ATI's N799AL

Air Transport International (ATI) [8C/ATN] is donating one of their DC-8s to the Naval Air Museum Barbers Point. N799AL (c/n 45922, l/n 335), a DC-8-62CF, made its final flight from HIK to JRF as ATN799. It's seen above after arriving at JRF.

A screenshot of the FlightAware routing of ATN799.

45922 was originally delivered to SAS Scandinavian Airlines in February 1968 as OY-KTE "Skjold Viking". During its time with SAS, it leased to a number of airlines (with the same registry): Scanair "Turid Viking" [DK/VKG] (October 1979 - January 1983); Arista International Airlines (AIA) "Maro" [RY/---] (January 1983 - November 1983); Northeastern International Airways [--/---] (December 1983 - September 1984); and Thai Airways International [TG/THA] (October 1984), and was re-registered as HS-TGQ. The Royal Thai Air Force was the next owner as it was registered as 60-112, in September 1985. International Air Leases (IAL) acquired 45922 in 1989 registered it as N799AL, and leased it to Arrow Air [JW/APW] in September, then to Hawaiian Air in December. In September 1991, Air Marshall Islands [CW/MRS] was the next lessee, with crews from Hawaiian (September 1991 - August 1992) and Arrow until October 1996. Zantop International Airlines [--/ZAN] was the next lessee from October 1996 - August 1997. ATI was the next and last lessee from July 1998, until today's final flight. Cargo Air Management was the last owner of N799AL.

Mahalo to blog fan Hiroshi for the photos!

Aloha Air Cargo's Temporary Home

On May 14th, Aloha Air Cargo held a ground breaking ceremony for its new cargo facilities adjacent to the Ewa hardstands. The construction kicks off the major part of the modernization of the inter-island concourse.

The current ramp that Aloha was using has been blocked off for the construction of the new facilities. Accommodations have been made for their 737-200Cs to utilize Gates 31-34 after the morning rush of arrivals and departures. Their SAAB 340AFs have been allocated to the corner of the inter-island ramp next to Elliott Street and Nimitz Highway.

Qantas' VH-TJL

Another former Qantas Airways 737-476 is bound for VCV for storage from MEL. VH-TJL (c/n 24437, l/n 2176) is making a stop at HNL as QFA6027.

VH-TJL was originally delivered to Australian Airlines in November 1991, and transferred to the Qantas fleet in October 1993.

Lucky Air's B-5805

Lucky Air [8L/LKE], a Hainan Air Group subsidiary, is taking delivery of B-5805 (c/n 39199, l/n 4447) today. The 737-74P, originally ordered by parent Hainan Airlines, is making its delivery flight from BFI as B5805.

China Southern's B-5742

China Southern Airlines is taking delivery of their third 737-81B in the past 11 days. B-5742 (c/n 38946, l/n 4454) is making its delivery flight from BFI as CSN805.

Garuda's PK-GFX

Garuda Indonesia is taking delivery of their second 737-800 in the past six days. PK-GFX (c/n 39928, l/n 4453), a 737-8FX leased from Lombard Aviation, is making its delivery flight from BFI as GIA8011, and will overnight at HNL. Like last week's delivery flight for PK-GMY, the next leg will go to PNI instead of MAJ.

Rare Rainbow At HNL

Here's a rare sight caught at HNL.  One morning, these rainbows appeared over the Reef Runway. On the right, you can see the rainbow splitting into two with the second rainbow going straight up instead of curving with the main rainbow. If you look closely at the coconut trees on the left, there is a faint third rainbow in between the trees.

Pacific Wings To Close Hawai‘i Operations

Hawai‘i News Now announced on tonight's 10:00P broadcast that Pacific Wings will be closing down their Hawai‘i operations on June 15th. For some time, their operations had been scaling down. Their Cessna 208B Grand Caravans will probably be moved to their other mainland operations. The airline has not made a formal announcement, but employees have told our sources that they were given termination notices effective on June 15th. Their website is also not taking reservations past the same date.

Further information in this Hawai‘i News Now article.

As seen above with N302PW (msn 208B0984), much of their local Caravan fleet has been repainted in to this generic livery. Gone are the colorful liveries that adorned the five Caravans when they began operations in Hawai‘i.

This was N302PW in photo taken in July 2005 at OGG's Commuter Terminal.

Indian Navy's P-8I Neptune

This afternoon a P-8I Neptune (737-8FV) flew in from Boeing Field as BOE202. IN321/N521DS (c/n 40611, l/n 4014) is the second of twelve on order for the Indian Navy.

The Indian Navy is the first customer for the export version of the P-8 Poseidon. This modified 737 will serve as a replacement for the Russian made Tu-142MKE in maritime patrol and anti-ship roles.

China Southern's B-2926

China Southern Airlines is ferrying B-2926 (c/n 27289, l/n 2593) to the mainland. The 737-31B, flying as CSN2002, is traveling from SWA [Shantou, China] to MWH [Moses Lake, WA], and made stops at GUM, MAJ, HNL, and OAK.

Qantas' VH-XZF

Qantas Airways is taking delivery of VH-XZF "Cygnet" (c/n 39370, l/n 4450) today. The 737-838 is making its delivery flight from BFI to MEL (via HNL and NAN) as QFA6024.

Malaysia's 9M-MSD

Malaysia Airlines is taking delivery of 9M-MSD (c/n 40146, l/n 4449) today. The 737-8H6 is making its delivery flight from BFI as MAS5473, and will overnight here.

R22B Lands On Fort Street

Mauna Loa Helicopters' R22B, N5ZK (msn 2158), piloted by Julia Link made an emergency landing today on Fort Street between Beretania and Kukui Streets. She apparently lost power at about 3,000 feet, and was able to land the chopper with her and her passenger escaping major injury.  Initial reports cite engine failure. The FAA considered the incident as a controlled hard landing.

GREAT JOB and WELL DONE to the pilot in averting a major incident!

Further news coverage in this Hawaii News Now article.

Delta 767 Aborts Takeoff

Delta flight DAL2364 from HNL to LAX had to abort takeoff right at about when it was going to rotate off Runway 8R. Scheduled departure for the 767-332ER was 11:38. Good thing it was on takeoff, and not while landing!

The aircraft, N188DN (c/n 27583, l/n 631), caused the closure of the "Reef Runway" for a couple of hours after the aborted takeoff.  The passengers were off-loaded from the aircraft, and brought back to the terminal by Wiki-Wiki buses around 1:00 p.m.  The aircraft was still not ready to be towed when I left work at 2:00 p.m.  This also meant that the widebody flights that normally directed to Runway 8R for takeoff were taking off from Runway8L.

Link to the story on KHON2 website.

Garuda's PK-GMY

Garuda Indonesia is taking delivery of PK-GMY (c/n 38884, l/n 4446) today. The 737-8U3, leased from the Aviation Capital Group, is making its delivery flight from BFI as GIA8011. It's scheduled to go to PNI instead of MAJ after its overnight stop at HNL.

Sorry, we weren't able to get a photo of PK-GMY at HNL, but team member Drewski2112 got a photo of it at BFI.

China Southern's B-5738

China Southern Airlines is taking delivery of B-5738 (c/n 38930, l/n 4443) today. The 737-81B is their airline's second in four days, and is making its delivery flight as CSN738.

photo to follow ..

Batik's PK-LBM

Batik Airlines has taken delivery of their third 737-9GPER in the past three weeks. Like the delivery flight before it last week, PK-LBM (c/n 38689, l/n 4441) made a late-night fuel stop at HNL last night.

Sorry, we weren't able to get a photo of PK-LBM at HNL.

China Southern's B-5749

China Southern Airlines is taking delivery of their fourth 737-81B within the past four weeks. B-5749 (c/n 41303, l/n 4439) is making its delivery flight today, as CSN916. It will overnight at HNL after arriving from BFI.

photo to follow ...

New Construction Projects Begin Around HNL.

HNL is beginning part of its master plan modernization and renovations with the new Aloha Air Cargo Center; the Mauka Concourse Extension of the Hawaiian Airlines Terminal; and the relocation of the  Commuter Terminal, adjacent to the Diamond Head Concourse.

Further details in this article on the Hawai‘i DoT website.

Shenzhen's B-5103

Our May edition of "HNL RareBirds Classic" features Shenzhen Airlines' 737-97L, B-5103 (c/n 33645, l/n 1760), which stopped through HNL in August 2005. It's seen above taxiing to the Anderson Aviation ramp, where it overnighted. This airframe was the second-to-last of the -900 series airframes built, before the launch of the current -900ER variant. B-5103 is also seen in the original Shenzhen livery.

In January 2009, B-5103 was painted in the 2009 variation of the 2007 (& current) Shenzhen red/gold livery, and remains without Blended Winglets.

One distinguishing feature that differentiates a -900 from a -900ER, as in the above photo, is that there is no exit door between the aft door the overwing pop-up escapes.

April 2013 Deliveries

Here were the 14 737NG deliveries that stopped through Hawai‘i in April 2013:
4395 | B-5289 | 39198 | Hainan Airlines | -74P [04.02.13 B5289]
4400 | VH-XZD | 39368 | Qantas Airways | -838 [04.04.13 QFA6024]
4405 | 9M-MSC | 40145 | Malaysia Airlines | -8H6 [04.04.13 MAS5473]
4406 | B-5727 | 39110 | Shandong Airlines | -85N [04.09.13 CDG5727]
4409 | B-5740 | 38944 | China Southern Airlines | -81B [04.10.13 CSN7]
4415 | B-5748 | 41302 | China Southern Airlines | -81B [04.13.13 CSN48]
4414 | PK-LBG | 38688 | Batik Airlines | -9GPER [04.15.13 PKLBG]
4419 | B-5751 | 38400 | Xiamen Airlines | -85C [04.16.13 CXA5751]
4418 | B-5802 | 39725 | China Eastern Airlines | -79P [04.17.13 CES599]
4422 | B-5729 | 40038 | Air China | -89L [04.19.13 CCA51]
4421 | VH-XZE | 39369 | Qantas Airways | -838 [04.19.13 QFA6024]
4402 | B-5753 | 39331 | Hebei Airlines | -85C [04.23.13 HBH5753]
4427 | B-5739 | 38943 | China Southern Airlines | -81B [04.23.13 CSN423]
4430 | PK-LBH | 38730 | Batik Airlines | -9GPER [04.26.13 PKLBH]

-700: 2
-800: 10
-900ER: 2

China: 9
Australia: 2
Indonesia: 2
Malaysia: 1

Japan Airlines Upgrades

Japan Airlines announced that three of their Japan-HNL flights will be upgraded from 767-346ERs to 777-246ERs, indefinitely. These flights will feature the JAL Shell Flat Seat in first class.

NRT-HNL:  June 1st (JAL782/781)

NGO-HNL: July 12th

KIX-HNL: September 1st.

Further details in this Japan Airlines press release.

Golden Week Charters

Hawaiian Airlines and Omni Air International are flying Golden Week charter flights from Japan to HNL. Some of the flights include:  HAL910 (KIX-HNL), OAE606 (NRT-HNL), and OAE607 (HIJ-HNL). Both airlines are using 767-300ERs for these flights.

Batik's PK-LBH

Batik Airlines took delivery of their second 737-9GPER last night. PK-LBH (c/n 38730, l/n 4430) made a late-night gas & go tech stop at HNL, as PKLBH. This was the former Lion Airlines' PK-LKV, which was allocated to Batik.

Sorry, we were unable to get a photo of PK-LBH at HNL, but "BFIBravo"got a shot of it at BFI.

United 777-222 Landing On 26R

Normally during Kona winds, widebody aircraft land on the "Reef Runway", Runway 26L.  Today, a United Airlines 777-222 flying in as UAL201, IAH-HNL, made a surprising landing on 26R. I haven't seen anything larger than a 737-800 land on 26R before today.

Here's N779UA (c/n 29641, l/n 35) just about to land on 26R.  This was actually the second attempt at landing.  In the first attempt, the aircraft started turning late to line up with the runway, and was still banking at this point.  The pilots leveled off and initiated a go around.  On the second attempt, they took a much wider approach and had a much more stabilized approach.  Below is N779UA just before the nose gear touches down with the thrust reversers opening up.

Ex-Malaysia Airlines 9M-MRK

A 777-2H6ER formerly belonging to Malaysia Airlines arrived at HNL this afternoon. 9M-MRK (c/n 28418, l/n 231) flew in from Kuala Lumpur International (WMKK/KUL) as MAS5448.

9M-MRK was originally delivered to Malaysia Airlines in July 1999.

Malaysia Airlines is currently in the process of acquiring new A330s and A380s and is slowly withdrawing the 777s and 747s from its long haul fleet.

China Southern's B-5739

China Southern Airlines is taking delivery of their third 737-81B in the past two weeks. B-5739 (c/n 38943, l/n 4427) is making its delivery flight from BFI today, as CSN423, and will overnight at HNL.

Hebei's B-5753

Hebei Airlines is taking delivery of B-5753 (c/n 39331, l/n 4402) today. The 737-85C is making its delivery flight from BFI as HBH5753. Parent company, Xiamen Airlines originally ordered this 737, then allocated it to Hebei.

Island Air's New CEO

The ownership group for Island Air has named Paul Casey as their CEO. Les Murashige will remain as president, running daily operations. The move was made as the airline seeks further growth and potential expansion.

Paul Casey is no stranger to the Hawai‘i airline market, as he was CEO of Hawaiian Airlines from 1997 to 2002.

Further information in this Hawaii News Now article.

Qantas' VH-TJK

Qantas Airways is sending VH-TJK "Ibis" (c/n 24436, l/n 1998), a 737-476, to VCV for storage. It's flying from MEL to VCV (via SYD, APW, and HNL) as QFA6027.

VH-TJK was originally delivered to Australian Airlines in February 1991, and absorbed into the Qantas fleet when the two carriers merged in October 1993.

New Japan Airlines Flight Numbers

If you have not noticed, Japan Airlines has changed the flight numbers for its HNL flights from NRT, NGO, and KIX.  The changes listed below were effective from March 31.

NRT

• JL76/JL75 (old)
• JL786/JL785 (new)

• JL74/JL73 (old)
• JL784/JL783 (new)

• JL72/JL71 (old)
• JL782/JL781 (new)

KIX

• JL78/JL77 (old)
• JL791/JL792 (new)

NGO

• JL84/JL83 (old)
• JL794/JL793 (new)

The HND flight number has not changed and remains JL80/JL89.

Spotting In Phoenix And Southwest Adventures

I went on a trip in March to Phoenix to catch some Spring Training baseball.  While in Phoenix, I found a great place to do some spotting - Arizona State University (ASU) in Tempe.

This picture was taken from Hayden Butte, a small mountain next to ASU's Sun Devil Stadium.  Just half way up the trail, you can see PHX and downtown Phoenix.  The ASU campus in Tempe is located to the east and slightly south of PHX's 2 7-25 runways.  The building in the lower right corner is the headquarters of U.S. Airways.

Once at the top, Hayden Butte is a great place to spot aircraft landing (or taking off depending on the winds) to both sides of PHX.  The US A320 in the picture is landing on the north side of PHX (that's the best zoom on my camera).  Aircraft landing on the south side fly much closer to the mountain.

You don't have to hike up Hayden Butte to watch the aircraft fly by.  You can sit in the shade at the light rail station or Sun Devil Stadium and watch aircraft pass overhead, which I ended up doing as the trail is rather steep and it was a hot day. 

After watching a couple of spring training games, my next stop was Las Vegas. My flight on Southwest was uneventful until we were about to land.  I had a window seat and just as we were passing over the piano keys, the engines spooled up and we started climbing again.  I just experienced my first go-around!  Once we leveled off, the pilots explained that the aircraft that landed before us did not exit the runway in time for us to land.

The night before I was to leave LAS, I got another surprise from Southwest.  My non-stop flight to SJC was cancelled.  My only other option to get to SJC in time for my Hawaiian flight to HNL was fly to BUR and change planes.  It was nice to be able to board and deplane using stairs and walking across the ramp, something I haven't done since I last flew to KOA in 2002.  Luckily, the flights were lightly loaded and I was able to make it to my flight in SJC about 10 minutes before boarding started.

Aloha ‘Oe N584HA

Yesterday, Hawaiian Airlines ferried 767-3G5ER, N584HA "Kioea" (c/n 24258, l/n 255), to GYR. It's lease with ILFC is expiring, and is one of four 767-300ERs that will leave the fleet this year.

Qantas' VH-XZE

Qantas Airways is taking delivery of VH-XZE (c/n 39369, l/n 4421) today. This 737-838 is making its delivery flight from BFI as QFA6024, and will overnight at HNL. This is their second 737 delivery in the past two weeks.

Air China's B-5729

Air China is taking delivery of B-5729 (c/n 40038, l/n 4422) today. This 737-89L is making its delivery flight from BFI as CCA51, which will overnight at HNL.

Comlux Malta's 9H-GMT

Normally, we don't post private jet photos, unless they are BizJet versions of airliners. However, charter airline Comlux Malta has this gold-clad Dassault Falcon 900LX, 9H-GMT (msn 247), in their fleet. It arrived on Monday from LIH, and departed to ANC today as MLM93.

Island Air's N342AT Livery

Island Air's N342AT has had decals applied for its service with the airline. The aircraft is named "Ho‘opa‘a" (Hawaiian for fast).

China Eastern's B-5802

China Easter Airlines is taking delivery of their third Yunnan Peacock liveried 737-79P today. B-5802 (c/n 39725, l/n 4418) is making its delivery flight from BFI as CES599. It will overnight at HNL upon arrival (above). This is also their second peacock liveried 737-79P that features orange as the main color.

Xiamen's B-5751

Xiamen Airlines is taking delivery of B-5751 (c/n 38400, l/n 4419) this morning. The 737-85C is making its delivery flight out of BFI as CXA5751, and will overnight at HNL when it arrives. It's seen above the next morning, as it taxies out for departure to MAJ.

Batik's PK-LBG

Batik Airlines, Lion Air Group's full-service subsidiary, is taking delivery of their first (of ten) 737-9GPER today. PK-LBG (c/n 38688, l/n 4414) is making its delivery flight using its registration as its identifier. Like other Lion Group deliveries, PK-LBG's stop at HNL was a brief two-hour layover. It's seen above rolling out on Runway 4R as it arrives from BFI.

38688 was originally ordered by parent Lion Airlines as PK-LKW. It was thought that Lion's Malaysian subsidiary, Malindo Air, was going to receive this 737-9GPER, but was allocated to Batik, Lion's new Indonesian full-service subsidiary, that will operate internationally and domestically. 

Fly Marianas' EI-TAB

Fly Marianas, the new airline venture from Fly Micronesia LLC, will not not launch as anticipated. They planned to operate a single A320-323, EI-TAB (msn 1624) leased from CIT.

Fly Micronesia LLC also operated as the short-lived Fly Guam, from March to December 2011 with 737-400, N238AG.

EI-TAB was purchased by CIT, and leased to TACA International in June 2002. TACA sub-leased the A320 to Cubana from June 2003 to December 2008. TACA operated EI-TAB until October 2012, after which it was stored at GYR, where it remains.

Further information in this Airliners Gallery article.

N295AL

N295AL (c/n 27126, l/n 2730), another former Air China 737-3Z0 has made a stopover at KOA while making its way to MZJ from CTU, as it has been acquired by Air Lease Corp.

27126 was originally delivered to China Southwest Airlines as B-2590 in September 1992. It was absorbed into the Air China fleet when CCA merged with CXN in November 2003.

Sorry, we were unable to get a photo of N295AL at KOA.

Lion's PK-LKS Crashes

Today, Lion Air's PK-LKS (c/n 38728, l/n 4350), formerly Malindo Air's 9M-LNB, crashed on final approach, short of the runway at DPS. The 737-8GP, delivered on 19 February (above photo), was ordered by Lion Air, but allocated to it's Malaysian subsidiary Malindo for its service launch. It was returned to Lion on March 20, as Malindo is going for an all-737-9GPER fleet.

Thankfully, all 101 passengers and crew of seven escaped with only minor injuries.

Further information in this Aviation Herald article, and this BBC article

China Southern's B-5748

China Southern Airlines is taking delivery of their second 737-81B in three days. B-5748 (c/n 41302, l/n 4415) is making its delivery flight from BFI this morning as CSN48. It will overnight at HNL upon arrival. Since mid-February, this would be China Southern's sixth 737-81B delivered.

Sorry, we weren't able to get a photo of B-5748 at HNL, but team member Drewski2112 got a photo of it at BFI.

Hawaiian's N392HA

Hawaiian Airlines has taken delivery of their second A430-243 in as many days. N392HA "Hikianalia" [Spica] (msn 1404) made its delivery flight from TLS to LAX, where it entered service.

Thomson's G-OOBE

Thomson Airways' G-OOBE "Explorer" (c/n 33100, l/n 1029) is making another stopover at HNL as part of another round-the-world trip in partnership with TCS & Starquest Expeditions. The 757-28A is flying as TOM993, and arrived from LAX this afternoon. As seen above, G-OOBE's portside is painted with the TCS & Starquest Expeditions' livery.

This is the second time this 757 has been here on a round-the-world charter, the last time was March 2012.

Virgin America To Hawai‘i?

In an interview with Airline Reporter, Virgin America CEO David Cush intimated that the airline plans to enter the west coast-Hawai‘i market in 2015, as the airline receives more Sharklet-equipped Airbus A320s (part of a 40-plane order to boost the fleet to 90 by 2016).

Virgin America is currently a code-share partner with Hawaiian Airlines.

The Sharklets, similar to the Blended Winglets on 737NGs, enhance performance parameters of the A320 series. It's noted in the Virgin America press release if any of this current order (which also includes an option for 20 more A320 series) if these airliners will have the New Engine Option (NEO).

Virgin America's N634VA (msn 3359) is pictured above in a 2010 photo taken at LAX, on short final to Runway 24R.

Hawaiian's N391HA

Hawaiian Airlines has taken delivery of their 11th A330-243 today. N391HA (msn 1399) "Hokulei" (Capella) made its delivery flight from TLS to LAX as HAL8401.

China Southern's B-5740

China Southern Airlines is taking delivery of their fourth 737-81B in the past month. B-5740 (c/n 38944, l/n 4409) is making its delivery flight from as CSN7, and will overnight at HNL.

Hawaiian's Two Big Announcements

Ni hao! 

The first major announcement by Hawaiian Airlines this morning, is that they plan to start thrice-weekly A330-243 service between HNL and PEK (HAL888/887) in April 2014, pending governmental approval by both nations.  Beijing would be the tenth international destination for Hawaiian in the past three years.

Hawaiian would become the first airline to offer non-stop scheduled service between the two airports. A few years ago, Hainan Airlines announced they were launching a PEK-HNL route with an A340-600, but has yet to start service.

Palaam!

The other major announcement by Hawaiian, is that they will be terminating the HNL-MNL (HAL 455/456) service at the end of July this year. According to the airline, the route had been under-performing due to fares and fuel prices.

Further details in this Hawaiian Airlines press release.

Shandong's B-5727

Shandong Airlines is taking delivery of B-5727 (c/n 39110, l/n 4406) this morning. The 737-85N is making its delivery flight as CDG5727, and will overnight at HNL.

N294AL

A former Air China 737-3Z0, N294AL (c/n 27047, l/n 2357), is being ferried to MZJ from CTU (via GUM, MAJ, and KOA). It was recently acquired by Air Lease Corp. N294AL arrived last night from MAJ, and left this morning for MZJ.

27047 was originally delivered to China Southwest Airlines in September 1992 as B-2586. Air China transferred this 737-3Z0 into their fleet when they acquired China Southwest in March 2004.

American Airlines 767-323ER In New Livery

American Airlines' new livery has shown up in HNL.  The 767-323ER used on today's American Airlines flight AA123 from DFW, N368AA (cn 25195/404), is shown here painted in the new livery.

My impression of the new livery is mixed.  The forward part of the fuselage with the new logo and American titles looks fine.  As for the tail section, it just doesn't look right.  When I saw the vertical stabilizer cut off by the AA 757, like the cropped picture below, I thought it actually looked good.  The alternating color gradient of the blue stripes looks really nice.  But, when I saw the entire tail section with the red/white/silvery gray stripes continue past the vertical stabilizer, it looks gaudy instead.

N278WA

A former World Airways MD-11, N278WA (c/n 48746, l/n 597), is making its way to CGK from VCV, via HNL. It arrived yesterday, and parked on the North Ramp. N278WA is owned by the Boeing Capital Corporation.

This MD-11 was originally delivered to World Airways in March 1996. Over the years, N278WA has been leased to Philippine Airlines, El Al Israel Airlines, Avianca Colombia, Air Asia, Garuda Indonesia, and SonAir.

N278WA is destined for Avient Cargo of Zimbabwe, after some maintenance work at CGK.

Royal Jet's A6-DFR

One of Royal Jet's BBJs, A6-DFR (c/n 30884, l/n 747), a 737-7BC, is paying a visit to HNL.

30884 was originally delivered to the Jordanian Government as VP-BFA in January 2004. It was re-registered as VP-BFE in October 2007. The Abu Dhabi Amiri Flight acquired the BBJ and registered as the current A6-DFR in November 2007. Royal Jet added to its fleet in June 2010. The BBJ is outfitted with a VIP interior.

Malaysia's 9M-MSC

Malaysia Airlines is taking delivery of their second 737-8H6 in the past ten days. 9M-MSC (c/n 40145, l/n 4405) is making its delivery flight from BFI as MAS5473, and will overnight at HNL before continuing onto MAJ tomorrow (above photo).

Qantas' VH-XZD

Qantas' newest 737-838 is making its way across the Pacific. VH-XZD (c/n 39368, l/n 4400) wears the name "Moranbah" and will continue on to Australia as QFA6024 tomorrow morning.

Aloha's N743AL Now With Southwest

A former Aloha Airlines 737-76N, N743AL (c/n 28654, l/n 986), that was leased from GECAS, has been acquired by Southwest Airlines, and will be registered as N7811F (f/n 7811). This is one of two former Air Berlin 737-700s that Southwest is picking up. Both are currently at BFI, in its former carrier's livery, awaiting their new livery.

After it's three-year-plus stint with Aloha (January 2002 - December 2005), this 737-76N was leased to Air Berlin as D-ABBS from December 2005 to March 2013.

N743AL is seen above in this August 2005 photo, seconds from touching down on Runway 26R, completing another west coast run. This would be one more ETOPS 737-700 in the Southwest fleet.

Mahalo to Joe G. Walker for the information.

Hainan's B-5289

Hainan Airlines is taking delivery of their first 737-74P today. B-5289 (c/n 39198, l/n 4395) is making its delivery flight from BFI as B5289. It's seen above clearing Taxiway C, for its South Ramp Hardstand parking spot.

Hainan has three 737-76Ns leased from GECAS, but they were absorbed into the parent fleet from their subsidiaries.

MSP RareBirds

Heading home from MSP on March 17th. Here are some of the Delta airliners that we don't see at HNL taken at Concourse G.

Delta's A320-212, N337NW (msn 358, f/n 3237), parked at Gate G13.

Delta's 757-232, N694DL (c/n 29726, l/n 831, f/n 694), being loaded at Gate G15, wears "The Spirit of Freedom" special markings on the nose section.

Delta's MD-90-30, N908DA (c/n 53388, l/n 2117, f/n 9208), starting its engines after being pushed out from Gate G19.

While taxiing out for departure on Runway 17, we passed by this former Northwest Airlines DC-9-31, N960N (c/n 47256, l/n 326, f/n 9910), that's now a fire/rescue trainer for the MSP ARFF.

Northwest's N239NW

Our April edition of "HNL RareBirds Classics" features Northwest Airlines' DC-10-30, N239NW (c/n 48290, l/n 435, f/n 1239), seen above on Taxiway RT, in May 2004. It had received the final NWA livery a month prior to this photograph being taken.

48290 was originally delivered to Thai Airways in December 1987, as HS-TMB. In April 1998, Northwest acquired this DC-10-30, and registered as N239NW. In October 2006, Omni Air International acquired, and registered it as N612AX. Since February 2012, it has been in storage at GYR.

In July 2003, I rode N239NW from SEA to HNL, when it wore the tri-color "bowling shoe" livery.

March 2013 Deliveries

These were the nine 737NG deliveries for March 2013:
4370 | B-5719 | 38940 | China Southern Airlines | -81B [03.08.13 CSN805]
4372 | B-5726 | 38883 | Shandong Airlines | -85N [03.12.13 CDG5726]
4375 | B-5707 | 38399 | Xiamen Airlines | -85N [03.13.13 CXA5707]
4368 | 9M-LNF | 38687 | Malindo Air | -9GPER [03.13.13 MLO1]
4379 | B-5720 | 38941 | China Southern Airlines | -81B [03.19.13 CSN520]
4381 | B-5713 | 39197 | Hainan Airlines | -84P [03.20.13 B5713]
4385 | 9M-MSB | 40144 | Malaysia Airlines | -8H6 [03.25.13 MAS5473]
4388 | B-5721 | 38942 | China Southern Airlines | -81B [03.26.13 CSN201]
4383 | B-5756 | 39724 | China Eastern Airlines | -89P* [03.29.13 CES599]

-800: 8
-900ER: 1

China: 7
Malaysia: 1
Indonesia: 1