Hawaiian Airlines Changes Aircraft for New York City Flights

Hawaiian Airlines has recently announced a major equipment swap for its flights to New York City. Starting in September 2025, the airline will replace its current Boeing 787-9s with the Airbus A330-200 on the route. This change is part of a larger fleet and network reshuffle by the airline’s new parent company, Alaska Airlines.

Acquisition by Alaska Airlines

Last year, Hawaiian Airlines was acquired by Alaska Airlines. While the Hawaiian brand will remain, Alaska is making changes to the carrier’s fleet and network. With access to a widebody fleet, Alaska is looking to turn its Seattle hub into a global gateway. This could mean utilizing Hawaiian’s Boeing 787s for routes beyond North America.

Boeing 787 Replaced by Airbus A330

Since April 2025, Hawaiian Airlines has been operating its Boeing 787-9 on flights between Honolulu International Airport and New York’s John F. Kennedy International Airport. However, the last Dreamliner flight on this route will be on September 11, 2025. The airline will then switch to the Airbus A330-200, which has a lower passenger capacity but is better suited for the expected drop in demand after peak summer season. The A330 will continue to operate this route until at least April 2026, with the possibility of the 787 returning next summer.

Hawaiian’s Dreamliner Fleet

Hawaiian Airlines currently has a small fleet of three Boeing 787-9s, with nine more on order. This new addition to the fleet helps fill the gap left by the retirement of the Boeing 767. Eventually, the 787s will also replace the aging A330-200s that are currently used for medium and long-haul flights. However, the airline’s 24 A330-200s still make up a larger part of its operations. Hawaiian also has 18 A321neo narrowbody jets, allowing it to serve smaller markets that cannot support widebody flights. The airline also operates a fleet of 19 Boeing 717 jets, which it shares with Delta and is one of the last commercial carriers to use this aircraft.

Alaska & Hawaiian Airlines Partnership

Alaska Airlines and Hawaiian Airlines have co-locations at six airports across the United States. With the acquisition, Alaska is now the fifth-largest airline in the country and is looking to strengthen its position on the US West Coast. The two carriers are undergoing changes, including plans to turn Seattle into a global hub.

Expansion Plans for Hawaiian Airlines

Hawaiian Airlines recently launched a new service to Tokyo and will begin flights to Seoul later this year. The airline is also considering expanding its global network and aims to enter the European market in 2026. With the efficiency and passenger-friendly design of the Boeing 787, it is likely to play a significant role in Alaska’s long-term growth plans.