Hawaiian Airlines to Replace Boeing 717s with Alaska Air Group 737-800s
Hawaiian Airlines will transition its inter-island fleet from Boeing 717s to Boeing 737-800s, sourced from its parent company, Alaska Air Group, with a full rollout starting in 2028. An interim 737 service begins this October.
Fleet Modernisation for Inter-Island Routes
Hawaiian Airlines, a subsidiary of Alaska Air Group, will commence a full fleet transition in 2028, replacing its current Boeing 717 aircraft with Boeing 737-800s for inter-island routes. This move follows the company's acknowledgement late last year of considering replacement options for its 717 fleet. As an immediate step, an Alaska-branded Boeing 737 will begin supplementary inter-island service this October, operating three daily return flights between Honolulu and Kahului. (Source: AirlineGeeks, July 22, 2026)
Enhanced Passenger Comfort and Durability
The introduction of the 737-800s aims to enhance passenger comfort and operational reliability across Hawaiian's short-haul network. Alaska Air Group stated the new aircraft will feature amenities such as double the number of first-class seats, complimentary Starlink wireless internet, and reclining leather seats in all cabins. Officials also highlighted the 737's durability, which is essential for the demanding inter-island operations involving frequent cycles in a corrosive salt-air environment. (Source: AirlineGeeks, July 22, 2026)
Local Operations and Long-Term Commitment
These Hawaiian-branded Boeing 737s will be based in Honolulu and crewed by Hawaii-based pilots and flight attendants, reflecting a long-term investment in the region. Hawaiian CEO Diana Birkett Rakow commented that the decision reinforces a commitment to strengthen Hawaiian Airlines and uphold the local expertise and culture that define its service. Hawaiian Airlines currently maintains one of the world's largest fleets of the Boeing 717, a model whose production ceased in 2006. (Source: AirlineGeeks, July 22, 2026)
Implications for Travellers and Industry
For travellers, this fleet modernisation means upgraded amenities and potentially increased schedule integrity on flights connecting the Hawaiian Islands, with initial benefits from the interim Alaska-branded aircraft starting this October. The full transition from 2028 ensures the continued use of modern, robust aircraft for Hawaii's crucial inter-island air links, impacting both local residents and tourists flying within the archipelago by offering improved service and reliability.
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