Kahului Airport by the state's Department of Transportation, in a meeting that was held this past Tuesday on Maui.

Airside, extending both runways, a full re-paving of Runway 2/20, and upgrading of taxiways are part of the master plan. Building-wise, expanding the main terminal, and relocating the commuter terminal are major projects of the plan.

More coverage in this Maui News article.

Hainan's B-5638

Hainan Airlines is taking delivery of B-5638 (c/n 38151, l/n 3951) today. It's their newest 737-84P, that's on its delivery flight as B5638, and will overnight at HNL tonight.

Sorry, we were unable to get a photo of B-5638 at HNL, but team member Drewski2112 got it at BFI.

Lion Air's PK-LJP

Lion Air is taking delivery of their second 737-9GPER in nine days. PK-LJP (c/n 37291, l/n 3966) departs BFI this morning for CGK (via HNL, MAJ, and BIK). It's seen above, shortly after landing on Runway 8L, taxiing to the Castle & Cooke Aviation ramp.

Thomson's G-OOBE

Thomson Airways' [BY/TOM] G-OOBE (c/n 33100, l/n 1029), a 757-28A, is flying the passengers of the TCS Starquest Expeditions' "Journey of Man". The flight originated from HNL this morning as TOM941, and will end its tour on April 7th, in London, UK. G-OOBE is seen in the top photo departing Runway 8L for NAN, and above, pushing out of Gate 6.

The portside (above) of G-OOBE has the TCS & Starquest Expeditions titles and logos, while the starboard side retains the Thomson livery.

N591SC

N591SC (c/n 24905, l/n 2001), a 737-3Y0, is in transit from Indonesia, and bound for the mainland, as it is being returned to its lessor Airplanes Finance. It was most recently with Indonesia AirAsia as PK-AWP. N591SC is due to arrive at HNL around midnight from CGK (via MAJ). It's seen above with it's former identity painted over.

24905 was originally purchased by Guiness Peat Aviation, and leased it to LAM - Linhas Aérea de Moçambique in February 1991 as EI-CBP. It then went to Air Columbus as CS-TKE in March 1994. The next lessee was Transavia as PH-TSU in February 1995. The 737 was then sold to Airplanes Finance in May 2000, then leased to Tuninter as TS-IEB. In June 2002, it was leased to AirAsia as 9M-AAD, and even wore a logojet livery when it joined the fleet. In January 2007, it was leased by Indonesia AirAsia, up until March 7, 2012.

HL7759

This BBJ belonging to Samsung Techwin Aviation has been in town since March 8th. HL7759 (c/n 35990, l/n 2107), a 737-7EG (BBJ), has been parked in various spots on the AirService ramp. The Samsung corporate jet usually stops through HNL at least once a year.

*** 03.15.12 Update ***

HL7759 departed HNL this afternoon.

Barrier Landing

An Oregon Air National Guard F-15C Eagle made a barrier landing on Runway 4R this morning, after experiencing a hydraulic failure. HIK ARFF trucks, and State DoT personnel stood by as the wounded fighter made a successful landing. I was not on-hand for the landing, but witnesses said that the barrier did the job in slowing the F-15C to stop a couple of hundred yards after the barrier pit. Runway 4R was re-opened after the barrier was reset, and the runway inspected.

79-0077 (c/n 0626/C146) from the 114th Fighter Squadron / 173rd Fighter Wing, based at Kingsley Field, Klamath Falls, OR, is here as part of a detachment participating in Sentry Aloha. It's seen above, under tow back to HIK.

Garuda's PK-GMV

PK-GMV (c/n 38074, l/n 3960) is Garuda Indonesia's newest 737-8U3 that is making its delivery flight from BFI this morning as GIA8011. It will overnight here at HNL, after arriving here in the afternoon. PK-GMV is seen above, the next morning, on Taxiway RT, to depart for MAJ, with a rainbow in the background as rain showers moved west.

China Southern's B-5640

China Southern Airlines is taking delivery of B-5640 (c/n 38918, l/n 3961), their newest 737-81B. It's flying out of BFI this morning as CSN123, and will overnight at HNL to complete its first leg. It's seen in the photo on Taxiway C, after landing on Runway 8L; and the above photo one of the South Ramp hardstands.

B-5640 becomes the third CSN airliner painted in the SkyTeam colors. It joins B-2056 (c/n 27525, l/n 66), a 777-21BER, and B-6528 (msn 1202), an A330-223.

In the top photo, the portside of the 737-81B has the China Southern titles in Chinese, while the starboard side has the airline's titles in English.

Sentry Aloha

The beginning of the month kicked off exercise Sentry Aloha. This exercise provides dissimilar air combat training (DACT) among the F-16C/Ds of the 18th Aggressor Squadron from Eielson Air Force Base in Alaska, Hawaii Air National Guard's F-22As, F-15Cs from Montana's 120th Fighter Wing and Oregon's 173rd Fighter Wing.

Also transiting through today, were the F/A-18C Hornets of VMFA-232 "Red Devils". A historical note about the VMFA-232, they had two stints at Marine Corps Air Field Kāne‘ohe Bay. The first "K-Bay" assignment was from 1956 to 1966, they flew the North American FJ-1A Fury and the LTV F-8E Crusader. The second "K-Bay" assignment was from 1977 to 1993, when they flew the McDonnell-Douglas F-4J Phantom II and the F/A-18 Hornets. They are currently stationed at MCAS Miramar, but on deployment to Kandahar, Afghanistan.

Hawaiian's Sixth A330

Hawaiian's newest A330-243 made its delivery flight this past Saturday. Ship N385HA (s/n 1295) is named after the constellation "Manaiakalani", or "Maui's Fish Hook". It flew direct from Toulouse-Blagnac (LFBO/TLS) to Honolulu as HAL9981.

Atlas Air 767-38EER

A familiar paint scheme but not it was not the usual 747 today. N641GT (c/n 25132, l/n 417) a 767-38EER flew in from Nagoya, Japan this morning as GTI9792. Atlas Air acquired two 767s to be utilized for military charter flights.

25132 was originally delivered to Asiana Airlines (leased from ILFC) as HL7268 in February 2002. It was returned to ILFC in May 1998, and was re-leased by Asiana from November 1999 for five more years. In between the Asiana leases, it was leased by Air Europe (June 1998 - January 1999) and sub-leased to Air Afrique (February - October 1999) as EI-CPV. LAN Airlines was the next lessee, as CC-CIO, from December 2004 to November 2007. The 767 stayed in South America for its next lease to VARIG in December 2007 as PR-VAF. When VARIG was acquired by Gol, it was transferred into the Gol fleet in May 2009, but still with VARIG titles and branding. Atlas purchased 25132 from ILFC in June 2011.

China Eastern's B-5647

China Eastern Airlines is taking delivery of a 737-8HX, leased from ACG. B-5647 (c/n 38105, l/n 3959) is making its delivery flight today as CES299, and will overnight at HNL after arriving from BFI.

Sorry, we were unable to get a photo of B-5647 at HNL.

Shandong's B-5629

This morning, Shandong Airlines is taking delivery of B-5629 (c/n 38638, l/n 3957), a 737-85N. It's flying out of BFI as CDG5629, and will overnight at HNL. B-5629 is seen above, a few hours after arriving from BFI.

Lion Air's PK-LJO

Lion Air is taking delivery of their 60th 737-9GPER today. PK-LJO (c/n 38315, l/n 3954), is wearing a commemorative tail design noting the achievement, and is flying as LNI1.

Sorry, we were unable to get a photo of PK-LJO during its stop at HNL, but team member Drewski2112 got a shot of it at BFI.

General Electric's N747GF

General Electric's new 747-400 engine testbed, N747GF (c/n 26355, l/n 1055), is making a trip from VCV to HNL today. The former JAL 747-446, JA8910, was acquired by the engine manufacturer in December 2010. N747GF replaces N747GE, the original GE 747-121 testbed. The 747-446 left for XMN the next morning.

Mahalo to team member Aeros for for the above photo N747GF, still wearing the rising sun motif (sans JAL titles).

The only photo JA8910 (in the 1990s livery), I have, is this 2005 photo of it rotating on Runway 8R for its return to Japan.

Island Air's N808WP: The End of an Era

I knew Island Air's N808WP had been taken out of service, but today on the HNL South Ramp I discovered just how far out of service.  It's been stripped and chopped to bits.  According to some of the folks in the area, parts had been sent back to Bombardier in Canada for testing and examination, since it was the highest time Dash-8 in existence.

N682AG

N682AG (c/n 28663, l/n 2922), a former China Xinhua Airlines 737-46Q that was B-2987, is being ferried across the Pacific, as it is being returned to its lessor, Boullioun Aviation Services. It left TNA on the 1st, and made stops at GUM and MAJ, before arriving here last evening.

B-2987 was delivered to China Xinhua [XW/CXH] in August 1997, in CXH colors, and named "Tianjin Daily". In mid-2003, it was painted in the Hainan Air Group generic livery, save for the airline's titles.

Sorry, we were unable to get a photo of N682AG at HNL.

Air Australia's VH-YQC

One of the now-defunct Air Australia's A320-212s, VH-YQC (msn 395), is transiting through HNL, as it is being reclaimed by its lessor, Aero Turbine Inc (Doral, FL). VH-YQC arrived late last evening from MAJ (seen above on the AirService Hawai‘i ramp), but the flight information is not available online.

395 was originally purchased by leasing company GATX, and delivered to TAP - Air Portugal [TP/TAP] in March 1993, as CS-TNE, and named "Sa De Miranda". It was with the TAP fleet for seven years. It then went to Air Luxor [LK/LXR] in March 2000, and was sub-leased to Novair [1I/NVR] twice during the four year lease. In May 2004, it was leased again by TAP, with the same name for six more years. The A320 was sold to Aero Turbine Inc, and leased to Strategic Airlines (Air Australia's predecessor) as VH-YQC in May 2010. VH-YQC, and fleet mate VH-YQB, were the only aircraft to receive the Air Australia livery and branding.

Mahalo to MRC Aviation for the heads-up!

Qantas' VH-VZY

Qantas Airways is taking delivery of their second 737-838 in the past four weeks. VH-VZY "Temora" (c/n 39363, l/n 3944) is making its delivery flight as QFA6024, and will overnight at HNL this evening.

Mahalo to blog fan Hiroshi for the above photo of VH-VZY on the north ramp. In a rare occurrence, two Qantas 737s were at HNL, though VZY was bound for Australia, but TJW was headed for retirement.

China Airlines' B-18605

This month's edition of "HNL RareBirds Classic" takes us back to November 14, 1998, and the delivery flight of China Airlines' 737-809, B-18605 (c/n 28404, l/n 130). It's seen above, on the Anderson Aviation ramp, with a double rainbow in the background.

B-18605 remains with China Airlines. In 2007, the 737-809 was fitted with Aviation Partners Boeing Blended Winglets™.