Hawaiian Airlines to expand Interisland Fleet

Hawaiian Airlines is expanding its interisland fleet with the addition of four Boeing 717-200 aircraft to better meet the needs of Hawaii’s interisland travelers in the wake of the shutdown of Aloha Airlines earlier this year.

Two of the aircraft are expected to enter service in September, while the remaining two will join the fleet in November and December, respectively. The additions, all being acquired on long-term leases from Boeing Capital Corporation, will increase Hawaiian’s interisland fleet of Boeing 717-200 aircraft to 15.

Hawaiian currently operates a total of 150 interisland flights daily between the islands of Oahu, Kauai, Maui and Hawaii.

The Boeing 717, with its operational capabilities and fuel efficiency, is an ideal match for the interisland market.

To meet immediate community needs in the wake of Aloha’s collapse, Hawaiian expanded its interisland flight schedule by flying a long-haul Boeing 767-300 widebody aircraft between Honolulu and Maui as well as by flying an additional 717 usually held in reserve as a ‘spare’ aircraft to cover scheduled flying in the event of a delay. Hawaiian will continue these operations until the additional 717 aircraft arrive to make sure that seats remain available for interisland travelers.

Hawaiian also began recruiting flight crews and additional ground staff to support its expanded interisland operations immediately after Aloha’s closure. To date, Hawaiian has hired 230 additional employees, a majority of whom are former Aloha employees, and is seeking to fill an additional 160 positions, including pilots, flight attendants, maintenance technicians, contract service and line service positions.

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