Alaska Plans Hawaii Inter-Island Fleet Shift

Alaska Airlines plans to replace Hawaiian Airlines’ aging inter-island Boeing 717 fleet with Alaska’s Boeing 737-800s, signaling a major modernization for Hawaii’s air links. Some 737-800s will be repainted in Hawaiian livery and operate under the Hawaiian Airlines brand as part of the ongoing integration after Alaska’s acquisition of Hawaiian Holdings. A 737-800 based in Honolulu will begin inter-island service in October 2026, with three daily round trips between Honolulu and Kahului to address near-term capacity before a full transition in 2028. The new jets will offer more seats, expanded premium cabins, free Starlink Wi‑Fi, and increased cargo capacity, including four 737-800 freighters to be added by 2027. Alaska plans to use its existing fleet rather than purchasing new aircraft and frames the move as a long-term investment in Hawaii while preserving Hawaiian’s local identity. The overhaul follows Alaska’s 2024 acquisition and involves aligning crews, aircraft, and operations to create a unified inter-island network.