Hawaiian to Replace Aging B717 Fleet with B737-800s for Interisland Service Starting 2028

Hawaiian Airlines is embarking on a major fleet transition for its interisland operations by replacing its aging Boeing 717 aircraft with newer Boeing 737-800 models. The change will begin in 2028 but on an interim basis, Alaska Airlines will operate three daily round trips between Honolulu and Kahului, Maui, starting this October using Boeing 737s. These flights, branded as Alaska services, represent a temporary solution to address operational challenges caused by the aging B717 fleet.

The Boeing 717 fleet has increasingly required more maintenance and downtime in recent years, pressuring Hawaiian to reduce its interisland schedule to allow the aircraft to rest. This capacity constraint hit its peak during mid-day operations, affecting service reliability. Hawaiian's CEO Diana Birkett Rakow and Hawaiʻi Operations Head Jim Landers discussed how expanding the B717 fleet was not feasible, prompting the interim arrangement where Alaska Airlines, a sister carrier, will provide band-aid service on key interisland routes before Hawaiian's own B737-800s enter service.

The decision to adopt the Boeing 737-800 for interisland flying follows careful consideration of aircraft performance, sizing, and operational efficiency within Hawaiian's new combined fleet after merging with Alaska Airlines. The B737-800, featuring 161 seats with a refreshed cabin configuration derived from Alaska's existing fleet, offers higher capacity—33 more seats compared to the current 128-seat B717—while allowing for a more comfortable layout with a larger first-class cabin and an additional premium economy section. This aligns with Hawaiian's goal to preserve high-frequency service while improving comfort and upgrade opportunities for guests.

While Hawaiian had previously evaluated options including Airbus narrowbodies such as the A319 and A320, the merger with Alaska tipped the scales towards the B737 family, which fits operationally and harmonizes with Alaska's established fleet. Latest-generation engines such as the Pratt & Whitney GTF and GE LEAP were ruled out for this short-hop interisland regime due to suitability concerns. The Embraer E195-E1 was considered but rejected for capacity reasons and fleet commonality with Alaska's current B737-800s.

Though Hawaiian has not finalized the total number of B737-800s to add or retirement timing for the B717, the airline intends to maintain all current interisland routes. The larger aircraft with additional first and premium seats is expected to offer a superior onboard experience, including power outlets and Starlink connectivity, beneficial even on short flights under 45 minutes. Additionally, the configurations will be rebranded with Hawaiian colors and interiors, distinguishing them from the interim Alaska-operated flights which will not feature Hawaiian service elements.

The 2028 rollout marks a significant modernization of Hawaiian’s interisland fleet as the B717s are phased out more quickly than anticipated to resolve capacity and operational challenges. Training for crews on the new aircraft type is expected to leverage Alaska’s recently opened training center near Seattle, representing a change from current practices. Maintenance plans remain in development, though Hawaiian intends to keep a strong operational presence with training and frontline support based in Honolulu.

Another notable development involves Hawaiian Air Cargo, which will expand from five to nine aircraft, some painted in Hawaiian livery and based in Honolulu to serve interisland cargo routes. This dedicated cargo operation revival is a return to Hawaiian's pre-pandemic efforts to maintain a focused cargo network within the islands. The expanded cargo fleet will commence operations in the first half of 2027, signaling growing demand and investment in local freight capability alongside the passenger fleet changes.