Donghai Airlines' B-1771

Donghai Airlines' B-1771 (c/n 41803, l/n 5274) journey to China started today after arriving from BFI as DZ283. B-1771, a 737-8Q8, has been leased through AerCap, and will continue its transit tomorrow.

Viva Aerobus' XA-VAH

Mexico-based Viva Aerobus [VB/VIV] is about to receive their 6th A320-232. XA-VAH (c/n 3743) was delivered to Jetstar as VH-VQB back in January '09, leased from ILFC, then AerCap (May '14). It arrived from Seletar, Singapore [XSP/WSSL] (via GUM), and will continue on to Generál Mariano Escobedo International [MIT/MMMY] as VIV6800.

No More Antonovs?

According to an article in the January 2015 Air Force Magazine, the United States, and definitely HNL (and Kalaeloa and MCBH Kāne‘ohe Bay) is much less likely to see An-124s used as charter aircraft for US military transportation.  We may have seen the last of them for awhile.  

The U.S. Transportation Command (TRANSCOM) used to charter the An-124s over the past 13-14 years to get "big stuff" overseas as a last resort, thru a CRAF sponsor, but this has dropped significantly in the past few years. Much of this is due to the Fly America Act.

Editorial
In my opinion the continued sour relations between the US and Russia is a major factor as well. After all, why should we contribute to Putin's economic growth as long as he continues to buzz our borders and naval formations. 

Batik's PK-LBW

Batik Air is taking delivery of PK-LBW (c/n 39834, l/n 5267) late this evening. The 737-8GP is making its delivery flight from BFI as BTK1, and will make a brief fuel stop at HNL.

SilkAir's 9V-MGI

SilkAir is taking delivery of 9V-MGI (c/n 44225, l/n 5260) this afternoon. The 737-8SA is making its delivery flight from BFI as SLK8880, and will overnight at HNL.

Shandong's B-1746

Shandong Airlines is taking delivery of B-1746 (c/n 41622 l/n 5266) today. The 737-85N is making its delivery flight from BFI as CDG1746, and will overnight at HNL.

Air China's B-1761

Air China is taking delivery of B-1761 (c/n 41102, l/n 5265) today. The 737-89L is making its delivery flight from BFI as CCA78, and will overnight at HNL.

Kitty Hawk's N252US

Our February edition of "HNL RareBirds Classic" takes us back to 1998, and Kitty Hawk's 727-251F, N252US (c/n 19971, l/n 655), seen above on HNL's Cargo Ramp.

N252US was originally delivered to Northwest Airlines in November 1968, with their fleet number 2252. It remained with the airline until it was stored at Smyrna, TN in October 1994. It was picked up by Nations Air in June 1997, but never saw service. Kitty Hawk acquired this 727-251, and converted it to freighter in September 1997, then leased to Ansett Air Freight (Australia), but it was returned to Kitty Hawk, where it was placed into inter-island air cargo service at HNL for a short period of time. The airline took a try at hauling cargo, but the venture was short-lived. It was then sent to the mainland for their cargo operations, and was painted into their blue and white livery. N252US was withdrawn from service, retired, and stored at ROW in July 2011.

Batik's PK-LBV

Batik Air is taking delivery of their second 737-8GP in the past seven days with PK-LBV (c/n 39831, l/n 5255). It's making its usual overnight delivery flight from BFI as BTK1, and will make a brief fuel stop at HNL.

OK Air's B-1739

The third of the three China-bound 737NG deliveries today is, Okay Airways' B-1739 (c/n 41114, l/n 5223). The 737-9KFER is making its delivery flight from BFI as OKA1739, and will overnight at HNL, then continue onto MAJ tomorrow.

Though Shenzhen Airlines has the 737-900, Okay Airways is the first Chinese carrier to receive the 737-900ER variant.

On a personal note, I saw this B-1739 at BFI during my trip to Seattle, while driving from SEA to downtown, and the day we went to the Museum of Flight, but was unable to get photos on both occasions.

Shanghai's B-1740

Shanghai Airlines is taking delivery of B-1740 (c/n 39312, l/n 5256) today, and is the second of three 737NG deliveries stopping through HNL today. The 737-86D is making its delivery flight from BFI as CSH576, and will overnight at HNL, then continue onto PNI tomorrow.

Shandong's B-1743

Shandong Airlines is taking delivery of B-1743 (c/n 41620, l/n 5256) today. The 737-85N, their second delivery in nine days, is making its delivery flight from BFI as CDG1743, and will overnight at HNL, then continue onto PNI tomorrow. This is the first of three 737NG delivery flights bound for China that is stopping through HNL today.

N381AG

N381AG (c/n 38101, l/n 3803), a 737-8HX, is being ferried from HND to VCV, via GUM, and will stop off at HNL. It was delivered to Skymark Airlines [BC/SKY] (Japan) in October 2011 as JA73NH, under lease from the Aviation Capital Group (ACG). It appears that Skymark is returning this 737 to ACG.

On a related note, ZipanguFlyer reports that Skymark will file for bankruptcy protection with the Japanese courts, as the airline deals with financial issues. It's not known if this lease return has to do with the upcoming bankruptcy filing.

Donghai's B-1770

Donghai Airlines is taking delivery of B-1770 (c/n 41802, l/n 5228) today. The 737-8Q8, leased from ILFC, is making its delivery flight from BFI as EPA282, and will overnight at HNL, before continuing onto MAJ.

Garuda's PK-GNP

Garuda Indonesia is taking delivery of PK-GNP (c/n 41605, 5245) today. The 737-8U3 is making its delivery flight from BFI as GIA8011, and will make a brief fuel stop at HNL, before continuing onto TKK.

China Eastern's B-1772

China Eastern Airlines is taking delivery of B-1772 (c/n 41470, l/n 5244) today. The 737-89P is making its delivery flight from BFI as CES9003, and will overnight at HNL.

China Southern's B-1736

China Southern Airlines is taking delivery of B-1736 (c/n 41326, l/n 5247) today. The 737-81B, their second in eight days, is making its delivery flight as CSN736, and will overnight at HNL.

N984AN

N984AN (c/n 24357, l/n 262), a 767-383ER, has stopped off at JRF. It's making its ferry flight from HKT [Phuket International Airport, Phuket, Thailand] (via SPN) to the mainland, and arrived at JRF on Friday, January 23rd, and is owned by Sky Holding Company.

24357 was originally delivered to SAS Scandinavian Airlines [SK/SAS] in April 1989 as LN-RCB "Astrid Viking". It was leased to Air Europe [PE/AEL] (Italy) from December 1991 to October 1993 as I-AEJC. In August 1994, it was acquired by PAFCO, and leased to Avianca [AV/AVA] (Colombia) as N984AN, and remained with Avianca until June 2011. It was sold to Sky Holding Company, and leased to Business Air [8B/BCC] (Thailand) in January 2013 as HS-BIG, until it was returned last October.

Mahalo to team member Bargeld01 for spotting this airliner.


01.28.15 Update
N984AN departed JRF for SAT at 23:48HST,

Hainan's B-1785

Hainan Airlines is taking delivery of their second 737-84P in five days with B-1785 (c/n 41378, l/n 5243). Its making its delivery flight from BFI as CHH1785, and will overnight at HNL.

Batik's PK-LBU

Batik Air is taking delivery of PK-LBU (c/n 38308, l/n 5225) in a late night delivery flight from BFI as BTK1. The 737-8GP will make a brief early morning fuel stop at HNL, before continuing onto MAJ.

Thai Lion's HS-LTQ

Thai Lion Air is taking delivery of HS-LTQ (c/n 39832, l/n 5242) this afternoon. The 737-9GPER is making its delivery flight from BFI as TLM1, and will make a brief fuel stop at HNL.

Virgin Australia's VH-ZPQ Returns

Virgin Australia's VH-ZPQ "Main Beach" (msn 19000412) is returning to Australia after maintenance work done to it at BNA. It's stopping over at HNL after arriving from a stop at VNY, and will continue onto APW and BNE tomorrow.

VH-ZPQ stopped through HNL three weeks ago as it made its way to BNA.

Air China's B-1760

Today, Air China is taking delivery of their second 737-89L within the past eight days. B-1760 (c/n 41101, l/n 5240) is making its delivery flight from BFI as CCA78, and will overnight at HNL.

ANA To Add Second NRT Flight

Beginning 29 March 2015, All Nippon Airways will add a second daily NRT-HNL flight, with ANA184/183, using their 767-381ERs.

Further information in this AirlineRoute.net article.

JAL 767s To Return To HNL

Japan Airlines announced that two NRT-HNL flights (JAL784/783 and JAL786/785) will go back to 767-346ER service. Several months ago, the airline switched these flights to their 787-8s, but effective 29 March 2015, the airline will switch back to the 767-346ERs. The JAL 767-346ERs have been fitted with their new Sky Suite Business Class seating.

Japan Airlines' third NRT-HNL flight, JAL782/781, will continue using 777-246ERs.

Further details in this Japan Airlines press release.

Shenzhen's B-1755

Shenzhen Airlines' B-1755 (c/n 40822, l/n 5236) is the third of three 737-800 deliveries stopping through HNL today. The 737-87L is making its delivery flight from BFI as CSZ121, and will overnight at HNL.

Shandong's B-1745

Shandong Airlines is taking delivery of B-1745 (c/n 41621, l/n 5239) today. The 737-85N, the second  of three deliveries today, is making its delivery flight from BFI as CDG1745, and will overnight at HNL.

Photo of B-1745 at BFI by team member Drewski2112.

Xiamen's B-1749

Xiamen Air's B-1749 (c/n 39909, l/n 5234) leads off today's trio of China-bound 737-800 delivery flights. The 737-85C is making its delivery flight as CXA1749, and will overnight at HNL.

Reignwood Aviation's C208

Bound for China, this amphibious Caravan 208 arrived in HNL on the 12th of this month. N338RT (s/n 20800535) sits tucked away on the South ramp after arriving from Moundridge Municipal (47K), Kansas via Grand Canyon airport (KGCN/GCN), Arizona to Santa Maria (KSMX/SMX), California to Daugherty Field (KLGB/LGB), California to Santa Maria once again, before its 14 hour flight to Hilo. Reignwood Aviation recently ordered 10 amphibious Caravan EXs for use in Southern China for tourism. N338RT, a non-EX Caravan will probably be heading west for the same mission.

Hainan's B-1783

Hainan Airlines is taking delivery of B-1783 (c/n 39219, l/n 5233) today. The 737-84P is making its delivery flight from BFI as CHH1783, and will overnight at HNL.

China Southern's B-1737

China Southern Airlines is taking delivery of B-1737 (c/n 41606, l/n 5232) today. The 737-81B is making its delivery flight from BFI as CSH137, and will overnight at HNL.

Allegiant Pilots Authorize Strike

World Airline News reports that the pilots union of Allegiant Air have voted to authorize a strike, but no strike is currently on the horizon. It may be weeks before any work stoppage is taken. Allegiant currently has one daily flight between LAX and HNL, and another daily flight between LAS and HNL.

Delta To Resume 747-400 ATL-HNL Service

Beginning in May, Delta Air Lines will replace their A330-300s with 747-400s on their ATL-HNL service, DAL837/836. That will mean a gain of 83 seats, as the Delta A330-300s has 293 seats, while their 747-400s have 376.

Air China's B-1767

Air China's B-1767 (c/n 41109, l/n 5230), a 737-89L, is the first 737NG delivery flight to stop off at HNL for 2015. It's making its delivery flight from BFI as CCA78, and will overnight at HNL.

Photo of B-1767 at BFI by team member Drewski2112.

Shanghai's B-2857

Shanghai Airlines is ferrying one of their 757-26Ds to VCV. B-2857 (c/n 33959, l/n 1044) is making its ferry flight from PVG as CSH2857, and arrived at HNL from SPN, before 02:00L this morning. Boeing Capital acquired it, and will lease it to Delta Air Lines as N819DX (f/n 6819).

B-2857 was delivered to Shanghai Airlines in May 2004.

Alaska ANG Raptor Incident

An Alaska Air National Guard F-22A Raptor here in Hawai‘i for the Sentry Aloha training exercise, had an incident when landing on Runway 8L. The left main brake had overheated and caught on fire. Emergency vehicles arrived shortly after and doused the Raptor in fire suppressive foam. The runway remained closed for the majority of the day as maintenance crews used airbags to fit a new tire onto the aircraft.

N848TM

N848TM (c/n 32596, l/n 1028), a 737-76N owned by GECAS, is ferrying through HNL from CAN (via GUM), as it makes its way to PAE. It's bound to be leased to Southwest Airlines.

32596 was originally leased to China Xinjiang Airlines in December 2001 as B-2699. When China Southern Airlines acquired China Xinjiang, B-2699 was transferred over.

Bill Boeing Jr Passes Away

The HNL RareBirds team expresses its condolences to the Boeing ‘Ohana on the passing of William "Bill" Boeing, Jr. The son of Boeing Aircraft founder William Boeing Sr, passed away yesterday at the age of 92. Bill Boeing Jr was instrumental in preserving the Red Barn, where his father began building airplanes, as well as help starting the Museum of Flight in Renton, WA.

Article links from The Seattle Times, Boeing Media Room, and the Museum of Flight.

Weststar Aviation's VP-BDJ

Weststar Aviation Services 727-23 (c/n 20046, l/n 605), formerly belonging to Donald Trump found its way back to Honolulu this morning. VP-BDJ was previously captured here back in early 2013 and still retains the basic livery of its previous owner.

Hawaiian Files Bid For KOA-HND Service.

Hawaiian Airlines has filed an application with the US Department of Transportation for daily A330-243 service between KOA and HND. The airline applied for the additional HND slot after Delta Air Lines downgraded their HND service from SEA to seasonal, and was put under scrutiny by the US DoT.

Further information in this Hawaiian Airlines press release.

HNL RareBirds At SEA

My wife and I took a Christmas trip up to Seattle, and flew its hometown airline, Alaska Airlines. Here were the photos I managed to take at both HNL and SEA.

N590AS (c/n 35687, l/n 2478, f/n 590) was the 737-890 we rode on to SEA, as ASA860, seen above at Gate 14 prior to departure. It was recently outfitted with the Split-Scimitar Winglets.

While waiting for our coffees, Japan Airlines' JA616J (c/n 35813, l/n 954) taxied in to Gate 24 as JAL786. This flight is normally operated by 787-8s.

The North half of Sea-Tac International Airport is dominated by Alaska Airlines. The North Terminal (above) five Alaska 737s, including N793AS (c/n 28888, l/n 2990, f/n 793), a 737-490 and N586AS (c/n 35189, l/n 2393, f/n 586), a 737-890.

At Gate C9, was N585AS (c/n 35683, l/n 2385, f/n 585), another 737-890.

N407AS (c/n 41731, 4278, f/n 407), a Split-Scimitar Winglet equipped 737-990ER being pushed out from Gate C17.

We were blessed to get a photo of N706AS (c/n 28894, l/n 3050, f/n 706), Alaska's Disneyland / Make-A-Wish 737-490 logo jet, seen parked at Gate D2.

N315AS (c/n 30019, l/n 1218, f/n 315), a 737-990 is seen above parked at Gate D1.

This 737-890, N531AS (c/n 35199, l/n 3287), was our ride back home to HNL. Surprisingly, we landed on Runway 8L just before midnight, when most arrivals after 20:00HST land on Runway 4R.

Asia Pacific To Add A 757F

Asia Pacific Airlines will add its first 757-29JF, N757QM (c/n 27203, l/n 588) by May of this year. It was purchased from Aircastle, and is currently undergoing freighter conversion. No word was given as to how many more 757-200Fs the Guam-based cargo carrier will get, nor how long their 727-200Fs (above) will remain in their fleet.

Further details in this CH-Aviation article.

Allegiant Devalues 757 Fleet

Allegiant Airlines is looking at retiring its 757-200 fleet before 2021, as it has wrote down the value of the six airliners in their fleet. It also cites declining demand from the west coast secondary markets it began service with, and now down to daily service to LAX and LAS from HNL. Some of the 757s have been re-assigned to other Allegiant routes.

Further details in this CH-Aviation article.

Virgin Australia's VH-ZPQ

Virgin Australia is ferrying VH-ZPQ "Main Beach" (msn 19000412), an ERJ-190AR, from BNE to BNA (via APW, HNL and VNY) as VOZ9901. It's making an overnight stop tonight at HNL.

Mahalo to team member AndrewC for the photo.

Northwest's N674US

Our first "HNL RareBirds Classic" of 2015 is Northwest Airlines' 747-451, N674US "City of Shanghai" (c/n 30269, l/n 1232, f/n 6314), seen above at HNL's Gate 12 in early 2005.

N674US was delivered to Northwest in October 1999, leased from debis Air Finance. In 2005, it was sold to AerCo. In mid-2006, N674US was painted in the mica-based, final Northwest livery. When Delta Air Lines and Northwest Airlines merged, N674US was transferred to the Delta fleet. It was painted in Delta colors in April 2009, temporarily stored in July 2011, and returned to service in June 2012.

Hau‘oli Makahiki Hou!

The HNL RareBirds team wishes you all a blessed and prosperous Happy New Year!

Korean Air's HL8210

With the New Year coming up, it is again the time of the year of when HNL receives many extra section and charter flights from Japan. This year, among the usual A330-300s, 747-400s, and 767-300s is Korean's 777-3B5/ER. Korean has been flying a charter between HND and HNL using one of their 777-3B5/ERs since December 27 as KAL9053. Today's flight was flown using HL8210. HL8210 (c/n 40377, l/n 882) was delivered to Korean on July 16, 2010.

Christmas Specials

Some special guest on Christmas day. A pair of China Southern 777-21BERs flew in from CAN [Guangzhou Baiyun International], China as CSN2002 and CSN2003. B-2056 (c/n 27525, l/n 66), in the SkyTeam livery, and B-2058 (c/n 27605, l/n 110), leased from ALAFCO, are headed for storage at GYR.

Royal Jet's 737-7AK (BBJ), A6-RJX (c/n 29865, l/n 241) flew in a few days earlier and departed on the 30th to Minneapolis - St. Paul International [MSP].

Lastly, an Ex-MASwings DHC-6-310 Twin Otter which arrived on the 23rd. C-GKPG (msn 802) flew in from Kota Kinabalu International, Malaysia via Guam and the Marshall Islands. Sister-ship C-GKKN (msn 792, formerly 9M-MDK) arrived on the 29th via the Philippines, Guam, and the Marshall Islands. It departed tonight to McMinnville Municipal Airport, Oregon leaving C-GKPG behind. 802 was 9M-MDL with MASwings. It was delivered to Malaysia Airlines in July 1983. It also wore the 1990s MAS livery. In August 2006, 9M-MDL was transferred to FlyAsian Express (FAX), the predecessor to Air Asia X, as MAS transferred their regional prop fleet and operations to FAX. In October 2007, FAX ended their operations, and transferred the operations and aircraft to MASwings.

Mele Kalikimaka!

The HNL RareBirds Team would like to wish our readers and fans a very Merry Christmas!

China United's B-1753

China United Airlines is also taking delivery of B-1753 (c/n 61311, l/n 5215) today. The 737-89P, their fourth in seven days, is making its delivery flight from BFI as CUA894, and will overnight at HNL. Like the previous three, this one was also allocated from China Eastern's order book.

Mahalo to team member AndrewC for the photo.

Xiamen's B-1709

The second half of the Xiamen Air 737-85C two-fer, is B-1709 (c/n 39912, l/n 5212). It is making its delivery flight from BFI as CXA1709, and will also overnight at HNL.

Mahalo to team member AndrewC for the photo.

Xiamen's B-1971

Xiamen Air is taking delivery two 737-85Cs today. The first, B-1971 (c/n 39904, l/n 5034P), is making its delivery flight from BFI as CXA1971, and will overnight at HNL. This is a replacement airframe to the one damaged in the Montana derailment.

Mahalo to team member AndrewC for the photo.

Royal Malaysian Air Force's 9M-NAA

The Royal Malaysian Air Force's A319-115CJ, 9M-NAA (msn 2949), has made a stop at HNL from KUL (via KIX). It left for LAX and then on to IND on December 26.

Thanks to team members HNL Ramper and hal763 for the pictures of 9M-NAA.

Air China Orders 60 737s

Air China has committed to purchase 60 737s, as a mix of 737NGs and 737MAXs.

Further information in this Boeing Media Room release.

China United's B-1752

China United Airlines is taking delivery of their third 737-89P within the past four days. B-1752 (c/n 61310, l/n 5211) is making its delivery flight from BFI to NAY (via HNL and GUM) as CUA752, and will overnight at HNL.

Shenzhen's B-1713

Shenzhen Airlines is taking delivery of their second 737-87L within the past three days with B-1713 (c/n 39161, l/n 5213). It's making its delivery flight from BFI as CSZ908, and will overnight at HNL.

Hawai‘i Bowl Team Charters

Both the Fresno State Bulldogs and the Rice Owls are using Omni Air International as their team charters for this year's Hawai‘i Bowl, on December 24th, at Hawaiian Airlines Field at Aloha Stadium. The Bulldogs arrive this afternoon on OAE890 (a 767-300ER) from FAT. The Owls arrive this evening aboard OAE882 (a 777-200) from IAH. Both teams will depart following the game, with the flights using the same respective flight numbers.

China United's B-1751

China United Airlines is taking delivery B-1751 (c/n 61309, l/n 5209) today. The 737-89P, allocated from China Eastern Airlines, is making its delivery flight from BFI as CUA751, and will overnight at HNL. This is their second 737-89P within the past three days.

Malaysia's 9M-MXY

Malaysia Airlines is taking delivery of 9M-MXY (c/n 40162, l/n 5208) this afternoon. The 737-8H6 is making its delivery flight from BFI as MAS5013, and will overnight at HNL.

According to the Boeing Media Room, 9M-MXY is the 100th 737 delivered to Malaysia Airlines, and noted with a decal on the nose section.

Hawaiian Finalizes A330-800neo Order

Hawaiian Airlines has finalized the purchase agreement for six A330-800neo as replacements for the airlines order for the A350-800XWB. Deliveries are expected in 2019.

Further information in this Hawaiian Airlines press release.

China Eastern's N7820L

Southwest Airlines is taking delivery of N7820L (c/n 28253, l/n 1247) today. The 737-79P, once with China Eastern Airlines as B-2683, was under lease from AerCap. It is ferrying from HKG to PAE (via GUM and HNL).

N9420D

N9420D (c/n 49824, l/n 1554), an MD-83, is ferrying through JRF today. The flight originated from ROW (via BFL), and is bound for somewhere in Asia, as it owned by AWAS. It will make a brief fuel stop at JRF, before continuing onto MAJ and SPN.

49824 was oringally purchased by ILFC, then leased to BWIA-British West Indies Airways [BW/BWA] in December 1998 as 9Y-THU "Sunjet St. Kitts". In December 1996, it was leased to Trans World Airlines as N9420D (f/n 9420). A year later, it was sold to AWAS, and continued with TWA. When American Airlines acquired TWA, N9420D was transferred over, and assigned the AAL fleet number 4WY. In January 2013, it was returned to AWAS, and stored at ROW.

China Southern's N847TM

China Southern Airlines is returning one of their 737-76Ns to GECAS. N847TM (c/n 32583, l/n 994), is making its ferry flight from CAN (via GUM and HNL) to the mainland, and has been at HNL since the 14th. As you can see above, with all the zinc chromate green primer areas, there has been a lot of work done to this 737-700. There has been nothing noted if this airliner was involved in any kind of accident.

32583 was originally purchased by GECAS, and delivered in November 2001 as N583SF. It was leased to China Xinjiang Airlines as B-2698 in November 2001. When China Southern Airlines acquired China Xinjiang, B-2698 was transferred to the CSN fleet. It was returned to GECAS earlier this month.


01.05.15 Update
N847TM will be taken up by Southwest Airlines. The Dallas-based airline is in the process of acquiring unwanted 737-700s.

Shenzhen's B-1712

As the last of today's delivery trio, Shenzhen Airlines is taking delivery of B-1712 (c/n 39160, l/n 5199) this afternoon. The 737-87L, their second in seven days, is making its delivery flight from BFI as CSZ121, and will overnight at HNL.

Shandong's B-1730

Shandong Airlines is taking delivery of B-1730 (c/n 41100, l/n 5205) today. The 737-89L, allocated from parent company Air China's order list, is making its delivery flight from BFI as CDG1730, and will overnight at HNL. It's the second of today's delivery trio.

China Eastern's B-1723

China Eastern Airlines is taking delivery of B-1723 (c/n 41511, l/n 5197) this morning. The 737-89P is making its delivery flight from BFI as CES299, and will overnight at HNL. B-1723 starts off a trio of 737-800s delivering to China today.

China United's B-1750

China United Airlines is taking delivery of B-1750 (c/n 61308, l/n 5201) today. The 737-89P, allocated from parent company China Eastern Airlines, is making its delivery flight from BFI as CUA750, and will overnight at HNL. It's seen above, taxiing out for departure to MAJ.

China Southern's B-1718

China Southern Airlines is taking delivery of B-1718 (c/n 38934, l/n 5203) today. The 737-81B is making its delivery flight from BFI as CSN718, and will overnight at HNL.

Hainan's B-1728

Hainan Airlines is taking delivery of B-1728 (c/n 39218, l/n 5194) today. The 737-84P is making its delivery flight from BFI as CHH1728, and will overnight at HNL.

Malindo's 9M-LNP

Malindo Air is taking delivery of 9M-LNP (c/n 39830, l/n 5195) early this morning. The 737-8GP is making its overnight delivery flight from BFI as MXD1. It made a brief fuel stop at HNL, before continuing on.

Nok Air's HS-DBR

Nok Air is taking delivery of HS-DBR "Nok Yoknapha" (c/n 43420, l/n 5031P) today. The 737-86N, leased from GECAS, is making its delivery flight from BFI as HSDBR, and will overnight at KOA.

Pictured below, Nok Air's HS-DBR Boeing 737-800 on the south ramp at KOA on 12/12/14.

Shouldn't every airplane be painted as creatively as this?!  :)

Shenzhen's B-1972

Shenzhen Airlines is taking delivery of B-1972 (c/n 37620, l/n 5035P). This 737-87L is making its delivery flight from BFI as CSZ903, and will overnight at HNL. This is the replacement airframe to one damaged in the Montana derailment. It was scheduled for its delivery flight yesterday, but postponed to today.

N979PG

N979PG (c/n 26608, l/n 559), a 767-3S1ER is making its way from BKK to MEX, has made a stop at JRF, after a stop at SPN.

26608 was originally delivered to TACA International Airlines [TA/TAI] (El Salvador) in November 1994 as N769TA. It was leased to Avianca Colombia in the late 90s. It was also painted the current TACA livery. In May 2000, it went to Canadian Airlines International [CP/CDN] as C-GGBI (f/n CP650), and was transferred to the Air Canada fleet (f/n 650) after the latter acquired the former. It was also sold to Pegasus Aviation Finance Company (PAFCO), then leased back. In January 2004, it was leased to Alitalia as EI-DDW "Sebastiano Caboto". In March 2013, 22608 was sold to Sky Holding Company while in storage at MEX. In April 2013, it was leased to Business Air [8B/BCC] (Thailand) as HS-BIH, and returned in October 2014.

Shanghai's B-1721

Shanghai Airlines is taking delivery of B-1721 (c/n 41501, l/n 5193) today. The 737-86D is making its delivery flight from BFI as CSH721, and will overnight at HNL.

Thai Lion's HS-LTP

The second of the two Thai Lion Air 737-9GPER deliveries was HS-LTP (c/n 38301, l/n 5176). It made its delivery flight from BFI as TLM1, and also made a brief fuel stop at HNL, before continuing onto its new home at DMK.

Thai Lion's HS-LTK

Thai Lion Air has taken delivery of a pair of 737-9GPERs in the overnight hours. The first to depart BFI for HNL was HS-LTK (c/n 38304, l/n 5162), used the callsign HSLTK, and made a brief fuel stop here, before making its way to DMK. This 737-9GPER was originally destined for Lion Air as PK-LPJ, but then allocated to its Thai subsidiary.

N130FF

N130FF (msn 382-4901), a Lockheed EC-130Q(AT), owned by Wells Fargo Bank Northwest, and leased to Coulson Flying Tankers, is making a stop at HNL. It's from YYJ [Victoria, British Columbia, Canada], on its way to Australia, for their summer fire season.

This EC-130Q was previously with NASA as N427NA.

Air China's B-1977

Air China is taking delivery of B-1977 (c/n 41099, l/n 5181) today. The 737-89P is making its delivery flight from BFI as CCA78, and will overnight at HNL.

Hawaiian To Add Seats To 717 Fleet

Hawaiian Airlines will be adding new, thinner seats, that will add up to ten more seats (or two rows) in their inter-island 717-200 fleet. This move will seat up to 128 passengers in all 18 717s, while keeping the same seat pitch.

Further information in this NewsObserver.com article.

China Southern's B-2582

China Southern Airlines is ferrying B-2582 (c/n 25895, l/n 2499), a 737-31B, to MWH for parting out and scrapping. It's making its ferry flight from CAN (via LAO, GUM, MAJ, HNL, and OAK) as CSN2002.

B-2582 was delivered to China Southern Airlines in Aug 1993. In July 1998, it was leased to Guizhou Airlines [CGH] (China) until 2004. After its return to the CSN fleet, it was sold to ALC, then leased back to the airline.

Delta To Resume MSP-HNL Next October

Beginning October 2015, Delta Air Lines will resume the MSP-HNL service that was terminated in 2011, following its merger with Northwest Airlines. Delta will use their 767-300ERs for this daily service.

The MSP-HNL route had been a staple of Northwest Airlines (which was headquartered in Minneapolis), that had been operated with their DC-10s and 747-200s. After its merger with Delta, it was decided to cancel that route.

Further information in this AirlineRoute.net article.

Aero-Flite's RJ-85

Aero-Flite is sending one of their 3 firefighting capable Avro RJ-85s to Australia in anticipation of their upcoming fire season. N355AC (msn E2293) arrived from Oakland International this afternoon, and will most likely continue Down Under to CNS (via MAJ and HIR) after an overnight stay. It will be based at CNS, during its assignment.

The Aero-Flite RJ-85s' were converted to carry fire retardant solution in an external configuration by British Columbia based company, Conair. Before being converted, N355AC was originally delivered to Lufthansa Cityline in September, 1996 as D-AVRN and their it flew until it was retired in late 2011.

Conair equipment has been caught in HNL in the past. A pair of converted Convair CV-580s' made the trip to the land down under in December 2010 and transited back through on their way home to British Columbia in April, 2011.

Hawaiian To Bring Back Summer Routes

Hawaiian Airlines will bring back service California and the Neighbor Islands for the 2015 summer travel season. Beginning May 20th, KOA will have thrice-weekly service to LAX, and four-times-weekly service to OAK; while LIH will have thrice-weekly service to OAK, and four-times-weekly service to LAX. On June 11th, Hawaiian will add a second OGG-LAX daily flight.

Further information in this Hawaiian Airlines press release.

American International's N102CK

Our December edition of "HNL RareBirds Classic" takes us back to November 1995, and this American International Airways L-1011-200F, N012CK (msn 193N-1198), seen above on Taxiway C, taxiing out for departure on Runway 8R.  American International Airways was the precursor to the current Kalitta Air [K4/CKS].

This Tri-Star was originally delivered to British Airways [BA/BAW] in November 1980 as G-BHBM "The Piccadilly Rose". It was also painted in the Landor livery, and re-named "Poole Bay" in the late 80s. It was leased to Kuwait Airways for a short period in 1992. It was acquired by American International in November 1994, after going through its freighter conversion. In May 1999, it was transferred to Kalitta's Kitty Hawk International [CB/CKS] subsidiary. After Kitty Hawk's closure, N102CK was sold to Wells Fargo Bank Northwest, and ferried to Jordan. It then was ferried to Greece, where it was supposed to be leased to Freedom Air (Cyprus), with the Greek registry of SX-CVE. Last known photo taken in January 2013, reports are that this Tri-Star remains stored at KVA [Megas Alexandros Airport, Kavala, Geece], still in the Kitty Hawk livery.