50 Facts About Hawaiian Airlines

A Journey Through Time

Hawaiian Airlines has a storied history that spans nearly a century. Let's dive into some fascinating facts about this iconic airline.

1. Founding: Hawaiian Airlines began as Inter-Island Airways on January 30, 1929, a subsidiary of Inter-Island Steam Navigation Company.
2. First Flight: The inaugural flight took place on October 6, 1929, with a Bellanca CH-300 Pacemaker offering short sightseeing flights over Oʻahu.
3. Scheduled Service: Regular service started on November 11, 1929, flying from Honolulu to Hilo with stops on Molokaʻi and Maui.
4. Name Change: The airline adopted the name Hawaiian Airlines on October 1, 1941, as it phased out older aircraft.
5. Douglas DC-3s: The first Douglas DC-3s joined the fleet in August 1941, some operating until November 1968.

Fleet Evolution

Hawaiian Airlines has continually updated its fleet to provide better service and efficiency.

6. Convair 340: Modern pressurized aircraft like the Convair 340 were introduced in 1952.
7. Convair 440s: These aircraft were added between 1959 and 1960.
8. Jet Service: Jet service began in 1966 with the Douglas DC-9-10, cutting travel times significantly.
9. DC-9-50: The fleet was upgraded to the larger DC-9-50 shortly after introducing the DC-9-10.
10. Transpacific Flights: Hawaiian Airlines became the first Hawaii-based carrier to operate transpacific flights in 1985.

Modern Fleet and Hubs

Today, Hawaiian Airlines operates a diverse and modern fleet, connecting numerous destinations.

11. DC-10s: The first DC-10s arrived in 1994, replacing the aging DC-8s.
12. Boeing Aircraft: At the turn of the millennium, the airline invested in new-generation Boeing aircraft like the 717-200 and 767-300ER.
13. Current Fleet: The airline operates 18 Airbus A321neos, 24 Airbus A330-200s, and 19 Boeing 717-200s.
14. Hub Locations: The main hub is at Daniel K. Inouye International Airport on Oʻahu, with a secondary hub at Kahului Airport on Maui.
15. Crew Base: Hawaiian Airlines also maintains a crew base at Los Angeles International Airport.

Destinations and Safety

Hawaiian Airlines is known for its extensive network and impeccable safety record.

16. Destinations: The airline flies to Asia, American Samoa, Australia, French Polynesia, Hawaii, New Zealand, Alaska, Canada, and the USA mainland.
17. Safety Record: It is the oldest American carrier without a fatal accident or hull loss.
18. On-Time Performance: Frequently tops the on-time carrier list in the United States.
19. Revenue: In 2022, the airline generated $2.64 billion in revenue.
20. Operating Income: Reported an operating income of -$210.0 million in 2022.

Financials and Leadership

Understanding the financial health and leadership of Hawaiian Airlines provides insight into its operations.

21. Net Income: The airline had a net income of -$240.1 million in 2022.
22. Total Assets: Total assets stood at $4.14 billion as of 2022.
23. Total Equity: The total equity was $333.3 million in 2022.
24. Employees: As of 2022, the airline employed 7,108 people.
25. Parent Company: Hawaiian Airlines is a subsidiary of Alaska Air Group.

Frequent Flyer Programs

Hawaiian Airlines offers robust frequent flyer and elite status programs to reward loyal customers.

26. Frequent Flyer Program: HawaiianMiles rewards passengers based on distance flown rather than ticket price.
27. Elite Status Program: Pualani includes two tiers: Pualani Gold and Pualani Platinum.
28. Pualani Elite Benefits: Members enjoy priority security lines, complimentary upgrades, and Premier Club lounge access.
29. Free Checked Bags: Pualani Platinum members get 3 free checked bags, while Pualani Gold members get 2.
30. Frequent Flyer Mile Bonus: Pualani Platinum members receive a 100% mile bonus, and Pualani Gold members get a 50% bonus.

Customer Service and Innovations

Hawaiian Airlines has faced challenges but continues to innovate to improve customer service.

31. Customer Service Challenges: During the COVID-19 pandemic, wait times for phone support reached up to 4 hours.
32. Feature Management Solution: Implemented LaunchDarkly to manage feature releases, easing the burden on its support team.
33. Flag-Driven Development: Automated flight cancellations and rebookings through its mobile app and website.
34. Customer Experience Improvement: Gradual rollout of new features allowed guests to self-serve most flight changes.
35. COVID-19 Response: Created an online cancellation form to manage high volumes of customer service requests.

Merger and Future Plans

The recent merger with Alaska Airlines marks a new chapter for Hawaiian Airlines.

36. Merger with Alaska Airlines: Announced on December 3, 2023, pending regulatory approval.
37. Regulatory Approval: The U.S. Department of Justice declined to block the acquisition on August 19, 2024.
38. Transportation Department Clearance: Cleared by the U.S. Department of Transportation on September 17, 2024.
39. Merger Completion: The merger was completed on September 18, 2024.
40. Fleet Modernization: Awaiting delivery of 12 Boeing 787-9s, with options for eight more.

Aircraft and Services

Hawaiian Airlines continues to modernize its fleet and improve its services.

41. First 787 Revenue Flight: Scheduled for April 15, 2024, from Honolulu to San Francisco.
42. Aircraft Replacement: The Airbus A220 may replace the Boeing 717-200s eventually.
43. Interisland Services: Still relies on Boeing 717-200s for interisland services, with an average age of 22 years.
44. Airbus A321neo Delivery: Received the first of 16 Airbus A321neos in 2017.
45. Airbus A330-200 Operations: Operates 24 Airbus A330-200s on its longest routes.

Commitment to Aloha

Hawaiian Airlines remains dedicated to delivering exceptional service and embodying the spirit of aloha.

46. Customer Satisfaction: Aims to deliver a better experience through rapid, safe releases of new features and services.
47. Aloha Spirit: Committed to connecting people with aloha, reflecting Hawaiian culture and hospitality.
48. First All-Female Crew: Achieved in 1979, a milestone in aviation history.
49. Certified Air Cargo Carrier: Became the first certified air cargo carrier in the U.S. in 1942.
50. Zero Fatalities: Proudly the oldest carrier in the country to record zero fatalities.

Hawaiian Airlines: A Legacy of Aloha

Hawaiian Airlines has come a long way since its start in 1929. From its first sightseeing flights over Oʻahu to becoming a major player in global aviation, the airline's journey is impressive. With a fleet that includes Airbus A321neos, A330-200s, and Boeing 717-200s, they connect people across continents while maintaining a strong focus on safety and customer service. The recent merger with Alaska Airlines marks a new chapter, promising even more growth and innovation. Hawaiian Airlines' commitment to the aloha spirit and cultural heritage sets it apart. Whether it's their top-notch on-time performance or their robust frequent flyer program, they aim to make every flight a pleasant experience. As they look to the future with new aircraft and expanded routes, Hawaiian Airlines continues to be a symbol of resilience and aloha in the aviation world.