Virgin Australia Returns Five 737-8FEs

Virgin Australia is returning five of their 737-8FEs to AerCap. Combined with the airline's financial issues, with the China Corona Virus pandemic, they are in the process of thinning out the fleet as they reorganize, and in the process of new ownership.  CH-Aviation reports that Bain Capital will acquire Virgin Australia Holdings, as it received approval from its creditors. The five 737-8FEs are flying from BNE to GYR (via HIR and HNL), ferried by Jet Test crews, are making fuel stops at HNL today.

2-VYFG, formerly VH-YFG "Hanson Bay" (c/n 40999, l/n 3941), is making its ferry flight as JTN258. It was delivered to Virgin Australia in February 2012, under lease from ILFC. AerCap acquired the lease in May 2014.

2-VYFI, formerly VH-YFI "Porpoise Bay" (c/n 41000, l/n 3963) is making its ferry flight as JTN269. It was delivered to Virgin Australia in March 2012, under lease from ILFC. AerCap acquired the lease in May 2014.

2-VYFN, formerly VH-YFN "Ballina Beach" (c/n 41009, l/n 4456) is making its ferry flight as JTN270. It was delivered to Virgin Australia in May 2013, under lease from ILFC. AerCap acquired the lease in May 2014.

2-VYFP, formerly VH-YFP "Nobby's Beach" (c/n 41011, l/n 4476) is making its ferry flight as JTN271. It was delivered to Virgin Australia in June 2013, under lease from ILFC. AerCap acquired the lease in May 2014.

2-VYFQ, formerly VH-YFQ "Whiting Beach" (c/n 41010, l/n 4494) is making its ferry flight as JTN272. It was delivered to Virgin Australia in June 2013, under lease from ILFC. AerCap acquired the lease in May 2014.

RCAF CC-150 at KOA

Seen on the south ramp Thursday, Sept 3, 2020.

Asia Pacific Airlines Expands Service

Asia Pacific Airlines has expanded mainland service to OAK, SEA, and LAX, as well as limited service to KMJ [Kumamoto, Japan]. Flights began last month, as an addition to its current service to the Federated States of Micronesia.

Air Transport International's N71CX

Our September edition of "HNL RareBirds Classic" goes back to November 2004, with Air Transport International's DC-8-62H-CF, N71CX (c/n 45961, l/n 361), seen above on Taxiway RT. The ATI DC-8-62H-CFs were the backbone of their military charter service to AWK [Wake Island Airfield, WQ] and SUU [Travis AFB, Fairfield , CA] up until 2013, when 757-200Cs took over.

45961 was originally delivered to Alitalia Cargo System in June 1968 as I-DIWQ "Ciclope", it was also painted in the 1970s livery, and flew with them until June 1981. Sea & Sun Aviation purchased this DC-8 for Flying Tiger Line as N3931A. In 1986, it also flew for Air Cargo Spain. In June 1987, IAC Leasing Corporation purchased N3931A, and leased it to Hawaiian Airlines. Three months later, it was sold to First Security Bank of Utah, lease transferred, until February 1993. Hawaiian had the interior configured for 204 passengers. Later that October, it was sold to Trans American Express, and leased to Advance Air Charters as C-FHAA "The Spirit of Calgary". In November 1995, this DC-8 was acquired by Kalitta American International Airways, and re-registered as N818CK three months later. In February 1999, it was transferred to their Kitty Hawk International subsidiary for 15 months. ATI purchased this DC-8 in March 2003, registered as N71CX, and configured the interior to a combi (with 32 seats in the aft section).  In December 2009, it was sold to Cargo Aircraft Management (ATI's parent company), and leased back. It flew with ATI until January 2013. Sadly, N71CX was scrapped at MHV in April 2014.

Myanmar Airways International XY-AGU

Myanmar Airways International is returning XY-AGU (msn 1180) to AerCap. This A319-111 is ferrying from RGN to MZJ (via CRK, GUM, and HNL) as JTN233.

1180 was originally delivered to Iberia in February 2000 as EI-HGS "Bardenas Reales", under lease from ILFC until November 2012. A year later, it was leased to Myanmar Airways International as XY-AGU. In May 2014, it was acquired by AerCap, and the lease transferred. This A319 was placed in storage at RGN in February 2020.

ConAir's C-FFQE

ConAir's Dash8-Q402, C-FFQE (msn 4325), is making a positioning flight from YXX to BDB [Bundaberg, Australia], via OAK, HNL, MAJ, HIR, and BNE. It arrived here from OAK this afternoon.

4325 was originally delivered to HM - Heli Malongo Airways, leased from Aviatrade Belgium in January 2011 as D2-EUR, until July 2019. It was acquired by ConAir as C-FFQE earlier this year, and converted to fire bomber.

Prescott Foundation's 44-28938

Prescott Foundation's North American B-25N Mitchell, 44-28938 "Old Glory" (msn 108-33263, also registered as NL7946C), is one of several World War II-era warbirds that were ferried over from the mainland aboard the USS Essex, for a commemoration of the 75th anniversary of the end of WWII.

44-28938 was originally built as a B-25J-15 by North American. No information is available as to its assignment during WWII. It was converted to a TB-25N, and registered as N7946C in 1958. It was restored in 1995.

Amazon Prime Air Launches OGG And KOA Service

Amazon Prime Air is commencing RIV-OGG-KOA-RIV daily service today. The flights are operated with Atlas Air 767-300ERFs, the RIV-OGG segment is flown as GTI3747, OGG-KOA as GTI3748, and KOA-RIV as GTI3749.

Today's inaugural flight is being made by N1399A (c/n 27959, l/n 609).

Sriwijaya Air's 2-AERL And 2-AERM

Sriwijaya Air is returning two of their 737-800s to its lessors, ferrying them from SZB to MZJ, via GUM and HNL. 2-AERL (c/n 33699, l/n 1309), a 737-8Q8, is flying as JTN227; and 2-AERM (c/n 30876, l/n 759), a 737-86J, is flying as JTN228. Both 737s made late night "gas & go" fuel stops at GUM and HNL.

33699 was originally purchased by ILFC, and leased to Eurocypria in April 2003 as 5B-DBX "Grecos" until November 2010. During its time with Eurocypria, it was subleased to Sunwing Airlines [Canada] during winter months as C-GDBX. In May 2011, ILFC leased it to SpiceJet as VT-SGS "Poppy" until December 2014. Apollo Aviation acquired 33699 in May 2015, and leased it to Sriwijaya Air a month later as PK-CMH "Tamariska". Apollo later sold the 737 to Carlyle Aviation Partners in December 2018, and was withdrawn from service in April 2020, and stored at SZB.

30876 was originally purchased by AerCap, and leased to Air Berlin in February 2001 as D-ABAD, until June 2009. Two months later, it was leased to Garuda Indonesia as PK-GER, and flew until June 2015. Four months later, Sriwijaya Air was the next lessee, as PK-CMN "Ketulusan", and flew until April 2020, when it was stored at SZB.

Big Island Air's N381A

Our August "HNL RareBirds Classic" goes back to December 2005, when Big Island Air had this Cessna C208B Grand Caravan, N381A (msn 208B0339), seen taxiing on HNL's south side.

208B0339 was originally delivered to Modern Aero in April 2001 as N55CH. It was purchased by Big Island Air as N381A in December 2004, and flew with the airline until February 2008. It was sold to Wipaire Inc., then Wells Fargo Bank Northwest a few months later. In December 2008, it was sold to the Empire Aviation Group as A6-TDB. In January 2013, it was sold to Golden Falcon Aviation as N120ER. A year later, it was sold to an unknown owner in the Philippines.

Hawaiian Airlines Retires N481HA

Hawaiian Airlines has retired N481HA "‘Alauahio" (c/n 55126, l/n 5073, f/n 481) from its fleet. This 717-22A was delivered to the airline in July 2001, and was withdrawn from service in April 2019. It will be used as a parts bird. The Hawaiian titles, and aircraft name have been painted over.

04 August 2020 Update

N481HA made its final flight as HAL8991 to JRF today, where it will be parted out.

Nauru Airlines' VH-ONU

Nauru Airlines is ferrying VH-ONU (c/n 28732, l/n 2966) from BNE to MIA, with a stop at HNL and ONT. This 737-3U3 arrived early this morning on a direct flight from BNE. It departed this afternoon ahead of Hurricane Douglas.

28732 was originally ordered by Garuda Indonesia as PK-GGH, but was not taken up. In November 1998, Air New Zealand purchased this 737-3U3, then leased it to Winair as N930WA. Five months later, it was leased to LOT - Polish Airlines as ZK-NGD. In October 1999, Air New Zealand sold ZK-NGD to ACAP, and leased it back to the airline, then added the 737 into their fleet. In August 2014, it was sold to Nauru Airlines as VH-ONU. Its last revenue flight was on March 21, 2020, and stored at BNE.

Taiwan Government Approves China Airlines Name Change

Taiwan's Legislative Yuan (parliament) approved the name change of China Airlines today. The 60-year-old carrier will be allowed to rebrand its name, livery, and corporate identity both English and Chinese. The request to change had surfaced this past April, especially with the China Corona Virus, and the confusion between The Republic of China (Taiwan) and the People's Republic of China.

No formal proposal nor timetable has been announced by the Ministry of Transportation and Communications, but the three main contenders being tossed around are Taiwan Airlines, Formosa Airlines, and Yushan Airlines.

Further information in this Taiwan News article, Taipei Times article, and Airways Magazine article.

Qantas Retires Their 747s

Qantas Airways retired its 747 fleet today. It ends the 49-year with the "Queen Of The Skies" that began with 747-238B, VH-EBC (c/n 20011, l/n 162) in October 1971. Qantas has served HNL with four variants: -238B, -SP38, -338, and -438.

VH-OEJ "Wunala" (c/n 32914, l/n 1331) is making one last flight from SYD to LAX as QFA7474 today.

[Top]

747-338, VH-EBT "City of Wagga Wagga" (c/n 23222, l/n 602), taxiing on Taxiway RT in 2005.

[Above]

747-438, VH-OEI "Ceduna" (c/n 32913, l/n 1330), about to touchdown on Runway 8L in 2019.

Alaska Airlines Adds Service To KOA And LIH

Alaska Airlines announced today that they will launch new service from LAX. Starting December 17, 2020, they will fly three-times weekly service to KOA, and from December, 18th, fly four-times weekly service to LIH, both with 737-890s.

Further details in this Alaska Airlines press release.

US Department of Justice's N119NA

The US Department of Justice's 757-223, N119NA (c/n 24487, l/n 236), arrived from RIC [Richmond, VA] via ONT as JENA2, and parked on the North Ramp.

24487 was originally delivered to American Airlines in July 1989 as N611AM (f/n 611), and flew with the airline until April 2012. L-3 Communications Advanced Aviation LLC acquired this 757 in November 2014 as N119NA. Four months later, it was purchased by the US DOJ as N119NA.

15 July 2020 Update

N119NA brought over additional FBI Special Agents and a SWAT unit to take down a local man suspected of running a criminal organization and murder.

Further details in this Hawaii News Now report.

Thai Airways International's HS-TKQ

Thai Airways International's 777-3ALER, HS-TKQ "Khemarat" (c/n 41526, l/n 1129), made a flight from BKK to HNL as THA8084. After arrival, it taxied to HIK.

HS-TKQ departed for BKK later today as THA8085.

Omni Air International's N369AX

Our July edition of "HNL RareBirds Classic" goes back to July 2004, with Omni Air International's 757-28A, N369AX (c/n 28161, l/n 723), seen above at Gate 15. It was operating the Vacations Hawai‘i Las Vegas charter service.

28161 was originally purchased by ILFC, and delivered under lease to Canada 3000 in September 1996 as C-FOON. In April 2002, it was leased to National Airlines [N7/ROK] as N543NA, which lasted only seven months. In May 2003, it was leased to Omni Air International as N369AX, and flew with Omni for four years. In December 2007, it was leased to Astraeus as G-STRY until December 2011. During its time with Astraeus, it was subleased to bmi-British Midland (May 2008 - June 2011), and Iceland Express (June - August 2011). It's next lessee from May 2012 was UTAir as VP-BAS. In January 2015, it was sold to AerCap, then leased to Azur Air as VP-BAS. In December 2016, it was sold to DHL as N826DH, and converted to a package freighter. It was transferred to its UK division as G-DHKI in August 2017. EAT Leipzig acquired this 757 in March 2019 as D-ALEV, and continues to wear the DHL livery.

Sriwijaya Air's 2-AERK

Sriwijaya Air is returning its former PK-CMW "Bersyeba" (c/n 30033, l/n 1149) to AerCap. This 737-83N is now wearing an Isle of Man registration of 2-AERK, and Jet Test is making the ferry flight. Its ferrying from XSP to MZJ, via SZB, GUM, and HNL, as JTN183.

30033 was originally purchased by ILFC, and leased to American Trans Air (then ATA Airlines) in June 2002 as N323TZ. It was returned to ILFC in April 2008 as ATA closed its doors. Four months later, it was leased to Garuda Indonesia as PK-GEG. In May 2014, it was acquired by AerCap, and the lease was transferred, until June 2016. That October, it was leased to Sriwijaya Air as PK-CMW, and flew with the airline until November 2019. A month later, it was flown to XSP for storage.

Cebu Pacific Air's RP-C3237

Cebu Pacific Air is ferrying RP-C3237 (msn 5045) from MNL to LCQ [Lake City, FL], via GUM, HNL, and ONT. The A320-214 is making a stop at HNL after arriving from GUM. 

RP-C3237 was delivered to Cebu Pacific in March 2012 under lease from RBC. Three months later, SMBC took over the lease. It was withdrawn from service in March 2020. The A320 is being ferried to LCQ for storage.

Mahalo to 808Spotter for the top photo.

16 July 2020 Update

Allegiant Airlines acquired RP-C3237 from SMBC, and registered as N284NV (f/n 284). It remains parked at LCQ.

‘Ohana by Hawaiian's N816HC

‘Ohana by Hawaiian's fourth ATR72F, N816HC (msn 389), has repositioned from SAT [San Antonio, TX] to CDL [Couer d'Alene, ID], as Empire Airlines preps it for delivery to HNL. This ATR72-201F made the flight as CFS400. It was ferried from SNN [Shannon, Ireland] to SAT via BFS [Belfast, Northern Ireland], KEF [Reykjavik, Iceland], YYR [Goose Bay Newfoundland], BGR [Bangor, ME], and DAY [Dayton, OH] from 05 March to 08 March.

389 was originally delivered to TransAsia Airways [Taiwan] in January 1994 as B-22716. In May 2007, it was acquired by Farnair Switzerland, converted to a freighter, and registered as HB-AFN. Farnair was acquired by ASL Aviation Group, and rebranded as ASL Airlines Switzerland. In January 2016, it was transferred to ASL Airlines Ireland as EI-SLT. In February 2020, this ATR72F was purchased by ‘Ohana by Hawaiian as N816HC.

Asia Pacific Airlines Retires N705AA

Asia Pacific Airlines is ferrying N705AA (c/n 22462, l/n 1751) from GUM to IGM (via MAJ, HNL, and OAK) as MGE900. This 727-223F/Adv is being retired, and headed for storage. It's making its final stopover at HNL tonight. Before departing GUM, N705AA received a water-cannon salute from the airport's fire/rescue department. The future for N705AA is uncertain, as it underwent a heavy maintenance check two years ago.

With N705AA's departure from the Asia Pacific fleet, this effectively ends 727 operations at HNL, though the airliner had been relegated to its GUM base since late 2018. Boeing 727 began with Continental Airlines' Air Micronesia in the 1970s.

01 Feb 2021 UPDATE

N705AA was acquired by Astral Airlines (Kenya).  It was ferried from IGM to NBO (via OPF, BGI, and DKR), from 19 -21 Jan 21. The Kenyan registration is not known.

Air China's B-6130

Air China's A330-243, B-6130 (msn 930), brought in the People's Republic of China's foreign ministry delegation that is scheduled to meet with US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo and his delegation, here in Honolulu. The flight arrived from PEK as CCA57.

Mokulele Airlines And Makani Kai Air To Merge

Mokulele Airlines announced that they will be merging with Makani Kai Air, combining inter-island operations to the smaller Hawai‘i airports. Mokulele also announced that they will start non-stop service between HNL and LNY.

Makani Kai Air's four Cessna C208Bs will be transferred.

Further information in this MauiWatch.com article.

Aloha Air Cargo's New Service

Aloha Air Cargo has launched new service between ONT [Ontario, CA] and GSO [Greensboro, NC] as AAH710/AAH711 today. The airline moved N301KH "Kū Haʻaheo" (c/n 27904, l/n 2691), a 737-330SF, was ferried to ONT (via OAK) on May 29th.

According to sources, the route, flying for the US Postal Service, is scheduled to last a couple of months, but is open to be extended.

Continental Airlines' N76062

Our June edition of "HNL RareBirds Classic"goes back to July 2004, with Continental Airlines' 767-424ER, N76062 (c/n 29457, l/n 869, f/n 062), seen above parked at Gate 24 (now Gate D1).

N76062 was delivered to Continental Airlines in March 2002, and was transferred to the United Airlines fleet when Continental was taken over in 2010, and given the fleet number 0062. It still flies with United, and was most-recently here on March 17th from EWR. Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, it's been parked at ROW.

Miami Air International Closes Doors

It was announced today that Miami Air International has shut down its operations. The airline was not able to obtain new financing to keep the charter airline in business, during its Chapter 11 bankruptcy proceedings. Their employees were laid-off, and their 737-800 fleet (parked as a result of the COVID-19 global pandemic) have now been returned to its lessors.

Miami Air International used to fly in and out of HNL for US Navy personnel charters, as well as Hawai‘i Department of Corrections inmate transfer flights between IWA and HNL.

Kalitta Air's N709CK

Our May edition of "HNL RareBirds Classic" goes back to March 2004, with Kalitta Air's 747-132SF, N709CK (c/n 20247, l/n 159), seen above taxing out to Runway 8R to return to LAX.

20247 was originally delivered to Delta Air Lines in November 1971 as N9900. Boeing acquired it in April 1977 to convert it to a freighter, and three months later, sold to Flying Tiger Line as N805FT. When Federal Express acquired Flying Tigers in 1989, it was transferred, and re-registered as N625FE. In May 1993, it was acquired by Air Hong Kong as VR-HKC. A year later Kalitta / American International Airways purchased this 747-132SF, and registered it as N625PL. In June 1998, it was re-registered as N709CK. From February 1999 to December 2000, it was leased to AIA's Kitty Hawk International subsidiary, then returned to AIA (which re-branded to Kalitta Air). N709CK flew with Kalitta Air until December 2008, when it was stored at OSC, and was scrapped there in June 2015. The registration has been transferred to a Kalitta 747-4B5F (c/n 26396, l/n 951).

Delta A350 Charters

Two Delta Air Lines A350-941s are flying military charters from UTP [U-Tapao International Airport, Rayong, Thailand] to HNL. This pair of A350s are bringing home 1,350 US Army soldiers stationed at Schofield Barracks. N512DN (msn 267, f/n 3512) flying as DAL8956, and N513DZ (msn 277, f/n 3513) flying as DAL8958, with the first batch of soldiers today. The A350s will be back at HNL tomorrow with another group of soldiers.

Spotting Alert

Due to the state and counties COVID-19 "Shelter-In-Place" proclamation that lasts until April 30th, we do not recommend heading down to any of the exterior spotting locations around any of the state's airports. Hawai‘i State Sheriff's deputies are on patrol in the lots, and are warning about loitering in the lots.

Most of the international flights have been suspended. Domestic trans-Pacific passenger flights have been greatly reduced. Cargo flights are still going on as scheduled.

Harmony Airways' C-GMYC

Our April edition of "HNL RareBirds Classic" dates back to December 2005, and Harmony Airways' 757-258, C-GMYC (c/n 23917, l/n 152), pictured above exiting Runway 4R on Taxiway K, after a flight from YVR.

23917 was originally delivered to El Al Airlines in November 1987 as 4X-EBL (f/n 501), under lease from Boeing Capital, and returned in January 2001. It was leased to HMY Airlines in November 2002 as C-GMYC (f/n 801). The airline re-branded as Harmony Airways in May 2004, but ceased operations in June 2007. This 757 has been sitting in storage at GWO since Harmony's closure.

Estafeta N477VX

N477VX (c/n 28861, l/n 2910), a 737-46QF owned by VX Capital Partners, is making its ferry flight from CGK to SBD, via BIK, MAJ, and HNL. The 737 due to be leased to Estafeta Cargo Area [México], and is already painted in their livery. It's scheduled to make a brief fuel stop at HNL tonight.

28861 was originally delivered to Air Europa in July 1997 as EC-GPI, leased from Boullion AS. From April 1998 to April 2001, it was sub-leased to Iberia. In July 2002, it was sold to Aviation Capital Group, and leased to Air One as EI-CXI. In July 2007, it was leased to Garuda Indonesia as PK-GZP until June 2012. Two months later, it was sold to VX Capital Partners, and converted to a freighter. Gading Sari Aviation Service was the first lessee for the freighter in March 2013 as 9M-GSB. When they shutdown in February 2015, it was transferred to Asia Cargo Express, and flew until September 2018, then stored at CGK six months later. It was painted in the Estafeta livery earlier this year, and will receive a Mexican registration upon delivery.

Hawaiian Airlines Parks Majority Of Its Fleet

With the COVID-19 pandemic affecting air travel, Hawaiian Airlines has parked a majority of their 717-200, A321-271N and A330-243 fleet at HNL. The 717-200s are parked outside their Cargo facility, while the A321-271Ns have been towed to Taxiway F, and the A330-243s have been towed to Runway 8L.

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!