Hawaiian to Add 6 New Airbus Aircraft to Fleet

File courtesy photo, Hawaiian Airlines.

By Maui Now Staff

Hawaiian Airlines today announced the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding with Airbus to acquire six new A330-800neo aircraft starting in 2019.

Under the agreement, Hawaiian has the rights to purchase an additional six aircraft as part of its vision to serve farther non-stop destinations from the state.

Company officials say the order replaces its existing order for six A350XWB-800 aircraft, which were due for delivery from 2017.

Hawaiian Airlines president and chief executive officer Mark Dunkerley described the aircraft as an “elegant solution” to the company’s need for growth toward the end of the decade.

“The A330-800neo will serve the Hawaiian network well as the airline continues to expand in Asia and grow its capacity in mature markets,” said John Leahy, Airbus chief operating officer in a press release statement.

Airline executives say the new A330-800neo wide-body aircraft will have up to a 400-nautical mile increase in range and reduced fuel consumption by 14% per seat compared to the airline’s current A330-200 aircraft.

The Hawaiian Airlines fleet currently includes 29 wide-body, long-haul aircraft that can seat between 252 and 294 passengers; 18 narrow-body aircraft that can seat between 118 to 123 passengers; and three 48-seat ATR42-500 for neighbor island flights.