Sriwijaya Air's PK-CLT

Jet Test is ferrying Sriwijaya Air's PK-CLT "Emilio" (c/n 27991, l/n 248) from CGK to MCI, via GUM and HNL. This 737-8K5, flying as JTN78, is making an overnight stop at HNL, as it's being returned to lessor DVB Bank.

27991's History:

Apr 1999: Delivered to Hapag-Lloyd as D-AHFK.

Apr 2005: Rebranded as Hapagfly.

Jan 2007: Rebranded as TUIfly.

Dec 2007: Leased to CanJet, returned in May 2008.

Jun 2008: Leased to Travel Service Hungary as HA-LKC to Oct 2009.

Oct 2009: Sold to AerCap and leased back.

Dec 2009: Subleased to CanJet, returned to TUIfly in Jun 2010.

Aug 2011: "Hannover 96" decal applied.

Nov 2012: Withdrawn from service, returned to AerCap.

Mar 2013: Leased to Sriwijaya Airlines as PK-CLT "Emilio".

2017: Sold to DVB Bank, and lease transferred.

2018: Painted into current livery.

Hawaiian Airlines Launches HNL-AUS Service

Hawaiian Airlines commenced twice-weekly service between HNL and AUS today. N385HA "Manaiakalani" (msn 295, fn 385), made the inaugural flight from the Lone Star State.

Further details in this Hawaiian Airlines press release.

All Nippon Airways' JA777A

All Nippon Airways is ferrying JA777A (c/n 32650, l/n 593) from HND to MHV, via HNL, for storage. This 777-381ER is flying as ANA9432, and its fuel stop at HNL will be a brief one. JA777A was delivered to ANA in October 2006.

Virgin Australia's 2-YVFQ

Jet Test is ferrying Virgin Australia's 2-YVFQ "Whiting Beach" (c/n 41010, l/n 4494) from GYR to BNE, via PHX, HNL, and MAJ. This 737-8FE (VH-YFQ) is making its ferry flight as JTN80, and will overnight at HNL.

Virgin Australia's 2-YVFN

AerCap is ferrying 2-YVFN (c/n 41009, l/n 4456) back to the Virgin Australia fleet. This 737-8FE, previously registered as VH-YFN "Ballina Beach". It's being ferried back to BNE from GYR (via PHX, HNL, and MAJ) by Jet Test as JTN79.

Aloha Air Cargo's N54AU

Aloha Air Cargo took delivery of N54AU (c/n 28054, l/n 3016) today. This 737-3Q8F was painted at GEG, and arrived from OAK as AAH304. It will be re-registered as N304KH. 

N54AU's History:

Apr 1998: Delivered to Air Vanuatu as YJ-AV18, leased from ILFC.

Jan 2008: Painted into their current livery.

Jly 2008: Leased to bmibaby as G-TOYI "Geordie Baby".

Jan 2011: Renamed as "tinylife baby".

Sep 2014: Bought by Automatic LLC as N54AU, and converted to a Quick Change.

Mar 2015: Leased to Mistral Air as EI-FGX, and a logo jet for PosteItaliane.

May 2019: Stored at SJO.

Mar 2021: Acquired by Northern Air Cargo, and painted to Aloha Air Cargo livery at GEG.

Apr 2021: Delivered to Aloha Air Cargo.

Happy 100th Birthday Royal Australian Air Force!

The Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) begins its 100th anniversary celebration today. We wish the RAAF well, and thank you for your service!

Here are a few of the RAAF types that have stopped through HNL.

A30-006 (c/n 33987, l/n 1991): Boeing E-7A (737-7ES) WedgeTail AWACS

A39-002 (msn 950): Airbus KC-30A (A330-203 MRTT)

A41-212 (c/n F-270): Boeing C-17A Globemaster III

A44-223 (BuNo 167979): Boeing FA-18F Super Hornet

Alaska Airlines Joins OneWorld

Alaska Airlines officially becomes the 14th member of the OneWorld Alliance today. The Seattle-based airlines joins American Airlines, Qantas Airways, and Japan Airlines that serves Hawai‘i.

The above photo from Alaska Airlines, shows their 737-990ER, N487AS (c/n 44108, l/n 5597, f/n 487), on the ramp at VCV after it was painted as Alaska's first OneWorld logo jet.

Further information in this Alaska Airlines / OneWorld press release.

Mokulele Airlines Announces OGG-ITO Service

Mokulele Airlines announced that they will launch four-times-daily service between OGG and ITO on April 19th. Along with the announcement, they also unveiled their renovated Commuter Terminal at OGG.

Further information in this Maui Now article.

Air New Zealand's ZK-OJD

Air New Zealand is returning ZK-OJD (msn 2130) to its lessor, GA Telesis. This A320-232 is ferrying from CHC to TUS (via AKL, RAR, HNL, and LAX). The CHC-AKL segment was flown as ANZ6234 while the RAR-HNL-HNL segments are being flown as ANZ6092. Southern Cross Aviation will ferry the LAX-TUS segment.

ZK-OJD's History:

Nov 2003: Delivered to Air New Zealand under lease from RBS.

Aug 2006: Sub-leased to Freedom Air International.

Mar 2008: Returned to Air New Zealand, sold to MCAP, and lease transferred.

Jun 2014: Acquired by GA Telesis, and lease transferred.

Oct 2014: Painted into the current livery, and last revenue flight on 10 Feb 21.

Alliance Airlines' N912QQ

Alliance Airlines is taking delivery its fifth ERJ-190AR, N912QQ (msn 19000012), as it makes its way from SJO to BNE (via TUS, OAK, HNL, and MAJ). It's also been painted in a special livery to commemorate the centennial of the Royal Australian Air Force. Southern Cross Aviation is ferrying this ERJ-190AR as SXI2114, and is making an overnight stop at HNL. It will receive its Australian registration, VH-UYB, after its arrival at BNE. The above photo shows the details of the RAAF Centenary 2021 artwork.

19000012's History:

Dec 2005: Delivered to Copa Airlines as HP-1540CMP, and flew until Mar 2020.

Nov 2020: Acquired by TVPX Services.

Mar 2021: Delivering to Alliance Airlines.

Hawaiian Airlines Announces OGG-PHX Service

Hawaiian Airlines will launch seasonal four-times-weekly OGG-PHX service from May to August. The service will be flown with their A321-271N fleet.

Further information in this Hawaiian Airlines press release.

Antonov Airlines' UR-82027

Antonov Airlines' An-124-100M, UR-82027 (c/n 19530502288, l/n 02-08), is making stops at HNL as it makes multiple flights from NTL [Newcastle-Willamtown Airport, Newcastle, Australia] to YMX [Montreal-Mirable Airport, Montreal, QC, Canada] and back. On March 11th, it arrived from BNE as ADB3735, and continued to YMX with the same flight number. On the return flight from YMX on the 13th, it flew to HNL as ADB335F, then as ADB334F to BNE today.

03.17.21 UPDATE

UR-82027 is making a stop at HNL from NTL (via BNE) as ADB3744.

Transair Hawaii Orders A 737-400F

CH-Aviation.com reports that TransAir Hawaii has ordered a 737-400F, that will undergo freighter conversion at DHN in June. N251AU (c/n 25104, l/n 2476), a 737-4Q8, should join the Transair Hawaii sometime in September or October, after its conversion by AEI. The airliner is currently in storage at TPA. This 737-4Q8F will be their first CFM56-powered 737. 

25104's History:

May 1993: Delivered to Alaska Airlines as N771AS (f/n 771), under lease from ILFC.

Nov 1997: Sold to AWAS, and lease transferred.

Dec 2013: Withdrawn from service, returned to AWAS, and stored at GYR.

Apr 2014: Acquired by Jet Midwest.

Jan 2015: Leased to Flair Airlines as C-FLHJ (f/n 405).

Aug 2020: Returned to lessor, and stored at TPA, then sold to Automatic LLC.

DA40 Crashes Off Of Lāna‘i

A Diamond DA40 Diamond Star crashed off of Lāna‘i this afternoon after 1725HAST. Thankfully, the two aboard the light aircraft survived, and were rescued by a US Coast Guard 14th District HH-65 Dauphin from JRF. According to FlightRadar24.com, the DA-40 (owner not disclosed) flew from HNL to LNY. On the return leg, the DA40 circled offshore (see FlightRadar24 app screenshot), before it attempted to head back to LNY.

Mokulele Airlines' N852MA, flying as FDY858 (LNY-MKK) circled the area, then Kamaka Air's N347KA took up the monitoring until the Coast Guard rescue helicopter and other rescue craft arrived.

Further information in this Kathryn's Report article.

28 Feb 21 UPDATE

The DA40 was registered as N680DS (msn 40.680), owned by George's Aviation, was rented for a training flight.

Antonov Airlines' UR-82008

Antonov Airlines' An-124-100M, UR-82008 (c/n 19530501006), is making an overnight stop from CUN [Cancun, México] as ADB309F. The flight originated in BEL [Belem, Brazil], and is headed for MEL.

Alliance Airlines' N998QQ

Alliance Airlines is taking delivery of N998QQ (msn 19000098). This ERJ-190AR is making its delivery flight, flown by Southern Cross International, from SJO to BNE (via SDM, HNL and MAJ) as SXI2107. It will be registered as VH-UYO.

19000098's History:

Aug 2007: Delivered to Copa Airlines as HP-1563CMP.

Jan 2010: Leased to Aero Republica.

Oct 2010: Leased to Copa Airlines Colombia.

Jly 2019: Returned to Copa Airlines, and flew until Mar 2020.

Nov 2020: Bought by TVPX Trust Services

Feb 2021: Delivering to Alliance Airlines.

Antonov Airlines' UR-82029

Antonov Airlines' An-124-100, UR-82029 (c/n 19530502630, l/n 02-10), is making an overnight stop at HNL as ADB308F from SWF. It will continue onto MEL tomorrow.

N569TM

N569TM (c/n 28569, l/n 2996), a white tail 737-36NF, is making its ferry flight from TPA [Tampa, FL] to HLP [Halim Perdanakusuma International Airport, Jakarta, Indonesia], via MCC, HNL, MAJ, and BIK. Jet Test is ferrying the 737 as JTN5. It will join the fleet of Tri-M.G. Intra Asia Airlines [GM/TMG] of Indonesia, an all 737-300F cargo airline as PK-MGA "Ainun.

28569’s history

Feb 1998: delivered to Air France as F-GFRC, leased from GECAS.

Apr 2003: GECAS leased to Ukraine International Airlines as UR-GAN.

Jan 2015: GECAS leased to Alas Uruguay as CX-OAA.

Feb 2017: Sold to Aergo Capital, and leased to Latin America Wings (LAW) as CC-AVL.

Sep 2018: Aergo leased to Star Air Cargo as ZS-TIW.

Oct 2020: Bought by Bank of Utah, and converted to a freighter as N569TM.

Asia Pacific Airlines’ N922TS

Asia Pacific Airlines’ fourth 757-200F is making its delivery flight from MCI to GUM (via HNL and MAJ). N922TS (c/n 24825, l/n 300), a 757-260PF, is making the MCI-HNL segment using its registration, and the HNL-MAJ-GUM segments as a revenue flight, MGE302.

The former N754CS was ferried from MIA to MCI for final prep work, and received its present registration there as well.

OE-IGV

Avolon Leasing is ferrying OE-IGV (msn 3457) from KUL to TUS, via GUM and HNL. This white tail A320-214 is making an overnight stop at HNL tonight.

3457’s history

Apr 2008: Originally delivered to IndiGo as VT-INS, under lease from Allco Aviation.

Jan 2011: It was sold to HKAC, and the lease transferred.

Jan 2016: Avolon acquired this A320, and transferred the lease, and was withdrawn from service in Feb 2020, and stored at KUL.

United Airlines Announces New Hawai‘i Routes

This morning, United Airlines announced new services from the mainland to the Hawaiian Islands that will begin later this year. 

For HNL, United will launch daily 737-724 service from SNA on May 6th. This will be the airline's eighth mainland gateway. The last service between SNA and HNL was with Aloha Airlines, that operated from 2000 to March 2008, when the airline shutdown.

For OGG, United will launch four-times-weekly 767-300ER service from EWR on June 3rd. EWR will be United's fifth gateway to serve Kahului.

For KOA, United will launch four-times-weekly 787-8 service from ORD, also beginning on June 3rd. ORD is fourth gateway to serve Kona.

Further information is in this United Airlines press release.

Allegiant Airlines’ RP-C3262

Allegiant Airlines is taking delivery of their latest A320-214, RP-C3262 (msn 4537), and is making an overnight stop at HNL tonight. Its delivery flight route is from CAN to SJO, via MNL, GUM, HNL, and ONT. It will be re-registered as N288NV.

4537’s history

Dec 2010: Originally delivered to Cebu Pacific Air in December 2010. 

Mid-2015: Painted into their current livery.

Nov 2017: Sold to Arena Aviation Capital, and leased back, then withdrawn from service in Sep 2020 and stored at CAN.

Dec 2020: Acquired by Allegiant Airlines.

C-GKSN

C-GKSN (msn 493), a DHC-6-300 Twin Otter owned by Beau Del Leasing of Calgary, AB, Canada, is making a delivery flight from YBW [Springbank Airport, Calgary, AB, Canada] to CGK, via BOI, SMX, HNL, MAJ, and BIK. It's not known who the new lessee will be.

Twin Otter World has a complete history of C-GKSN.

Solomon Airlines' N805RT

Solomon Airlines is taking delivery of N805RT (msn 470). This DHC-6-300 Twin Otter is flying from F70 [French Valley Airport, Murieta, CA] to HIR [Honaira International Airport, Solomon Islands], via SMX, HNL and MAJ. It's owned by Ikhana Aircraft Holdings of Murieta, CA, and has a decal on the nose of this "Twotter".

Twin Otter World has the complete history of MSN 470.

Southwest Airlines To Add LGB-OGG Service

With the addition of slots at the Long Beach Airport allotted to Southwest Airlines, the airline announced six more routes from LGB, one of which is OGG, that begins on March 11th.

Previously, Southwest announced that HNL was in the initial destinations from LGB. The Dallas-based carrier will compete against Hawaiian Airlines at Long Beach.

Further information in this Southwest Airlines press release.

Nauru Airlines' VH-YNU

Nauru Airlines is ferrying another 737-300, VH-YNU (c/n 25607, l/n 3127) from BNE to MIA, via INU, HNL and VNY, for freighter conversion. This 737-319, making an overnight stop at HNL, will spend a few months at MIA before returning to the Nauru Airlines fleet.

25067’s history

Oct 1999: Originally delivered to Air New Zealand as ZK-NGH, and flew until Nov 2014.

Dec 2014: Acquired by Nauru Airlines as VH-YNU.

‘Ohana by Hawaiian Suspends Operations

With the US Department of Transportation's decision to award the non-funded Essential Air Service (EAS) contract to Mokulele Airlines for MKK and LNY, Hawaiian Airlines has suspended operations of its ‘Ohana by Hawaiian subsidiary as of today. Both Empire Airlines (who handles the ATR42 and ATR72 operations) and Hawaiian Airlines will keep a minimal staff on-hand to maintain the fleet as it sits in storage at HNL.

Further details in this CH-Aviation.com report.

Alliance Airlines' N932QQ

Alliance Airlines is taking delivery of their third ERJ-190AR, N932QQ (msn 190000212). It's making its delivery flight from SJO to BNE, via SDM, HNL, and MAJ, as SXI2101. N932QQ is making its stop at HNL from SDM tonight, and continue onto MAJ tomorrow morning. It will receive its Australian registration, VH-UYY, after it completes its delivery flight.

19000212’s history

Oct 2008: Originally delivered to Copa Airlines as HP-1568CMP, and flew to March 2020.

Nov 2020: Sold to TVPX as N932QQ, then sold to Alliance Airlines.

Sriwijaya Air's PK-CLC Crash

Sriwijaya Air's 737-524, PK-CLC "Citra" (c/n 27323, l/n 2616), crashed several minutes after takeoff from CGK. The 737, flying as SJY182 [CGK-PNK], plunged from over 10,000' to the ocean. All 62 souls aboard perished in the crash.

Our thoughts and prayers go out to the families of the lost.

Further information in this World Airline News coverage.

PK-CLC was a 26-year-old originally delivered to Continental Airlines as N27610. In April 2012, N27610 ferried through HNL on its way to CGK to join the Sriwijaya fleet.

HNL RareBirds 15th Anniversary

Hau‘oli Makahiki Hou! Happy New Year!

HNLRareBirds.com is celebrating its 15th anniversary in 2021! Above is our commemorative logo that will appear in the lower right corner of our 2021 photos.

Sriwijaya Air's PK-CMF

Sriwijaya Ảir is ferrying PK-CMF "Kemurnian" (c/n 32885, l/n 1147) from CGK to MZJ, via GUM and HNL. This 737-86Q is being ferried by Jet Test as JTN347.

32885 was originally purchased by Bouillion Air Services, then leased to Hainan Airlines in June 2002 as B-2675. It was sold to Aviation Capital Group in June 2005, transferred, and painted in the 2007 livery. B-2675 was returned to ACG in August 2014. Three months later, it leased to Sriwijaya Air as PK-CMF. from March 2017 to March 2019, it was a logojet for MXGP of Indonesia.

Nauru Airlines' N732NA

Nauru Airlines 737-3U3, N732NA (c/n 28732, l/n 2966), is returning from MIA after it underwent freighter conversion. It stopped through HNL as VH-ONU, and will receive the same registration when it returns to Nauru. It made a stop at VNY before arriving at HNL, and will continue onto INU and BNE. This 737-300 is scheduled to ferry back as a freighter some time in May.

Mele Kalikimaka! 🎄

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

Con-Air's C-FFQE

Con-Air Aerial Firefighting's Dash8-Q400MR, C-FFQE (msn 4325, f/n 141), is returning to its YXX base.  It's making its way from BDB, via CNS, GUM, HNL, and OAK as FGD141. It arrived at HNL late last night.

American Airlines To Add CLT-HNL

American Airlines is going to restart the old short-lived US Airways service between CLT and HNL from May to September 2021. The seasonal six-times-per-week service will be flown with 777-200ERs.

In December 2009, US Airways launched daily service between CLT and HNL. The service lasted for about two years.

Hawaiian Airlines Takes The Rainbow Warriors Bowling

Hawaiian Airlines is flying the University of Hawai‘i Rainbow Warriors football team to DAL (via LAX) for their New Mexico Bowl matchup against the University of Houston Cougars on Christmas Eve. The game was moved to Frisco, TX due to the China Corona Virus pandemic situation in Albuquerque, NM. N215HA "Uhiuhi" (msn 8266) is making the flight as HAL776, and will return following the game as HAL777.

12.23.20 UPDATE

N215HA ferried from DAL to BIF [Biggs Army Airfield, Fort Bliss, TX] as HAL8932, and made a military charter flight to LEX as HAL1932, then returned to DAL as HAL9932.

ZIPAIR Tokyo Launches NRT-HNL Service

ZIPAIR Tokyo [ZG/TZP], Japan Airlines' international low-cost carrier off-shoot, began service to HNL from HNL as TZP2 this morning. The return flight left a few hours later as TZP1. JA825J (c/n 34835, l/n 33) made the inaugural service.

Virgin Australia Returns Two 737-8FEs

Virgin Australia is returning two 737-8FEs to Aviation Capital Group (ACG) today. They are making their ferry flights from BNE to the US mainland via GUM, MAJ, and HNL, by Jet Test [JTN].

N341CG (c/n 34441, l/n 2015), formerly VH-VUI "Kewarra Beach", is making its ferry flight as JTN335. VH-VUI was originally delivered to Virgin Blue as "Brandi Blue" in August 2006. It was sold to Goshawk Aviation in September 2014 and leased back. In February 2016, it was acquired ACG, and withdrawn from service in March 2020.

N343CG (c/n 34443, l/n 2056), formerly VH-VUJ "Rosebud Beach", is making its ferry flight as JTN336. VH-VUJ was originally delivered to Virgin Blue as "Suzzie Blue" in September 2006. It was sold to Goshawk Aviation in June 2014 and leased back. In January 2016, it was acquired ACG, and withdrawn from service in March 2020.

OE-IRE

OE-IRE (msn 1562), an A330-343, owned by BBAM, is being ferried from SIN to the mainland via GUM and HNL.

1562 was originally delivered to Singapore Airlines in September 2014 as 9V-SSD, leased from BBAM. It was withdrawn from service in March 2020. It has since been painted all white.

Alliance Airlines' N974QQ

Alliance Airlines is taking delivery of their first Embraer ERJ-190AR, N974QQ (msn 19000174). It's making its delivery flight from SJO to BNE, via SDM, BNE, OAK, HNL and TRW [Bonriki International Airport, Tarawa, Kiribati]. It will be receive its Australian registry after arrival at BNE.

19000174 was originally delivered to Copa Airlines in May 2008 as HP-1567CMP, and flew with Copa until March 2020. Seven months later, it was acquired by TVPX Solutions as N974QQ.

UNLV Team Charter

The University of Nevada Las Vegas (UNLV) arrives this evening on a team chartered Hawaiian Airlines A321-271N for tomorrow's game against the University of Hawai‘i Rainbow Warriors. N214HA is making the flight from LAS as HAL773. The team will return to LAS following the game as HAL774.

Hawaiian Airlines Announces Four New Routes

Hawaiian Airlines announced today, that they will add four new routes to their network beginning in March 2021. Beginning on March 9, 2021, Hawaiian will launch daily A321-271N service between OGG and LGB as HAL72/71. Two days later, the airline will launch twice-weekly A330-243 service between HNL and MCO [Orlando, FL] as HAL86/85. On March 16th, Hawaiian will re-launch service between HNL and ONT, with a five-times weekly A321-271N flights. On April 21st, Hawaiian will launch twice-weekly A330-243 service between HNL and AUS [Austin, TX].

From 2002 to 2004, Hawaiian had DC-10-10 service between HNL and ONT.

Further information in this Hawaiian Airlines press release.

Allegiant Air's RP-C3261

Allegiant Air is taking delivery of its next A320-214, RP-C3261 (msn 4508). It's making its delivery flight from CAN to BQN (via MNL, GUM, HNL, and ONT) as CEB3261.

4508 was originally delivered to Cebu Pacific in December 2010 as RP-C3261, leased from Arena Aviation Capital. It was also painted in the current livery in 2016, and flew with Cebu Pacific until March 2020.

Interjet's VP-BJN

VP-BJN (msn 7348), a former Interjet A321-211, is ferrying from VCV to SIN, via HNL and GUM. This A321 is owned by the BOC Aviation, and the third of three leased to Interjet ferried to SIN.

7348 was delivered to Interjet in October 2016 as XA-AJB, leased from BOC Aviation. It flew with Interjet until the end of March, and stored at VCV in April, due to the downturn in air travel from the China Corona Virus.

San José State Team Charter

With the University of Hawai‘i Rainbow Warriors road game to play the San José State University Spartans relocated to Hawai‘i, due to the China Corona Virus restrictions in Santa Clara County, CA, the Spartans are chartering a Hawaiian Airlines A321-271N for their game. N220HA is making the inbound flight rom OAK, as HAL747.

All Nippon Airways' JA8174

Our December edition of "HNL RareBirds Classic" features All Nippon Airways' 747-281B, JA8174 (c/n 23501, l/n 648), departing Runway 8R as it returns to NRT.

23501 was originally delivered to ANA in June 1986, and flew with the airline until 2005. From August 1989 to March 1990, ANA operated it for Australian Airlines.  In November 2005, it was bought by Air Universal as AP-BIC, and leased to Pakistan International Airlines in December 2006 for an unknown duration. In March 2008, it was acquired by Hellenic Imperial Airways as SX-TIC, and flew with the airline until 2016. After it was withdrawn from service, it was flown to KHI [Jinnah International Airport, Karachi, Pakistan], where it currently sits in storage.

University of Nevada Team Charter

The University of Nevada Wolf Pack football team is chartering a Hawaiian Airlines A321-271N for their Saturday evening road game against the University of Hawai‘i Rainbow Warriors. N226HA is making the trip from RNO, with a stop as OAK, as HAL771. The Wolf Pack will return following the game as HAL772.

Tigerair Australia's VH-VNO

Tigerair Australia is returning VH-VNO (msn 4053) to GECAS. This A320-232 is ferrying from MEL to SBD, via PPG and HNL.

4053 was originally delivered to Tiger Airways [Singapore] in October 2009 as 9V-TAL, under lease from GECAS. In March 2010, it was transferred to Tiger Airways Australia as VH-VNO. In July 2013, the airline rebranded as Tigerair Australia. VH-VNO was sold to Avolon, and the lease continued with Tigerair Australia. Due the China Corona Virus pandemic, it was withdrawn from service, and stored at MEL.

Conair's C-GVFK

Conair's C-GVFK (s/n E2268, l/n 391) is making it's annual trip South for the Australian Summer Fire season.

Boise State Team Charter

The Boise State University Broncos is chartering a Hawaiian Airlines A330-243, N382HA, for their Saturday night road game against the University of Hawai‘i Rainbow Warriors. N382HA is flying from BOI as HAL769, and will return the team to BOI as HAL770.

Southwest Airlines Announces Long Beach Service

As part of an announcement of new routes, Southwest Airlines will add service between LGB [Long Beach, CA] and HNL, that will start on March 11, 2021. The airline was awarded more slots at LGB after jetBlue Airlines surrendered all of their slots. This new service will compete against the two flights that Hawaiian Airlines has out of LGB.

Further details in this Southwest Airlines press release.

Allegiant Airlines' N286NV

Allegiant Airlines is taking delivery of its next A320-214, N286NV (msn 4447, f/n 286). It's making its delivery flight from HKG to BQN [Aguadilla, PR], via GUM, MAJ, HNL, and TUS. It's making an overnight stop at HNL tonight.

4447 was originally delivered to Cebu Pacific in October 2010 as RP-C3260. In 2016, it was painted into the current livery, and flew with CEB until May 2020, then stored at CAN from July to October, when it was flown to HKG to repaint into the Allegiant livery.

FAA Clears The 737 MAX To Fly

Today, the Federal Aviation Administration cleared the way for airlines to resume 737 MAX 8, MAX 9, and MAX 10 service. All US carriers must update their flight crew and maintenance trainings before the airliners return to service. Many delivered and undelivered 737 MAXs have been in storage for the past 18 months following the two fatal accidents. In the US, American Airlines, Southwest Airlines, and United Airlines currently have MAX variants. Alaska Airlines has MAX9s on order.

The European Union and Canadian aviation safety agencies are next up to re-certify the 737 MAX.

Boeing will also remove the MAX name from the 737, and each variant will be known as the 737-7, 737-8, 737-9, and 737-10.

Further information in this FAA news release, Boeing Mediaroom release, and Airways Magazine report.

Antonov Airlines' UR-82029

Antonov Airlines' An-124-100, UR-82029 (c/n 19530502630, l/n 02-10), is making a stop tonight at HNL from NTL [Newcastle, Australia] via BNE as ADB3581. It will continue onto YMX.

Korean Air To Acquire Asiana Airlines

In a move to bolster South Korean commercial air travel, Korean Air announced today that they acquiring rival Asiana Airlines for over $1.6B USD. This merger would put the new Korean Air in the top ten in terms of airline size. The move by Korean Air's parent company Hanjin KAL, was partially due to the effects of the China Corona Virus pandemic on the airline industry as a whole. Prior to the pandemic, Asiana was experiencing financial troubles, and the current state of affairs made their situation much worse. This move should ensure the survivability of the South Korean airline industry, especially when it comes to international routes. The combined fleet will be over 250 aircraft with many common types.

Further details in this SamChui.com article.

Qantas' 100th Anniversary

Qantas Airways celebrates its 100th anniversary today. The Sydney Harbour Bridge was lit up in white and red LEDs as their 100th anniversary-liveried 787-9, VH-ZNJ (c/n 66074, l/n 929), made a pass above the bridge.

Video footage from SamChui.com.

Qantas has been a mainstay at HNL for decades from SYD.

Hawaiian Airlines To Keep 717-200s

Hawaiian Airlines plans to keep the 717-200 as the backbone of its inter-island fleet until at least mid-decade, or into the latter part of the decade. In an article at SimpleFlying.com, the airline said the 717 is the best airliner for the operation, and with the current environment, the airline has not begun to look for a replacement.

Starlux Airlines Proposes A TPE-HNL Route

Starlux Airlines, Taiwan's newest airline, was granted new international routes with A350-900s and A350-1000s possibly beginning in 2022. One of the routes announced was Honolulu. Service would be with A350-900s, and would be competing with China Airlines' A350-900s.

Further information in this CH-Aviation.com article.

Northern Air Cargo's N379CX

Northern Air Cargo is ETOPS testing one of its 767-300ERFs, N379CX (c/n 25199, l/n 433) from MIA as NAC9001/9002.

India Navy's N490DS

The Indian Navy is taking delivery of their eighth P-8I Neptune (737-8F.V), N490DS (c/n 64890, l/n 7757). It's making its delivery flight from BFI to India as BOE231, and is making an overnight stop at HNL

Interjet's VP-BJT

VP-BJT (msn 7358), a former Interjet A321-211 leased from BOC is ferrying from VCV to SIN, via HNL and GUM, similar to sister-ship VP-BJK. It delivered to Interjet in October 2016 as XA-GEO, and was returned to BOC in March 2020.

Hau‘oli Lā Hānau Hawaiian Airlines!

Hawaiian Airlines celebrates its 91st anniversary of its first flight today.

Hawaiian Flies New Mexico Team Charter

Hawaiian Airlines is flying the team charter for the University of New Mexico Lobos football team for their game on Saturday, in Honolulu against the University of Hawai‘i Rainbow Warriors. N393HA "Lehuakona" (msn 1422, f/n 393) is making the trip from LAS to HNL, and the A330-243 is flying as HAL767, due arrive this evening. The team will return to LAS following the game, late Saturday night as HAL768.

Due to a surge of COVID cases in Albuquerque, NM, the Lobos have relocated to Las Vegas to practice, and play home games at the Sam Boyd Silverbowl for this season.

11.08.20 UPDATE

N393HA made the return trip to LAS.

Aloha Air Cargo's N361NC Flown To OPF

Aloha Air Cargo, and it's parent company Saltchuk Corporation, has ferried N361NC (c/n 23260, l/n 1146) from HNL to OPF, via OAK. This 737-301SF is being ferried for storage, as it's being put up for sale.

Mitsubishi Suspends SpaceJet Program

CH-Aviation.com reports that the Mitsubishi SpaceJet (formerly the MRJ) program will be suspended until mid-decade partially due to the China Corona Virus pandemic and the certification process. Mitsubishi hopes to restart program in 2024.

Delta Air Lines' N837MH

Our November edition of "HNL RareBirds Classic" goes back December 2005 with Delta Air Lines' 767-432ER, N837MH (c/n 29710, l/n 820, f/n 1813), wearing the "Colors In Motion" livery, departing Runway 22L.

N837MH was delivered to Delta in December 2000, and continues to fly for the airline. In spring 2010, it was painted to the current livery.

Interjet's VP-BJK

VP-BJK (msn 7311), a former Interjet A321-211, is ferrying from VCV to SIN, via HNL, and GUM. It's making an overnight stop at HNL. The former XA-JPB, is an A321 is owned by BOC, and was leased to Interjet in autumn 2016, and returned in March 2020.