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Alaska Airlines plans to operate Alaska-branded aircraft on intra-island Hawaii flights as part of its next step in improving the customer experience with Hawaiian Airlines. The Boeing 737-800 will launch daily supplemental flights between Honolulu International Airport (HNL) and Kahului Airport (OGG).
The branded Alaska aircraft will bring additional flights between the two islands, while improving overall capacity and cargo operations between the two largest airports in the Aloha State. The newer aircraft, instead of the aging Hawaiian Boeing 717, will also help maintain improved reliability and frequency for travelers.
Alaska Boeing 737 To Fly Between The Hawaiian Islands
Hawaiian Airlines, wholly owned by the Alaska Air Group, has plans to retire its aging 717 fleet by 2028, in a bid for more modern aircraft from Alaska Airlines. While the Hawaiian Airlines-branded 737s are yet to arrive, the Alaska-branded aircraft will operate instead. Guests will be able to see the different aircraft when booking online.
The additional flights between Honolulu and Kahului are part of the airline’s long-term plan to modernize the neighbor island fleet, and the 717 will continue to serve the flights alongside the 737 from October 3. There are more than 140 daily flights between the islands. The routes within Hawaii will gain short-term relief from the Alaska-branded aircraft to allow the older 717 jets to undergo routine maintenance, while the 737-800 will gradually replace the retiring 717 jets over the next few years.
The 737-800 is a proven aircraft that is capable of handling frequent daily cycles and short flight segments, and it can manage the busy schedule between the neighbor islands. Alaska operates a total of 252 aircraft in the Boeing 737 family, with 60 737-800s in operation; full details from ch-aviation below:
Type | Number Active |
|---|---|
Boeing 737-700 | 14 |
Boeing 737-800 | 60 |
Boeing 737-900 | 78 |
Boeing 737 MAX 8 | 20 |
Boeing 737 MAX 9 | 80 |
With the upgrade from the 717 to the 737, this will provide an extra 33 seats per flight, up from the 128 on the 717 to 161 on the 737. The Alaska aircraft are also all fitted with onboard Wi-Fi. Other benefits customers can expect onboard include reclining leather Recaro seats, in-seat power and USB charging, additional premium seating options, complimentary beverage and snack service in the First Class cabin, and beverage service for Main Cabin travelers.
Those who are Hawaii residents and are Huaka’i by Hawaiian members will enjoy recent announced enhancements including two checked bags, quarterly discounts for six companions on the same trip, and triple Atmos Rewards points at Foodland, including monthly fare deals across the combined network.
With the new flights beginning on October 3, this will require all neighbor island guests needing to check bags at least 50 minutes before departure, and the earlier check-in time will see the airline improve baggage handling while also supporting better on-time departures. Guests traveling to Kahului will continue to check bags at Terminal 1, Lobby 3. Guests departing to Honolulu on the 737 jets will need to visit the Alaska counters next to Hawaiians for check-in services and bag drop.
More Changes For International Flights
In line with accommodating the new 737 intra-island operations, Hawaiian is planning to move and combine check-in and bag drop for international departures to Terminal 2 in Lobby 4. Guests are encouraged to check their flight information before heading to the airport to ensure that they are aware of the new changes and updated lobby locations.
The introduction of the 737 on the domestic intra-island Hawaii flights will be a welcome change for travelers otherwise used to the older 717 aircraft. The new planes with upgraded interiors will provide more passenger and cargo capacity on these busy neighbor island flights, and improve frequency, reliability, and connectivity that residents depend on each day.
The acquisition of Hawaiian by Alaska Air Group is expected to overall improve both airlines’ route networks, and has seen the introduction of new widebody flights by Alaska from 
Seattle-Tacoma International Airport.(SEA) Alaska has confirmed its plans to retain the Hawaiian brand and operate a dual-brand strategy for the foreseeable future; however, both airlines now operate on a single FAA certificate, reservation platform, and frequent flyer program.
