Boeing has secured their first widebody order to welcome in the new year. While only a small one, all orders count for something and are essential to the program.
Hawaiian Airlines, the airline in question, announced an order for two more 787-9 aircraft. This brings the total firm units ordered to 12.
On top of the latest order announcement from the airline, they’ve also differed in the delivery of the Boeing 787s.
They’ll now arrive from Q4 of 2023 through 2027. A four-year period that initially would’ve seen their first come towards the backend of 2022.
The airline switched from Airbus to Boeing, once having ordered the A330-800, part of the A330neo family. However, after cancelling this commitment with the European plane maker, it decided to switch towards the Boeing 787.
The airline once had orders for the Airbus A350-800. However, a now cancelled variant in the A350 family then switched to the A330-800.
According to fleet data from Cirium, the airline has 24 A330-200s. With an average age of 9.6 years, its oldest being 12.7 years and youngest at 5.3 years.
Their ATR 42s, 717s and ATR 72s are where the age emerges. All of these aircraft average over 20 years, respectively.
The Boeing 787, while not replacing these narrow bodies, will play an essential role in the carrier’s future. The ambition is to connect with Honolulu better.
For January 2023, the airline has seen tremendous growth in specific markets, notably through Japan. Flights per month are increasing by over 100%. Meanwhile, seats available in some cases increased by over 400% per Cirium data.
It comes in comparison to January 2022 and as restrictions begin to ease in that part of the world. Other well-performing routes include Incheon and Sydney.
Delays in deliveries aren’t uncommon to witness. It’s a tough decision for the executives at the airline—however, typically the right one.
