HONOLULU – Hawaiian Airlines today welcomed to Honolulu the first of 18 Airbus A321neo aircraft that will shortly begin flying between Hawai‘i and the U.S. West Coast. The company’s new fleet of single-aisle aircraft will offer guests non-stop flights to more islands, starting with service to Kaua‘i, Maui, and the Kona Coast on the Island of Hawai‘i.
Hawaiian held a blessing ceremony today for its first A321neo, “Maile,” named after a vine native to Hawaii and traditionally used for lei making and celebrations. Fittingly, Hawaiian’s A321neo is adorned with a new livery featuring a silver maile lei wrapping around the fuselage as the carrier’s “Flower of the Sky” Pualani icon gazes forward from the tail of the aircraft.
“Our new A321neos are ideal for our West Coast to Hawai‘i markets. They will bring Hawaiian’s unique blend of Hawaiian hospitality and industry leading operational performance to more travelers than ever,” said Mark Dunkerley, president and CEO of Hawaiian Airlines. “As we welcome our A321neo fleet, some of our wide-body aircraft serving the U.S. West Coast will be deployed for further long-haul expansion.”
Hawaiian’s inaugural A321neo flight is scheduled for Jan. 8 on the carrier’s existing Kahului-Oakland route. New A321neo service between Kahului and Portland will launch on Jan. 18. Hawaiian’s seasonal summer wide-body service currently offered between Līhu‘e and Oakland will resume April 11 as a daily A321neo flight. Daily service between Kona and Los Angeles launches March 11 with wide-body aircraft before converting to the A321neo in the summer. Guests may visit www.hawaiianairlines.com to purchase tickets for all routes operated by Hawaiian Airlines.
The mid-range A321neo aircraft will complement Hawaiian’s fleet of long-haul, twin-aisle aircraft used for service between Hawai‘i and 11 U.S. gateway cities, along with 10 international destinations. The airline’s narrow-body Boeing 717 fleet offers approximately 170 flights between the Hawaiian Islands.
Hawaiian’s A321neos blend unmatched fuel efficiency and comfort.
The 189-passenger aircraft includes 16 luxurious leather recliners in the Premium Cabin, 45 Extra Comfort premium economy seats, and 128 Economy seats. Textiles and other materials throughout the cabin pay homage to traditional Hawaiian crafts such as bark cloth (kapa) and fishing nets. Other details range from sand-inspired wall panels to Hawaiian language signage and LED mood-lighting evoking Hawaii's soothing sunrises and sunsets. Guests will enjoy access to wireless streaming entertainment, USB outlets, and additional overhead stowage space.
Powered by Pratt & Whitney PurePowerr® Geared Turbofan™ (GTF) engines and incorporating the latest in aerodynamics, the A321neo is the quietest and most fuel efficient aircraft in its class, leading to 16 percent lower fuel burn and carbon emissions over previous generation aircraft.
“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.”
“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.”
Hawaiian’s A321neo flight deck features next-generation communication, navigation and surveillance avionics – including a completely digital low-range altimeter, and transponders and multi-mode receivers that are fully compliant with future airspace mandates – from Rockwell Collins, a pioneer in innovative aviation solutions.
The aircraft also benefits from the company’s MultiScan™ ThreatTrack weather radar, which alerts flight crews of potentially disruptive weather, allowing for smoother flights and more on-time arrivals.
“We’re committed to keeping our customers and their passengers safe, connected and informed. This is an exciting opportunity to bring that commitment to the Hawaiian Airlines family,” said Jennifer Waterman, director, Air Transport Sales for Rockwell Collins.
View more photos from the event HERE.
About Hawaiian Airlines
Hawaiian®, the world’s most punctual airline as reported by OAG, has led all U.S. carriers in on-time performance for each of the past 13 years (2004-2016) as reported by the U.S. Department of Transportation. Consumer surveys by Condé Nast Traveler and Travel + Leisure have placed Hawaiian among the top of all domestic airlines serving Hawai‘i.
Now in its 89th year of continuous service, Hawaiian is Hawai‘i’s biggest and longest-serving airline. Hawaiian offers non-stop service to Hawai‘i from more U.S. gateway cities (11) than any other airline, along with service from Japan, South Korea, China, Australia, New Zealand, American Samoa and Tahiti. Hawaiian also provides approximately 170 jet flights daily between the Hawaiian Islands, with a total of more than 250 daily flights system-wide.
Hawaiian Airlines, Inc. is a subsidiary of Hawaiian Holdings, Inc. (NASDAQ: HA). Additional information is available at HawaiianAirlines.com. Follow updates on Twitter about Hawaiian (@HawaiianAir) and its special fare offers (@HawaiianFares), and become a fan on its Facebook page (Hawaiian Airlines). For career postings and updates, follow Hawaiian’s LinkedIn page.
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