Ukraine Air Alliance's UR-CAJ

UR-CAJ (msn 8346106), an An-12BK from Ukraine Air Alliance made a brief fuel stop at HNL this afternoon. It's flying from AKL to SBD, via NAN, MAJ, and HNL, as UKL5025.

Nauru Airlines Cleared For HNL Service

CH-Aviation reports that the governments of Nauru and the Marshall Islands have reached an agreement that would allow Nauru Airlines to serve HNL from INU [Nauru International Airport, Yaren, Nauru] via MAJ. Nauru Airlines already obtained approval from the US DOT for scheduled service to GUM and charter service to HNL, but need an intermediary stop for HNL. No timeline has been set for the INU-MAJ-HNL service, except that it is the early stages of planning.

Nauru Airlines has a 737-79L, VH-INU (c/n 34538, l/n 1853), and a 737-83N, VH-AN2 (c/n 30660, l/n 1330) that would be able to make the flights.

Air China's B-223X

Air China is taking delivery of B-223X (c/n 60934, l/n 8197) today. This 737-8 is making its delivery flight from BFI to PEK, via HNL and GUM, as CCA80, and will overnight at HNL.

Bonza's C-FLKC

Bonza Airline is returning C-FLKC (c/n 61807, l/n 7802, f/n 906) to sister-airline Flair Airlines. This 737-8 is returning to YYC from OOL, with a stop at HNL, as FLE906.

C-FLKC stopped through HNL this past November on its way to OOL.

9Air's B-224V

9Air is taking delivery of their 1st 737-8 since October 2018, today. B-224V (c/n 61384, l/n 7953) is making its delivery flight from BFI to CAN, via JRF, GUM, and PVG, as JYH224. This 737-8 has the orange tail, winglets and titles variation. This is also JRF's second 737 delivery flight in three days.

Donghai Airlines' B-224A

Donghai Airlines is taking delivery of their first 737-8, B-224A (c/n 61291, l/n 8225), this afternoon, and is their first delivery since 2019. Donghai has also changed the livery on the 737-8s to feature billboard titles in Chinese, replacing the two-tone blue wave stripes. This 737-8 is making its delivery flight from BFI to SZX, via JRF and GUM, as EPA166, and will overnight at JRF.

Donghai Airlines had seven new-build 737-8s in storage during the grounding and pandemic. Last year, they sold three 737-8s to GOL Airlines, and two to Akasa Air.

Jack Harter Helicopters' N633JH Crashes On Kaua‘i

N633JH (msn 0230E), a McDonnell-Douglas MD500E, owned by Jack Harter Helicopters of Līhuʻe, went down on Honopu Beach, on the northwest coastline of Kauaʻi. Thankfully, all four on board survived the crash, though one passenger required hospitalization.

Hawaii News Now coverage.

Air Rescue Systems has a video clip that was shot by someone on-board N633JH that flight.

Delta Air Lines To Increase Winter Service

Delta Air Lines announced today that they will be launching seasonal daily service between BOS and HNL. This route is scheduled to begin on 21 November 2024, and run through 30 April 2025. The airline did not disclose the fleet type that will be operating this service.

Delta will also add a second daily seasonal flight between SLC and HNL from 06 November 2024 through 29 March 2025; and a third daily seasonal flight between SEA and HNL from 21 December 2024 through 29 March 2025. OGG will also get seasonal non-stop service from ATL from 21 November 2024 through 29 March 2025. Fleet types for these flights have yet to be specified.

Further details in this Delta Air Lines press release.

Shandong Airlines' B-224R

Shandong Airlines is taking delivery of their first post-Covid and post-grounding 737-8 today. B-224R (c/n 61461, l/n 8260) is making its delivery flight from BFI to TNA, via HNL and GUM, as CDG9005, and will overnight at HNL tonight.

Southern Airways N592SA

Southern Airways Express moved N592SA (msn 208B2066) from KOA to HNL for preparations to be put into service. It's unknown how much of a livery will be added. There is small Southern Airways decal at the passenger entry door.

Alliance Airlines' N296JB

Alliance Airlines is taking delivery of N296JB (msn 19000219) today. The ERJ-190AR is making its delivery flight from SJO to ADL, via SDM, OAK, HNL, MAJ, and BNE. It's being delivered by Southern Cross International as SXA2418.

19000219's History:

Nov 2008: Delivered to jetBlue Airways as N296JB "Blues Your Daddy" with the "Stripes" tail design.

Nov 2016: Repainted with the "Tartan" tail design.

Feb 2021" Renamed "Blue Thumbs Up".

Oct 2022: Withdrawn from service, and stored at MZJ.

08 Mar 2024 UPDATE

Re-registered as VH-A2U.

N781HA's Blessing

Hawaiian Airlines held a blessing and naming ceremony for their first Boeing 787-9 DreamLiner. The event featured an ‘oli (chant) by several students from the Mālama Honua Public Charter School of Waimānalo, remarks by Hawaiian Airlines' Director of Community and Cultural Relations Debbie Nakanelua-Richards, President and CEO Peter Ingram, and Boeing's VP of Commercial Marketing Darren Hulst.

N781HA (c/n 66429, l/n 1172, f/n 781) was given the name, Kapuahi, or Aldebaran, a giant red star. The entiere 787-9 fleet will be given names of constellations in ʻŌlelo Hawaiʻi, as with their A330-243 fleet.

Further details of the blessing in this Hawaiian Airlines Manaʻo blog post.

Watch our blessing and 787 preview video on our YouTube channel.

Xiamen Air B-20EK

Xiamen Air is taking delivery of their first post-Covid 737-8 today. B-20EK (c/n 43839, l/n 8076) is making its delivery flight from BFI to XMN, via HNL and GUM, as CXA800. It will overnight at HNL tonight.

AirAsia X To Restart KUL-HNL?

In an AirAsia news release, the airline intimated that they are planning to relaunch service between KUL and HNL as part of its international expansion, and fleet renewal plan. However, this time it will be with their A330-900N  fleet, which would allow them to fly non-stop between the two cities. Previously, the airline's AirAsia X subsidiary flew A330-300s (above) between KUL and HNL, but had a stopover at KIX, that ran from June 2018 until the early stages of the Corona Virus pandemic.

Further details in this AirAsia press release ... check out the map.

In this CH-Aviation.com article, Capital A, the holding company for the AirAsia brands, plans to consolidate of their airlines under the AirAsia X brand this year.

N1214P

Pago Wings is taking delivery of their third Tecnam P2012 Traveler, N1214P (msn 061/US), this evening. This P2012 began its delivery flight from QIU to HNL on 16 January, and arrived this evening. It made stops in VLC, CAT, SMA, YYT, BGR, AGC, BIL, QSA, UKI, and MRY.

QantasLink's VH-NXG

National Jet Systems is having VH-NXG "Brindabella National Park" (c/n 55057, l/n 5020) from CBR to VCV. Southern Cross International is ferrying this 717-2K9 as SXI2414 from CBR to APW, and QFA6070 from APW to HNL.

55057's History:

Apr 2000: Delivered to Impulse Airlines as VH-LAX, under lease from BIAL.

May 2001: Operated for QantasLink.

May 2004: Leased to Jetstar Airways.

Nov 2005: Leased to National Jet Systems to operate for QantasLink.

Dec 2005: Re-registered as VH-NXG "Brindabella National Park".

Jun 2011: Acquired by ANZ Banking Group, and the lease transferred.

Jun 2016: Purchased by National Jet Systems.

Sep 2022: Painted in the current Qantas livery

Jan 2024: Withdrawn from service, and stored at CBR.

Hawaiian Airlines Stockholders Approve Alaska Airlines Acquisition

Hawaiian Airlines announced today that their stockholders approved the buyout offer from Alaska Air Group. The acquisition still needs to be approved by federal regulators, and closing agreements between the two airlines.

N488AY

N488AY (c/n 23488, l/n 1352), a 737-376F owned by Automatic LLC, is being ferried to MZJ from MEL, via BNE, MAJ, and HNL.

23488's History:

Apr 1987: Delivered to Australian Airlines as VH-TAW "Progress".

Oct 1993: Integrated into the Qantas Airways fleet, after the takeover of Australian Airlines.

Jly 2003: Transferred to Jetconnect to operate for Qantas as ZK-JNH.

Apr 2006: Returned to Qantas as VH-XMO.

Oct 2006: Converted to a freighter, then acquired by Australian airExpress (Qantas Group).

May 2013: Transferred to Express Freighters (Qantas Group).

Apr 2016: StarTrack decals applied.

Apr 2020: Australia Post decals applied.

Jan 2024: Withdrawn from service, and acquired by Automatic LLC.

China Southern Airlines' B-20CS

China Southern Airlines is taking delivery of B-20CS (c/n 63285, l/n 7754) today, This 737-8 is making its delivery from BFI to CAN, via HNL, GUM, and TSN, as CSN5034, and will overnight at HNL tonight.

Hawaiian Airlines' N781HA

Hawaiian Airlines is taking delivery of their first 787-9 DreamLiner, N781HA (c/n 66429, l/n 1172, f/n 781) tonight. It's making its delivery flight from CHS to HNL as HAL9787.

N799AL Relocated

N799AL (c/n 45922, l/n 335), the former Air Transport International DC-8-62CF that was owned by the Naval Air Museum at Barbers Point, was moved from the main RON ramp to the Kalaeloa Soundstages across Midway Street. It appears that the production company for "NCIS Hawai‘i" is now using some of the soundstages, since "Magnum P.I." ended production. It looks like N799AL will be used in episodes of "NCIS Hawai‘i".

N799AL was de-registered by Cargo Aircraft Management in 2018. It was registered to the museum, but that has ended with its closure.

Video clip of N799AL being towed to the soundstages.

N240VA Emergency Landing in Lualualei

N240VA (msn 12015), a Vans RV-12, owned by Pacific Flight Academy, made an emergency landing at Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam's Lualualei Naval Station, in Ma‘ili, this morning. Both occupants were uninjured in the grassy field landing. The RV-12 departed from JRF at 09:53HAST, and flew along the Wai‘anae Coast before toward land over Ma‘ili.

Coverage from Hawaii News Now ...

VP-CTT

VP-CTT (c/n 38751, l/n 3796), Phenix Jet's 737-7ZH BBJ, is making its first 2024 stop at HNL.

Air China B-20DR

Air China is taking delivery of their first 737-8 that has been in storage. B-20DR (c/n 60925, l/n 7838) is making its delivery flight from BFI to PEK, via PAE, HNL, and GUM, as CCA80, and will overnight at HNL.

QantasLink's VH-NXL

National Jet Systems is ferrying VH-NXL "Daintree National Park" (c/n 55093, l/n 5083) from CBR to VCV, via APW and HNL. Southern Cross International is ferrying this 717-231 as SXI2411. The APW-HNL segment is being flown as QFA6701.

55093's History:

Sep 2001: Delivered to Trans World Airlines as N426TW (f/n 2426), under lease from Pembroke.

Dec 2001: Intergrated into the American Airlines fleet following the merger.

May 2002: Leased to Impulse Airlines as VH-VQG, and operated for QantasLink.

May 2004: Leased to Jetstar Airways.

Feb 2006: Re-registered as VH-YQG.

Mar 2007: Sold to GGAM, and leased to National Jet Systems as VH-NXL, to operate for QantasLink.

Oct 2011: Sold to BBAM, and the lease transferred.

Mar 2013: Sold to Falko, and the lease transferred.

Sep 2015: National Jet Systems purchased VH-NXL, and named it "Daintree National Park".

Kunming Airlines' B-224K

Kunming Airlines is taking delivery of their first 737-8 that has been in storage. B-224K (c/n 61709, l/n 7923) is making its delivery flight from BFI to KMG, via HNL, and GUM, as KNA224K, and will overnight at HNL.

China Southern Airlines' B-20CA

China Southern Airlines is taking delivery of their second 737-8 in a seven days. B-20CA (c/n 65256, l/n 7666) is making its delivery flight from BFI to CAN, via HNL, GUM and TSN, as CSN5033, and will overnight at HNL.

Japan Airlines Commemorates 70th Anniversary Of TransPacific Service

This morning, Japan Airlines commemorated its 70th anniversary of TransPacific service, with a special charter flight from NRT to HNL, as JAL604, that traced the original route flown by a DC-6, that overflew Wake Island, which was then a fuel stop. A 777-346ER, JA743J (c/n 36130, l/n 821), was used for the charter flight and arrived this morning. Following a short stopover, the flight continued onto SFO as JAL602.

Twenty years ago, Japan Airlines celebrated its 50th TransPacific service anniversary with life-size Douglas DC-6 decal applied to a 747-446, JA8906 (c/n 26350, l/n 961), seen above.

Alaska Airlines Returns Some 737-9s To Service

After completing its inspections, Alaska Airlines announced today that the first batch of 737-9s, will be put back into service.

Three Alaska 737-9s (N947AK, N983AK, and N912AK) remain at HNL following the stand-down, 947 and 983 are parked at on Taxiway F, while 912 is on the North Ramp.

China Southern Airlines' B-20C8

China Southern Airlines is taking delivery of their first 737-8 since the grounding was lifted, the pandemic, and the trade issues between the US and China. B-20C8 (c/n 63282, l/n 7703) is making its delivery flight from BFI to CAN, via HNL, SPN, and TSN, as CSN5073. It's scheduled to overnight at HNL.

This 737-8 was built in August 2019, made its first flight a month later, and  was placed into storage at MWH. It's the airlines' first 737-8 delivery since December 2018, and the airline expect to take delivery of all 26 of their 737-8s that are in storage.

ZK-LFW

ZK-LFW (msn 976), a British Aerospace Jetstream 3201, owned by Air Freight NZ Ltd, is ferrying from PMR [Palmerston North International Airport, Palmerston, North Island, NZ] to TUS, via AKL, APW, CXI, HNL, and MYF.

976's History:

Mar 1993: Delivered to Regionál Airlines as F-GMVJ.

Oct 1997: Leased to Air Normandie.

Oct 2001: Acquired by Trident Aviation Leasing, re-registered as G-BUUZ, and stored at LEZG.

May 2007: Acquired by IAP Group Australia as VH-OTR.

May 2012: Acquired by Vincent Aviation as ZK-LFW.

Oct 2014: Acquired by Air Freight NZ Ltd., and operated by Life Flight NZ

FAA Issues Safety Alert For The 737-900ER

The FAA issued a Safety Alert for airlines who operate the 737-900ER, as the mid-cabin door plug design is the same as the ones on the 737-9.

This new inspection will impact flights by Alaska Airlines and United Airlines to Hawai‘i.

QantasLink's VH-X4B

National Jet Systems is taking delivery of their second A220-300, VH-X4B "Koala" (msn 55269). It's making its delivery flight from YMX to CBR, via YVR, HNL, and NAN, as QJE6075.

Northern Air Cargo's N403YK

Northern Air Cargo is ferrying N403YK (c/n 25842, l/n 2228) from SLC to TNN, via OAK, ITO, MAJ, and GUM, for maintenance. this 737-436F is flying as NAC9403, and will make an overnight stop at ITO tonight.

25842's History:

Mar 1992: Delivered to British Airways G-DOCL "River Lune".

Sep 1998: Painted in the "Ndebele Martha" world tail design.

Jan 2006: Painted in the current livery.

Nov 2014: Withdrawn from service, and stored at VCV.

Oct 2015: Acquired by Automatic LLC, and converted to a freighter.

Apr 2018: Acquired by Cargo Aircraft Management, and leased to West Atlantic UK as G-NPTZ.

Aug 2019: Acquired by Northern Air Cargo as N403YK.

TNI Angkatan Udara's A-1344

Lockheed-Martin is delivering A-1344 (msn 5977) to TNI Angkatan Udara (Indonesian Air Force, IDAF). This C-130J-30 Super Hercules is flying from MGE to HLP (via SAN, HNL, MAJ, and GUM) as LAC5977, and is making an overnight stop at HNL. It's also wearing a temporary US registration, N5105A. This is the TNI-AU's fourth of five C-130Js to be delivered of the five that were ordered.

Sentry Aloha 24-01

The Hawai‘i Air National Guard's 199th Fighter Squadron / 154th Wing is hosting Sentry Aloha 24-01. The two-week one exercise will also include F-35C Lightning IIs, FA-18 Super Hornets, and EA-18G Growlers from the US Navy's VX-9, as wells an E-7A Wedgetail from the RAAF.

KOA's Runway 17/35 Closed

The Hawai‘i Department of Transportation (HDOT) has closed KOA's Runway 17/35, and suspended operations at 16:25HAST, due to significant cracks found in the asphalt, partially accelerated from the recent heavy rains. As of 17:40HAST, HDOT-A crews are trying to determine how much usable runway is there to allow restricted operations, as well as planning emergency repairs.

KOA has a variety of aircraft ranging from single-engine general aviation plans to Boeing 777-200ERs that serve this west Hawai‘i Island airport.

15 Jan 2024, 20:20HAST UPDATE

HDOT announced that crews are working to patch the section of Runway 17/35, and have the runway ready for operation by sunrise, 16 Jan 2024.

16 Jan 2024, 03:05HAST UPDATE

HDOT announced that KOA will be open for operations from 06:00.

06:30HAST UPDATE

FlightAware shows that the first arrival into KOA was UPS4965 from HNL at 06:05, and the first departure is AAH447 scheduled for 08:01

LATAM's N572LA

Nomadic Aviation is ferrying LATAM's N572LA (c/n 41747, l/n 1034) from MIA to CAN, via JRF for freighter conversion. This 767-316ER is flying as OMD361, and will make a brief fuel stop at JRF this evening.

41747's History:

Aug 2012: Delivered to LAN Airlines as CC-BDG.

Nov 2013: Acquired by TAM Linhas Aéreas as PT-MSO.

May 2016: Integrated into the LATAM Brazil fleet following the LAN/TAM merger.

Oct 2023: Withdrawn from service, and stored at QSC.

Dec 2023: Ferried to MIA for storage.

Malaysia Airlines' 9M-MVB

Today, Malaysia Airlines' 9M-MVB (c/n 66440, l/n 8801) is the first TransPacific 737MAX delivery for 2024. This 737-8 is making its delivery flight from BFI to KUL, via HNL and GUM, as MAS5041. It will overnight at HNL tonight.

QantasLink's VH-YQU

Southern Cross International is ferrying VH-YQU "Royal National Park" (c/n 55180, l/n 5132) from CBR to VCV, via APW and HNL, as SXI2402. The APW-HNL leg is being flown as QFA6070. This 717-2BL was part of the National Jet Systems fleet, and operated for QantasLink.

55180's History:

Jun 2004: Delivered to Midwest Airlines as N918ME, under lease from Boeing Capital Corporation (BCC).

Mar 2009: Leased to Mexicana Click as XA-CLB.

Jan 2011: Returned to BCC, and stored at VCV, after Mexicana Click ceased operations.

Dec 2013: Leased to National Jet Systems as VH-YQU, and operated for QantasLink.

Jan 2021: Painted in the current livery, and named "Royal National Park".

NOAA's N49RF Returns

NOAA's Gulfstream G-IV, N49RF "Gonzo" (msn 1246) is back at HNL for testing and training. It arrived this afternoon from LGB.

Airfast Indonesia's PK-OFI

Airiest Indonesia is taking delivery of their first 737-8, PK-OFI (c/n 63970, l/n 7110), today. It's making its delivery flight from SBD to CGK, via ITO and GUM, as OTH2402.

63970's History:

Oct 2018: Delivered to Norwegian Air Shuttle as LN-BKE, "Hans Børli" tail artwork.

Oct 2019: Sold to Mitsui Bussan Aerospace, and leased back; then subleased to Norwegian Air Sweden as SE-RYB.

Jly 2021: Withdrawn from service, and stored at ILD.

Sep 2023: Leased to Airfast Indonesia, with the temporary registration of T7-OFI, and ferried to MZJ for storage.

Dec 2023: Ferried to SBD for repainting.

QantasLink's VH-8NP

Network Aviation is taking delivery of VH-8NP "Karajini" (msn 2470) today. This QantasLink-liveried A319-132 is flying from LCQ to PER, via OAK, HNL, MAJ, and CNS, is being ferried by Southern Cross International as SXI2377. This is the first of three second-hand A319s to be leased by Network Aviation from Gryphon Aviation Leasing, and operated for QantasLink.

2470's History

May 2005: Delivered to Spirit Airlines as N503NK "Spirit of the Caribbean" (f/n 503), under lease from ILFC.

Oct 2007: Painted in the 2007 livery, and the name removed.

May 2014: Sold to AerCap, the lease transferred, and painted in the 2014 livery.

May 2018: Purchased by Spirit Airlines.

Jan 2020: Given fleet number 1503.

Feb 2023: Withdrawn from service, and stored at P08 [Coolidge Muni Airport, Coolidge, AZ]

Apr 2023: Acquired by Gryphon Aviation Leasing, and stored at MCN.

Aug 2023: Ferried to LCQ for prep to QantasLink.

10 Jan 2024 UPDATE

SXI2377 departed for MAJ this afternoon.

D-AADS

ST Aerospace Resources is having D-AADS (msn 1763), ferried from CAN to SAT, via CRK, GUM, MAJ, HNL, and PHX. It arrived last night with an overnight stop at HNL. No information is known as to who this white-tail A321-231P2F will be leased or sold to.

1763's History:

Jun 2002: Delivered to Monarch Airlines as G-OZBF. 

Sep 2011: Sold to CIT Aerospace, and leased back.

Nov 2012: Painted in the 2012 Monarch livery.

Apr 2017: Sold to Avolon, and the lease transferred.

Oct 2017: Withdrawn from service, as Monarch ceased operations, and stored at SNN.

Mar 2018: Ferried to MPL for storage, and re-registered as OE-IFZ

Jun 2018: Leased to Red Wings as VP-BVQ.

Dec 2021: Withdrawn from service, returned to Avolon, and stored at TLL.

Mar 2023: Sold to ST Aerospace Resources, and ferried to CAN for freighter conversion.

Dec 2023: Re-registered as D-AADS.

13 Jan 2024 UPDATE

D-AADS will be sold to GlobalX Airlines as N435GX (f/n 435) after painting at SAT.

FAA Requires Inspections Of Some 737-9s

In light of the recent rapid decompression of the Alaska Airlines 737-9 door plug, the Federal Aviation Administration is requiring immediate grounding and inspections of 737-9 mid-cabin door plugs.

For Hawai‘i, other than Alaska Airlines, United Airlines has some west coast flights that use 737-9s, and the airline announced prior to the FAA notice, that they will voluntarily ground and inspect their fleet of 79 737-9s.

According to Airways Magazine, the EASA is adopting the FAA EAD, although the 737-9s flying in Europe are flown in high-density layouts. They also report that, globally, Aeroméxico (19), Copa Airlines (29), and Turkish Airlines (5), have also grounded their 737-9s for inspection. 

Alaska Airlines Grounds Its 737-9 Fleet

Alaska Airlines announced that they immediately grounding their 737-9 fleet following an incident this evening where a door plug separated from the fuselage about six minutes into its flight that departed from PDX. N704AL (c/n 67501, l/n 8789, f/n 704), a two-month-old 737-9, was flying as ASA1282 from PDX to ONT, when the incident occurred, and fortunately there were no casualties. Because of the airline's cabin configuration, the small exit door behind the wings are plugged, and not considered an exit. Regular cabin paneling covers the interior part of the door plug.

The airline issued a statement, that all 65 737-9s will be grounded to have those door plugs inspected. This will affect almost all of Alaska's flights to HNL; and to some degree, affect flights servicing OGG and KOA; LIH is unaffected, as the Alaska flights service there are done by 737-890s.

06 Jan 2024 UPDATE

Alaska Airlines canceled some of its Hawai‘i flights due to the grounding.

N227GV

N227GV (msn 19000159), an Embraer Lineage 1000 (ERJ-190-100 ECJ), owned by PT Indocater, and operated by Premiair, is making a stop at HNL from BUR. The flight originated at LAS, will continue onto GUM, then return to its base at DPS. This E190 does make occasional stops at HNL.

Pelita Air Service's PK-PWJ

Pelita Air Service is taking delivery of their latest A320-214, PK-PWJ (msn 4616). It arrived from VCV this morning, and will make its way to their base at PCB.

4616's History:

Mar 2011: Delivered to Virgin America as N840VA "bytheway" (f/n 640), under lease from Aviation Capital Group (ACG).

Jan 2018: Transferred to the Alaska Airlines fleet following the AS/VX merger.

Dec 2022: Withdrawn from service, and stored at SAT.

Aug 2023: Ferried to LCQ for storage, for a month, then back to SAT.

Nov 2023: Ferried to VCV for prep to Pelita Air.

Hauʻoli Makahiki Hou!

The HNL RareBirds™ team wishes you all a happy, healthy, and prosperous 2024! 🎉

Air Premia Launches ICN-HNL Service Today

South Korean hybrid carrier, Air Premia, commenced it's four-times-weekly service today from ICN as APZ5151. HL8517 (c/n 63314, l/n 664), a 787-9, made the inaugural flight, and will return to ICN as APZ5152 this afternoon. This scheduled charter service is scheduled up to 04 March 2024. It's not known if Air Premia will continue after the scheduled end date.

Mele Kalikimaka!

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

N53725 Accident On Maui

N53725 (msn 17274808), a Cessna 172P owned by Armin Engert of Kahului, went down shortly after take off this morning. All three aboard survived the crash near Kanaha Pond. Federal investigators will now work to determine the cause of the accident.

Further information in this Hawai‘i News Now report.

Hawai‘i Bowl Team Charters

The 2023 edition of the Easypost Hawai‘i Bowl features the matchup of the Coastal Carolina Chanticleers, from the Sun Belt Conference (Conway, South Carolina) and the San José State Spartans, from the Mountain West Conference (San José, California). Both teams are arriving today via Omni Air International from their respective cities.

The game is scheduled for Saturday, 23 Dec 2023, 17:30HAST, at the Clarence TC Ching Field, on the University of Hawai‘i at Mānoa campus. Both teams will return following the bowl game, with both aircraft will stay to the teams home.

Chanticleers Charter Flight:

Omni Air International 777-2U8ER N819AX (c/n 33681, l/n 479), from MYR to HNL as OAE1639.

Spartans Charter Flight:

Omni Air International 767-36NER N468AX (c/n 30115, l/n 863), from SJC to HNL as OAE1644.

23 Dec 2023 UPDATE

The Chanticleers held off a late Spartans rally to take the Easypost Hawai‘i Bowl trophy with a 24-14 win.

The return flights are OAE1651: HNL-MYR; and OAE1650: HNL-SJC.

QantasLink's VH-X4A

QantasLink operator National Jet Systems, is taking delivery of their first A220-300 (BD-500-1A11), VH-X4A "Minyma Kutjara Tjukurpa" (msn 55253). This special livery A220 is painted in a green Aborigine theme. It's making its delivery flight from YMX to SYD, via YVR, HNL, and NAN as QFA6075. VH-X4A is the first of 29 A220-300s for National Jet Systems.

The A220 series still carries the Bombardier model numbers in its classification. The A220-100 is labeled as (BD-500-1A10, formerly the CS100), with the Type Code of BCS1; and the A220-300 as (BD-500-1A11, formerly the CS300), with the Type Code of BCS3.

Hawaiian Airlines To Keep The 717s

According to an article published today on SimpleFlying.com, Alaska Airlines intends to keep the Hawaiian Airlines 717-200 fleet going for at least the next five years, before considering a replacement. Hawaiian has 19 in service, along with another four recently purchased from Boeing Capital, and in storage at VCV.

Big Island Jet Center Opens At KOA

KOA has a new fixed base operator on its south ramp. The Big Island Jet Center opened for business today. They will join Atlantic Aviation and Signature Flight Support on KOA's South Ramp.

N336CM

Cargo Aircraft Management (CAM) is ferrying N336CM (c/n 25170, l/n 564) from CAN to GUS [Peru, IN], via GUM, and HNL. This 737-31BERF just completed freighter conversion, is due to be leased to My Freighter (Uzbekistan). It's still wearing its Condor retro livery, and will be re-painted at GUS.

25170's History:

May 1994: Delivered to China Southern Airlines as B-2566, under lease from ILFC.

Dec 1998: Leased to Eurofly as EI-CRF.

Dec 2001: Leased to Alitalia, named "Umberto Nobile".

Aug 2012: Leased to Condor as D-ABUM "Achim", and painted in a retro livery.

Oct 2022: Withdrawn from service, and stored at HHN for three months, then to GYR.

Jun 2023: Acquired by CAM, as N336CM.

Jly 2023: Ferried to CAN for freighter conversion.

Bonza's C-FLHI

Bonza Airline is wet-leasing a second Flair Airlines 737-8. C-FLHI (c/n 61804, l/n 7683, f/n 903) is ferrying from YYC to OOL, via HNL and NAN, as FLE903. It will make a brief fuel-stop at HNL.

C-FLHI's History:

Jun 2021: Delivered to Flair Airlines, under lease from BOC Aviation.

Dec 2023: Subleased to Bonza Airline.

US Marshals Service's N311MS

N311MS (c/n 30670, l/n 1481), a 737-8Q8, owned by the US Marshals Service (US Department of Justice), is making a stop at HNL from OKC, via VCV, as DOJ96. It's doing a federal inmate transfer flight.

30670's History:

Apr 2004: Delivered to Miami Air International as N739MA (f/n 739), under lease from ILFC.

Jly 2007: Subleased to Martinair for two months.

Apr 2008: Subleased to Transavia Holland for four months.

Jun 2010: Subleased to Arkefly for three months, named "Ely" after return to Miami Air.

Jun 2011: Subleased to Arkefly for two months.

Jun 2012: Subleased to Arkefly for two months.

May 2014: Sold to AerCap, and the lease transferred.

Jun 2018: Operated for Transavia for four months.

Mar 2020: Withdrawn from service, and stored at MIA.

May 2020: Ferried to GYR for storage.

Sep 2020: Registered as N737AS, and painted in a special AerAware livery, for AerSale's AerAware Enhanced Flight Vision System flight test program.

Jan 2022: Leased to the US Marshals Service.

Apr 2022: Acquired by the Department of Justice, and re-registered as N311MS.

13 Dec 2023 UPDATE

N311MS returned to OKC, via VCV, as DOJ98.

REX Airlines’ VH-8ZL

REX Airlines is taking delivery of VH-8ZL (c/n 39604, l/n 4160). This 737-8EH, leased from DAE Capital, is making its delivery flight from GYR to BNE, via OGG and NAN. It will overnight at OGG tonight.

39604’s History:

Aug 2012: Delivered to GOL Airlines as PR-GUQ, under lease from AWAS.

Aug 2017: Sold to DAE Capital, and the lease transferred.

___ 2018: Repainted in the current livery.

Jan 2023: Withdrawn from service, and stored at GRU.

Sep 2023: Ferried to GYR for storage.

737MAXs Hinted As Hawaiian Airlines' 717-200 Replacement

During the acquisition presentation between Alaska Airlines and Hawaiian Airlines, it was noted on page 18, that the Alaska 737s, would be the prime candidate to replace the Hawaiian Airlines 717-200 fleet when that time comes. Alaska has several 737-8s have on order with Boeing, with a total of 85 MAX series on order.

Further analysis in this CH-Aviation report. The yet-to-be-certified 737-7 was also mentioned as a possible replacement, though the -7 has not been mentioned in Alaska's and Boeing's order book.

This past August, Hawaiian Airlines, prior to the acquisition, noted four types that were candidates to replace the 717-200 fleet. We did a comparison and analysis of the four types to see which would be the best fit. With the acquisition by Alaska Airlines, it seems like to be a moot point.

COMPARISON

The two big questions for the 737MAX as a 717 replacement are, will any of these candidates be able to handle the rigorous schedule that the 717-200s currently maintain, and will Hawaiian have to make adjustments to work with the LEAP-1B cool down times? With the multitude of inter-island flights, will they be able to accommodate available belly space that Hawaiian uses for a lot of their inter-island cargo operations? 

717-200: RR BR715 | 128 seats | 1,430nm range | 935 cu ft cargo

to

737-7: CFM LEAP-1B | 138-153 seats | 3,800nm range | 1,139 cu ft cargo

737-8: CFM LEAP-1B | 178 seats | 3,400nm range | 1,540 cu ft cargo

ANALYSIS

Engines: Both 737MAX variants use the CFM LEAP-1B series.

Seats: Both 737MAX variants offer more seating. At 138 seats, the 737-7 adds 10 more seats, especially with Hawaiian's two-class layout. With the 737-8's 178 seats, it could also allow inter-island flight schedules to be consolidated.

Range: Both 737MAX variants offer ETOPS capability to Hawaiian's west coast destinations they choose to fly from any of the islands.

Cargo Volume: Both 737MAX variants offer more cargo belly space.

The 737-7 comes closest to the 717-200, but it's has not been decided by Alaska Airlines to add this variant to their order book.

N194AA

Nomadic Aviation is ferrying N194AA (c/n 32388, l/n 983) from XMN to GYR, via GUM and JRF, as OMD311. This white-tail 757-223F, owned by AerSale, completed freighter conversion, and being readied for its next lessee. N194AA stopped through JRF in March 2023 en route to freighter conversion.

N691YW Crashes In Kapolei

N691YW (msn 40.690), a Diamond Aircraft DA-40, owned by George's Aviation, crashed in an empty lot in Kapolei. Both aboard survived, but a 77-year-old was injured, and required hospitalization. The aircraft departed HNL at 12:34L for JRF.

Further details in this Hawai‘i News Now report. N691YW's flight track via Flight Aware flight history.

Southern Airways Express Ferries Its 3 P2012s To HNL

Southern Airways is having its three Tecnam P2012 Travelers from GUM, where that had been in storage since the shutdown of the Marianas Southern Air venture in April 2023. N401CJ (msn 049/US), N503SA (msn 041/US), and N504SA (msn 048/US) all departed GUM for MAJ on 21 Nov 2023.

 N401CJ and N504SA are making their flights from MAJ today, while N503SA remains at MAJ.

These P2012s will be integrated into the Southern / Mokulele operations here is Hawai‘i, as some of the Mokulele C208Bs are due for maintenance.

07 Dec 2023 UPDATE

N503SA is making its ferry flight today. All 3 P2012s will be parked on the Magnum Helicopters ramp.

Alaska Airlines To Acquire Hawaiian Airlines

Alaska Airlines and Hawaiian Airlines announced this morning that the former will acquire the latter for $1.9B USD. Part of the agreement is that both airlines will operate as separate entities. It will be similar to how IAG operates British Airways and Iberia, or the AirFrance / KLM conglomerate, or locally, the the Southern Airways / Mokulele operation. Of all the Hawai‘i - west coast routes that the two airlines, there are only 12 that need to be consolidated. The acquisition will need approval by federal agencies.

Further information in this Alaska Airlines press release, this Hawaiian Airlines press release, and the acquisition website Local Care, Global Reach.

N889CL

N889CL "The Pride of America" (c/n 42510, l/n 4499), a 737-8LZ BBJ2 owned by Pasaca Capital, is making a brief fuel stop at HNL this morning. It's arriving from GUM, and will continue onto BUR. The flight originated in WUH.

42510's History:

Jun 2013: Delivered to Boeing Business Jets as N713JM.

Feb 2019: Acquired by TVPX Trust Services.

Jly 2022: Acquired by Pasaca Capital.

Dec 2022: Re-registered as N889CL.

QantasLink's VH-NXH

Southern Cross International is ferrying VH-NXH "Grampians National Park" (c/n 55055, l/n 5014) from CBR to VCV, with stops at APW and ITO. This 717-2K9 flying as SXI3280, except for the APW-ITO segment, which is being flown as QFA6070.

55055's History:

Dec 1999: Delivered to Bavarian International Aircraft Leasing (BIAL) as N9201S.

Apr 2000: Leased to Impulse Airlines as VH-IMD.

May 2001: Operated for QantasLink by Impulse Airlines.

May 2004: Leased to Jetstar Airways.

Dec 2005: Leased to National Jet Systems, and operated for QantasLink.

Jan 2006: Re-registered as VH-NXH.

Jun 2011: Sold to ANZ Banking Group, and the lease transferred.

Dec 2015: Purchased by National Jet Systems.

NOAA's N49RF

NOAA's Gulfstream IV, N49RF "Gonzo" (msn 1246), is making its winter season flight training at HNL. It's scheduled to be based here for a couple of weeks.

19 Dec 2023 UPDATE

NOAA49 departed for PSP this morning, then will continue onto SAV tomorrow.

Malaysia Airlines' 9M-MVD

Malaysia Airlines is taking delivery of their second 737-8, 9M-MVD (c/n 66354, l/n 8745) today. It's flying from BFI to KUL, via HNL and GUM, as MAS5401, and will overnight here tonight.

Air Kiribati's N904RT

Air Kiribati is taking delivery of N904RT (msn 718). This DHC-6-300 Twin Otter is flying from F70 [French Valley Airport, Temecula, CA] to TRW [Bonriki International Airport, Tarawa, Kiribati], via SMX and HNL. It will be re-registered as T3-AKC.

BR Captured got photos of N904RT at TRW, when it arrived.

718's History

Nov 1980: Delivered to ACES Colombia as HK-2548.

Mar 2002: Sold to Aerolinea de Antioquia - ADA.

Apr 2014: Withdrawn from service, and stored at EOH.

Oct 2017: Purchased by Ikhana Group [Murietta, CA] as N904RT.

Nov 2023: Purchased by TVPX Aircraft Solutions as a trustee for Air Kiribati.