Last DC-10 Jet Retired From Scheduled Service Today
HONOLULU, February 27, 2003 -- Hawaiian Airlines today marked a new era in its service of air transportation for Hawaii by completing its conversion to a new fleet of transpacific aircraft, which complements the new fleet of interisland aircraft introduced in 2001.
The company's billion-dollar-plus fleet modernization program gives Hawaiian one of the youngest aircraft fleets in the airline industry.
Hawaiian retired its last DC-10 jet from scheduled service today upon arrival as Flight #1 from Los Angeles. The passengers and flight crew were greeted with fresh flower lei and traditional Hawaiian music.
Hawaiian will now operate all transpacific flights with state-of-the-art Boeing 767-300ER (Extended Range) widebody aircraft. The company has twelve B767-300ER aircraft in service and four additional jets are scheduled for delivery by May.
John W. Adams, Hawaiian's chairman and chief executive officer, said, “Four years ago, we made a decision to invest more than a billion dollars — by far the largest capital expense in the company's history — to replace our entire fleet and position the airline for future expansion. We remain committed to this vision, and to transforming Hawaiian Airlines into one of the world's finest airlines.”
The twin-aisle, twin-jet B767-300ER seats 252 passengers, 18 in First Class and 234 in Coach Class, featuring wide-body comfort and the convenience of a 2-3-2 seating configuration that offers either window or aisle seating to 86 percent of the passengers onboard.
Hawaiian's 767s are equipped with powerful Pratt & Whitney PW4060 engines that allow nonstop flights of up to 12 hours, while producing significantly improved fuel economy. The enhanced operational efficiency of the 767 gives Hawaiian greater flexibility in planning new routes.
Another benefit of the B767-300ER over its predecessor at Hawaiian is that it provides approximately double the cargo carrying capacity of the DC-10.
Hawaiian took delivery of its first B767-300ER in October 2001 and has been progressively integrating each new aircraft into its route system over the past 16 months. During this period, the increased operating efficiency and flexibility of the B767-300ER has been integral to Hawaiian's introduction of new nonstop routes connecting Honolulu with Sacramento, Ontario (CA), and Phoenix, as well as new nonstop service connecting Maui with Seattle, Portland, and, starting in June, San Diego.
In 2001, Hawaiian replaced its interisland fleet of 15 DC-9-50 aircraft with 13 all-new Boeing 717-200 narrowbody jets. The B717-200 seats eight passengers in First Class and 115 in Coach Class and is built specifically for short-range, high frequency operations.
Hawaiian currently provides approximately 100 interisland flights per day connecting the six major islands of Hawaii.
Similar to the B767-300ER, the B717-200 features the latest in aviation technology and offers lower operating costs and superior customer comfort than its predecessor.
The B717-200 has been called the most environmentally friendly commercial aircraft in the world. Powered by twin BMW Rolls Royce BR715 engines, Hawaiian's 717s produce less noise and emissions (60 percent below federal emission standards) than any comparable aircraft.
Founded in Honolulu 73 years ago, Hawaiian Airlines is Hawaii's longest-serving and largest airline. The nation's 12th largest airline, it is also the second-largest provider of passenger service between the West Coast and Hawaii.
Hawaiian currently provides up to 30 nonstop daily flights between nine cities on the U.S. mainland and Hawaii, along with weekly service between Honolulu and American Samoa and Tahiti. The airline also provides charter service between Honolulu and Anchorage, Alaska. In addition, Hawaiian is participating in the federal government's Civil Reserve Air Fleet, transporting Armed Forces personnel between the U.S. and points in the Pacific and Middle East.
Hawaiian takes great pride in its innovative onboard service programs that highlight and promote the people and culture of Hawaii. The airline has earned numerous international awards for service in recent years, including the 2001 Zagat Survey's award for Best Overall U.S. Airline in the Premier category, and the 2001 Diamond Award for In-Flight Service from Onboard Services magazine. Hawaiian was rated third highest in Travel & Leisure magazine's most recent ranking of the Top 10 U.S. Airlines.
Additional information on Hawaiian Airlines, including previously issued company news releases, is available on the airline's Web site at www.HawaiianAir.com.