21 September 2016

Hawaiian Airlines To Order A380s?

In a Bloomberg Technology article today, it intimated that Hawaiian Airlines CEO Mark Dunkerley is mulling over the possibility of ordering Airbus A380s for its HNL-LAX, HNL-LAS, and HNL-NRT flights. There will be a several second-hand "Super Jumbos" to hit the market, as Singapore Airlines is set to return some of their leased A380 fleet, and leasing companies have several to offer.

The airline is also looking at further route expansion to the east coast US, and Asian destinations as they anticipate delivery of the six A330-800neos. Europe is mentioned as a possibility as well, depending on the range and load specs when the A330neos are built.


Hawaiian Airlines would have to limit the amount of A380 movements at HNL, as only two gates on the ‘Ewa Concourse are currently rated to accommodate the A380, though only via the main deck.  HNL has reinforced taxiways to handle the "Super Jumbo" as well. 

In December 2012, F-WWDD, an A380 demonstrator paid a three-day visit to HNL. Hawaiian Airlines hosted the visit, which included touch-and-go landings at KOA. It was also used as a training plane for Swissport, who handles Qantas A380 flights, when they stop here for medical diversions.

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