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Hawaiian Airlines

From Alfawiki
Hawaiian Airlines, Inc.
Company typeSubsidiary
IndustryAirline
FoundedJanuary 30, 1929; 97 years ago (1929-01-30) in Honolulu, Hawaii, United States
FounderStanley Kennedy Sr.
Headquarters
Honolulu
,
United States
Area served
Hawaii, Pacific islands, Alaska, continental U.S., Australia, Canada, Japan, New Zealand, South Korea
Key people
Joe Sprague (CEO)
ProductsPassenger air transportation
OwnerAlaska Air Group
Number of employees
7,362 (2024)
ParentAlaska Air Group

Hawaiian Airlines, Inc. () is a commercial airline based in the United States, with its headquarters located in Honolulu, Hawaii. It operates as a subsidiary under the Alaska Air Group. Recognized as the largest airline serving routes to and from Hawaiʻi, it ranks tenth among U.S. carriers by passenger volume.

The airline’s main hub is situated at Daniel K. Inouye International Airport on Oʻahu, complemented by a secondary hub at Kahului Airport on Maui. Hawaiian Airlines provides inter-island flights, services across various Pacific islands including American Samoa and Tahiti, as well as routes to Alaska, the continental U.S., and international destinations such as Australia, Canada, Japan, New Zealand, and South Korea.

Established in 1929 by founder Stanley Kennedy Sr., Hawaiian Airlines has built a strong safety record, having never suffered a fatal accident or total aircraft loss. The carrier consistently ranks highly for punctuality, operational dependability, and customer satisfaction metrics, including minimal cancellations, overbooking incidents, and baggage mishandling.

On December 3, 2023, Alaska Air Group revealed its plans to acquire Hawaiian Airlines, with the transaction finalized on September 18, 2024. This merger broadened the combined company’s market reach throughout Hawaiʻi and along the U.S. West Coast.

As of 2024, the airline’s fleet consists of 75 aircraft operating to 31 destinations. It employs approximately 7,362 personnel and reported revenues near US$869 million alongside a net loss of US$58 million. Key leadership includes Joe Sprague as CEO of Hawaiian Airlines and Ben Minicucci serving as CEO of Alaska Air Group. The company’s strategic focus centers on capitalizing on its strong brand presence within the Pacific region while aligning operations under Alaska Air Group to enhance growth and competitive positioning.

Early years (1929–1984)

Inter-Island Airways (Hawaiian: Hui Mokulele Piliʻāina), which preceded Hawaiian Airlines, was officially incorporated on January 30, 1929. As a division of the Inter-Island Steam Navigation Company, it commenced operations on October 6, 1929, initially providing scenic flights over Oʻahu utilizing a Bellanca CH-300 Pacemaker aircraft. Scheduled passenger service began on November 11 with Sikorsky S-38 flying boats operating routes from Honolulu to Hilo, including stops at Molokaʻi and Maui.

The company adopted the name Hawaiian Airlines on October 1, 1941, retiring its Sikorsky flying boats at that time. Fleet modernization occurred with the introduction of Douglas DC-3 aircraft in August 1941; some of these planes remained in service until their phase-out in November 1968.

Pressurized cabins were introduced in 1952 through the acquisition of the Convair 340, followed by Convair 440 models between 1959 and 1960. Many of these aircraft were later converted to turbine propeller engines during the mid-1960s before being sold off by 1974.

Jet operations started in 1966 with the deployment of Douglas DC-9-10 jets, which greatly shortened flight durations across their network.

Beginning in 1973, the airline’s branding prominently featured Miss Hawaii 1964, Leina'ala Drummond, who was also a former flight attendant, strengthening brand recognition and market presence.

Hawaiian Air Cargo

From 1976 until 1980, Hawaiian operated a mainland air freight division known as Hawaiian Air Cargo, headquartered in Macon, Georgia. This unit supported the U.S. Air Force Logair domestic cargo initiative utilizing Lockheed L-188 Electra freighters. After securing an Air Force contract for the 1976–1977 period, the airline lost access to its aircraft lease, preventing it from bidding for the 1977–1978 contract cycle. Operations recommenced in 1978 with updated aircraft; however, by 1980, the cargo division was sold to Zantop International Airlines.

Expansion beyond Hawaii (1984–1994)

Faced with rising inter-island competition from Mid Pacific Air during the 1980s, Hawaiian Airlines broadened its reach outside Hawaii. The airline introduced charter flights throughout the South Pacific and the broader Pacific region using Douglas DC-8 jets. Nevertheless, federal restrictions prohibiting DC-8 and B707 aircraft without hush kits limited these activities, aside from a temporary exemption on South Pacific routes.

In early 1985, Hawaiian acquired Lockheed L-1011 TriStar widebody jets on lease to commence scheduled services between Honolulu and Los Angeles, marking its initial direct contest with major U.S. carriers. The airline quickly expanded TriStar routes to West Coast destinations such as San Francisco, Seattle, Portland, Las Vegas, and Anchorage, thereby strengthening its competitive stance against dominant U.S. airlines.

On the international front, Hawaiian entered the Australian and New Zealand markets in 1986 via Pago Pago International Airport while also expanding charter and military transport contracts. This strategic diversification led to a substantial revenue boost, decreasing the proportion of income derived from inter-island flights to roughly one-third of total earnings.

During this timeframe, Hawaiian developed Kapalua Airport on Maui’s western side, which opened in 1987 featuring a 3,000-foot runway that restricted operations by larger aircraft. Utilizing its de Havilland Canada DHC-7 Dash 7 turboprops enabled Hawaiian exclusive service rights at Kapalua, offering a competitive advantage within the Maui market.

By the early 1990s, financial difficulties resulted in multi-million dollar losses over three consecutive years. In September 1993, Hawaiian filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection. The reorganization process involved restructuring debt obligations, implementing workforce concessions, reducing capacity, and streamlining the fleet by phasing out many recently acquired aircraft.

As part of cost reduction efforts, Hawaiian sold Kapalua Airport to the State of Hawaii in 1993 and ended service there following retirement of the Dash 7 fleet. Exiting bankruptcy protection in September 1994, the airline emerged with a more efficient all-jet fleet centered on profitability and business expansion.

Transition to an all-jet fleet (1994–2003)

To replace its retired DC-8 and L-1011 aircraft, Hawaiian Airlines leased six DC-10s from American Airlines, which also provided maintenance support. This partnership included integration into American’s SABRE reservation system and participation in the AAdvantage frequent flyer program. Between 2002 and 2003, these DC-10s were phased out and substituted with fourteen leased Boeing 767 aircraft as part of a fleet modernization initiative that also introduced new Boeing 717 jets to succeed aging DC-9s. The Boeing fleet showcased an updated "Pualani" tail design—a signature element of Hawaiian’s branding for over forty years—redesigned by local artist Mauriel Morejon.

In October 2002, Hawaiian inaugurated service to Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport utilizing Boeing 767–300 aircraft.

Second bankruptcy and restructuring (2003–2005)

In March 2003, Hawaiian Airlines entered Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection for a second occasion. Operations persisted despite delayed contributions to the pilots' pension fund. By May 2005, the company secured judicial approval for its reorganization strategy and officially exited bankruptcy on June 2, 2005. This overhaul lowered operational expenses through renegotiations with unions, lease restructurings, and capital infusion from RC Aviation, a division of Ranch Capital based in San Diego, which acquired a controlling interest in Hawaiian Holdings Inc in 2004.

Post-bankruptcy period (2005–2012)

Starting September 28, 2005, Hawaiian launched daily nonstop flights between Honolulu and San Jose, California, increasing its California gateway cities to five. Anticipating the addition of four Boeing 767–300 aircraft in May 2006, the airline broadened nonstop routes to Kahului Airport from San Diego, Seattle, and Portland while introducing flights connecting Honolulu with Sacramento, Seattle, and Los Angeles. In 2006, Hawaiian earned recognition as the top airline serving Hawaii by Travel + Leisure, Zagat, and Condé Nast Traveler.

In July 2007, Hawaiian secured a $45 million agreement with Air New Zealand for comprehensive maintenance on its Boeing 767 fleet over five years. The following month, the Seattle Seahawks commenced using Hawaiian Airlines for team travel alongside the established partnership with the Las Vegas Raiders. Several Boeing 767 and Airbus A330 aircraft feature team insignias as part of these alliances.

March 2008 marked Hawaiian’s first significant post-bankruptcy international expansion with nonstop service to Manila. After ATA Airlines and Aloha Airlines ceased operations, Hawaiian initiated flights to Oakland in May 2008.

In February 2010, Hawaiian requested authorization from the U.S. Department of Transportation to operate nonstop flights between Honolulu and Tokyo Haneda under the U.S.-Japan OpenSkies agreement. Approval was granted, leading to service commencement in November 2010. The airline also planned a codeshare arrangement with All Nippon Airways. Nonstop flights to Seoul-Incheon began in January 2011.

In March 2011, Hawaiian revealed plans to renovate its inter-island terminal lobby in Honolulu to streamline check-in processes. Osaka was added to the route network in July 2011. By November that year, Hawaiian placed an order for five additional Airbus A330-200 aircraft to support expansion.

June 2012 saw the launch of daily flights to New York’s JFK Airport, marking entry into the U.S. East Coast market. In August 2012, Hawaiian applied for nonstop Kona-Tokyo Haneda service to replace Japan Airlines’ gap but was denied by the U.S. Department of Transportation. By December 2012, plans were announced to begin Taipei service in July 2013 as part of an aggressive international growth initiative.

Continued growth and new subsidiary carrier (2013–2023)

On February 11, 2013, Hawaiian Airlines introduced ʻOhana by Hawaiian, a new turboprop inter-island service operated by Empire Airlines using ATR 42–500 aircraft. Service commenced on March 11, 2014, initially serving Molokaʻi and Lānaʻi before expanding to Kahului, Kailua-Kona, and Hilo. On April 10, 2013, the airline announced intentions to start Beijing flights in 2014 while discontinuing Manila service by July 31, 2013. A codeshare agreement with China Airlines was finalized on July 11, 2013.

In 2014, mainland operations grew with daily flights between Kahului and Los Angeles beginning May 2; seasonal routes were added to Līhuʻe and Kona. Direct service between Kahului and San Francisco launched in November that year. In January 2015, Hawaiian reapplied for Kona-Haneda service amid regulatory reviews but faced another denial in March.

On May 1, 2017, the airline unveiled an updated logo and livery design. On March 6, 2018, Hawaiian placed an order for ten Boeing 787–9 Dreamliners equipped with GE GEnx engines; two additional aircraft were added in January 2023 through option conversions.

The COVID-19 pandemic severely affected financial results; Q2 of 2020 recorded losses exceeding $100 million. Due to mandatory travel quarantines, plans were made to reduce operations by up to one-quarter by summer of 2021. On May 27, 2021, Hawaiian discontinued the ʻOhana brand because of pandemic-related declines in inter-island travel; ATR aircraft were transferred to mainland locations for sale.

In April 2022, Hawaiian became the first major airline to provide SpaceX Starlink internet free of charge on all transpacific flights. By September 2024, Starlink was installed across all Airbus aircraft within the fleet.

On May 15, 2023, Hawaiian debuted "Leihōkū Suites" on its Boeing 787–9 Dreamliners—offering fully lie-flat seating arrangements, individual entertainment screens, wireless charging capabilities, and direct aisle access—designed to evoke Hawaiʻi’s natural beauty.

Acquisition by Alaska Air Group (2023–2024)

In December 2023, Alaska Airlines declared its intent to acquire Hawaiian Airlines in a cash transaction valued at $1.9 billion, alongside the assumption of roughly $900 million in outstanding debt. This consolidation, widely supported by aviation experts, is designed to establish a unified airline concentrating on the western U.S. region. The acquisition grants Alaska, traditionally a domestic operator with narrowbody aircraft, access to Hawaiian's fleet of widebody planes, international destinations, and experienced flight crews.

Both carriers will continue operating under their distinct brands; Hawaiian Airlines is set to become a member of the Oneworld alliance. Plans include merging frequent flyer programs, with HawaiianMiles expected to be replaced by Alaska's Mileage Plan. Shareholders gave their consent to the merger in April 2024, following approvals from both Alaska Air Group and Hawaiian Holdings.

The U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) initially conducted an antitrust review due to concerns over controlling approximately 40% of the air traffic between Hawaii and the mainland United States. The approval process was anticipated to take between 12 and 18 months. On August 19, 2024, the DOJ concluded its evaluation without imposing a block on the merger. Subsequently, on September 17, 2024, the U.S. Department of Transportation granted approval, subject to conditions ensuring continued inter-island flights, service to rural areas, and preservation of customer benefits such as point redemption values and family seating arrangements.

Overlap exists on only 12 nonstop routes and was characterized as limited. Alaska highlighted its proficiency in managing extensive regional networks and committed to maintaining neighbor island services within Hawaii. Although some industry analysts forecasted possible fare increases following the merger, both companies refuted these claims.

Local officials, including Hawaii’s governor and county mayors, expressed measured support for the deal, with Alaska Airlines pledging to uphold the Hawaiian brand identity, retain unionized staff members, and safeguard flights serving neighbor islands.

Members of HawaiianMiles will have their miles converted at a one-to-one ratio into Alaska’s Mileage Plan points. On September 18, 2024, Alaska Air Group finalized its acquisition of Hawaiian Holdings, thereby broadening its global reach and strengthening its position within the airline sector.

Ownership and structure

Hawaiian Airlines, Inc. now operates as a subsidiary under Alaska Air Group. Previously publicly traded on NASDAQ from June 2, 2008, until September 18, 2024—and before that on the American Stock Exchange—Hawaiian Holdings, Inc. functioned as a holding entity owning nearly all shares of Hawaiian Airlines, Inc. On June 30, 2008, Hawaiian Holdings was included in the Russell 3000 Index.

Business trends

The following table summarizes key financial and operational metrics for Hawaiian Holdings, Inc., encompassing Hawaiian Airlines and its former regional branch ʻOhana by Hawaiian (data for fiscal years ending December 31):

Year Revenue
(million US$) 		Net income
(million US$) 		Employees
(FTE) 		Passengers
(millions) 		Load factor
(%) 		Aircraft
2014 2,315 69 10.2 81.5
2015 2,317 182 10.7 81.6 54
2016 2,432 224 6,199 11.1 84.3 57
2017 2,675 331 6,660 11.5 85.9 60
2018 2,837 233 7,244 11.8 85.3 66
2019 2,832 224 7,437 11.7 86.6 68
2020 844 (511) 5,278 3.4 60.6 68
2021 1,596 (145) 6,674 6.5 69.2 69
2022 2,716 (240) 7,108 10.0 80.1 64
2023 2,641 (261) 7,362 10.9 83.5 62

This overview illustrates fluctuations in revenue and net earnings during the COVID-19 pandemic while demonstrating gradual recovery in passenger volumes and strategic fleet modifications aimed at regaining market position and enhancing financial outcomes.

Destinations

Hawaiian Airlines operates flights throughout the Asia-Pacific region, linking Honolulu with international locations such as Tahiti, Australia, South Korea, Japan, and New Zealand. Its eighth overseas destination was launched on January 12, 2011, with service to Incheon International Airport near Seoul, South Korea.

Codeshare agreements

Hawaiian Airlines has established codeshare collaborations with the following carriers:

Interline agreements

The airline also maintains interline partnerships with:

Furthermore, Hawaiian Airlines has a cargo interline agreement in place with Southwest Airlines.

Fleet

As of , Hawaiian Airlines' fleet consists of the following aircraft:

Aircraft In service Orders Passenger Seating References Remarks
F Y+ Y Total
Airbus A321neo 18 — 16 44 129 189
Airbus A330-200 24 — 18 68 192 278
Boeing 717-200 19 — 8 — 120 128
Boeing 787-9 4 8 34 79 187 300 Deliveries scheduled through 2028 with options for eight more aircraft.
Cargo fleet
Airbus A330-300P2F 10 — Cargo Operated on behalf of Amazon Air.
Total 75 8

Hawaiian Airlines assigns names to its aircraft reflecting Polynesian heritage: Boeing 717s bear the names of Polynesian birds, Airbus A330s are named after Polynesian star constellations used in navigation, and Airbus A321neos carry names inspired by native Hawaiian plants and forests, underscoring the airline’s cultural identity.

Boeing 717

The Boeing 717 has been a key component of Hawaiian’s inter-island services since March 2001. To accommodate rising passenger volumes following the cessation of operations by Aloha Airlines and ATA Airlines, Hawaiian leased four additional Boeing 717s on June 4, 2008, completing deliveries by the close of that year.

Airbus A321neo

In January 2013, Hawaiian Airlines signed a memorandum of understanding with Airbus for the acquisition of 16 Airbus A321neo aircraft, with an option for up to nine more. These planes are configured in a two-class layout seating 189 passengers. After reaching labor agreements with pilots and flight attendants, the airline confirmed the order in March 2013. Later, in December 2016, Hawaiian expanded this order by leasing two additional A321neos, bringing the total to 18. The inaugural commercial flight for this type took place on January 17, 2018, operating between Kahului and Oakland, California.

Airbus A330-200

On November 27, 2007, Hawaiian Airlines entered into a memorandum of understanding with Airbus to acquire 24 long-haul aircraft valued at $4.4 billion. This agreement included six Airbus A330-200s, each with six purchase options, alongside six A350-800s, also with six options. Expansion plans targeted new routes to Paris and London. Deliveries of the A330 models commenced in 2010, while the first A350 was initially slated for 2017. After the termination of the A350-800 program, Hawaiian revised its order to include six A330-800 aircraft instead.

In October 2008, Hawaiian Airlines revealed plans to lease an additional two A330-200s starting in 2011 and extended leases on two Boeing 767-300ERs until that time, which were scheduled for retirement upon arrival of the A330s. Shortly afterward, the airline secured a lease for another A330-200 to be delivered in early 2010 and expedited one lease delivery to that same quarter. By December 2010, Hawaiian had placed an order for six more A330-200s, increasing its total fleet count to 15.

Subsequent leasing agreements expanded the A330-200 fleet to 22 aircraft through partnerships with Air Lease Corporation, Hong Kong Aviation Capital, and Jackson Square Aviation. In July 2015, Hawaiian added another leased A330-200 from Air Lease Corporation, followed by a purchase announcement in December 2016. These carefully planned fleet augmentations align with Hawaiian’s ambitions for long-distance route growth and strengthening its market presence.

Boeing 787-9

In February 2018, speculation arose that Hawaiian Airlines might cancel its order for six A330-800s in favor of acquiring 787-9 aircraft. Boeing reportedly offered prices below $115 million per unit, potentially under $100 million each; manufacturing costs were estimated between $80 and $90 million. Additionally, Boeing Capital facilitated early termination of three 767-300ER leases by Hawaiian, transferring those planes to United Airlines. Initially, Hawaiian neither confirmed nor refuted these rumors but officially canceled the A330-800 order on March 6, 2018. Concurrently, the airline signed a Letter of Intent with Boeing to procure ten 787-9s with options for an additional ten units. The agreement was finalized at the Farnborough Air Show in July 2018.

On January 4, 2023, Hawaiian expanded its order by adding two more 787-9 aircraft, bringing the total to twelve as part of a delivery deferral arrangement with Boeing. Despite several postponements, the airline received its first 787-9 in January 2024 and initially deployed it on routes serving the U.S. West Coast. Originally, deliveries were expected to begin in November 2023.

Historical fleet

Throughout its history, Hawaiian Airlines has operated a broad spectrum of aircraft types that reflect its changing business strategies and market requirements:

Aircraft Introduced Retired Notes
ATR 42 2014 2021 Operated by regional subsidiary ʻOhana by Hawaiian for inter-island flights; retired following discontinuation of the brand.
Beechcraft Model 18 1947 Template:Unknown Utilized primarily for charter services and pilot training.
Bellanca CH-300 Pacemaker 1929 1933 The original aircraft; restored to its 1929 configuration in 2009.
Boeing 767-300 2006 2018 Served routes between Hawaii and the mainland U.S.; replaced by Airbus A330-200, Airbus A321neo, and Boeing 787-9 models.
Boeing 767-300ER 2001 2019
Convair CV-340 1953 1973 Included the turboprop variant Convair CV-640 from the mid-1960s.
de Havilland Canada DHC-7 Dash 7 1981 1994 Short takeoff and landing (STOL) capable aircraft used in regional operations.
Douglas DC-3 1941 1966
Douglas DC-6 1958 1969
Douglas DC-8-60 1983 1993
Lockheed L-188 Electra 1970 1980 Operated as an all-cargo freighter.
Lockheed L-1011 TriStar 1985 1994 Replaced by McDonnell Douglas DC-10 aircraft.
McDonnell Douglas DC-9-10 1966/1985 1971/1992 The first jetliners introduced into Hawaiian’s fleet; some were leased during late 1980s through early 1990s.
McDonnell Douglas DC-9-30 1968 1975 Succeeded by McDonnell Douglas DC-9-50 models.
McDonnell Douglas DC-9-50 1975 2001 Replaced by Boeing 717-200 aircraft.
McDonnell Douglas DC-10-10 1994 2003 Superseded by Boeing 767-300ER models.
McDonnell Douglas DC-10-30 1999 2001 Leased from American Airlines and Continental Airlines.
McDonnell Douglas MD-81 1981 1990

This historical overview highlights how Hawaiian Airlines’ fleet composition has evolved strategically over time to improve operational efficiency, broaden market reach, and enhance competitiveness within the airline industry.

Catering

Hawaiian provides both complimentary and paid beverage options on all its flights. Due to the brief duration of inter-island trips (approximately 30–45 minutes), meals are not served on these routes. On flights between the U.S. mainland and Hawaiʻi, Hawaiian stands out as one of the few major U.S. carriers offering free meals in its main cabin (coach class). These meals emphasize preservative-free, natural ingredients and utilize recyclable packaging. In 2009, the airline introduced premium Asian cuisine selections in coach, though these were eventually discontinued.

Since March 2007, passengers traveling first class on U.S. mainland and international flights have enjoyed a "tasting menu" featuring a rotating selection of twenty entrees, with the option to choose up to three dishes during a flight.

In August 2012, Hawaiian enhanced its economy class service on U.S. mainland routes by rolling out a refreshed menu that included complimentary wine during lunch and dinner flights, as well as a free tropical cocktail on breakfast flights—an approach that contrasted with the industry trend of scaling back meal services. Then-CEO Mark Dunkerley highlighted this move as a key strategic differentiator that aligns closely with the airline’s brand identity.

Beginning December 1, 2017, passengers in the main cabin flying between Hawaiʻi and western U.S. gateways started receiving complimentary meals under the new Pau Hāna Café brand—offering a continental breakfast box for brunch and a warm sandwich accompanied by a side for lunch. That same year, Hawaiian collaborated with Mana Up, a Hawaiʻi-based accelerator program, to broaden its onboard selection of locally produced consumer goods, thereby supporting local entrepreneurship.

In February 2024, Hawaiian became the first major U.S. airline to provide free inflight Wi-Fi through SpaceX's Starlink satellite network, significantly enhancing its digital offerings amid rising demand for high-speed connectivity in the industry. This followed an agreement made in 2022 to implement Starlink technology for inflight internet access.

Accidents and incidents

  • On December 23, 2000, a McDonnell Douglas DC-10 operated by Hawaiian Airlines (flight HA481) overran the runway at Faa'a International Airport in Papeete due to incorrect spoiler settings combined with landing during a thunderstorm. No fatalities were reported.
  • On May 1, 2015, flight HA24, operated by a Boeing 767, returned to Kahului Airport after smoke was detected inside the cabin; passengers evacuated using emergency slides with two sustaining minor injuries.
  • On May 15, 2015, a Boeing 717 flying as HA118 emitted smoke from an engine while en route to Kona International Airport and diverted safely to Kahului Airport where fire crews extinguished the fire; no injuries or evacuations occurred.
  • On August 13, 2018, an Airbus A321neo operating flight HA56 suffered a tailstrike during landing at Los Angeles International Airport causing significant damage to the aircraft but no injuries among the 197 passengers and crew.
  • On August 22, 2019, an Airbus A321neo on flight HA47 from Oakland to Honolulu landed safely after smoke in the cabin prompted evacuation; seven individuals were hospitalized due to smoke inhalation; investigation identified a faulty engine seal as the cause.
  • On December 18, 2022, an Airbus A330-243 flying as HA35 encountered severe turbulence near Honolulu resulting in injuries to 36 passengers and crew members; twenty were hospitalized with eleven classified in serious condition. The aircraft sustained damage during the event.

See also

Bibliography

External links

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