Hawaiian Airlines Updates 2025 Fleet Amid Alaska Merger

Hawaiian Airlines is undergoing significant changes in 2025 as part of its integration into Alaska Airlines following their merger. The carrier currently operates a fleet of 75 aircraft, including both passenger and cargo jets, with an additional six aircraft on order. This article explores the composition of Hawaiian Airlines’ fleet, onboard experiences, and future plans.

The Evolving Fleet of Hawaiian Airlines

As of early 2025, Hawaiian Airlines boasts a fleet with an average age of 11.5 years. The newest aircraft are the four Boeing 787-9 Dreamliners, which are only 1.9 years old. These widebody jets seat a total of 300 passengers, with 34 business class flatbeds arranged in a 1-2-1 configuration at the front, allowing direct aisle access for every passenger. Behind the business class section, 266 economy seats are laid out in a standard 3-3-3 format.

According to Ben Minicucci, CEO of Alaska Airlines, these Dreamliners will soon transition to Alaska Airlines as part of their strategy to enhance long-haul operations from Seattle. He stated, “With these bold moves, we are accelerating our vision to connect our guests to the world. We are seizing this moment to redefine the international experience and level up.”

Current and Future Aircraft Models

Hawaiian Airlines operates a total of 24 Airbus A330-200 jets, which are 12.5 years old on average. Currently, 23 of these aircraft are active, while one is undergoing maintenance in Singapore. Each A330-200 offers a high-density configuration with 278 seats, including 18 business class seats that feature flatbeds but lack direct aisle access due to a 2-2-2 layout. Additionally, Hawaiian Airlines operates 10 A330-300P2F cargo jets, primarily serving Amazon.

The airline has also modernized its narrowbody fleet with the addition of 18 Airbus A321neo twinjets. These aircraft, averaging seven years old, have a seating capacity of 189, divided between 16 first class recliners and 173 economy seats. In January, Hawaiian Airlines is set to operate over 1,000 flights using the A321neo.

Among its smallest but busiest aircraft are the 19 Boeing 717-200 jets, which play a crucial role in inter-island travel. With an average age of 23.9 years, these jets are the oldest in the fleet. Despite their age, they remain operational and continue to serve multiple short flights throughout the day. Currently, only one of these aircraft is inactive for maintenance.

The future of the Boeing 717-200 has been assured, as Alaska Airlines confirmed it would maintain their operations “beyond the next five years” due to a recent life extension program.

As Hawaiian Airlines transitions through this period of integration, the evolving fleet represents both a commitment to modernization and a strategic alignment with Alaska Airlines’ broader operational goals. The changes in fleet composition and the introduction of new aircraft are set to enhance the travel experience for passengers while positioning the airline for future growth in the competitive aviation market.