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Hawaiian starts new chapter with A321neo delivery
November 24th 2017
Honolulu-headquartered Hawaiian Airlines has taken delivery of the first of 18 on-order A321neo. Read More »
Hawaiian’s first A321neo has been named “Maile”, a vine native to Hawaii and traditionally used for lei making and celebrations. A silver maile lei wrapping is featured on the aircraft’s fuselage.
Hawaiian’s inaugural A321neo flight is scheduled for January 8 on the carrier’s existing Kahului-Oakland route. A new Kahului-Portland service will launch with the A321neo on January 18.
Hawaiian is configuring its A321neo with 189 seats, comprising 16 business class, 45 extra-legroom “premium economy” seats and 128 standard economy class seats.
The airline has 18 A321neo in its books, with 16 on direct purchase from Airbus and two sourced through leases.
In this region, Hawaiian serves Japan, South Korea, China, Australia, New Zealand, American Samoa and Tahiti. Hawaiian also offers service to eleven U.S. mainland cities, in addition to approximately 170 jet flights daily between the Hawaiian Islands.
“Airbus aims to further its customers’ goals for passenger and revenue growth, and market penetration by incorporating new technology and design into industry-leading models that deliver both a better passenger experience and economic efficiency,” said John Leahy, Airbus commercial chief operating officer-customers. “For a unique and discerning airline like Hawaiian, the A321neo delivers unbeatable fuel efficiency and lower noise and carbon emissions, reducing the environmental impact.”
Airbus promises the A321neo will offer up to 16% lower fuel burn and carbon emissions compared to previous generation aircraft.
The A321neo is powered by Pratt & Whitney GTF engines. “We’ve been powering aircraft at Hawaiian since 1929 and we appreciate the continued confidence in Pratt & Whitney,” said Chris Calio, president, commercial engines at Pratt & Whitney. “From the Wasp-powered Bellanca CH-300 Pacemaker to the PW4000-powered Boeing 767 to the GTF-powered A321neo, we’re honored to continue the tradition,” he added.
The A321neo has been designed around performing “long and thin” flights with a distance of up to 4,000nm (when carrying 206 passengers in a standard two-class layout). Hawaiian is the seventh operator of the largest A320neo Family jet, joining the ranks of All Nippon Airways (ANA), Avianca, Novair, SriLankan Airlines, Virgin America and WOW Air.
The carrier has a fleet of 24 A330-200s, eight B767-300ERs, 20 B717s and the aforementioned first A321neo.
Hawaiian recently said it was considering a potential B787 order after it emerged as the only customer for the -800neo. The 87 year-old carrier last week announced Mark Dunkerley will retire as CEO on March 1 after 15 years with the airline. He will be succeeded by chief commercial officer, Peter Ingram.
“This has been a heart-wrenching decision,” Dunkerley said. “I am so proud to be associated with this company and our employees. Hawaiian Airlines is truly in a class of its own, distinguished by all the employees I am honored to call my colleagues.”
