Alaska Air Group has announced that it will begin using Boeing B737-800 aircraft on its route between Daniel K. Inouye International Airport (HNL), Honolulu, Hawaii and Kahului Airport (OGG), Hawaii. The B737-800 service will begin Oct. 3 and be operated by Alaska Airlines, supplementing Hawaiian Airlines’ existing interisland network. These services will complement those currently using Hawaiian’s fleet of Boeing B717-200 jets.
What Has Been Announced?
Alaska Air Group has stated that the B737 will fly three daily round trips between Hawaii’s two busiest airports and will operate as Alaska-branded flights.
This will require some of Alaska Air Group’s fleet of 59 active B737-800 jets to be transferred to Hawaiian Airlines’ base at HNL.
In a statement, the group said,
“The additional B737 flights between Honolulu and Kahului will provide more passenger and cargo capacity while helping maintain the frequency, reliability, and connectivity.”
It has been reported that Hawaiian will receive temporary relief from Alaska Airlines branded B737-800 jets, while the fleet is re-painted in Hawaiian’s livery.
Alaska’s Wider Plans
Alaska Air Group completed its takeover of Hawaiian in September 2024, having announced a deal to take complete control of the airline in December 2023.
Hawaiian’s passenger and cargo divisions subsequently joined the group, which also contains both the passenger and cargo divisions of Alaska Airlines, as well as Horizon Air, and Jet America Airlines.
The group announced in July 2026 that it intended to retire Hawaiian’s fleet of 19 B717-200s by the end of 2028 and replace them with an expanded fleet of B737s.
The improved reliability of the B737 compared to the older B717, as well as the newer jet’s larger cargo space, were listed by the group as key reasons behind the decision.
The group currently owns 246 active Boeing B737 aircraft, with another three having been ordered.
Have you flown with Hawaiian Airlines recently? Would you like to travel on a B737 jet? Let us know in the comments.
