Hawaiian Airlines: A330 Fleet Reduction & Cabin Overhaul
Hawaiian Airlines, now a subsidiary of Alaska Air Group following its acquisition in September 2024, is undergoing significant fleet changes and cabin modernizations as part of the Kahuʻewai Hawaiʻi Investment Plan, a $600 million initiative over five years. Historically defined by its widebody operations, Hawaiian Airlines is set to reduce its Airbus A330-200 fleet from 24 to 20 aircraft by 2028, shedding four widebodies. This reduction coincides with the arrival of four Boeing 787-10 Dreamliners for Alaska Airlines, which are primarily earmarked for Alaska's global expansion out of Seattle, rather than directly replacing A330 capacity in Honolulu. The Honolulu 787 base is internally projected to support approximately five aircraft. The aggressive ramp-up of Alaska's MAX 10 fleet in 2027 and 2028 is expected to alter the economics of mainland-Hawaii flying, potentially allowing higher-capacity narrowbodies to serve routes previously flown by A330s. A consequence of fewer widebody aircraft for Hawaii is a reduction in cargo space, impacting the transport of essential goods like fresh food, mail, and medical supplies. Simultaneously, Hawaiian Airlines will undertake a comprehensive cabin refurbishment for its remaining A330 fleet, starting in 2028. This upgrade includes new seats, carpets, and lighting. First Class seats will be transformed into suites, and the premium economy 'Extra Comfort' cabin will be enhanced with four rows of wider reclining seats, offering increased personal space and privacy, similar to newer domestic first-class products. The inflight entertainment system will be upgraded with Bluetooth-enabled, high-definition screens and an expanded content library. Fast, free Starlink WiFi has already been installed across the A330 fleet. The airline also plans to acquire three of its currently leased A330s. Hawaiian Airlines is scheduled to join the oneworld Alliance on April 22, 2026, aligning with both airlines' transition to a single passenger service system.
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