San Diego State Aztecs Team Charter

The San Diego State Aztecs is chartering an Alaska Airlines 737-9 for their road trip to play the Hawai‘i Rainbow Warriors on Saturday. N967AK (c/n 67419, l/n 8577, f/n 967) is flying the Aztecs in today as ASA9676.

08 November 2025 UPDATE

N936AK took back the Aztecs to SAN as ASA9676, following their 38-6 loss to the Rainbow Warriors.

Washington Huskies Team Charter

The Washington Huskies have chartered a Hawaiian Airlines A330-243 for their road trip to MSN, to face the Wisconsin Badgers on Saturday. N374HA "Melemele" (msn 1565) departed BFI as ASA9682, and will remain at MSN to bring back the Huskies as ASA9683.

HNL One Of 40 Airports Affected By Shutdown

The US Department of Transportation and the Federal Aviation Administration have listed 40 airports to reduce service due to the government shutdown. Citing safety and flight delays, the 40 airports will be required to cut domestic traffic by 10% at 40 of the largest airports in the US by 14 November.

Further information in this FAA press release.

17 November 2025 UPDATE
Following the end of the government shutdown, the FAA has rescinded the flight reductions.

Hainan Airlines' B-225U

Hainan Airlines is taking delivery of B-225U (c/n 63420, l/n 9330) today. This 737-8 is making its delivery flight from BFI to HAK, with overnight stops at HNL and GUM, as CHH2257.

UPS Airlines' N259UP Crash

N259UP (c/n 48417, l/n 467, f/n 259), a UPS Airlines MD-11F, crashed after takeoff at SDF. It was departing for HNL as UPS2976, with a crew of three, who perished. This MD-11F was loaded with cargo and 38,000 gallons of jet fuel for the eight and half hour flight. UPS2976 was scheduled to depart at 15:00EST, departed at 15:41EST, and was scheduled to arrive at HNL around 19:00HAST. There are reports of casualties on the ground as well. The FAA and the NTSB will take the lead on the investigation of this accident.

An eyewitness video on AirNavRadar's Facebook page shows the number one engine on fire during its takeoff roll.

Further information in this Fox News developing story.

48417's History:

Jly 1991: Delivered to Thai Airways as HS-TME "Pathun Wan".

Feb 2006: Withdrawn from service, and stored at BKK.

Jun 2006: Acquired by UPS Airlines as N259UP, and converted to a freighter.

The above photo is the only one we have in our library, taken in May 2008, as it was being towed to the UPS ramp for loading.

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

VH-TQM

VH-TQM (msn 604), a white-tail Dash8-315 owned by the Avmax Group is being ferried from ASP to YYC, with stops at CNS, MAJ, and HNL. It departed ASP on 27 October, and is making its overnight stop at HNL tonight.

604's History:

Nov 2000: Delivered to Eastern Australia Airlines as VH-TQM to operate for QantasLink.

Nov 2015: Operated for Jetstar Airways.

Jly 2021: Operated for QantasLink, and named "Merimbula".

Aug 2025: Withdrawn from service, and stored at TMW.

Sep 2025: Acquired by the Avmax Group, and ferried to ASP for storage.

Aeronautica Militare's MM62191

A C-130J from Aeronautica Militare's 50º Gruppo, 46 Brigata Aerea (Italian Air Force's 50 Squadron, 46 Air Brigade) will be making a stop at HIK today. MM62191 (msn 5531, f/n 46-57) departed PSA [Pisa International Airport, Pisa, Italy] on 30 October, with stops at TER, ADW, and SUU.

Luftwaffe's 54+12 And 54+35

A pair of A400M Atlas from the Luftwaffe's Lufttransportgeschwader 62 (Air Transport Wing 62), is making a stop at HIK. 54+12 (msn 059) and 54+35 (msn 105), departed from ETNW [Wunstorf Air Base, Lower-Saxony, Germany] as GAF101, on 30 October, with stops at TER [Lajes Air Base International Airport, Terceira Island, Praia De Vitoria, Azores], CHS, and OAK. They are bound for OHA, via NAN, for an exercise with the New Zealand Defence Forces.

Further information in this NZDF website post.

04 November 2025 UPDATE

54+12 and 54+35 departed HNL today for NAN as GAF101.

N661AZ

N661AZ (c/n 29384, l/n 784), a 767-304ER owned by Amazon Services LLC, is being ferried from MZJ to QPG, with stops at PHX, HNL, and GUM, for freighter conversion.

29384's History:

Feb 2000: Delivered to Britannia Airways as G-OBYJ, under lease from ILFC.

Jan 2001: Subleased to Garuda Indonesia for three months.

Jan 2003: Subleased to Garuda Indonesia for two months. 

Nov 2005: Airline rebrands as Thomsonfly.

May 2009: Airline rebrands as Thomson Airways.

April 2011: Leased to Arkefly as PH-OYJ.

Oct 2013: Airline rebrands as Arke.

May 2014: Acquired by AerCap, and the lease transferred.

Apr 2015: Leased to Jetairfly as OO-JNL "Sunshine".

Oct 2016: Airline rebrands as TUI fly Belgium.

Dec 2022: Leased to TUI fly Netherlands as PH-OYJ "Sunshine".

Nov 2024: Withdrawn from service, and stored at SAW.

Feb 2025: Ferried to MZJ for storage as N29384.

May 2025: Acquired by Amazon Services LLC.

Aug 2025: Re-registered as N661AZ.

Korean Air's HL7638

Korean Air is substituting their 747-8i from today to Monday on KAL53/54. The newly repainted HL7638 (c/n 60408, l/n 1531) is making today's service between ICN and HNL.

Lucky Air's B-227V

Lucky Air is taking delivery of B-227V (c/n 62952, l/n 9311) today. This 737-8 is making its delivery flight from BFI to KMG, with overnight stops at HNL and GUM, flying as LKE9541.

Hawai‘i Rainbow Warriors Team Charter

The Hawai‘i Rainbow Warriors football team is flying commercially aboard a Hawaiian Airlines A321-271N for their Saturday game against the San José State Spartans. N204HA "‘Ōhi‘a Lehua" (msn 7959) is flying the team from HNL to SJC as ASA892. This is the first Rainbow Warriors team flight under the Alaska Airlines flight code.

02 November 2025 UPDATE

The Rainbow Warriors returned home aboard N205HA "Kalo" (msn 8092) today, following their 45-38 loss to the Spartans.

KOA Closed Due To Runway Cracks

The Hawai‘i Department of Transportation-Airports (HDOT-A) has closed KOA due to cracks in the asphalt on Runway 17/35. KOA is scheduled to re-open at 10:00.

If you have a flight in or out of KOA, please check with your airline for its status.

11:00, 30 October 2025 UPDATE

KOA's closure is now to re-open at 14:00.

Hawaiian Airlines Flight Codes And Call-Sign Retired

With the single operating certificate, the Hawaiian Airlines call-sign was officially retired today with HAL866 arriving at HNL from PPT early this morning. From today on, all of the Hawaiian Airlines flights now have Alaska Airlines' IATA / ICAO flight designators, and radio call-sign.

ASA800 and up are domestic and international TransPacific flights, ASA1000 and up are inter-island flights, and ASA2600 and up are the Amazon Prime Air flights.

The Hawaiian Airlines designators may have been retired, but not the spirit of the employees and the culture that the airline has.

LiveATC recording on Brandon Farris' Instagram post.

Further information in this Alaska Air Group news release.

Rhoades Aviation's Inter-Island Focus

According to an application for Certificate of Conveyance and Public Necessity filed with the US Department of Transportation, Rhoades Aviation / Transair Hawaii, noted their main cargo operations focus will be on the inter-island market. The airline plans to return to service this December, after it was cleared to resume operations by the FAA in April 2025.

In order to return to service, two Rhoades Aviation 737-200Cs currently listed as active, must undergo C-Checks. N306AL (c/n 23066, l/n 992), N326TR (c/n 20917, l/n 344), N737CS (c/n 23272, l/n 1093),  and N809TA (c/n 23796, l/n 1420) are the remaining 737s, but no two airframes were specified in the application.

Since Rhoades grounded their 737-200Cs in July 2021, they spend time in storage outside the Transair Hawaii maintenance hangar, though N306AL has been seen towed to the Transair Hawaii operations ramp, and has taxied out to Taxiway R for engine run-ups within the past few months.

Air Canada And WestJet Airlines Resumes YVR Day Flights

Air Canada resumed its seasonal day flight between YVR and HNL today, ACA517/518, operated with their 737-8 fleet. 

WestJet Airlines also resumed their seasonal 737-8 day flight between YVR and HNL today, WJA1862/1863, today.

Both airlines also resumed service to OGG, and these seasonal services will run through the end of April 2026.

Life Flight Network's N661LF

Life Flight Network is ferrying one of their PC-12/47Es, N661LF (msn 1505), from VGT to ITO, via SMX today. This PC-12 will be based at ITO, along with an Airbus Helicopters H145, as Life Flight Network as part of its air ambulance operations on Hawai‘i Island.

Omega Tanker's N264DE

Omega Tanker's N264DE (c/n 46985, l/n 264) is making a stop at JRF from VCV today as OME11. It's not known if this KDC-10-30 is accompanying any fighters.

27 October 2025 UPDATE

N264DE departed JRF shortly after midnight headed west-bound.

30 October 2025 UPDATE

N264DE returned to JRF this afternoon.

01 November 2025 UPDATE

N264DE returned to its base at VCV this morning.

Hawaiian Airlines Changes Flight Numbers

As part of its merger with Alaska Airlines, Hawaiian Airlines has changed its flight numbers to begin with 800 and up for all of the TransPacific flights, 1000 and up for inter-island flights, and 2600 for the Amazon Prime Air flights.

This morning, A330-243, N374HA "Melemele" (msn 1565) made the last arrival to HNL under the old flight codes as HAL482 from PPT. While 717-26R, N489HA "Po‘ouli" (c/n 55003, l/n 5002) made the first departure with the new flight codes with HAL1002 from HNL to ITO.

C-FKDL

The Avmax Group is ferrying C-FKDL (msn 552) from ASP to YYC. This Dash8-315 Q300 is making  stops at CNS, MAJ, and HNL. It is making its overnight stop at HNL tonight.

552's History:

Oct 2000: Delivered to Eastern Australia Airlines as VH-TQY "Roma", to operate for QantasLink.

Oct 2024: Withdrawn from service, and stored at TMW.

Jun 2025: Ferried to ASP for storage.

Jly 2025: Acquired by the Avmax Group.

Oct 2025: Registered as C-FKDL.

Donghai Airlines' N237BE

Boeing is ferrying Donghai Airlines' N237BE (c/n 61285, l/n 9244) from BFI to HSN today, with overnight stops at KOA and GUM, as BOE109. This 737-8, which has the Chinese registration B-227R, will, be completed at Boeing China. It's not known if N237BE was painted in the full Donghai livery.

Aloha ‘Oe Jetstar

Today was to have marked the end of Jetstar Airways' service between Australia and HNL. However, today's flight, JST3/4 (SYD-HNL-SYD) was canceled. The Qantas Group subsidiary is ending its almost 19 year run, as it was decided to concentrate Jetstar's operations in Asia. VH-VKE (c/n 36230, l/n 160) operated the now, final flight on Wednesday, 22 October.

On 27 December 2006, Jetstar's first flight arrived at HNL, and this past Wednesday witnessed its last flight out of HNL. Qantas Airways will take over all of Jetstar's routes between Australia and HNL.

QantasLink's VH-X4H

National Jet Systems is taking delivery of VH-X4H "Wedge-Tailed Eagle" (msn 55391). This QantasLink-liveried A220-300 (BD-500-1A11) is making its delivery flight from  YMX to CBR, with stops at YVR, HNL, and NAN, as QLK6075.

Alaska Airlines New Service From SNA And BUR

Alaska Airlines has made it known, though not officially, that it will launch non-stop service between SNA and HNL, and BUR and HNL, with their 737-8s. No definite launch dates, frequencies, and schedules, have been officially released.

For SNA, Aloha Airlines launched daily SNA-HNL 737-700 service in 2000, and continued until its closure in 2008. Aloha also had daily service to OGG. Continental Airlines picked up the route in March 2010. It was short-lived as the merger with United Airlines canceled the route. Ironically, United Airlines re-started service in 2021, but lasted less than two years. With the 5,700-foot Runway 2L/20R, the 737-700s had to depart weight-restricted, at 90% capacity, according to Aloha Airlines pilots. The Alaska Airlines' 737-8s will probably have to depart SNA weight-restricted as well.

For BUR, Aloha Airlines had daily 737-700 non-stop service between 2002 and 2005. No other airline continued the route.

Further information in this Alaska Air Group press release, Simple Flying article, and in this Hollywood Burbank Airport press release.

27 October 2025 UPDATE 

CORRECTION: Alaska Air Group only officially announced BUR-HNL today. SNA-HNL was not included in this press release. We apologize for any confusion.

QantasLink's C-GVWE

JD Aero is delivering Sunstate Airlines' next Dash8-402Q, C-GVWE (msn 4485), from YAM to BNE, with overnight stops at YYJ, HNL, and MAJ. This QantasLink-liveried Q400 is making an overnight stop at HNL tonight. It will be registered as VH-84O after it's received by Sunstate Airlines.

4485's History:

Jan 2015: Delivered to Westjet Encore as C-GVWE (f/n 418).

Mar 2024: Withdrawn from service, and stored at YYC.

Jly 2025: Ferried to YAM to prep for Sunstate Airlines.

Royal Air Force's ZM412

An Atlas C1 (A400M) from the Royal Air Force's No. 70 Squadron, No. 2 Group (Air Combat Support), based at BZZ, is making a stop at HIK. ZM412 (msn 042), flying as RRR4102, departed HLP on 17 October, with stops at DPS, XRH, CBR, and NAN.

24 October 2025 UPDATE

ZM412 departed HIK for SFO today. It will continue onto IAD and NHT, before returning to BZZ.

photo to follow ...

AEI Announces The 737-900ERSF

Aeronautical Engineers Inc (AEI) announced that they are embarking on a 737-900ER freighter conversion project. This will be similar to its current 737-800 freighter conversion program. AEI is aiming to have the 737-900ERSF certified by the FAA in 2029, and subsequent certifications with the EASA and CAAC to follow. The 737-900ERSF will be the largest 737 freighter variant. 500 of the variant were produced by Boeing.

Further details in this AEI press release.

VH-TQZ

VH-TQZ (msn 555), a white-tail Dash8-315 owned by the Avmax Group is being ferried from ASP to YYC, with stops at CNS, MAJ, ITO, and VNY. It departed ASP on 18 October, and is making its overnight stop at ITO tonight.

555's History:

Nov 2000: Delivered to Eastern Australia Airlines as VH-TQZ "Bundaberg" to operate for QantasLink.

___ 2018: Painted in the current livery.

Aug 2023: "Yes23" decals affixed for three months

Dec 2024: Withdrawn from service, and stored at TMW.

Sep 2025: Acquired by the Avmax Group, and ferried to ASP for storage.

Hawaiian Airlines Resumes HNL-AKL Service

Hawaiian Airlines announced that they are resuming seasonal service between HNL and AKL. The thrice weekly A330-243 flight will begin on 16 November, and run through the end of April 2026.

Further details in this Alaska Air Group press release.

SMBC To Acquire Air Lease Corporation

SMBC, the aircraft leasing arm of Sumitomo Bank, entered into an agreement to purchase Air Lease Corporation (ALC). The former has over 740 airliners in their portfolio, and the latter has a portfolio of over 160 airliners. The new company will be named Sumisho Air Lease, and will have a portfolio of over 1,100 airliners (including airframes on order).

Some of their airliners have stopped through Hawai‘i over the course of the years as new deliveries, and lease returns. Most recently were the two ex-Spirit Airlines A321-271NXs that ferried through HNL on their way to TPE for lease to China Airlines.

Further information in this Air Lease Corporation press release, and this Sumitomo Corporation press release.

FAA Clears Boeing 737 Production Uptick

Aviation Week reports that the Federal Aviation Administration has cleared Boeing to boost production of the 737MAX series from 38 per month to 42 per month. Boeing expects to do the increased production by the end of this year. The aircraft manufacturer seeks to bump up production to another five airframes every six months, pending safety and quality reviews.

Alliance Airlines' N247JB

Alliance Airlines is taking delivery of N247JB (msn 19000042). This ERJ-190AR is making its delivery flight, flown by Southern Cross International, from SJO to ROK, via SDM, OAK, KOA, MAJ, and BNE, as SXI2542. It's making its overnight stop at KOA tonight. It will receive its Australian registration, VH-A2L, after it's delivered. N247JB is seen above arriving at ROK on 22 October.

19000042's History

Aug 2006: Delivered to jetBlue as N247JB "Blue Is So You" (f/n 247) with the "Harlequin" tail livery, under lease from GECAS.

Oct 2015: Tail livery repainted in the "Tartan" design.

Apr 2020: Withdrawn from service, and stored at MZJ, returned to seven months later.

Nov 2021: Sold to AerCap, and the lease transferred.

Jun 2024: Withdrawn from service, and stored at MCN.

Apr 2025: Ferried to SJO for prep to Alliance Airlines.

N888TY

N888TY (c/n 29749, l/n 456), a 737-7AH BBJ owned by Ty Air, is making a stop at HNL from CRK. It arrived in the early morning hours, and is scheduled to continue onto SBA later in the day.

29749's History:

Jan 2000: Delivered to Westmount Investments as C6-TTB.

May 2003: Acquired by BB Five Inc as N134AR.

Mar 2005: Acquired by Ty Air as N888TY.

China Southern Airlines' B-20C9

China Southern Airlines is taking delivery of B-20C9 (c/n 63283, l/n 7691) today. This 737-8 is making its delivery flight from BFI to CAN, with overnight stops at HNL and GUM.

Washington Huskies Team Charter

The Washington Huskies are chartering a Hawaiian Airlines A330-243 for their road trip to play the Michigan Wolverines on Saturday. N391HA "Hokulei" (msn 1399) departed BFI for DTW as HAL738, and will remain there to bring the Huskies back.

18 October 2025 UPDATE 

The Huskies returned to BFI aboard N391HA as HAL739, following their 24-7 loss to the Wolverines.

Hawai‘i Rainbow Warriors Team Charter

The Hawai‘i Rainbow Warriors are chartering a Hawaiian Airlines A321-271N for their road trip to play the Colorado State Rams on Saturday. N218HA "Kou" (msn 8764) is flying the Rainbow Warriors to DEN as HAL714. This A321 will ferry to LAS from DEN as HAL9715 to re-enter service.

18 October 2025 UPDATE

N213HA "Lama" (msn 8237) ferried to DEN from LAS as HAL8716, and will bring home the victorious Rainbow Warriors after their 31-19 win over the Rams. N213HA flew from DEN to OAK as HAL717, then as HAL719 from OAK to HNL.

Skyline Stop At HNL Opens

The Skyline rail system opened its second phase today. This new section runs from Aloha Stadium to the Kalihi Transit Center. There is a stop at HNL, called Lelepaua, and is located near the International Parking Structure. Another stop is located outside of HNL, on Lagoon Drive, called Āhua. 

Further information can be found on the Skyline website.

Hainan Airlines' B-225T

Hainan Airlines is taking delivery of B-225T (c/n 64319, l/n 9263) today. This 737-8 is making its delivery flight from BFI to HAK, with overnight stops at HNL and GUM, as CHH2255.

N709AJ

N709AJ (msn 19000313), an ERJ-190LR owned by ICBC Financial Leasing, is making its ferry flight from TSN to OPF, with stops at GUM, MAJ, HNL, and ONT. It's making a brief fuel stop at HNL this evening.

19000313's History:

Sep 2009: Delivered to Tianjin Airlines as B-3158, under lease from ICBC Financial Leasing.

___ 2016: Painted in the current livery.

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

Sep 2021: Returned to service.

Sep 2024: Withdrawn from service, and stored at TSN.

United Airlines To Switch To 737-8s For GUM Ops

United Airlines announced that they will be upgrading their 737-824s to 737-8s for their operations based at GUM. The airline will base ten 737-8s beginning in February 2026. United also announced that they will be upgrading their check-in lobby at GUM. Also, they will be making a seasonal flight between San and GUM, to allow better connectivity to HNL.

The "Island Hopper" service will be one of the routes with the 737-8s to/from HNL.

Further information in this United Airlines press release.

N744AR

Resort Air has added a second Falcon 50EX. N744AR (msn 316) arrived at HNL yesterday, from ENW [Kenowsha Regional Airport, Kenosha, WI], via SJC, as FGR744. It will supplement service with N313TT.

Virgin Australia's VH-VNF

Virgin Australia is returning VH-VNF "Ningaloo Reef" (msn 3332) to its lessor, AviLease. This A320-232 is making its ferry flight from PER to P08, with stops at OOL, APW, and KOA. It will make its overnight stop at KOA tonight. VH-VNF is scheduled to be parted out, then scrapped.

3332's History:

Dec 2007: Delivered to Tiger Airways Australia as VH-VNF, under lease from RBS.

Nov 2012: Sold to Pembroke, and the lease transferred.

Jly 2013: Airline rebrands as Tigerair Australia.

Nov 2019: Airline folded into Virgin Australia Regional.

Nov 2023: Acquired by AviLease, and the lease transferred.

Sep 2025: Withdrawn from service, and stored at PER.

FedEx Feeder C408 Flights To KOA

In addition to its multiple C408F weekday flights between HNL and LIH, Corporate Air is launching multiple weekday C408F service between HNL and KOA today.

Utah State Aggies' Team Charter

The Utah State Aggies football team is chartering a Sun Country Airlines 737-800 for their road trip from LGU to HNL, via OAK, to play the Hawai‘i Rainbow Warriors. N821SY (c/n 39952, l/n 5217, f/n 821) is flying the Aggies as SCX8411. It will remain at HNL to take the team back to LGU following the game.

10 October 2025 UPDATE

The flights were scheduled to arrive yesterday, but was delayed to today. SCX8411 is due to arrive around 12:45HAST

12 October 2025 UPDATE 

The Aggies departed after midnight following their 44-26 loss. N821SY is returning to LGU, via OAK, as SCX8411.

N323CM

Cargo Aircraft Management is ferrying N323CM (c/n 29881, l/n 778) from ILN to SZB, with stops at HNL and GUM. This white-tail 767-316F will be leased to Raya Airways.

29881's History:

Dec 1999: Delivered to LAN Chile as CC-CZX.

Jan 2002: Acquired by ABSA Cargo as PR-ABB.

Jan 2006: Painted in the new livery.

Aug 2012: Airline renamed as TAM Cargo.

May 2016: Transferred to LATAM Cargo Brasil following the LAN/TAM merger.

Mar 2025: Acquired by Cargo Aircraft Management as N323CM.

Rainbow Helicopters' N488JB Emergency Landing

A Rainbow Helicopters Robinson R44 II, N488JB (msn 13379), made an emergency landing at Kapi‘olani Park during a tour flight this morning, after an undisclosed issue.

Further information in this Hawaii News Now article.

N4054

Coulson Aviation's N4054 (msn 382-4054) is making its ferry flight from BHE to TRM, with stops at AKL, PPG, and KOA. This C-130H is the last of the four that Coulson acquired from the Royal New Zealand Air Force. 

382-4054's History:

Apr 1965: Built as 64-15096, and delivered to the RNZAF's 40 Squadron as NZ7003.

Feb 2023: Withdrawn from service. 

Jan 2025: Officially retired from service.

Apr 2025: Sold to Coulson Aviation USA.

06 October 2025 UPDATE

N4054 departed for TRM this afternoon.

Hawaiian Airlines' UW Team Charter

With Alaska Airlines being a corporate sponsor of the University of Washington Huskies football team, they chartered a Hawaiian Airlines A330-243 for their road trip to BWI to play the Maryland Terapins. N373HA "Kūkalaniʻehu" (msn 1530) flew the Huskies from BFI today as HAL732. This A330-243 will remain at BWI to bring the team back.

04 October 2025 UPDATE

N373HA brought back the Huskies to BFI, following their 24-20 victory over the Terapins, as HAL733.

Aloha Air Cargo's N303KH To Storage

Northern Air Cargo ferried N303KH "Kukunaokalā" (c/n 25606, l/n 3123) from ANC to MZJ for onward storage on 29 September. This 737-319F made its ferry flight as NAC9303, as its being returned to its lessor, Automatic LLC. It was withdrawn from service on 07 August, and stored at ANC.

Viva's VQ-CAV

The Aviation Capital Group is delivering VQ-CAV (msn 5271) to lease to Viva. This A320-232 is flying from KUL to MTY, with fuel stops at GUM, HNL, and SBD.

5271's History:

Aug 2013: Delivered to Tigerair as 9V-TRL, under lease from GECAS.

Sep 2015: Sold to the Aviation Capital Group, and the lease transferred.

Jly 2017: Leased to Scoot following the merger with Tigerair as 9V-TRL "Hamachi".

May 2025: Withdrawn from service, and stored at KUL.

Corsair International's N7019K

Amazon Services LLC is ferrying N7019K (msn 1359) from MZJ to SHA, with stops at PHX, HNL, and GUM, for freighter conversion. This A330-343 is still wearing the Corsair International livery. It has yet to be assigned, or leased to an airline to operate it.

1359's History:

Nov 2012: Delivered to Corsair International as F-HSKY.

Feb 2021: Airline rebrands as Corsair, but the titles still include "International".

Mar 2025: Withdrawn from service, and stored at ORY.

Jly 2025: Acquired by Amazon Services LLC, and ferried to MZJ for storage.

10.05.25 UPDATE

Skyliners.de reports are that Hawaiian Airlines will be the recipient of this A330-343 after freighter conversion.

All Nippon Airways' JA990A

All Nippon Airways is taking delivery of JA990A (c/n 67004, l/n 1248) today. This 787-10 is making its delivery flight from PAE to HND, with an overnight stop at HNL, as ANA9399. It was ferried from CHS to PAE as BOE307 on 28 September.

Hawai‘i Air National Guard's 93-2042

This quarter's edition of "HNL RareBirds "Classic" features 93-2042 (msn 382-5371) of the Hawai‘i Air National Guard's 204th Airlift Squadron / 154th Wing. This Lockheed C-130H Hercules was photographed as it departed from Runway 8R in 2004.

93-2042's History:

___ 1994: Delivered to the 204th Airlift Squadron with the tail code HH.

Sep 2005: Re-assigned to the 169th Airlift Squadron, 182nd Airlift Wing, Illinois Air National Guard based at PIA [General Downing Field, Peoria International Airport, Peoria, IL]; and is still in service.

The C-130Hs of the 204th AS were replaced by Boeing C-17A Globemaster IIIs in 2006.

Virgin Australia's VH-8VC

Virgin Australia is taking delivery of VH-8VC "Torquay Beach" (c/n 67036, l/n 9295). This 737-8 is making its delivery flight from MLB to BNE, with overnight stops at ONT and KOA, as VOZ9947. VH-8VC is making its ONT-KOA segment today.

Boeing And China Close To Large Order

CH-Aviation reports that Boeing and the Chinese government are close to closing a deal that would be an order of 500 airliners. The deal has not been finalized, but would be a big boost for Boeing.

N907WS Sold To PrismJet

CH-Aviation's Business Jet News reports that N907WS (msn 9176), the HNL-based Bombardier BD-700-1A11 Global 5000, owned by N907WS Aviation LLC [Honolulu, HI], and operated by Pinnacle Aviation Charter, was sold to PrismJet.

Virgin Australia's VH-VUJ

Virgin Australia is returning VH-VUJ "Rosebud Beach" (c/n 34443, l/n 2056) to its lessor, Aviation Capital Group. This 737-8FE is making its ferry flight from BNE to P08, with overnight stops at NAN and HNL, as VOZ9946.

VH-VUJ had been through HNL twice during the pandemic, as it was returned to its lessor, then re-leased, and returned Down Under. 

Xiamen Air's B-227A

Xiamen Air is taking delivery of B-227A (c/n 43845, l/n 8194) today. This 737-8 is making its delivery flight from BFI to XMN, with overnight stops at HNL and GUM, as CXA800. This is the last of the Xiamen Air 737-8 holdovers from the grounding and pandemic, and the airlines' third to deliver this month.

Hawai‘i Rainbow Warriors Team Charter

The Hawai‘i Rainbow Warriors are chartering a Hawaiian Airlines A321-271N for their road trip to play against the Air Force Academy Falcons on Saturday. N213HA "Lama" (msn 8237, f/n 213) is flying the team to COS as HAL708, and will re-position to PDX as HAL9709.

27 September 2025 UPDATE 

N212HA "Wiliwili" (msn 8219) repositioned from PDX to COS as HAL8710. This A321-271N is flying the victorious Rainbow Warriors back home as HAL711, with a stop at OAK. The OAK-HNL leg will be flown as HAL713.

Royal Australian Air Force's A47-013

The Royal Australian Air Force is taking delivery of A47-013 (c/n 67451, l/n 9614) today. This P-8A, flying as POSIDN1, is making its delivery flight from BFI to YPED [RAAF Base Edinburgh, Adelaide, South Australia, Australia], with overnight stops at HIK and NAN. It will be  assigned to 11 Squadron, 92 Wing.

5,000,000 Views!

At some point today, we broke the 5,000,000 page and post views mark! Mahalo to all of the contributors, and all of our readers who have made this milestone possible! You are all very much appreciated!

Onward to 6,000,000!

Shenzhen Airlines' B-20DP

Shenzhen Airlines is taking delivery of B-20DP (c/n 61157, l/n 7798) today. This 737-8 is making its delivery flight from BFI to SZX as CSZ20DP, with overnight stops at HNL and GUM.

China Southern Airlines' N253BE

Boeing is ferrying China Southern Airlines' N253BE (c/n 65250, l/n 7875) from BFI to HSN for cabin completion today. Flying as BOE719, this 737-8 will make overnight stops at KOA and GUM.

Fresno State Bulldogs' Team Charter

The Fresno State Bulldogs football team is chartering an Omni Air International 767-200ER for their road game against the Hawai‘i Rainbow Warriors on Saturday. N207AX "Kiani" (c/n 30438, l/n 845), a 767-224ER, is flying the Bulldogs from FAT to HNL as OAE3161. The team is scheduled to return to FAT following the game.

20 September 2025 UPDATE

The Bulldogs will return to FAT tonight aboard N207AX, as OAE3161, following their 23-21 win.

Viva's VQ-CAW

Aviation Capital Group is flying VQ-CAW (msn 5697) from KUL to MTY, via GUM, HNL, and SBD. This A320-232 will be delivered to, and leased to Viva. It will be making a short fuel stop at HNL. This is the second former Scoot A320 to be leased Viva.

5697's History:

Jly 2013: Delivered to Tigerair as 9V-TRK, under lease from GECAS.

Sep 2015: Sold to Aviation Capital Group, and the lease transferred.

Jly 2017: Leased to Scoot following the merger with Tigerair as 9V-TRK "Scooting Star".

Oct 2020: Stored at SIN during the pandemic.

Jun 2022: Returned to service.

Apr 2025: Withdrawn from service, and stored at KUL.

Sep 2025: Returned to ACG, and registered as VQ-CAW.

All Nippon Airways' JA381A Collision With Container

All Nippon Airways' A380-841, JA381A "Lani" (msn 262), collided with a runaway cargo container as it taxied for departure to NRT this afternoon as ANA181. Eye witness reports say that the cargo container and trailer belonged to Federal Express, and the damage to the A380 was on the starboard wing. Since none of the 498 aboard suffered any injuries, the NTSB will not get involved.

JA381A continued to taxi on Taxiway A to cross Runway 8L to Taxiway B to return to Gate C9. The A380 was towed to the ‘Ewa Ramp this afternoon for evaluation and repairs.

This post will be updated as more information and reports become available.

16 September 2025 UPDATE

Another eyewitness report stated that the number 4 engine made contact with the rogue container. In the above photo, it appears that the number 4 engine appears to be angled up a bit.

No reports have been listed on the FAA Safety website, nor the Aviation Safety Network nor the Aviation Herald.

17 September 2025 UPDATE

An article regarding the incident appeared on the AviationWire.jp website. It states that the container that struck the A380 was an ANA container, but based upon the photos I have seen following the incident, it was a FedEx container that got loose.

20 September 2025 UPDATE

The Aviation Safety Network has an incident report on their website.

29 September 2025 UPDATE

Following repair completion, JA381A returned to NRT as ANA9401 today.

01 October 2025 UPDATE 

JA381A returned to service today as ANA182.

Aeronautica Militare's MM62226

A KC-767A from the Aeronautica Militare's (Italian Air Force) 8º Gruppo is making a stop at HNL. MM62226 (c/n 33686, l/n 912, f/n 14-01), wearing the unit's 100th anniversary tail livery arrived earlier today from LAS as IAM1441. MM62226 is the first KC-767A ever produced by Boeing.

Royal Canadian Air Force's 140117

A CP-140 from the Royal Canadian Air Force's 407 Maritime Patrol Squadron / 19 Wing, is making a stop at HNL. 140117 (msn 5723) arrived from YQQ earlier today.

Air China's N247BE

Boeing is ferrying Air China's N247BE (c/n 60923, l/n 7813) from BFI to HSN today, with overnight stops at KOA then GUM. Flying as BOE276, this 737-8 will undergo cabin completion at HSN, and will revert to its Chinese registration, B-20DJ upon delivery. This was Air China's last 737-8 that was stored as part of the grounding and pandemic.

Air Niugini's P2-PGA

Air Niugini is taking delivery of their first A220-300, P2-PGA (msn 55388). It's making its delivery flight from YMX to POM, via HNL and NAN, as ANG50. Its HNL stop will be a brief fuel stop. P2-PGA was painted in a special livery commemorating Papua New Guinea's 50 anniversary of independence. This is the first of three A220-300s that are being leased from Azorra.

Virgin Australia's VH-8VB

Virgin Australia is taking delivery of VH-8VB "Tamar River" (c/n 67035, l/n 9284) today. This 737-8 is making its delivery flight from MLB to BNE, with overnight stops at ONT and KOA, as VOZ9947. It's making its stop at KOA today.

Republic of Singapore Air Force Orders Four P-8As

The Republic of Singapore Air Force confirmed that they have placed an order for four P-8A Poseidons with Boeing. The P-8As will replace the five aging Fokker F50 Enforcer II MPAs.

Further information in this TWZ article.

VP-CTT

Phenix Jet's 737-7ZH BBJ, VP-CTT (c/n 38751, l/n 3796), is making a stop at HNL from LAX as CPJ88. This is VP-CTT's first stop at HNL for 2025.

13 September 2025 UPDATE

VP-CTT will continue onto NRT today.

Hawaiian Airlines' New CEO

The Alaska Air Group announced this morning that a new CEO will replace current CEO Joe Sprague, as he announced his retirement. Diana Birkett Rakow will assume command of Hawaiian Airlines on 29 October.

Further details in this Alaska Air Group press release.

Xiamen Air's N231BE

Boeing is ferrying Xiamen Air's N231BE (c/n 43847, l/n 8248) from BFI to HSN today, as BOE391. This grey-tail 737-8 is making overnight stops at KOA and GUM.

Two Hawaiian Airlines Airliners In Ground Collision

According to eyewitness reports, a Hawaiian Airlines A330-243, N390HA "Namahoe" (msn 1389) was under tow when its port side winglet clipped the a corner of the starboard elevator of 717-22A, N480HA "Pueo" (c/n 55125, l/n 5070) this afternoon.

N480HA had just emerged from a C-check, and was parked near the hangar. N390HA was also involved in an uncontrolled collision with a jet bridge several days ago, when the chocks were removed while the parking brakes were off.

China Southern Airlines' B-20D6

China Southern Airlines is taking delivery of B-20D6 (c/n 65258, l/n 7715) today. This 737-8 is making its delivery flight from BFI to CAN, with overnight stops at HNL and GUM.

HDOT-A Hosts JRF Master Plan Meeting

The Airports Division of the Hawai‘i Department of Transportation (HDOT-A) and aviation consultant firm Ricondo, hosted an open forum style meeting this evening at the Honol‘uli‘uli Middle School Cafeteria to give the public an introductory look at the master plan for the Kalaeloa Airport (JRF). People from HDOT-A and Ricondo were on-hand to answer questions from the public. The master plan is schedule to be completed by the fourth quarter of 2027.

All three runways will need to undergo shoulder improvements, similar to what HNL went through. Runway 11/29 is temporarily closed due to the quality of the asphalt.

Million Air is undergoing the permitting process for construction of their facility that they proposed for their FBO services.

One of the issues that are being worked on is the aircraft noise issue that affects the surrounding areas of Kapolei and ‘Ewa Beach. Another community concern is the increased use of JRF, though the airport is under-utilized, and considered as a reliever airport by the FAA.

We learned that the land west of the Million Air fuel farm, that is occupied by a trucking company and other tenants, as well as the area south of Runway 11/29 are under the control of the Department of Hawaiian Homelands.

Further information can be found at the Kalaeloa Airport Master Plan website.

Hawaiian Airlines Aviation Technician Development Program

Hawaiian Airlines and Honolulu Community College launched their aviation technician development program today. This program is an upgrade to a program that both entities began in 2016.

Further information in this Hawaiian Airlines press release.

Aloha Air Cargo's N440KH

Aloha Air Cargo is taking delivery of N440KH (c/n 28889, l/n 3000). This 737-490F, under lease from Automatic LLC, is making its delivery flight from OPF to HNL, via OAK, as AAH9440.

28889's History:

Feb 1998: Delivered to Alaska Airlines as N794AS.

Dec 2017: Delivered to Flair Airlines as C-FLHE.

Aug 2020: Acquired by Automatic LLC as N889AU, and converted to a freighter.

Jan 2021: Leased to Poste Air Cargo as EI-GUB.

Jly 2025: Returned to lessor, and ferried to DHN, then OPF, for prep for Aloha Air Cargo.

‘Ohana by Hawaiian's N806HC

N806HC "Kili‘o‘opu" (msn 594), ‘Ohana by Hawaiian's ATR42-500 that was ferried to COE [Pappy Boyington Field, Coeur D'Alene Airport, Coeur D'Alene, ID] following the shutdown of the Hawaiian Airlines' subsidiary, was recently photographed at COE in a state of being parted out (top photo). The above photo shows N806HC in 2018, on the ‘Ohana by Hawaiian ramp.

Here are the fates of the rest of the ʻOhana by Hawaiian fleet:

N801HC "Kaiāulu": Scrapped at HNL in Aug 2021

N804HC "Holo Kaomi": Sold to NTE Aviation in Jun 2023 for parts

N805HC "Hikipua": Sold to Rise Air, and registered as C-GRYI in Feb 2023

N807HC "Paʻalā": Sold to Wasaya Airlines as C-GWRQ "In The Spirit of Jerry Mamakwa" in Jly 2022

N810HC "Alaʻoli": Sold to Wasaya Airlines as C-GWRD in May 2022

N811HC "Moaʻe Lehua": Sold to Fleet International Airlines as HA-KAY in Mar 2024.

All except N801HC were ferried to the Empire Airlines base at COE.

N313TT

Resort Air has leased a Falcon 50EX, N313TT (msn 297), from Top Air Texas, to replace their Cessna C550, N53DD. N313TT arrived from VNY yesterday. It will be flown as FGR313 with Resort Air.

C-FHHD

The Avmax Group is ferrying C-FHHD (msn 578), a Dash8-315 Q300, from ASP to YYC, via CNS, MAJ, HNL, and ACV. It departed ASP on 04 September, and will make its overnight stop at HNL tonight.

578's History:

Jan 2002: Delivered to Sunstate Airlines was VH-SBJ to operate for QantasLink.

May 2009: Acquired by Eastern Australia Airlines to operate for QantasLink.

Aug 2009: Leased to Cobham Aviation to operate for National Jet Systems.

Jly 2012: Returned to Eastern Australia Airlines to operate for QantasLink.

__ 2017: Painted in the current QantasLink livery, and named "Griffith".

Jun 2025: Withdrawn from service, and stored at ASP.

24 November 2025 UPDATE 

C-FHHD will be leased Pivot Airlines [Canada].

Fuerza Aerea Colombiana FAC-001

FAC-0001 (c/n 29272, l/n 323), the Fuerza Aerea Colombiana's 737-74V BBJ, is making a fuel stop at HIK as it returns to BOG from KIX. It will continue onto CUN from HIK.

Xiamen Air's B-20DY

Xiamen Air is taking delivery of B-20DY (c/n 64681, l/n 7948) today. This 737-8 is making its delivery flight from BFI to XMN, with overnight stops at HNL and GUM, as CXA800.

Hawaiian Airlines To Adjust 787 Order

Hawaiian Airlines, and the Alaska Air Group, has stated that five of the remaining 787-9s on order with Boeing, will be converted to the 787-10 variant.

Further information in this CH-Aviation article, and this Reuters article.

Virgin Australia's VH-E2A

Virgin Australia is taking delivery of its first E190-E2, VH-E2A "Coral Bay" (msn 19020185). It's making its delivery flight from SJK [San Jose dos Campos Regional Airport, SaoPaulo, Brazil) to PER, via CUR, BRO, ONT, KOA, NAN, and CBR, as VOZ9943. This E190-E2, operated by Virgin Australia Regional, is the 1,900th E-Jet built, and has a decal on VH-E2A noting the milestone. It's making it's overnight stop at KOA tonight.

Federal Express Launches 757 Inter-island Flights

As we have reported since this past July, three Federal Express 757-200Fs have been in the islands. One at HNL, another at OGG, and another at ITO undergoing ground training. From today, FedEx is launching Monday-to-Friday inter-island flights out of HNL to OGG, and to ITO.

HNL-ITO: FDX1005 and FDX 1007 // ITO-HNL: FDX1006 and FDX1008

HNL-OGG: FDX1001 and FDX1003 // OGG-HNL: FDX1002 and FDX1004

In a related note, the Corporate Air-operated C408Fs have been flying exclusively between HNL and LIH, while their C208s have been serving the smaller airports like JHM, MKK and LNY.

Maui Police Department's N468WA

The Maui Police Department MBB-BK 117-B2, N468WA, flew MPD Chief John Pelletier from OGG to the grounds of the Valley of the Temples Cemetery for the memorial service for fallen MPD officer Suzanne O today. The helicopter, operated by Windward Aviation, landed shortly before the noon private service, and returned to OGG a few hours later.

Optimum Air Launches Air Ambulance Service

KHON reports that Las Vegas-based Optimum Air launched its PC-12 air ambulance service at HNL today. The aircraft is outfitted to take one patient and up to four medical personnel and equipment, with two pilots. Their flights will cover all islands. N444FT (msn 322) arrived at HNL on 21 July 2025, and has been test flying since 01 August. This PC-12/45 is owned by On The Horizon Aviation LLC (Tampa, FL), and operated for Optimum Air by Air Fuga.

Optimum Air joins Hawai‘i Life Flight as competing air ambulance service in the islands.