Hawaiian Airlines-branded Boeing 737-800s will replace the retiring Boeing 717 fleet, bringing proven, reliable aircraft with premium interiors and fast, free Starlink Wi-Fi to Neighbor Island flying.
The future fleet will be based in Honolulu (HNL) and flown and crewed by Honolulu-based pilots and flight attendants.
This represents the next step in the journey to bring more value to Hawai‘i and the Hawai‘i traveler, building on an expanded network, industry-leading loyalty program and comprehensive investments across technology, aircraft, airports, guest experience and community.
Alaska Airlines, Inc. today announced the future fleet plan for Hawaiian Airlines’ Neighbor Island flying – a modern fleet of Hawaiian-branded Boeing 737-800 aircraft that will replace Hawaiian’s retiring Boeing 717 fleet, delivering a significantly improved guest experience and greater reliability for Hawai‘i and the Hawai‘i traveler.
The 737-800 aircraft will feature a modern premium onboard experience that includes:
- Twice as many First Class seats and the addition of more than 30 Premium Class seats, creating more upgrade opportunities for Huaka‘i by Hawaiian and Atmos™ Rewards members
- Fast, free Starlink Wi-Fi on all flights
- More room in cargo for surfboards
- Reclining leather Recaro seats throughout the aircraft
- 110V power outlets, USB charging and seatback device holders at every seat
The future fleet will carry the Hawaiian brand and focus on Neighbor Island service, based in Honolulu (HNL). The airline’s plan is for these aircraft to be flown by Honolulu-based pilots and flight attendants once the integration is complete, sustaining the safe, reliable and frequent service Hawai‘i residents depend on for work, school, family, medical care and everyday life across the Islands while delivering a more modern and premium onboard experience for all guests.
Neighbor Island flying is uniquely demanding, with short segments, frequent daily cycles and operations in a salt-air environment.
The 737-800 is a durable, reliable and proven aircraft with airframes and engines that can withstand the high cycles of Neighbor Island operations, while enabling the airline to maintain capacity to meet demand with a full schedule of frequent departures from morning to evening.
The goal is to begin the fleet transition in 2028 and move quickly to bring this additional capacity and enhanced experience to our guests.
Additional details will be shared as planning continues.
To sustain frequency and capacity and meet the needs of Hawai‘i’s communities in the near-term, prior to the transition, Alaska will supplement 717 Neighbor Island flying with 737 capacity.
Starting in October, one Alaska-branded 737 aircraft will fly three round trips per day between Honolulu and Kahului (OGG). This 737 will operate out of Terminal 1 at Honolulu’s Daniel K. Inouye International Airport, and guests will be able to check in at Terminal 1.
The fleet decision is a key step in Alaska Accelerate, Alaska Air Group’s strategic plan to deliver long-term growth by strengthening the company’s dual-brand strategy, expanding the reach of Hawaiian and investing in the markets that matter most to guests.
Strength in Hawai‘i and continued investment in the Hawaiian brand are central to that plan.
Since combining Alaska Airlines and Hawaiian Airlines, the company has continued to invest in Hawai‘i, strengthening connectivity through a broader network, launching a new, more valuable loyalty program, improving technology, planning a new Honolulu lounge and airport improvements across Hawai‘i, and elevating the guest experience while deepening its commitment to local communities. The future Neighbor Island fleet builds on that journey, serving Hawai‘i better together while honoring and sustaining two strong and beloved brands.
