Hawaiian Airlines Restructures Fleet Ahead of 2025 Merger Changes

Hawaiian Airlines is undergoing significant changes as it prepares for a merger with Alaska Airlines in 2025. As part of this transition, the airline is reshaping its fleet to align with the broader operations of its new partner. Currently, Hawaiian Airlines operates a total of 75 passenger and cargo aircraft, with six additional jets on order, according to data from ch-aviation.

Current Fleet Overview

Hawaiian Airlines has an average fleet age of 11.5 years. The newest additions are four Boeing 787-9 Dreamliners, which boast a young average age of just 1.9 years. These aircraft are configured to carry 300 passengers, divided into two classes. The front of the cabin features 34 business class flatbeds arranged in a 1-2-1 layout, allowing direct aisle access for every passenger. The economy section accommodates 266 seats in a 3-3-3 configuration.

As part of the merger with Alaska Airlines, these Dreamliners will soon transition to the latter’s operations, supporting a new long-haul hub in Seattle. Alaska Airlines CEO Ben Minicucci emphasized the merger’s significance, stating, “With these bold moves, we are accelerating our vision to connect our guests to the world.”

The airline also operates 24 Airbus A330-200s, which are approximately 12.5 years old. Of these, 23 are currently active, while one is undergoing maintenance at Singapore Changi Airport. Each A330-200 can seat 278 passengers, but only 18 of those seats are in business class. The configuration, which features a 2-2-2 layout, limits direct aisle access for window passengers. Hawaiian Airlines plans to introduce a premium economy section to enhance passenger experience.

In addition to passenger jets, Hawaiian Airlines operates 10 A330-300P2F cargo aircraft for Amazon, further diversifying its operations.

Narrowbody and Regional Operations

The airline has also revitalized its narrowbody fleet with 18 next-generation Airbus A321neo twinjets, averaging seven years old. Currently, only one A321neo is active, while another is stored in Oakland. Each A321neo can carry 189 passengers, with 16 domestic first-class recliners and 173 economy seats. Hawaiian Airlines has scheduled over 1,000 A321neo flights in January alone.

The Boeing 717-200s serve as Hawaiian’s smallest yet busiest aircraft, with 19 in operation. These rear-engined twinjets are essential for island-hopping routes, operating several short flights daily. At present, only one 717 is inactive, undergoing maintenance in Honolulu. The average age of these aircraft is 23.9 years, making them the oldest in the fleet. Despite their age, Alaska Airlines has confirmed that they will remain operational for at least five more years, having recently undergone a life extension program.

As Hawaiian Airlines integrates into Alaska Airlines, the future of its fleet appears focused on modernization while maintaining essential regional capabilities. The evolving landscape of the airline industry, particularly with this merger, will continue to shape the carrier’s operational strategies and customer offerings as 2025 approaches.