Project Orbis' N220AU

The Project Orbis Flying Eye Hospital DC-10-10, N220AU (c/n 46501, l/n 2) has made a stop at HNL while making its way from Texas, for a medical mission in Vietnam. Pictured above is N220AU in Orbis' 2014 livery.

This DC-10-10 was the second off of the McDonnell-Douglas assembly line, and was built in December 1970 as N101AA. It was re-registered as N10DC, and became the sales demonstrator in December 1972. In June 1977, it was delivered to Laker Airways [GK/LKR] (United Kingdom) as G-BELO "Southern Belle". In February 1983, it was acquired by American Trans Air [TZ/ATA] as N183AT "City of Indianapolis". Three years later, it went to the UK to fly for Cal Air International [EN/CAI] as G-GCAL. In December 1988, it went to Novair [EN/NGK], Cal Air's successor. In November 1991, it went to Project Orbis to become their newer, larger flying eye surgery center.

Shandong's B-1506

Shandong Airlines is taking delivery of B-1506 (c/n 41623, l/n 5376) today. The 737-85N is making its delivery flight from BFI as CDG1506, and will overnight at HNL.

China Eastern's B-1773

China Eastern Airlines is taking delivery of B-1773 (c/n 41504, l/n 5378) today. The 737-89P, their second delivery within the past six days, is making its delivery flight as CES299, and will overnight at HNL.

Air China's B-1763

Air China is taking delivery of B-1763 (c/n 41104, l/n 5381) this morning. The 737-89L is making its delivery flight from BFI as CCA74, and will overnight at HNL, before continuing onto MAJ.

Batik's PK-LDF

Baitk Air is taking delivery of PK-LDF (c/n 38309, l/n 5375), in an overnight delivery flight. The 737-8GP is making the flight from BFI as BTK1, and will make a brief fuel stop at HNL, before continuing onto KUL, non-stop.

Mokulele Caravan Engine Failure

Hawaii News Now reports that a Mokulele Airlines C208B Grand Caravan, N835MA (msn 208B2335) suffered an engine failure shortly after departing OGG for KOA as MW1741. Thankfully the C208B made it back to OGG without incident and no injuries.

This is the second Grand Caravan engine failure for Mokulele on Maui within two years.

China Eastern's B-1789

China Eastern Airlines is taking delivery of B-1789 (c/n 41472,  l/n 5365) this morning. The 737-89P is making its delivery flight from BFI as CES299, and will overnight at HNL.

Ruili's B-5830

Ruili Airlines [DR/RLH] (China) is taking delivery of B-5830 (c/n 60461, l/n 5343) today. The 737-7ME is making its delivery flight from BFI as B5830, and will overnight at HNL.

Shenzhen's B-1758

Shenzhen Airlines is taking delivery of B-1758 (c/n 40825, l/n 5363) this morning. The 737-87L is making its delivery flight from BFI as CSZ416, and will overnight at HNL.

VQ-BTF

VQ-BTF (c/n 24923, l/n 332), a privately-owned 757-23A, has made a stop at HNL. It's currently registered to the Aquis Group and investor Tony Fung in Barbados.

24923 was originally purchased by AWAS, and due for delivery to Kenya Airways as 5Y-BHF, but was not taken up. In May 1991, it was then sold to Freeport-McMoRan, a Phoenix-based metals and mining company, as N680EM, then later N680FM. In April 1999, it was sold to Vulcan Northwest Inc., which is part of Paul Allen's Vulcan Inc. Four months later, it was re-registered as N756AF. This 757-23A was also the team charter for the Seattle Seahawks football team, as Paul Allen is the team's owner. In August 2007, it was sold to Google, Inc., and became N1757. And, in July 2014, it was acquired by the Aquis Group.

N12842 Accident At ITO

N12842 (msn 17262306), a Cessna 172M owned by Barlow Aviation LLC (Honolulu), crashed seconds after departing Hilo's Runway 21. There were three passengers on board, all sustained injuries, two of the three are in critical condition, and were flown to Honolulu for treatment.

Our thoughts and prayers go out the three passengers for healing and recovery.

Coverage by KITV4 News.

Shanghai's B-2843

Shanghai Airlines is returning B-2843 (c/n 27681, l/n 684) to its lessor, Aircastle. The 757-26D is making its ferry flight from SHA to GYR (via SPN and HNL) as CSH2843, and arrived at HNL early this morning, and will depart late tonight.

Hainan's B-1798

Hainan Airlines is taking delivery of B-1798 (c/n 43403, l/n 5359) today. The 737-86N, leased from GECAS, is making its delivery flight from BFI as CHH1798, and will overnight at HNL, then continue onto GUM.

AirAsia X's Initial HNL Routing

According to an article by AirwaysNews, AirAsia X's foray into the Hawai‘i market from Malaysia has an added move, a stop at KIX, between KUL and HNL. The stop would allow for fuel and additional passengers at KIX, and add another airline serving that part of the route.

Seahawks Charter To OGG

The Seattle Seahawks football team chartered an Alaska Airlines 737-890 to Kahului, Maui today, as the team will conduct off-season workouts at the Kamehameha Schools Maui Campus. The "Adventure of Disneyland Resort" liveried N570AS (c/n 35185, l/n 2212) brought the 2014-15 NFC Champions to OGG as ASA9661.

Photos from the Seahawks' team website, and their Instagram account.

SilkAir's 9V-MGJ

SilkAir is taking delivery of 9V-MGJ (c/n 44226, l/n 5355) today. The 737-8SA is making its delivery flight as SLK8880, and will overnight at KOA, then continue onto GUM.

Shanghai's B-5827

Shanghai Airlines is taking delivery of B-5827 (c/n 39315, l/n 5356) today. The 737-76D is making its delivery flight from BFI as CSH585, and will overnight at HNL, then continue onto MAJ.

China United's B-1523

China United Airlines is taking delivery of B-1523 (c/n 37942, l/n 5349) this morning. The 737-89P, allocated by China Eastern Airlines, is making its delivery flight from BFI as CUA523, and will overnight at HNL. CUA523 will continue onto ROP [Rota, Northern Mariana Islands] instead of MAJ or PNI.

Mahalo to team member Lono68 for the photo.

American And US Airways Under SOC

Beginning today, American Airlines and US Airways are now under a Single Operating Certificate (SOC). With this SOC, the US Airways IATA Code (US), ICAO Code (AWE), and callsign ("Cactus") will be retired, and the American code will take over.

Here are the changes to the former US Airways Hawai‘i flights to American flight codes:
HNL-PHX: AWE675 is AAL695; AWE693 is AAL693
PHX-HNL: AWE692 is AAL692; AWE694 is AAL694
OGG-PHX: AWE638 is AAL638; AWE645 is AAL645
PHX-OGG: AWE432 is AAL432; AWE633 is AAL633
LIH-PHX: AWE697 is AAL697
PHX-LIH: AWE684 is AAL684
KOA-PHX: AWE661 is AAL661
PHX-KOA: AWE663 is AAL663

Ticket counters and reservations systems will remain separate until later this year, when they will be integrated.

Further information in this American Airlines press release and World Airline News article.

Virgin America Announces Hawai‘i Flights

Virgin America [VX/VRD] announced today that they will begin daily flights between SFO and HNL on 02 November 2015, and daily flights between SFO and OGG on 03 December 2015. The airline will use new Sharklet-equipped A320s for the Hawai‘i routes, and is in the process of obtaining their ETOPS certification. With this new service, Virgin America will compete against Hawaiian Airlines, United Airlines, and Delta Air Lines. 

Further information in this Virgin America press release.

Virgin America will become the first US carrier to attempt A320 ETOPS service between the west coast and Hawai‘i. CrankyFlyer offers their analysis of why Virgin America can succeed with A320 ETOPS operations.

Polet Flight's AOC Canceled

ATWOnline.com reports that the Russian government has canceled the Air Operator's Certificate for Polet Flight [YQ/POT] due to financial troubles. The airline used to fly military charter flights in behalf of the US Department of Defense. Its fleet has been put into storage for the time being.

Polet Flight did have some of these military cargo flights stop through HNL, NGF, and JRF. Pictured above is RA-82077 "Fedor Muravchenko" (c/n 9773054459151, l/n 07-09) departing from Runway 8R in 2013.

N222CQ

N222CQ (c/n 30231, l/n 515), a 737-86N, owned by International Aviation and Capital Management, LLC, is being ferried from SHA [Hongqiao International Airport, Shanghai, China] to VCV (via GUM and HNL).

30231 was originally ordered by GECAS, and leased to Pegasus Airlines [PC/PGC] (Turkey) in in April 2000, as TC-APL. In December 2003, it then leased to China Xinhua Airlines (Hainan Air Group - HNA Group) [XW/CXH] as B-5081. While with CXH, it wore both the original HNA Group and 2007 liveries.

French Air Force's F-RAJB

An A340-212 of the Armée De L'Air arrived this afternoon from YVR for a fuel stop. F-RAJB (c/n 081)[above] and sister-ship F-RAJA often utilizes Gate 34 instead of parking at Hickam when in Honolulu.

Makani Kai's N129CG

Makani Kai Air has acquired N129CG (msn 208B1290) from AmeriWing II, LLC (Miami, FL), which was flying on behalf of Bimini Bay, since 2007.

Volga-Dnepr's RA-76511

A lesser seen piece of Russian metal was in town today. A Volga-Dnepr Il-76TD-90VD arrived the previous night from Nandi International, Fiji (NAN/NFFN) and departed to Dallas Forth (KDFW) this afternoon as VDA6133. A search of RA-76511's (c/n 2123422752, l/n 94-08) recent flight history shows that it has been flying between Shanghai (PVG/ZSPD), Guam (GUM/PGUM), and Carins (CNS/YBCS) for the past week before heading to Texas.

LX-MCE

Global Jet Luxembourg's [SVW] A319-115 ACJ, LX-MCE (msn 2592) has made a stop at HNL arriving from NRT. This ACJ is part of Global Jet Luxembourg's fleet of VIP-configured airliners.

2592 was originally delivered to Comlux Aviation [CLA] (Switzerland) as an ACJ in June 2006 as HB-IPO. In January 2007, Comlux leased it to the Government of Кazakhstan as UN-A1901 as a presidential transport, and was operated by the Berkut State Air Company [BEC] (Kazakhstan). It was returned to Comlux 18 months later (June 2008), then sold to Air Luther AG, and leased back. Three months later, it was transferred to Comlux Malta as 9H-AFK. In July 2012, Comlux Malta purchased the ACJ from Air Luther AG, and re-registered it as 9H-MCE. In December 2014, it was sold to Global Jet Luxembourg.

This is the third time this ACJ has stopped in Hawai‘i since this site's inception. Its previous two stops were in August 2008, as HB-IPO, it stopped at OGG; and, in July 2010, as 9H-AFK, it stopped at HNL.


04.04.15 Update
LX-MCE departed HNL for ITO, then returned to HNL a couple hours later.


04.10.15 Update
This ACJ remains parked at the same location.


04.11.15 Update
LX-MCE departed for HND this afternoon.

Lufthansa Cargo's D-ALCE

Our April edition of "HNL RareBirds Classic" takes us back to July 2004, with Lufthansa Cargo's [LH/GEC] MD-11F, D-ALCE "Marhaba Turkey" (c/n 48785, l/n 629), departing from Runway 8R for AKL. It was a code-share with Air New Zealand to fly cargo from Europe to New Zealand, with US stops at ORD and HNL.

D-ALCE was delivered to Lufthansa Cargo in October 1998, and remains with the German cargo carrier today in the standard livery. The above WOW special livery was worn from 2003 to 2008, and was the only GEC MD-11F to wear it. Other MD-11Fs had a small WOW decal applied near the aft passenger doors.

Thai Lion's HS-LTR

Thai Lion Air is taking delivery of HS-LTR (c/n 39837, l/n 5347) today. The 737-9GPER is making a daytime delivery flight from BFI as TLM1, and will make a brief fuel stop at HNL before continuing onto DVO and DMK.

N587CA Sold And Ferried

TransAir has sold their CV640F, N587CA (msn 463) to Frontera Flight Holdings (Dover, DE). The transfer was effective on March 23rd, and the propliner was ferried to VGT [North Las Vegas Airport, Las Vegas, NV] earlier today.


04.01.15 Update
Skyliner-Aviation.de reports that N587CA is bound for Aeronaves TSM [VTM] (México), it's Mexican registry is pending. It has not been stated whether this is a lease, or sale to Aeronaves TSM.

Hainan's B-1796

Hainan Airlines is taking delivery of B-1796 (c/n 41569, l/n 5331) today. The 737-84P is making its delivery flight from BFI as CHH1796, and will overnight at HNL.

China Southern's B-1748

China Southern Airlines is taking delivery of B-1748 (c/n 41328, l/n 5334) today. The 737-81B, leased from Air Lease, is making its delivery flight from BFI as CSN996, and will overnight at HNL.

Air China's B-1762

Air China is taking delivery of their second 737-89L in as many days with B-1762 (c/n 41103, l/n 5333). It's making its delivery flight from BFI as CCA78, and will overnight at HNL.

Garuda's PK-GNR

Garuda Indonesia is taking delivery of PK-GNR (c/n 39955, l/n 5335) today. The 737-8U3, leased from SMBC Aviation Capital, is making its delivery flight from BFI as GIA8011, and will make a brief fuel stop at HNL, before continuing onto TKK.

HNL's Taxiway Z Resurfacing

HNL's Taxiway Z will be undergoing resurfacing over the next five weeks. As a result, portions will be closed where the work is being done.

Further information in this Hawai‘i Department of Transportation press release.

Air China's B-1766

Air China is taking delivery of B-1766 (c/n 41108, l/n 5327) today. The 737-89L is making its delivery flight from BFI as CCA78, and will overnight at HNL.

Germanwings' D-AIPX Accident

The HNL RareBirds team expresses our condolences, thoughts and prayers to the families of the 150 passenger and crew that were aboard Germanwings [4U/GWI] flight 9525. Their A320-211, D-AIPX (msn 147) went down in the French Alps today.

Further details in coverage by the Aviation Herald.

Jin Air To Begin ICN-HNL Service

CH-Aviation reports that Jin Air [LJ/JNA] (Korea), the low-cost carrier subsidiary of Korean Air, will begin international service in December, and one of the flights will be ICN-HNL. Jin Air is leasing a 777-200ER from Korean Air. It's not known the frequency of the service, but this will add about 300 passengers per flight to the growing Korean tourist market in Hawai‘i.

Shenzhen's B-1757

Shenzhen Airlines is taking delivery of B-1757 (c/n 40824, l/n 5326) today. The 737-87L is making its delivery flight from BFI as CSZ757, and will overnight at HNL.

GainJet Aviation's SX-RFA

On the KOA ramp 03/19/15

GainJet Aviation's [GNJ] (Greece) 757-23N, SX-RFA (c/n 30232, l/n 888) is making a stop at KOA from LAX as GNJ47. The flight originated somewhere in Europe, then made a stop at YQX prior to LAX. GainJet Aviation S.A. is a Greek private charter company. It was substituted for the TAG Aviation / Four Seasons Resorts 757-200 that was supposed to have flown the Four Seasons Resorts "Private Jet Experience".

30232 was originally ordered by Wells Fargo Bank Northwest, and leased to American Trans Air in September 1999 as N523AT. It was returned to WFBN in April 2005, then sold to Fastway Leasing Ltd, in December as EI-LTO. In April 2006, it was leased VIM Airlines [NN/MOV] (Russia) as EI-LTO, then subleased to Air Bashkortostan [ZU/BBT] (Russia) for two years. In April 2009, Castaway Leasing sold the 757-23N to GainJet Aviation as SX-RFA, complete with Blended Winglets and a 62-seat VIP layout.

Hainan's B-1787

Hainan Airlines is taking delivery of their second 737-84P in as many days with B-1787 (c/n 41379, l/n 5277). It's making its delivery flight from BFI as CHH1787, and will overnight at HNL.

Hainan's B-1785

Hainan Airlines is taking delivery of B-1785 (c/n 41568, l/n 5308) today. The 737-84P is making its delivery flight from BFI as CHH1785, and will overnight at HNL.

Conair's N355AC

Conner's firefighting RJ85, N355AC (msn E2293), is returning to CYXX [Abbotsford, British Columbia, Canada] after its stint in Australia. It stopped through HNL in December 2014 on its way Down Under.

Virgin Australia's VH-ZPR Returns

Virgin Australia's E-190 VH-ZPR "Dundee Beach" (msn 190000424) is returning to Australia, after its maintenance check at BNA. It's stopping off at HNL from VNY, and will continue onto APW tomorrow. VH-ZPR stopped at HNL on 11 February, on its way to BNA.

Mahalo to team member Lono68 for the photo.

Xiamen's B-1966

Xiamen Air is taking delivery of B-1966 (c/n 39910, l/n 5321) today. The 737-85C is making its delivery flight from BFI as CXA1966, and will overnight at HNL.

Batik's PK-LBZ

The second of the two Batik Air 737-8GP deliveries is PK-LBZ (c/n 39835, l/n 5307). It's also making an early morning delivery flight from BFI as BTK1, and will make a brief fuel stop at HNL.

Mahalo to team member AndrewC for the photo.

Batik's PK-LDE

Batik Air is taking delivery of a pair of 737-8GPs this morning. PK-LDE (c/n 39836, l/n 5315) is the first of the two, making its delivery flight from BFI as PKLDE, and will make a brief fuel stop at HNL.

Mahalo to team member AndrewC for the photo.

Coulson's N130FF

Coulson's firefighting EC-130Q is making its way back to YYJ [Victoria, British Columbia, Canada] after spending a few months in Australia supporting the local firefighting effort. N130FF (msn 382-4901) transited through HNL this past December on its way to Australia.

Aeroméxico To HNL?

The Pacific Business News reports that Aeroméxico [AM/AMX] is exploring the possibility of serving HNL from MEX [Benito Juárez International Airport, México City, México] , seasonally. It is in preliminary stages to see whether the service would be feasible, nor did the airline reveal which aircraft type it would use. Contrary to the article's claim that MEX is 320 miles closer to HNL than LAX, the Great Circle Mapper shows that HNL-LAX is 2221 nm, while MEX-HNL is 3299 nm.

Aeroméxico does have the aircraft to make the flight 3299 nm flight, with 787-8s, 777-200s, 767-300s and 767-200s. If it comes to pass, AMX would be the first airline from Latin America to serve HNL with direct service. The airline is also a member of the Skyteam Alliance.

United's N26952

United Airlines is ferrying one of their new 787-9s from LAX to HNL today. N26952 (c/n 36403, l/n 263, f/n 0952) is making the flight as UAL2070. It's not known if this is a proving run for future UAL 787 flights to HNL. N26952 was recently delivered to United last month, and is the airline's third of 16 787-9s ordered.

Mahalo to team members Aeros for the top photo and HNL Ramper for the above photo.

Shanghai's B-1741

Shanghai Airlines is taking delivery of B-1741 (c/n 39314, l/n 5312) today. The 737-86D is making its delivery flight from BFI as CSH577, and will overnight at HNL.

Shanghai's B-2858

Shanghai Airlines is ferrying B-2858 (c/n 33960, l/n 1045) from PVG (via SPN and HNL) to VCV. The 757-26D is making the flight as CSH2858, and arrived early this morning. It was acquired by Boeing Aircraft Holdings as N393BC, and is destined to join the Delta Air Lines fleet as N820DX (f/n 6820).

It was delivered to Shanghai in June 2004.

WestJet Announces Its First 767-300ER

According to CH-Aviation.com, WestJet Airlines revealed that a former Qantas 767-338ER, VH-OGJ (c/n 25274, l/n 396) will be their first wide-body airliner. This is the first of four 767-300ERs the Canadian airline will obtain to use for winter service between Alberta and Hawai‘i, and will replace the wet-lease agreement the airline had with Thomas Cook Airlines. It will be registered as C-FOGJ with WestJet.

25274 was delivered to Qantas Airways in October 1991, named "City of Port Macquarie". In October 2002, it was leased to Qantas' new subsidiary Australian Airlines [AO/AUZ], and was there for four years. It was returned to Qantas, then withdrawn from service in October 2014, and stored at VCV. It's currently undergoing maintenance and Blended Winglet installation in Louisiana.

Mokulele To Lease Out Three Caravans

CH-Aviation reports that Mokulele Airlines will wet-lease three of their Cessna C208B Grand Caravans to Sun Air Express (Fort Lauderdale, FL).

China Eastern's B-5828

China Eastern Airlines is taking delivery of B-5828 (c/n 39741, l/n 5306) today. The Yunnan Peacock-liveried 737-79P is making its delivery flight from BFI as CES599, and will overnight at HNL, before continuing onto PNI.

Virgin Australia's VH-YIY

Virgin Australia is taking delivery of VH-YIY "Stanwell Park" (c/n 40701, l/n 5280) this afternoon. The 737-8FE is making its delivery flight from BFI as VOZ9940, and will make an overnight stop at LIH.

Hawaiian Adds New Seats To 717 Fleet

Hawaiian Airlines announced today that they are in the process of retrofitting all of their 18 inter-island 717-200 fleet with new main cabin seats made by Acro Aircraft Seats (above photo), along with a new interior color palette.

Further information in this Hawaiian Airlines press release.

Alaska Launches KOA-SAN Service

Alaska Airlines launched thrice-weekly 737-890 service between KOA and SAN today with ASA806. The return segment, ASA823, also flies on the same day.

Further information in this Alaska Airlines press release.

Sun Country's N152SY

Our March edition of "HNL RareBirds Classic" goes back to May 1996, and this Sun Country Airlines DC-10-15, N152SY (c/n 48289, l/n 365) seen above on Taxiway RT returning to the main terminal after an in-flight emergency. This particular flight departed for LAX, but had to return as the main landing gear canted forward, and could not retract. The flight crew made a 500-foot high pass in front of the HNL control tower, along the Runway 8L path, to verify the position of the main landing gear. HNL ARFF trucks from HNL's Station 2, abeam Runway 8R, stood by as the DC-10 flew out to dump fuel before landing on the Reef Runway without incident.

For a short period of time in the mid-1990s, Sun Country had DC-10-10 service between HNL and LAX. The livery seen above is the one prior to the current blue livery.

48289 was originally delivered to Mexicana as N1003W "Tolteca" (f/n 982) in December 1981, and remained with the airline until late 1994. It wore a variety of Mexicana liveries, including the "Ixcamilpa" tail livery, and a dark blue tail section. It was leased to AeroPerú in 1993, from May to October. The Wilmington Trust Company acquired this DC-10-10 in January 1995, and leased it Sun Country as N152SY. It was withdrawn from service in September 2000, and stored at GWO [Greenwood, MS], where it was scrapped in June 2002.

154th Wing Participates In Air Show

The Hawai‘i Air National Guard's 154th Wing is participating in the 2015 Australian International Air Show at Avalon Airport, Victoria, Australia.  Two Hawai‘i Air National Guard F-22A Raptors from the 199th Fighter Squadron, and a KC-135R from the 203rd Aerial Refueling Squadron flew Down Under to partner with other aircraft from the Pacific Command.

Further details in this Pacific Air Forces article.

Hawaiian's N492HA Struck By Lightning

Hawaiian Airlines' 717-2BL, N492HA "Ewa ‘Ewa" (c/n 55181, l/n 5131), was struck by lightning on its way from HNL to ITO as HAL380. None of the passengers and crew were injured. The return flight to HNL was delayed as the airliner was inspected for any damage. 

News coverage by KHON.

Batik's PK-LBY

Batik Air's PK-LBY (c/n 39833, l/n 5278) is making the last trans-Pacific delivery flight for February tonight. The 737-8GP, their second this month, is making its delivery flight from BFI as BTK1, and will make a brief fuel stop at HNL.

China Southern's B-1700

The other half of today's China Southern Airlines 737-800 daily double, is B-1700 (c/n 43401, l/n 5261), a 737-86N leased from GECAS. Its making its delivery flight from BFI as CSN1700, and will overnight at HNL.

China Southern's B-1747

China Southern Airlines is taking delivery of a pair 737-800s today. Leading off the daily double, is B-1747 (c/n 41327, l/n 5281), a 737-81B, that's making its delivery flight from BFI as CSN1747, and will overnight at HNL.

Hawaiian's N375HA Delivered

Hawaiian Airlines is taking delivery of their 20th A330-243 with N375HA (msn 1606) today. It's making its delivery flight from TLS to SEA as HAL9975.

Allegiant Acquires Six More A319s

World Airline News reports that Allegiant Air will acquire another six A319-111s from Philippine-based carrier Cebu Pacific Air [5J/CEB], with deliveries expected to last through 2016. Allegiant previously purchased ten A319s in 2012.

More information in this Allegiant Air's press release.


02.28.15 Update
On a related note, CH-Aviation reports that Allegiant Air is also acquiring two A320s from Philippine Airlines, with deliveries slated for later this year.

AirAsia X To Hawai‘i?

The Pacific Business Journal reports that AirAsia Group CEO Tony Fernandes tweeted three days ago, that AirAsia X [D7/XAX] has applied for permission to begin service to HNL from KUL.

The mainstay of AirAsia X's fleet is the A330-343 with a range of 4,600nm, but with 6822nm separating the two points, the flight would have to make a stop somewhere for fuel.

Delta To Add SEA-KOA Service

Delta Air Lines announced that they will commence daily 757-200 service between SEA and KOA, beginning on 19 December 2015.

Hawaiian Returns N589HA

Hawaiian Airlines is returning N589HA "Moli" (c/n 33422, l/n 892) to AWAS today. The 767-33AER is making its ferry flight to ATL as HAL8088. This brings the Hawaiian 767-300ER fleet count down to nine, of which five are leased.

HNL's Construction Delays

Hawaii News Now reports that revitalization construction work around HNL has been delays due to construction re-designs, and increasing costs. Two projects affecting flight operations have been delayed: the new Commuter Terminal, east of the Diamond Head Concourse; and the Hawaiian Airlines Terminal. The new Commuter Terminal, that will house Island Air and Mokulele Airlines must be completed, and their operations relocated, before the existing Commuter Terminal can be demolished, and the new Hawaiian Airlines Terminal can be built.

Jetstar Switches To 787 For SYD-HNL

Beginning today, Jetstar Airways has switched from the A330-200s to the new 787-8s on their daily SYD-HNL service [JST3/4]. Jetstar's other flights from MEL and BNE will convert to the 787s in September of this year. The A330-200s are being returned to parent company Qantas Airways, as more 787s are delivered.

Further information in this Australian Aviation article.

Garuda's PK-GNQ

Garuda Indonesia is taking delivery of PK-GNQ (c/n 39954, l/n 5284) today. The 737-8U3, leased from SMBC, is making its delivery flight from BFI as GIA8011. It will make a brief fuel stop at HNL, then depart for TKK.

NOAA's N49RF

The National Oceanic & Atmospheric Administration's (NOAA) weather-hunting Gulfstream IV, N49RF, has been based out of HNL since 13 February, probably for the winter weather systems approaching the Hawaiian Islands.

02.24.14 Update
According to FlightAware, N49RF had been flying circuits around the islands, and is heading back to LGB.

ZK-VAB

ZK-VAB (msn UE-302), a Beechcraft 1900D registered to Vincent Aviation (New Zealand) has made its way to HNL from AKL, via TBU [Fua‘amotu International Airport, Nuku‘alofa, Tonga]. It's parked on the Anderson Aviation / Pacific Avionics ramp. The owner has been placed in receivership by the New Zealand government. The aircraft was delivered new to Vincent Aviation in May 2001. MRC Aviation reports that ZK-VAB is possibly headed for Canada.

Aloha Air Cargo Returns N320DL

Aloha Air Cargo has returned N320DL "Nā Kōlea" (c/n 23092, l/n 1023) to sister company Northern Air Cargo (NAC). Aloha leased the 737-232F since August 2013.

Team member Drewski2112 got a shot of N320DL during a stop at BFI, as a white tail, when it headed back to ANC.

Heavies Taking Off From Runway 26R

With the crazy westerly winds we have been having for the past week and a half, most flights, including widebodies, were taking off from Runway 26R.  Normally, widebodies would still taxi out to Runway 26L ("The Reef Runway") or to Runway 22L during Kona winds.  The video above includes 26R takeoffs from all 3 aircraft types UPS flies to HNL, a KE 747-4B5, HIANG F-22, and an USAF KC-10 just taxiing down 26R to HIK.  The various clips were taken over several days during different times of the day.

Storm Causes Diversions

Valentine's Day 2015 was a stormy one over the Hawaiian Islands as a fast-moving winter storm front made its way down the island chain. Its effects were felt by passengers and crew of inbound and outbound flights.

The Aviation Herald reports that United's Flight 15 [EWR-HNL] encountered turbulence that resulted in seven injuries, as the 767-424ER approached the islands.

KHON News reports that a total of seven Maui-bound flights were diverted to HNL, and one to KOA.

Air China's B-1768

Air China is taking delivery of B-1768 (c/n 41110, l/n 5276) this afternoon. The 737-89L is making its delivery flight from BFI as CCA78, and will overnight at HNL.

China Eastern's B-1788

China Eastern Airlines is taking delivery of B-1788 (c/n 39740, l/n 5275) today. The 737-89P is making its delivery flight from BFI as CES9003, and will overnight at HNL.

9 Air's B-1716

9 Air is taking delivery of B-1716 (c/n 39829, l/n 5202) today. The 737-8GP, leased from Transportation Partners (Lion Group), is making its delivery flight from VCV (where it was stored as N387DC) as B1716, and will overnight at HNL.

Shenzhen's B-1756

Shenzhen Airlines is taking delivery of B-1756 (c/n 40823, l/n 5264) today. The 737-87L is making its delivery flight from BFI as CSZ123, and will overnight at HNL.

N636AM

N636AM (c/n 24594, l/n 336), a former American Airlines 757-223, is making a ferry flight from VCV to CAN, by way of YVR, HNL, and SPN, this afternoon. The stop at HNL will only be for a few hours for fuel. It appears that this 757-223 will be converted to a freighter.

This 757-223 was originally delivered to American in in January 1991 (f/n 636). It had Aviation Partners Boeing Blended Winglets installed in October 2008. It was withdrawn from the American fleet in August 2012, and placed in storage at ROW. Four months later, it was moved to VCV for storage. It was sold to Wells Fargo Bank Northwest in December 2014.

Virgin Australia's VH-ZPR

Virgin Australia's E-190, VH-ZPR "Dundee Beach" (msn 19000424) is making a ferry flight from BNE to BNA (via APW, HNL, and VNY) as VOZ9901 for maintenance. It arrived today from APW, and will overnight at HNL, then depart for VNY tomorrow.

Hainan's B-1786

Hainan Airlines is taking delivery of B-1786 (c/n 39220, l/n 5268) today. The 737-84P is making its delivery flight from BFI as CHH1786, and will overnight at HNL.

Shanghai's B-5826

Shanghai Airlines is taking delivery of B-5826 (c/n 39313, l/n 5272) today. The 737-76D, their second 737NG delivery within the past 13 days, is making its delivery flight from BFI as CHS584, and will overnight at HNL.

Trans Air's N810TA

Trans Air is taking delivery of their fourth 737-200F with N810TA (c/n 21116, l/n 427), this afternoon. The 737-275F is making its delivery flight from MNL to HNL (via GUM and MAJ).

21116 was originally delivered to Pacific Western Airlines [PW/PWA] (Canada) in October 1975 as C-GDPW (f/n 742) in the Combi configuration. It was transferred to Canadian Airlines International fleet in April 1987, when the two airlines merged. In November 1995, it was leased to Canair [CWW] (Canada), by POLA. In August 1997, POLA leased it to Royal Aviation Express [RXP] (Canada). In April 1999, it was converted to a full freighter, and acquired by Transmile Air Services [TH/TSE] (Malaysia) as 9M-PML. During its time with Transmile, it was also painted in the DHL logo jet livery, the Poslaju National Courier livery, and a basic livery. In July 2014, Trans Air took ownership of 21116, registered it as N810TA, but was placed in storage at MNL, until a few months ago