Qantas Retires Their 747-400 Fleet

Accelerated by the COVID-19 global pandemic, Qantas Airways retired its remaining 747-438s. The airline had supplemental 747 flights for their SYD-HNL service for the spring schedule, but that came to a quick end. VH-OEI "Ceduna" (c/n 32913, l/n 1330) is seen above, seconds from touching down on Runway 8L.

On a related note, KLM Royal Dutch Airlines also retired their 747-406 fleet this week. PH-BFE "Melbourne" (c/n 24201, l/n 763) is seen above, in a 2010 photo while on final for LAX's Runway 25L.

Miami Air International Files For Chapter 11 Bankruptcy

Aeronewsx.com reports that US charter Airlines, Miami Air International, has filed for Chapter 11 Bankruptcy Protection in the wake of the COVID-19 global pandemic. Miami Air International 737-800s are frequent visitors to HNL with charters for the State of Hawai‘i Department of Public Safety; and HIK for crew transfer charters for the US Navy.

N735MA "Arlene" (c/n 37260, l/n 3688, f/n 735), is pictured above as this 737-8K5 taxies to a hardstand on a recent DPS charter flight from the mainland.

COVID-19 Relief Flights

Other than the two Wamos Air flights to take cruise ship passengers back to Europe, here is a brief list of other airlines providing assistance:

03.23.20
HAL930 | YVR | N389HA
SCX8682 | YVR | N808SY
SCX8652 | LAX | N821SY

03.24.20
HAL936 | LAX | N389HA
SCX8654 | LAX | N821SY

03.25.20
SCX8656 | LAX | N821SY
QFA6034 | SYD | VH-QPB


We will update this list as flight information becomes available.

Amazon Prime Air's N547RL

Amazon's Prime Air is taking delivery of N547RL (c/n 32348 l/n 933), a 737-83NF, leased from GECAS, and to be operated by Sun Country Airlines. It's making its delivery flight from PVG to PAE  (via PNH, SPN, and HNL), and made an overnight stop at HNL last night. Sun Country will be operating cargo flights for Amazon Prime Air within the continental US, and registered as N5261A.

32348 was originally delivered to American Trans Air in August 2001 as N306TZ, leased from GECAS, and flew with ATA until January 2005. GOL Transportes Aéreos was the next lessee, who received this 737 in April 2005 as PR-GIB. Four years later, it was subleased to Transavia as PH-HSS, for a six month period, after which the aircraft was returned to GECAS. In June 2010, it was leased to Sky Airlines as TC-SKS "Dalaman". In July 2013, it was leased to Pegasus, as TC-IZD "Buglem Sera", and flew until June 2019. A month later, it was ferried to PVG for storage, where it underwent freighter conversion.

Wamos Air Charters

Two Wamos Air 747-4H6s, EC-KXN (c/n 25773, l/n 1023, -446) and EC-MQK (c/n 28427, l/n 1147), are making charter flights from MAD to HNL, to pick up tourists from cruise liners due to the COVID-19 global health crisis. EC-KXN is flying as PLM948P, and EC-MQK is flying as PLM946P. While awaiting their departure times, both 747s will be parking on Taxiway RH.

03.34.2020 UPDATE
EC-MQK departed this morning for FRA as PLM9461, and EC-KXN departed this afternoon for LGW as PLM9481.

N257AJ

N257AJ (c/n 25857, l/n 2451), a 737-436F owned by the Bank of Utah, is making its ferry flight from TPA to HLP [Halim Perdanakusuma International Airport, Jakarta, Indonesia, via OAK, HNL, MAJ and BIK. It's making the OAK-HNL segment today. Note the Harmoni Indonesia decal on before the main entry door in the above photo.

25857 was originally delivered to British Airways in March 1993 as G-DOCX. It flew with BA until September 2015. It was sold to Automatic LLC in March 2016. Aero Acquisitions bought this 737-436 in June 2017. A year later, the Bank of Utah purchased it, and had it converted to a freighter.

25 July 2020 Update

N257AJ was acquired by Cardig Air [8F/CAD (Indonesia)] in April 2020 as PK-DJK "Asiyah".

N3755P

N3755P (msn 382G-5032), a Lockheed L-100-30 (L-382G), owned by APA Leasing [Kalispell, MT], and operated by H&T Airways, made a stop at HNL. No origin nor destination is available. H&T Airways is a contractor for the US Government.

G-KELT

G-KELT (msn 8403), an A320-251N ACJ, owned by Acropolis Aviation [United Kingdom], is making a brief fuel stop at HNL this evening from FAB [Farnborough Airfield, Farnborough, UK], via BFI as CRV1. It will continue onto AKL later in the evening.

UPS's N301UP

Our March edition of "HNL RareBirds Classic" takes us back to April 2005, and UPS's N301UP (c/n 27239, l/n 580, f/n 301), as it taxies to Runway 8R. This 767-34AFER is pictured above in the original UPS livery.

N301UP was delivered to UPS in October 1995, and continues to fly for UPS.

Qantas Adds 747-400 Service

RoutesOnline.com reports that Qantas Airways will be adding 747-438 flights between SYD and HNL for the month of March as QFA103/104.

Singapore Airlines Cargo's 9V-SFO

Singapore Airlines Cargo's 9V-SFO (c/n 32900, l/n 1349) has made an overnight stop at HNL. This 747-412F arrived early this morning from SYD as SIA7194, and is making a fuel stop here before continuing onto ATL.

Lucky Air's 2-AVLB

Lucky Air is ferrying 2-AVLB, a 737-700, from KMG to TUS (via GUM and HNL). It's making an overnight stop at HNL.

It's previous registration was B-5249 (c/n 33011, l/n 1291). This 737-790 was originally delivered to Alaska Airlines in March 2003 as N645AS, leased from CIT. In April 2007, it was leased to Lucky Air as B-5249. Ten years later, it was sold to Avolon Leasing, received the current livery, and continued with Lucky Air until August 2019, where it was stored at KMG.

N65070 Lost

N65070 (msn 2035), a Cessna 305 owned by Honolulu Soaring Club crashed this morning, and took the lives of both aboard.

The HNL RareBirds team expresses our thoughts, prayers and condolences to the families of the lost.

Coverage by KHON2.com

Lucky Air's 2-AVLA

Lucky Air is returning 2-AVLA (c/n 30626, l/n 1273), a 737-790, to Avolon Leasing, as it ferries from KMG to TUS (via GUM and HNL). It's making an overnight stop at HNL.

30626 was originally delivered to Alaska Airlines in January 2003 as N629AS, leased from CIT. In March 2007, it was leased to Lucky Air as B-5248. A decade later, it was sold to Avolon Leasing, and flew with Lucky Air until August 2019, where it was stored at KMG.

AeroMéxico's N966AM

AeroMéxico's 787-8 Dreamliner, N966AM (c/n 35311, l/n 155), has made a stop from ICN, as it ferries to MEX (via NRT and HNL) as AMX9870.

N966AM was delivered to AeroMéxico in March 2014 under lease from AerCap.

Avatar Airlines

A proposed airline, called Avatar Airlines [Boca Raton, FL], has indicated that HNL will be one of the destinations the airline would fly to/from SFO, SJC, LAX, and LAS. The airline plans to start service with 14 747-400s, and have signed a letter of intent with Boeing for an order of 30 747-8i. No service start date has been announced. It has filed preliminary paperwork with both the FAA and the USDOT.

Coverage by World Airline News and Sam Chui.com.

Solomon Airlines' H4-BUS

Solomon Airlines is returning H4-BUS (msn 302) to Sky Holding Company, as Southern Cross International ferries this A320-211 from BNE to MZJ (via APW and HNL) as SXI2019.

This A320 stopped through HNL on its delivery flight to Solomon Airlines in May 2011 as N957PG.

N497TA

N497TA (msn 3378), an A320-233 owned by UMB Bank, is ferrying from GYR to CGK, with stops at ONT, HNL, and MAJ.

3378 was originally delivered to TACA International in January 2008 as N497TA. When Avianca merged with TACA International, the latter's fleet was transferred. N497TA was allocated to Avianca El Salvador in May 2013. It was withdrawn from service in September 2019, and stored at GYR a month later. It was sold to UMB Bank in December 2019.

AmeriJet's N378CX

AmeriJet's 767-323ERF, N378CX (c/n 27184, l/n 541), is making a stop at HNL from MIA (via LAX) as AJT121.

N728A

Our February edition of "HNL RareBirds Classic" goes back to July 1998, and Saudi Aramco's DC-8-72, N728A (c/n 46081, l/n 471), when it made a stop at HNL.

46081 was originally delivered to United Airlines in August 1969 as N8971U (f/n 2271). It was also painted in the "Friendship" livery in the mid-1970s. In May 1981, it was sold to Cammacorp, and was converted to a -72 with the JT3D-3Bs replaced with CFM56-2C5s. In July 1982, it was sold to Saudi Aramco as N728A, and had the cabin re-configured to a VIP layout. In 2000, N728A received the current Aramco livery. It was bought by AeroTurbine in January 2005. Sadly, this DC-8-72 was scrapped at OPF [Opa Locka, FL] several months later.

Kamaka Air's N208VV

Kamaka Air is adding their sixth C208BF Grand Cargomaster, N208VV (msn 208B2308). It's making its delivery flight from VGT via SMX to OGG today. The airline will re-register this Caravan as N689KA upon arrival to HNL.

N213EM

N213EM (c/n 36852, l/n 2475), a 737-75G BBJ, owned by TVPX Aircraft Solution Inc, and operated by Altitude 51 Inc, is making a stop at HNL from CWF [Chenault Airport, Lake Charles, LA]. It will continue onto GUM.

36852 was originally delivered to MGM Mirage in January 2008 as N730MM. It was sold to South Korean conglomerate Hyundai in February 2009 as HL7787. TVPX acquired this BBJ in January 2019 as N213EM.

9H-GGG

9H-GGG (c/n 40119, l/n 4620), a 737-7ZX BBJ, owned by Jet Aviation Malta, is flying back to BFI from AKL, and is making an overnight stop at HNL.

China United Airlines' B-20A8

China United Airlines' sixth (and last) 737-89P, B-20A8 (c/n 63088, l/n 7522), is making its delivery flight from BFI this morning as CUA206, and will make an overnight stop at HNL.

China United Airlines' B-20A1

China United Airlines is taking delivery of the last two 737-89Ps that were in storage at BFI. B-20A1 (c/n 63087, l/n 7417) is the first to depart BFI as CUA205, and will overnight at HNL.

N737AT

N737AT (c/n 36756, l/n 2405),  the Hillwood Airways 737-7HJ BBJ, is making its return trip to AFW from BIK (via GUM, HNL, and OAK) as HWA359. It's making a brief fuel stop at HNL this morning.

Ryan International Airlines' N310FV

Kicking off 2020's edition of "HNL RareBirds Classic", is Ryan International Airlines' 757-23A, N310FV (c/n 25488, l/n 471), promoting SunTrips travel agency. It's seen above clearing Runway 4R on Taxiway K, in September 2005.

25488 was originally delivered to Air Transat in November 1992 as C-GTSE, under lease from Finova Capital Corporation. In January 2003, it was leased to Ryan International Airlines as N310FV. In March 2006, the Dart Group PLC [UK], acquired this 757, and assigned it to its airline, Jet2 as G-LSAC. In early 2013, G-LSAC was painted in the current Jet2 Holidays livery; and continues to fly for Jet2.

Hau‘oli Makahiki Hou! 🎉🎇

The HNL RareBirds wishes you all a Happy New Year (and Decade)!

May you all have a blessed and prosperous 2020!

China United Airlines' B-209F

China United Airlines' fourth 737-89P, B-209F (c/n 63079, l/n 7362), is also making its delivery flight this morning as CUA203, and will overnight at HNL.

China United Airlines' B-209G

China United Airlines is taking delivery of their third 737-89P that had been in storage at BFI. B-209G (c/n 63081, l/n 7352) is making its delivery flight this morning as CUA204, and will make an overnight stop at HNL.

Uzbekistan Airways' UK78702

Uzbekistan Airways has been granted 787-8 charter flights between Japan and HNL. UK78702 (c/n38364, l/n 495) began service today from KIX as UZB3593, and will fly to/from various cities in Japan.

Safari Helicopters' N985SA Crashes

Safari Helicopters' AS350-B2, N985SA (msn 3111), crashed near Kōke‘e, Kaua‘i this afternoon while on an air tour around the Garden Isle. There were seven (one pilot and six passengers) aboard the tour helicopter.

Continuing coverage by KHON2 News.

Our thoughts, prayers, and condolences go out to the Safari Helicopters ‘ohana, and those of the passengers.

Skybus Air Cargo's OB-2059-P

A DC-8-73F of Skybus Air Cargo sits at the stands on a rainy Christmas day. OB-2059-P (N807DH) (s/n 45990 l/n 375) has logged flights from Miami-Dallas-Anchorage-Incheon before sneaking into Honolulu as HVY212.

45990 was delivered as a DC-8-63CF for Flying Tigers Line in July 1968 as N780FT. In June 1977, it was acquired by Cargolux as TF-CCV. It was leased to Air-India from April to November 1983, and Evergreen International Airlines in January 1984. Five months later, Evergreen bought this DC-8 as N816EV. In January 1985, it was converted to a -73CF,  as the JT3Ds were replaced with CFM56s. It was leased to Air-India from July 1985 to April 1986, and January to November 1988. It was also leased to TNT Express from July 1992 to March 1994. UPS leased it from April to August 1996. DHL Airways bought this DC-8 in March 1995, and remained leased to UPS as N816UP. In September 1996, it was registered as N806DH. It was operated by Astar Air Cargo and Skybus Jet Cargo.

N737AT

N737AT (c/n 36756, l/n 2405),  a 737-7HJ BBJ owned by Hillwood Airways, is making a brief fuel stop at HNL this evening as HWA359. It's flying from AFW to BIK, via OAK, HNL, and GUM.

36756 was originally delivered to the US Department of Defense in December 2007 as N529PP. In October 2014, it was re-registered as N737AT. It was sold to Hillwood Airways in July 2017. This BBJ also features a main deck cargo door, and the cabin can be configured in several variations.

Mele Kalikimaka! 🎄

The HNL RareBirds team wishes you all a very Merry Christmas!

N906CL

N906CL (c/n 29063, l/n 262), a 777-31H, owned by UMB Bank, is ferrying from SZB to AFW, via HNL. It will undergo a corporate cabin re-configuration for a new customer.

29063 was originally purchased by SALE, then leased to Emirates in December 1999 as A6-EMN. In July 2007, it was sold to BOC, and the lease was transferred, and flew until February 2017. In September 2017, it was sold to Apollo Aviation, and leased to Fly Global as 9M-FSM. Carlyle Aviation Partners purchased this 777 in December 2018, the lease transferred, and flew until April 2019, where it was registered as 2-RLBN, and stored at SZB. UMB Bank acquired this 777-31H last week, and registered as N906CL.

China United Airlines' B-209H

China United Airlines' second 737-89P to make its delivery flight today, is B-209H (c/n 63083, l/n 7377). It's making its flight out of BFI as CUA201, and will also overnight at HNL.

China United Airlines' B-209Z

China United Airlines is taking delivery of two of their six 737-89Ps today. These 737s had been stored at BFI due to a trade tariff issue between the US and China. B-209Z (c/n 63085, l/n 7457) is the first of the two to depart BFI as CUA202, and will overnight at HNL.

2-ABAC

2-ABAC (c/n 30501, l/n 619), an ex-Shenzhen Airlines 737-86J owned by ICBC Leasing, is ferrying from TNA to MZJ (via GUM and HNL). It's making an overnight stop at HNL from GUM, as its heading to the desert for storage.

30501 was originally delivered to Air-Berlin in July 2000 as D-ABAC. In November 2007, it was sold to ICBC Leasing, then leased to Shenzhen Airlines as B-5365, and was withdrawn from service in November 2019. 

9H-GGG

9H-GGG (c/n 40119, l/n 4620), a 737-7ZX BBJ, owned by Jet Aviation Malta, is making a stop from BFI this evening as it heads to AKL.

GE Propulsion Test Platform

General Electric's "Propulsion Test Platform" N747GF (c/n 23655, l/n 1024) is doing warm weather engine testing out of KOA during the week of 09 December 2019.

23655's History:

Mar 1994: Delivered to Japan Airlines as JA8910.

Mar 2010: Withdrawn from service and stored at HND for nine months.

Dec 2010: Acquired by AerSale, registered as N356AS, and ferried to ROW, then VCV for storage.

Jan 2011: Acquired by General Electric to use as a testbed.

Dec 2011: Re-registered as N747GF.

Kalitta Air's N284DH

Kalitta Air is sending a 767-300F, N284DH (c/n 28040, l/n 613), to HNL from LAX as CKS366 as a proving flight for supplemental service for Pacific Air Cargo. The DHL logo-clad 767-304ER, will make an overnight stop before returning to LAX as CKS367 tomorrow.

photo to follow ...

Asia Pacific Airlines' N888LT Flying For UPS

Asia Pacific Airlines has wet-leased N888LT to UPS for supplemental holiday service. It's flying between BFI, PDX, MHR, and ONT.

Swissair's HB-IWU

Our December edition of "HNL RareBirds Classic" goes back to September 2005, and this Swissair MD-11, HB-IWU (c/n 48538, l/n 533), that made a stop at UPS's ramp at HNL, as it ferried to Singapore for freighter conversion.

48538 was originally delivered to LTU [LT/LTU Germany] in March 1993 as D-AERZ. In October 1998, it was sold to Swissair [SR/SWR] as HB-IWU. In January 2005, it was sold to Wells Fargo Bank Northwest, then sold to UPS four months later as N281UP. It was put into service in early 2006, and continues to haul packages for UPS.

San Diego State Aztecs Team Charter

The San Diego State Aztecs football team is chartering a Sun Country Airlines 737-800 for their road trip to HNL to face the University of Hawai‘i Rainbow Warriors on Saturday. N821SY is making the trip this afternoon as SCX8644. It will return to SAN flooding the game as SCX8645.

American Airlines' N736AT

American Airlines' 777-323ER, N736AT (c/n 33538, l/n 1377, f/n 7LW), made a diversion to HNL as it flew from LAX to HKG as AAL193.

United Airlines' Star Wars Logo Jet

United Airlines' Star Wars-themed 737-824, N36272 (c/n 31590, l/n 987, f/n 0272), is making an appearance at HNL today. The "Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker" special liveried 737 arrived from LAX as UAL1224 this afternoon; and will return to LAX a couple of hours later as UAL1636.

Sriwijaya Air's PK-CMJ

Sriwijaya Air's PK-CMJ "Kesayangan" (c/n 28381, l/n 250) is making a ferry flight from CGK to VCV, via BIK, MAJ, and HNL, as JTN9215. It's being returned to its lessor, Aircastle.

28381 was originally delivered to Air Europa in May 1999 as EC-HBL, under lease from Itochu. In June 2011, it was leased to Orenair as VQ-BLW. In June 2015, it was leased to Sriwijaya Air as PK-CMJ, and withdrawn from service in October 2019.

2-RLBR

2-RLBR (msn 2148), a former Air New Zealand A320-232, is making its lease return ferry flight from CHC to MZJ, via APW and HNL.

2148 was delivered to Air New Zealand in January 2004 as ZK-OJE, leased from RBS. It was sub-leased to Freedom Air International from April 2006 to March 2008. It continued with Air New Zealand until it was withdrawn from service this past September. It was painted into the current livery in late 2014.

Hau‘oli Lā Hānau Hawaiian Airlines!

Today, Hawaiian Airlines celebrated its 90th anniversary of its first commercial inter-island flights.

As part of the celebrations, the airline held a 717-200 plane pull at Castle & Cooke Aviation, that benefitted local charities. The airline also held a commemorative flight from HNL to OGG and ITO as HAL1111.

Further information in this Hawaiian Airlines press release.

Southwest Launches SMF-HNL Service

Southwest Airlines is launching daily 737-800 service between SMF and HNL today.  N8303R (c/n 36681, l/n 3993), made the inaugural flight as SWA1789/1807.

Makani Kai Rebrands Princeville Ops

The Pacific Business Journal reports that Makani Kai Air is rebranding its Princeville, Kaua‘i operation as Princeville Air. The name pays tribute to the name of Island Air's first identity, Princeville Airways.

San José State Team Charter

The San José State Spartans chartered a Sun Country Airlines 737-800 for their road trip to play the University of Hawai‘i Rainbow Warriors on Saturday. N809SY (c/n 30683, l/n 1669), a 737-8Q8, made the trip to HNL as SCX8648, and will return to SJC as SCX8649 following the game.

NAMBP Faces Eviction

The Naval Air Museum at Barbers Point (NAMBP) is facing eviction by the Hawai‘i Department of Transportation (HDOT-A) over lack of compliance of liability insurance and failure to comply with environmental practices. The museum refutes these claims with the paperwork to prove compliance with both claims. However, it seems that HDOT-A is set on moving ahead with the eviction.

Further details on this is on NAMBP's Facebook page.


Editorial Note
In all of the years HNL RareBirds has been associated with the Naval Air Museum at Barber's Point, we have not seen any non-compliance of environmental practices. We've known the museum to be good tenants of the Kalaeloa Airport, and vital place to keep the history of this former Naval Air Station. Each aircraft has its own place in history.

US Air Force's 85-0829

Our November edition of "HNL RareBirds Classic" goes back to August 2003, and this US Air Force Lockheed F-117A Nighthawk, 85-0829 (msn A.4051), that was on display at the Hickam Air Force Base Air Show. This is also our Veteran's Day tribute post.

This F-117A was assigned to the 49th Fighter Wing at Holloman AFB, NM, and retired in 2008. It now sits in storage at the Tonopah Test Range Airport.

Taxiway Collision

A FedEx Feeder (operated by Corporate Air) C208BF, N926FE (msn 208B0026) collided with a Cessna 172S, N274MM (msn 172S9320) on Taxiway C, as both were taxiing to depart from Runway 26R. The C172S, owned by George's Aviation, was ahead of the C208BF on "Charlie", and sustained prop damage to the tail, port side fuselage and elevator. No one was injured in the incident.

N926FE was operating as CPT8974 to depart for LIH.

Coverage by KHON2 News.

Fresno State Bulldogs Team Charter

The Fresno State Bulldogs football team chartered a Sun Country Airlines 737-800 for its road trip to Honolulu to play the University of Hawai‘i Rainbow Warriors on Saturday evening. N804SY (c/n 30689) made the flight as SCX8600. The team will return to FAT following the game as SCX8601 with N804SY.

Lāna‘i Air Adds N699LA

Lāna‘i Air is adding a fourth PC-12 to their fleet today. N699LA (msn 1734) joined the fleet today, after ferrying from MMV.

Antonov Airlines' UR-82072

Antonov Airlines' An-124-100-150, UR-82072 (c/n 9773053359136, l/n 07-05), is making an overnight fuel stop at HNL from CLT (via DEN and SFO) as ADB2805, and will continue onto NAN tomorrow.

photo to follow ...

HIANG's C-17 Flyover

A C-17A Globemaster III from Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam, 05-5147 "The Spirit of Daniel K Inouye" (c/n 50155, l/n F154), made a pre-game flyover for the University of Hawai‘i Rainbow Warriors home game versus the Air Force Academy Falcons.  At the controls were Major Britton Komine, a former Warriors tight end, and Captain Nate Dreblinski, a former Falcons tight end. 

The C-17 is part of shared unit of the 204th Airlift Squadron "Nā Pueo" (154th Wing, Hawai‘i Air National Guard), and the 535th Airlift Squadron "Tigers" (15th Wing, US Air Force).

Volga-Dnepr Airlines' RA-82046

Volga-Dnepr Airlines' An-124-100, RA-82042 (c/n 9773052255117, l/n 06-10) is making a stop at HNL from NKX [Joe Fosses Field, MCAS Miramar, San Diego, CA] as VDA2086.

photo to follow ...

Volga-Dnepr Airlines' RA-82042

Volga-Dnepr Airlines' An-124-100, RA-82042 (c/n 9773054055093, l/n 06-06) is making a stop at HNL from NKX [Joe Fosses Field, MCAS Miramar, San Diego, CA] as VDA2084.

Air Force Academy Team Charter

The Air Force Academy Falcons football team is chartering a Sun Country Airlines 737-800 for its road game, Saturday, versus the University of Hawai‘i Rainbow Warriors. N821SY (c/n 39952, l/n 5217) is bringing the Falcons in today from COS (via OAK) as SCX8602, and will take the Falcons back following the game as SCX8603.

New Livery For Asia Pacific's N757QM

Asia Pacific Airlines' 757-29JF, N757QM (c/n 27203, l/n 588), is returning from heavy maintenance on the mainland, complete with their new livery. It left for MCI on July 27th for heavy maintenance as MGE9900, and flown to SKF for painting on September 28th.  N757QM is returning to HNL as MGE9901.

photo to follow ...

Lāna‘i Air Adds N399LA

Lāna‘i Air has added N399LA (msn 1884) to their fleet. This PC-12, leased from TVPX Aircraft Solutions, was delivered today from MMV as SXA586.

Miami Air International's N758MA

Miami Air International's 737-8K5, N758MA (c/n 37247, l/n 3497, f/n 758), is making a stop at HNL after its flight from IWA (via OAK, and ITO) as BSK7001. This is the airline's first 737 to receive the new livery.

Van Harte Gefeliciteerd KLM!

Today, KLM Royal Dutch Airlines celebrates its 100th anniversary! Though KLM does not serve Hawai‘i, their SkyTeam partners do.

Above, is my lone photo of a KLM airliner, a 747-406M, PH-BFE "Melbourne" (c/n 24201, l/n 763, f/n FE-027), captured on final for LAX's Runway 25L.

Embraer's PR-ZIQ "Profit Hunter"

Embraer's E195-E2 sales demonstrator, PR-ZIQ "Profit Hunter" (msn 19020041), is making a stop at HNL. It arrived from SEA, and will continue onto LAS following a short stopover here.

This would be the second time an E190 demonstrator to make an appearance at HNL. In July 2006, Embraer flew in PP-XMB as a demonstrator for Aloha Airlines, as the airline had been considering a replacement for their 737-200 fleet.

American Airlines Starts A321N Service To Hawai‘i

American Airlines has begun A321-253N service out of PHX to HNL, OGG, and KOA, as the airline continues to phase out their 757-223 fleet. Today, all three Hawaiian destinations will have A321neo service: HNL will have N406AN (msn 8834, f/n 406) as AAL692; OGG will have N403AN (msn 8780, f/n 403) as AAL 432; and KOA will have N401AN (msn 8701, f/n 401) as AAL 663.

American will alternate the 757 into the rotation, until the airline receives more A321neos, which they have five to receive in the near future.

N400AN (msn 8647, f/n 400) is seen above when it did ETOPS proving flights earlier this year.

Air Luxor's CS-TMT

Our October edition of "HNL RareBirds Classic" goes back to May 2005, with Air Luxor's [LK/LXR] (Portugal) A330-322, CS-TMT (msn 096), that made a stop at HNL on a round-the-world charter flight.

096 was originally delivered to ILFC, and leased to Malaysia Airlines in January 1996 as 9M-MKZ. In April 1999, it was leased to Sabena as OO-SFX. ILFC then leased it to Air Luxor in December 2002 as CS-TMT. During its time with Air Luxor, it sub-leased to Garuda Indonesia (January - April 2004). Air Luxor re-branded itself as HiFly [5K/HFY] in October 2005. CS-TMT remained in the HiFly fleet until 2015. Ownership changed from ILFC to AerCap in May 2014. HiFly subleased CS-TMT during its time to the Belgian Air Force (October 2009 - April 2014), flynas [XY/KNE Saudi Arabia] (May - October 2014), and Saudi Arabian Airlines (December 2014). It was returned to AerCap in December 2015. Apollo Aviation purchased this A333 in June 2016, and leased it to iFLy [F7/RSY Russia] a month later. In June 2018, it was leased to HiFly Malta as 9H-AGU. Carlyle Aviation Partners acquired this A333, and the lease transferred.

Hawaiian Airlines' N223HA

Hawaiian Airlines has taken delivery of N223HA "Hau" (msn 9060, f/n 223) today. This A321-271N is making its delivery flight from XFW to PAE (via BOS) as HAL9975.

Southwest To Move Up New Service

Southwest Airlines announced this morning that they will move up the launch dates for service between HNL and LIH, and HNL and SMF, from January 2020 to November 2019. New routes were also announced for OAK-LIH, OAK-KOA, SJC-LIH, SJC-KOA, and SMF-OGG, are scheduled to begin in March 2020.

Further information is in this Southwest Airlines press release.

Happy Birthday US Air Force!

Happy 72nd Birthday to the United States Air Force!

Cebu Pacific Air's RP-C3271

Cebu Pacific Air is ferrying RP-C3271 (msn 5381) from MNL to LCQ (via GUM, HNL and ONT), as it has been acquired by Allegiant Air, and be registered as N281NV (f/n 281).

RP-C3271 was delivered to Cebu Pacific in November 2012, and it's last revenue flight with the airline was on September 5th.

Armée de l'Air's F-RADB

F-RADB (msn 422), a Armée de l'Air A310-304, made a stop at HNL on a flight from PPT, and was parked on Taxiway RH.

Big Island Air's N5KR

Big Island Air's Cessna P-337 Skymaster, N5KR (msn P3370335) on the commuter terminal ramp at Kona (PHKO/KOA) on Thursday 09/12/19.

Air Force Academy Falcons C-17 Alternate Uniforms

The Air Force Academy Falcons football team released images of their alternate uniforms, which honors the Boeing C-17A Globemaster III, as part of their Air Power Legacy Series. The uniform is light grey, with "formation lights" markings and black numbers.  The nameplate on the back of the jersey will reflect the tail flashes of nine C-17A units, including the 204th AS / 535th AS that is based at Joint Base Pearl Harbor Hickam. The helmet for the game is painted in the same grey as the aircraft, complete with squadron designation, "formation lights", and the refueling receptacle markings on the top of the helmet.

Further information and images in this Air Force Academy Football article.

Oregon State Beavers Team Charter

The Oregon State University Beavers football team is chartering a Hawaiian Airlines A330-243 (HAL705) from PDX, for their road trip to play the University of Hawai‘i Rainbow Warriors.


09.07.19 Update
The return flight, HAL706, will be flown by N361HA.

American Airlines Flies Final MD-80 Revenue Flight

American Airlines' N984TW (c/n 53634, l/n 2287), an MD-83, made the last MD-80 revenue flight for the airline,  as AAL80 (DFW-ORD). American is retiring the last of the MD-80s in its fleet.

I've only captured two American Airlines MD-83s during trips to the mainland. Pictured on the top is N976TW (c/n 53626, l/n 2279), taken in November 2010 at LAX; and N9413T (c/n 53188, l/n 2119), taken in March 2013 at EWR.

Shanghai Airlines' B-2876

Our September edition of "HNL RareBirds Classic" goes back to April 2005, with Shanghai Airlines' 757-26D, B-2876 (c/n 33967, l/n 1050) departing Runway 8L, on its next delivery flight leg to GUM.

B-2876 was withdrawn from service, and stored at VCV in November 2014. Two months later, it was acquired by Boeing Capital as N338BC. Delta Air Lines bought this 757 in April 2015, and re-registered it as N823DX, five months later. It had Blended Winglets installed in early 2016, and entered service in March of that year.

Hawaiian Airlines' N226HA

Hawaiian Airlines is taking delivery of N226HA "Loulu" (msn 9127, f/n 226) today. This A321-271N is making its delivery flight from BFM to PAE as HAL9981.

Qantas Ends 747-400 Service To HNL

Qantas Airways' VH-OEI (c/n 32913, l/n 1330) made the final 747-438 service between SYD and HNL today, as the Australian flag carrier winds down its 747-438 operations. A330-300s will be the replacement type for QFA3/4.

Atlas Air Upgrades To 747-8Fs

For their Qantas Freight wet-lease, Atlas Air is upgrading from its 747-400Fs to 747-8Fs, beginning today. The flights will continue to use HNL as a fuel stop as it flies from the US mainland to Australia.

Arizona Wildcats Team Charter

The University of Arizona Wildcats football team is chartering a Hawaiian Airlines A330-243 for its Saturday road game against the University of Hawai‘i Rainbow Warriors. N386HA is making the flight as HAL703.


08.24.19 Update
The team will return to TUS as HAL704 aboard N396HA.

Mokulele Airlines' N879MA Skids Off JHM Runway

Mokulele Airlines' N879MA (msn 208B5019), skidded off of Kapalua's Runway 2 this morning. The Cessna C208B Grand Caravan EX, flying from HNL to JHM, as MHO504, made the runway excursion. None of the eight passengers and two pilots were injured.

Russian Air Force's RF-85655

Another year, another visit by the Russians. Under the Open Skies treaty, Russia sent it's TU-154M outfitted with observation equipment over military installations in the United States. RF-85655 (c/n 89A798) was observed on tracking sights flying locally over Hickam, Kāne‘ohe Bay, and installations on the west side of the island.

Hawaiian Airlines To Launch OGG-LAS Service

Beginning December 15th, Hawaiian Airlines will start service between Kahului, Maui and Las Vegas, with four-times weekly A321-271N service.

Also, Hawaiian will start a thrice-weekly A321-271N service between HNL and SEA on January 7, 2020; and seasonal OGG-LAX A321-271N (December 14, 2019-January 5, 2020).

Further details in this Hawaiian Airlines press release.

‘Ohana by Hawaiian's N807HC

‘Ohana by Hawaiian is taking delivery of N807HC (msn 432) this afternoon. It's their third ATR72-212F for their inter-island cargo operation.

432 was originally delivered to BBAM, and leased to Avianova [RD/NOV] (Italy) in March 1995 as EI-CLD "Fiume Piave". In November 1996, it was transferred to Alitalia, and a year later transferred to Alitalia Express. In December 2005, it was acquired by Alitalia Express, and registered as I-ATRR. In March 2010, it was acquired by Magellan Aircraft Services. A year later, it was sold to First Air [7F/FAB] (Canada)as C-GRMZ. It was converted to a freighter in April 2012. In June 2015, it was acquired by ‘Ohana by Hawaiian, and operated by Empire Airlines.

Hawaiian Airlines' Oakland Raiders Logo Jets

Hawaiian Airlines has applied the Oakland Raiders logo to the fuselages on N380HA and N382HA for the 2019 National Football League season, as the airline will provide team charters for team's road games.

Hawaiian Airlines Awarded Another Haneda Flight

The US Department of Transportation awarded Hawaiian Airlines an additional service between HND and HNL today. This new slot will allow Hawaiian to begin A330-200 service in the summer of 2020.

Air China To Suspend PEK Service

Air China Announced Tuesday that they suspend their thrice-weekly A330-200 PEK-HNL service [CCA837/838] effective from August 27th.

This leaves this route with no direct service, as Hawaiian Airlines suspended its PEK-HNL flights a few months ago.

Further information in this Pacific Business News article.

Fiji Airways Retires DQ-FJG

After 20 years of service to Fiji Airways/Air Pacific, DQ-JFG (msn 29968, l/n 275) is being retired and will be parted out. It's being ferried from NAN to SFB [Sanford, FL], via HNL and LAX as FJI2002.

JASDF's 74-3503

Making an appearance in Honolulu was one of the Japan Air Self-Defense Force's E-767-27CER. 74-3503 (msn 28016, l/n 618). It belongs to the 602nd Airborne Early Warning Squadron out of Hamamatsu Airbase, Shizuoka Japan.

Delta Air Lines' N826MH

Our August edition of "HNL RareBirds Classic" goes back to July 2005, with Delta Air Lines' 767-432ER, N826MH (c/n 27913, l/n 769, f/n 1802), seen above taxiing to Gate 20 (now Gate E3).

N826MH was delivered to Delta in November 2000 in the Ron Allen livery. It's seen above in the "Flag" livery, which is painted in mid-2004. N826MH was painted in the current livery in mid-2010, and was most recently at HNL this past May flying between MSP and ATL.