We heard from regular commentor and friend Colleen (and since then many others), following yesterday’s tragic crash, regarding Boeing 737 Max 8 Flights to Hawaii. Colleen said, “now, after the second crash of Max 8 we are a wee bit concerned about the safety of this aircraft.”
In fact the Max 8/0 is certified for flights to Hawaii: “The Boeing 737 MAX 8 is certified for 180-Extended Operations, or ETOPS.” — Boeing.
Boeing 737 Max 8 Flights to Hawaii | What you need to know
Of the airlines that fly from the US Mainland to Hawaii, Alaska Airlines, American Airlines, Southwest Airlines and United Airlines are all Boeing next generation “Max” customers. The Max 8 is one variant of that family, and the one that is of current concern due to two crashes with some similarities. Here’s what you need to know about Boeing 737 Max 8 flights to and from Hawaii. As you will see, while some of these airlines are flying Max 8, currently none of them are in service to and from Hawaii.
Alaska Airlines
No Max 8/9. Alaska Airlines does not have and will not be receiving any of the Max 8 variants. They have ordered 32 of the 737 Max 9, and they will begin delivery of those this year.
American Airlines
No Max 8/9 to Hawaii. American Airlines has 24 of these planes in service and 76 on order. To our knowledge none of these planes are used for flights to or from Hawaii. They are largely based out of Miami.
Delta Airlines
No Max 8/9. Delta has no Max 8 in their fleet and they have none on order.
Hawaiian Airlines
No Max 8/9. Hawaiian has no Max 8 in their fleet and they have none on order.
Southwest Airlines
No Max 8/9 to Hawaii. Southwest has 35 of these in service and 245 on order. However, all of the Southwest Hawaii flights announced thus far are using the company’s 737-800 aircraft. While the company does intend to use the Max 8 to Hawaii in the future, that will undoubtedly not occur until after issues are resolved.
United Airlines
No Max 8/9. United Airlines does not have and will not be receiving any of the Max 8 variants. They have 14 of the 737 Max 9, with 71 on order as well as 100 Max 10 planes on order.
Kathy says
I For one will never knowingly fly on a max plane. Software glitch loses lives.? Pilots of both crashed airliners it has been proven did follow Beoing protocol. But they still crashed. Guess. Boeing gave the wrong protocol so how can we trust them with the next “protocol”? Also they only offered a safety feature for extra money not as a Standard feature. They have fear in their faces all right but o my because they may lose money. Kathy
SUSAN says
Have concerns on a united flight we have to Maui in May–737 max 9 from SFO. Will jet be changed before then or can we just expect the max 9 to be “worry free”?
Peter G says
Typo above: says Southwest has the 738-800. Should be 737-800.
Beat of Hawaii says
Hi Peter.
Thanks.
Aloha.
Beverly J says
We are flying to Maui in June via
Alaska. Will 747MAX be used. Very
Concerned
Kathy says
I have reservations on American Airlines for mid April
To go to Hawaii the big island. I wonder if the
Plane could be a 737 Max 8. What should I do
I am very concerned. Which airline should I take if
I can make a change?? Thanks
Beat of Hawaii says
Hi Kathy.
We specifically addressed that yesterday. They have no Max flights to Hawaii at this time.
Aloha.
kiawe says
Thank you for the airframe updates (and thank you JeffL for the explanations). If AirCanada and other airlines were wise, they would immediately announce that until the software is patched, they were pulling the 737MAXes from active service; existing reservations would be honored and seats reassigned. It might mean a short-term loss, but which is worse: having people cancel flights and risking another crash, or temporarily grounding part of the fleet? Continuing to fly aircraft with known issues is a publicity nightmare.