QFA93 VH-OQJ A380

Qantas flight QFA93, an A380-842 (VH-OQJ "Bert Hinkler", msn 062), with direct service between Melbourne Tullamarine Airport (YMML/MEL) and Los Angeles International Airport (KLAX/LAX), diverted to Honolulu due to a passenger requiring medical assistance early this morning. The aircraft was in HNL for just over an hour, and continued on to LAX. This is now the third Qantas diversion into HNL this month, and of those three, the second A380 this month.

FlightAware's QFA93 flight info.

China United's B-5839

China United Airlines is taking delivery of B-5839 (c/n 40952, l/n 4536) today. The 737-89P, originally ordered by parent company China Eastern Airlines, is making its delivery flight from BFI as CUA839.

China Southern's B-5760

China Southern Airlines is taking delivery of their second 737-81B within the past 5 days today. B-5760 (c/n 38957, l/n 4533) is making its delivery flight from BFI as CSN76, with its first overnight stop at HNL.

Okay Airways' B-5841

Okay Airways is taking delivery of B-5841 (c/n 41789, l/n 4532) today. The 737-8Q8, leased from ILFC, is making its delivery flight from BFI as OKA5841.

VP-CBE

This all-white A330-202 belongs to Hong Kong Jet, a VIP charter company of the Hainan Air Group. VP-CBE (msn 1321) was originally slated to be delivered to Air Asia X in July 2012, but was never taken up. 

Solaseed's JA807X

Solaseed Airlines is taking delivery of JA807X (c/n 39431, l/n 4526) this evening. The 737-81D, leased from AWAS, is making its late night delivery flight as SNJ807X. It's scheduled to depart for MAJ tomorrow morning.

We were unable to get a photo of JA807X at HNL, but team member Drewski2112 got a photo of it at BFI.

Xiamen's B-5789

Xiamen Air is taking delivery of B-5789 (c/n 38401, l/n 4527) today. The 737-85C is making its delivery flight from BFI as CXA5789.

China Southern's B-5761

China Southern Airlines is taking delivery of B-5761 (c/n 38958, l/n 4527) this morning. The 737-81B is making its delivery flight from BFI as CSN61.

Volga-Dnepr's RA-82081

This An-124-100 arrived the previous night carrying two CH-53Es and a generator from NGF [Kāne‘ohe Bay MCAS] as VDA4814. RA-82081 (c/n 9773051462165) departed for NKX [Miramar MCAS] this morning with the same flight number.

Shanghai's B-2833

Shanghai Airlines is returning B-2833 (c/n 27152, l/n 560) to Aircastle, which they had under lease since it was delivered to the airline in June 1993. The 757-26D is making its ferry flight from PVG to the mainland (via SPN and HNL) as CSH2833.

Qantas' VH-OJT

Qantas flight QFA16, VH-OJT "Fraser Island" (c/n 25565, l/n 1233), with direct service between Los Angeles International Airport (KLAX/LAX) and Brisbane (YBBN/BNE) diverted to Honolulu due to a passenger requiring medical assistance early this morning. The 747-438 was in HNL for just over an hour, and was parked at gate 27. This is the second diversion for Qantas here in HNL this week. Earlier this week, a QFA A380 diverted to HNL for medical as well.

Apologies on the picture quality as I only had my cell phone available.

FlightAware's QFA16 flight info.

Hainan's B-5288

Hainan Airlines is taking delivery B-5288 (c/n 39201, l/n 4519) today. The 737-74P is making its delivery flight as B5288, and seen above after arriving from BFI.

Shandong's B-5783

Shandong Airlines is taking delivery of B-5783 (c/n 39112, l/n 4522) today. The 737-85N is making its delivery flight from BFI as CDG5783.

Hawaiian Launches Taipei Service

In the wee hours of the morning, Hawaiian Airlines inaugurated thrice-weekly A330-243 service between HNL and TPE, with HAL807. Pre-boarding festivities included a lion dance, Hawaiian music and hula by the Hawaiian Airlines Serenaders, and remarks by Governor Neil Abercrombie and V.C. Chu, of the Taipei Economic and Cultural Office, and Hawaiian's CFO Peter Ingram.

We were unable to attend the event.

Further information in this Hawaiian Airlines press release.

Qantas' VH-XZH

Qantas Airways is taking delivery of VH-XZH "Mclaren Vale" (c/n 39372, l/n 4521) today. The 737-838 is making its delivery flight from BFI to MEL (via HNL and NAN) as QFA6024.

QFA12 VH-OQD A380

Qantas flight QFA12, an A380-842 (VH-OQD "Fergus McMaster", msn 026) with direct service between Los Angeles International Airport (KLAX/LAX) and Sydney International Airport (YSSY/SYD) diverted to Honolulu due to a passenger requiring medical assistance early this morning. The aircraft was in HNL for just over an hour and was parked at gate 29. Today's flight, however, will continue onto BNE instead of SYD due to the crew's flight duty time limitations would have exceeded the acceptable time allowed.

Apologies on the picture quality as I only had my cell phone available.

FlightAware's QFA12 flight info.

Asiana OZ214 Crash Landing at SFO

As I'm sure you've all heard by now, but just in case you didn't, Asiana flight 214 from ICN to SFO has crashed on landing on Runway 28L. The aircraft involved was a 777-28ER, HL7742 (c/n 29171, l/n 553).

Thoughts and prayers to all on board.  Unfortunately, two passengers perished in the accident. The photos of the fuselage are stunning ... the 777 is one well-built airplane.  

Find the audio transcript of SFO ATC communicating to arrivals and departures right up to the time of the incident and shortly thereafter.  For those in the know, it is chilling to listen to.

One residual effect of the accident, is that some Australia and New Zealand flights may need to stop at HNL for fuel, as some are flying weight-restricted out of SFO.

Happy Independence Day

The HNL RareBirds team wishes you all a Happy Independence Day!

Lion Air's PK-LKT

Lion Airlines is taking delivery of PK-LKT (c/n 38733, l/n 4517) this morning. The 737-8GP is making its delivery flight as LNI1.

 Mahalo to team member hal763 for the photo.

Hawaiian's A330 Flight Simulator

Hawaiian Airlines becomes the first airline to house their very own flight simulator in Hawai‘i. The Airbus A330 simulator is a state-of-the-art Class D version that features electropneumatic struts, high-definition projectors, and a full A330 flight deck. The $10million, 10-ton simulator will keep Hawaiian's pilots in the islands for simulator flights, instead of sending them to Miami, FL. With 13 A330-243s in their fleet, and another nine on order, the airline felt it was the right move.

We were privileged to participate in today's media event, and even got to do a take off and landing on HNL's Runway 8L. Each media invitee had a 15-minute demo flight in the flight simulator.

We extend a warm mahalo to the folks at Hawaiian Airlines for inviting HNL RareBirds to the event.

Video to follow ...

Korean Air Cargo's HL7374

Our July edition of "HNL RareBirds Classic" takes us back to November 2004, and this Korean Air Cargo MD-11F. HL7374 (c/n 48410, l/n 495) was one of the Korean Air Cargo MD-11Fs that had seasonal twice-weekly cargo flights between ICN and HNL that operated for over a year.

HL7374 was delivered to KAL in May 1992 as passenger airliner, then converted to a freighter in August 1997. Pegasus Aviation bought this MD-11F in February 2005, then leased it to Varig LOG [LC/VLO] as PR-LGE in June 2005 for a four-year period. In January 2010, Pegasus leased 48410 to Avient Aviation [Z3/SMJ] (Zimbabwe) as Z-BVT, which has since been placed in storage at ZRH as of February 2013, as the airline ceased operations two months later.

Malaysia's 9M-MSF

Malaysia Airlines is taking delivery of 9M-MSF (c/n 40148, l/n 4512) today. This 737-8H6 is their second delivery flight within the past 11 days, and is flying as MAS5473.

June 2013 Deliveries

Here were the 22 737NG delivery flights that stopped through Hawai‘i during June 2013:
4475 | B-5750 | 38380 | Xiamen Air | -85C [06.04.13 CXA5750]
4476 | VH-YFP | 41011 | Virgin Australia Airlines | -8FE [06.04.13 VOZ9518 - LIH]
4477 | VH-XZG | 39371 | Qantas Airways | -838 [06.05.13 QFA6024]
4482 | PK-GFU | 38040 | Garuda Indonesia | -86N [06.05.13 GIA8011]
4483 | B-5806 | 39200 | Lucky Air | -79P [06.07.13 B5806]
4484 | 9M-LNH | 38732 | Malindo Air | -9GPER [06.08.13 MLO1]
4486 | B-5782 | 39111 | Shandong Airlines | -85N [06.11.13 CDG5782]
4485 | B-5747 | 38961 | China Southern Airlines | -81B [06.11.13 CSN7]
4490 | PK-GFV | 38885 | Garuda Indonesia | -8U3 [06.11.13 GIA8011]
4488 | B-5737 | 39133 | Shenzhen Airlines | -87L [06.12.13 CSZ903]
4491 | B-5781 | 39332 | Shandong Airlines | -85N [06.13.13 CDG5781]
4498 | B-5745 | 39848 | China Southern Airlines | -81B [06.14.13 CSN3]
4494 | VH-YFQ | 41010 | Virgin Australia Airlines | -8FE [06.18.13 VOZ9502 - LIH]
4495 | 9M-LNJ | 38690 | Malindo Air | -9GPER [06.18.13 MLO1]
4498 | B-5745 | 39848 | China Southern Airlines | -81B [06.19.13 CSN9]
4502 | 9M-MSE | 40147 | Malaysia Airlines | -8H6 [06.20.13 MAS5473]
4493 | B-5840 | 41304 | China United Airlines | -89P [06.21.13 CUA840]
4504 | B-5755 | 40043 | Shandong Airlines | -89L [06.22.13 CDG5755]
4503 | B-5779 | 39726 | China Eastern Airlines | -89P [06.23.13 CES299]
4505 | B-5746 | 38952 | China Southern Airlines | -81B [06.25.13 CSN201]
4514 | PK-LKU | 38691 | Lion Airlines | -8GP [06.28.13 LNI1]
4511 | JA73NU | 38046 | Skymark Airlines | -86N [06.29.13 SKY73NU]

-700: 1
-800: 19
-900ER: 2

China: 10
Australia: 3
Indonesia: 3
Malaysia: 3
Japan: 1

Skymark's JA73NU

Skymark Airlines is taking delivery of JA73NU (c/n 38046, l/n 4511) this morning. The GECAS-leased 737-86N is making its delivery flight as SKY73NU, an will overnight at HNL.

VH-QQJ

A former Skytrans Airlines [NP/SKP] (Australia) Dash8-102A, VH-QQJ (msn 392), is making its ferry flight from Australia to the US mainland, and has stopped off at HNL. The flight originated from CNS (Cairns International Airport, Cairns, Queensland, Australia) on June 26th, and made its first stop at MAJ.

392 was originally delivered to Allegheny Commuter Airlines in December 1994 as N828EX (f/n ESW), that was operating for US Airways Express. It was then transferred to Piedmont Airlines in July 2004, when Piedmont merged with Allegheny Commuter. In January 2010, Skytrans took delivery of 392 as VH-QQJ.

This Dash8-102A was once sister ships with Island Air's N829EX, which was recently withdrawn from service.

WestJet Expands Hawai‘i Service

WestJet Airlines announced today that they will be expanding to daily service on their YVR-KOA and YVR-LIH flights, that will begin in December.

 Further details in this WestJet press release.

Lion Air's PK-LKU

Lion Airlines is taking delivery of PK-LKU (c/n 38691, l/n 4514) today. The 737-8GP is making its delivery flight from BFI as LNI1, and will make its brief fuel stop this afternoon at HNL, before continuing onto MAJ. Normally, their third segment of their delivery flight is routed MAJ-BIK, but today's third segment is routed from MAJ to CEB [Mactan-Cebu International Airport, Lapu Lapu City, Cebu Island, Philippines].

38691 was originally registered as PK-LLH, but with allocations to subsidiaries Batik Air and Malindo Air, Lion has been using older registrations that were given to its allocations.

Fiji Airways Name Change Official

Beginning today, Fiji Airways becomes the official name and branding of the Fijian carrier. The Air Pacific name and branding is retired. Their A330-243s and a couple of their 737NGs have already received the new livery, and the remaining aircraft will be repainted.

Further information in this Fiji Airways press release.

Ex-bmi G-WWBM

An ex-bmi A330-243, G-WWBM (msn 398), owned by ILFC, is parked on the North Ramp at HNL. This aircraft was stored at Victorville (VCV) when bmi ceased operations and was merged into British Airways. It's not sure where this aircraft came from as there is no listing on Flightaware, but a search on Flightradar24 shows G-WWBM leaving from Manila (MNL) heading east.

According to PlaneSpotters.net, G-WWBM is slated to be leased to Thomas Cook Airlines.

Hawaiian And American Announce Frequent Flyer Partnership

Hawaiian Airlines and American Airlines announced this morning that will begin a frequent flyer partnership on most flights across the US mainland. The two carriers will have a reciprocating earn/redeem program between HawaiianMiles and AAdvantage. Flights between Hawai‘i and the mainland will be excluded from the partnership.

Hawaiian Launches SDJ Service

This morning, Hawaiian Airlines launched service to SDJ (Sendai International Airport, Sendai, Miyagi-ken, Japan) with HAL441. N589HA was the 767-300ER making the inaugural flight.

China Southern's B-5746

China Southern Airlines is taking delivery of their fourth 737-81B this month, with B-5746 (c/n 38952, l/n 4505). It's making its delivery flight from BFI this morning as CSN201.

China Eastern's B-5779

China Eastern Airlines is taking delivery of B-5779 (c/n 39726, l/n 4503) today. The 737-89P is making its delivery flight as CES299, and seen above on HNL's South Ramp.

Mahalo to team member Hal763 for the photo.

Shandong's B-5755

Shandong Airlines took delivery of their third 737-800 this month. B-5755 (c/n 40043 l/n 4504) arrived from BFI as CDG5755 on June 22, and left for MAJ today, June 23, with the same flight number. This 737-89L was originally assigned to parent company, Air China, but reassigned to Shandong.

China United's B-5840

China United Airlines is taking delivery of B-5840 (c/n 41304 l/n 4493) tonight. The 737-89P, originally ordered by parent company China Eastern Airlines, was allocated to CUA, and is making its delivery flight as CUA840.

Sorry, we were unable to get a photo of B-5840 at HNL.

Thomson To Hawai‘i?

Thomson Airways hinted that Hawai‘i (along with Australia and South Africa) could be one of their new 787 Dreamliner destinations within a few years. 

 Further information in this Bloomberg article.

Moroccan Government's CN-MVI

The Moroccan Government's BBJ2, CN-MVI (c/n 37545, l/n 2696) is making a stop at HNL today. It's seen above on the Castle & Cooke Aviation ramp.

Larry Ellison To Buy go!

It's being reported that Island Air owner Larry Ellison will purchase go! from the Mesa Air Group, under the Island Air branding. The formal announcement is slated for June 28th.

Further information in this Pacific Business Journals article.

Malaysia's 9M-MSE

Malaysia Airlines is taking delivery of 9M-MSE today. The 737-8H6 is making its delivery flight from BFI as MAS5473. It will arrive this afternoon, and overnight at HNL.

9M-MSE is the first new-build 737-800 to wear the modified Malaysia Airlines titles like those being worn on their A380 fleet.

China Southern's B-5745

China Southern Airlines is taking delivery of B-5745 (c/n 39848, l/n 4498) this morning, and is making its delivery flight as CSN9. It's their third 737-81B within the past eight days, and seen above taxiing out for departure to MAJ.

Malindo's 9M-LNJ

Malindo Air is taking delivery of second 737-9GPER within the past ten days. 9M-LNJ (c/n 38690, l/n 4495) is making its delivery flight as MLO1. It was originally ordered by Lion Air as PK-LLG.

*** 06.20.13 Update ***
As of 0930HST, 9M-LNJ is still sitting on the Castle & Cooke Aviation ramp, in the alleyway fronting Lagoon Drive, with its nose facing Diamond Head. It departed later in the day.

Apology

Aloha HNLRareBirds Fans!

I want to apologize for the delay in posting my photos of the most recent 737 delivery flight posts. I have been able to take the photos, but photo editing time has been cut down a bare minimum with my work & business schedules. I will do my best to get those photos uploaded soon.

Mahalo,

BlueWave707

Xiamen's B-5788

Today, Xiamen Air is taking delivery of their second 737-85C this month. B-5788 (c/n 38382, l/n 4497) is making its delivery flight from BFI as CXA5788.

Aloha ‘Oe Pacific Wings

Pacific Wings shut down its Hawai‘i operations today. The Kahului-based airline decided to close its doors here to concentrate efforts on its Essential Air Service (EAS) contracts on the mainland.

With Pacific Wings gone, this leaves MUE without scheduled passenger flights.

China Southern's B-5743

China Southern Airlines is taking delivery of their second 737-81B within the past three days. B-5743 fc/n 39847, l/n 4492) is making its delivery flight from BFI today, as CSN3, and seen above taxiing to its parking spot.

Shandong's B-5781

Today, Shandong Airlines is taking delivery of their second 737-85N in as many days. B-5781 (c/n 39332, l/n 4491) is making its delivery flight from BFI as CDG5781. It seen above departing for MAJ from Runway 8R.

Shenzhen's B-5737

Shenzhen Airlines is taking delivery of B-5737 (c/n 39133, l/n 4488) today. The 737-87L is making its delivery flight as CSZ903.

Qantas' VH-TJJ

Another 737-476 from Qantas heads to the deserts of Mojave. VH-TJJ "Heron" (c/n 24435, l/n 1959) is seen after its inbound leg from Apia (NSFA/APW), Samoa as QFA6027.

Heron was delivered in December 1990 to Australian Airlines where it flew until the airline was bought out by Qantas in 1993.

Garuda's PK-GFV

Garuda Indonesia is taking delivery of their second 737-800 in the past six days with PK-GFV (c/n 38885, l/n 4490). The 737-8U3 is making its delivery flight as GIA8011. It's second leg will take PK-GFV to PNI.


*** 06.14.13 Update ***
PK-GFV has stayed back at HNL, due to some kind of an issue, and should resume its delivery flight today.

China Southern's B-5747

China Southern Airlines is taking delivery of B-5747 (c/n 38961, l/n 4485) today. The 737-81B is making its delivery flight as CSN7.

Shandong's B-5782

Shandong Airlines is taking delivery of B-5782 (c/n 39111, l/n 4486) today. The 737-85N is making its delivery flight from BFI as CDG5782.

Third ATR-72 Flying For Island Air

A third ATR-72-212, N425MJ (msn 425), is now flying for Island Air. This aircraft is all-white with a small Island Air decal on the front half. I'm surprised at the lack of a logo decal on this aircraft. According to the FAA registry, this aircraft is owned by Island Air.

N425MJ was originally delivered to American Eagle in 1994.

Malindo's 9M-LNH

Malindo Air is taking delivery of 9M-LNH (c/n 38732, l/n 4484) tonight. The 737-9GPER is making is flight from BFI as MLO1, and will stay at HNL for a brief fuel stop before heading off to MAJ.

The past few Lion Air Group delivery flights have been making late night delivery flights from BFI, instead of the normal daytime flights.

RNZAF C-130H

A C-130H of the Royal New Zealand Air Force has been stuck in Hawaii for the past few days due to a mechanical issue in its #1 engine. NZ7001 (c/n 382-4052) is seen above in the mid-afternoon sun on the South Ramp.

Korean Air's HL8222

Korean Air's 737-7B5 BBJ, HL8222 (c/n 37660, l/n 2997), is making a stop at HNL from JFK as KAL964P. The flight originated from CMN (Mohammed V International Airport, Casablanca, Morocco).

This BBJ was also photographed on its delivery flight stopover in July 2010.

*** 06.09.13 Update ***
KAL964P left for GMP today.

Lucky Air's B-5806

Lucky Air is taking delivery of B-5806 (c/n 39200, l/n 4483) today. This 737-79P is making its delivery flight from BFI as B5806, and is seen above on the AirService Hawaii ramp.

Garuda's PK-GFU

Garuda Indonesia is taking delivery of PK-GFU (c/n 38040, l/n 4482) today. This GECAS-leased 737-86N is making its delivery flight from BFI as GIA8011. PK-GFU is seen above taxiing out to depart for PNI.

Qantas' VH-XZG

Qantas Airways is taking delivery of VH-XZG "Bungendore" (c/n 39371, l/n 4477) today. This 737-838 is making its delivery flight from BFI as QFA6024.

Xiamen's B-5750

Xiamen Air is taking delivery of B-5750 (c/n 38380, l/n 4475) today. The 737-85C is making its delivery flight from BFI as CXA5750. B-5750 is seen above taxiing to Runway 8R for departure to MAJ.

Alaska's "Spirit Of The Islands"

Alaska Airlines is debuting their Hawaii-themed "Spirit Of The Islands" 737-890 today, with a flight from SEA as ASA851. The special livery was designed by Kaiser High School student Aaron Nee, and will be a guest (along with his family) on the return flight to SEA, ASA856. N560AS (c/n 35179, l/n 2072), delivered to Alaska in September 1996, is the 737-890 selected to be adorned with this special livery.

More information in this Alaska Airlines press release.

Mahalo to Alaska Airlines for the photo.


Due to a failure with our previous email provider, we only received the media invite this morning, instead of the day it was sent out. Hence, we were unable to attend today's event. Our email address has since changed.

Japan Airlines' JA8184

Our June edition of "HNL RareBirds Classic" takes to July 2005, with this JAL Reso'cha liveried 747-346 pictured at Gate 28.

JA8184 (c/n 23968, l/n 693) was delivered to Japan Airlines in January 1988, and served with JAL until November 2008. It wore the gamut of JAL liveries: the 1970s cheatlined Tsuru; the 1990s Landor; the Reso'cha livery (above); and the 2000s "Arc of the Sun" livery. It went to Max Air (Nigeria) [--/---] in November 2008, as 5N-DBM, where it currently flies.

May 2013 Deliveries

These were the 16 737NG delivery flights that stopped through HNL in May 2013:
4439 | B-5749 | 41303 | China Southern Airlines | -81B [05.04.13 CSN916]
4441 | PK-LBM | 38689 | Batik Airlines | -9GPER [05.04.13 PKLBM]
4443 | B-5738 | 38930 | China Southern Airlines | -81B [05.07.13 CSN738]
4449 | 9M-MSD | 40146 | Malaysia Airlines | -8H6 [05.09.13 MAS5473]
4450 | VH-XZF | 39370 | Qantas Airways | -838 "Cygnet" [05.10.13 QFA6024]
4014 | IN321/N521DS | 40611 | Indian Navy | -8FV (P-8I) [05.11.13 BOE202]
4453 | PK-GFX | 39928 | Garuda Indonesia | -8FX [05.13.13 GIA8011]
4447 | B-5805 | 39199 | Lucky Air (HNA Group) | -74P [05.14.13 B5805]
4454 | B-5742 | 38946 | China Southern Airlines | -81B [05.14.13 CSN805]
4456 | VH-YFN | 41009 | Virgin Australia Airlines | -8FE [05.16.13 VOZ9398 - LIH]
4461 | B-5752 | 38404 | Xiamen Airlines | -85C [05.21.13 CXA5752]
4460 | JA73NT | 41264 | Skymark Airlines | -86N [05.23.13 SKY73NT]
4464 | B-5741 | 38945 | China Southern Airlines | -81B [05.24.13 CSN481]
4466 | B-5728 | 40020 | Shandong Airlines | -89L [05.24.13 CDG5728]
4463 | PK-LBO | 38731 | Batik Airlines | -9GPER [05.25.13 BTK1]
4470 | B-5736 | 39132 | Shenzhen Airlines | -87L [05.29.13 CSZ901]

-700: 1
-800: 13
-900ER: 2

China: 8
Indonesia: 3
Australia: 2
Japan: 1
India: 1
Malaysia: 1