{"id":150923,"date":"2026-07-23T04:05:00","date_gmt":"2026-07-22T22:35:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/aviationa2z.com\/?p=150923"},"modified":"2026-07-23T00:53:42","modified_gmt":"2026-07-22T19:23:42","slug":"hawaiian-airlines-to-retire-boeing-717-bring-737","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/aviationa2z.com\/index.php\/2026\/07\/23\/hawaiian-airlines-to-retire-boeing-717-bring-737\/","title":{"rendered":"Hawaiian Airlines to Retire Boeing 717, Bring 737 for Inter-Island Flights"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

HONOLULU\u2014<\/strong> Alaska Airlines (AS) <\/a>has announced a long-term fleet modernization plan that will see Hawaiian Airlines (HA)<\/a> replace its aging Boeing 717 aircraft with Hawaiian-branded Boeing 737-800 jets on Neighbor Island routes across Hawaii.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The transition marks one of the most significant investments in Hawaiian’s domestic network since Alaska Air Group completed its merger with the airline.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The new fleet will operate primarily from Honolulu’s Daniel K. Inouye International Airport (HNL), serving destinations such as Kahului Airport (OGG)<\/a> and other Neighbor Island airports.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Alaska said the move will enhance the onboard experience, improve operational reliability, and increase passenger and cargo capacity while preserving the Hawaiian brand and locally based workforce.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"Hawaiian
Photo: Alaska Airlines<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Hawaiian Airlines to Operate Boeing 737s in 2028<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

The fleet replacement is scheduled to begin in 2028, when Hawaiian Airlines starts retiring its Boeing 717 aircraft after decades of service between the Hawaiian Islands.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Alaska Air Group selected the Boeing 737-800<\/a> because of its proven reliability, durability, and ability to handle the demanding short-haul, high-frequency operations unique to Hawai\u02bbi.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The aircraft will continue operating under the Hawaiian Airlines brand and remain dedicated to Neighbor Island service.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Following the airlines’ operational integration, Honolulu-based pilots and flight attendants are expected to operate the fleet, ensuring continuity for local communities that rely on frequent inter-island flights for business, education, healthcare, and family travel.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Hawaiian Airlines CEO Diana Birkett Rakow<\/strong> said the investment demonstrates the company’s long-term commitment to Hawai\u02bbi while strengthening Hawaiian Airlines as the state’s hometown carrier.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

She noted that the decision supports reliable transportation across the islands while preserving the airline’s local identity.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The Boeing 737-800 also offers greater operational flexibility than the retiring Boeing 717 fleet. Its robust airframe and engines are designed to withstand frequent daily flight cycles and the challenging salt-air operating environment found across the Hawaiian Islands.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"Alaska
Photo: Cado Photo<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Passenger Upgrades and Capacity<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Passengers can expect a substantially improved onboard experience once the Boeing 737-800 enters service. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

The aircraft will feature twice as many First Class<\/a> seats as the current Boeing 717 fleet while introducing more than 30 Premium Class seats, creating additional upgrade opportunities for Atmos Rewards members.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Every aircraft will also be equipped with free Starlink Wi-Fi, reclining leather Recaro seats, USB charging ports, 110V power outlets, and personal device holders at every seat. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

The larger aircraft will also provide significantly more cargo space, making it easier to accommodate oversized luggage, including surfboards commonly carried by travelers within Hawai\u02bbi.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

According to Alaska Air Group, these enhancements align with its broader strategy of improving the customer experience while maintaining the frequent schedules that residents depend on throughout the day.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"Alaska
Photo: Alaska Airlines<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Alaska Strategy for Growth<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Before the full fleet transition begins, Alaska Airlines will supplement Neighbor Island operations using one Alaska-branded Boeing 737 aircraft starting in October. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

The aircraft will operate three daily round-trip flights between Honolulu and Kahului to help maintain capacity while Boeing 717 aircraft gradually retire.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The fleet modernization forms part of Alaska Accelerate, Alaska Air Group’s long-term growth strategy following its combination with Hawaiian Airlines. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Alongside the aircraft investment, the company continues expanding network connectivity, introducing its Atmos Rewards loyalty program, planning a new Honolulu lounge, and investing in airport infrastructure across Hawai\u02bbi.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Jim Landers, Head of Hawai\u02bbi Operations for Alaska Airlines and Hawaiian Airlines<\/strong>, said the Boeing 737-800 provides a proven platform for the next generation of Neighbor Island flying while allowing the airline to maintain reliable, high-frequency service expected by local communities.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

As planning progresses, Alaska Air Group is expected to release additional details regarding the rollout schedule and fleet deployment.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Stay tuned with us. Further, follow us on social media for the latest updates.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Join us on\u00a0Telegram Group\u00a0<\/a>for the Latest Aviation Updates. Subsequently, follow us on\u00a0Google News<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

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