The Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner will bring a new level of comfort and efficiency to one of Hawaiian Airlines’ longest flights, where it can have the greatest impact. Travelers can expect a revamped experience as the airline plans to operate the Dreamliner daily between April 22 and August 20 on the New York to Honolulu nonstop.
This marks an important step in Hawaiian owner Alaska Airlines’ broader fleet modernization strategy, replacing the more than decade-old Airbus A330 that has long served the overnight route between Honolulu and New York and the daytime return flight.
As first reported by Ishrion Aviation, the Dreamliner’s arrival at JFK signals Hawaiian Airlines’ commitment to enhancing its long-haul experience with state-of-the-art aircraft and unique island-style service.
Featuring larger dimmable windows, improved cabin pressure for more comfort, and a quieter ride compared with the A330, the Dreamliner is designed to make the nearly 5,000-mile journey between Hawaii and the East Coast more enjoyable for all passengers.
In addition to technological advancements, the aircraft includes Hawaiian Airlines’ signature lie-flat Leihōkū business suites, which offer seating in a 1-2-1 configuration, providing travelers with added privacy, comfort, and direct aisle access. The A330, while offering a pleasant experience in business, was far from what is currently considered the industry standard.
Beat of Hawaii previously covered the debut of the Hawaiian Dreamliner experience, highlighting the enhanced features and what passengers can expect when flying on the new aircraft in business, economy, and extra legroom. Alaska Airlines plans to introduce a true premium economy product to its widebody aircraft later.
A fresh Hawaii travel experience for passengers.
Hawaiian Airlines will operate the Dreamliner flight departing Honolulu in the afternoon and arriving in New York early the following morning. The return flight departs in the morning and arrives in Honolulu by early afternoon. The aircraft will operate on this route for a limited period, at least as currently scheduled, with the airline poised to revert to the Airbus A330 thereafter.
On the other hand, this is a best-fit scenario for the aircraft, so we would not be surprised to see its NYC run extended indefinitely. For travelers looking to experience the Dreamliner firsthand, this window of time will be an opportunity to enjoy the latest the airline has to offer, including a far-upgraded premium business-class offering.
How the Dreamliner both upgrades and downgrades the journey.
For passengers, the introduction of the Dreamliner means more than just a new aircraft; it brings a completely refreshed travel experience. The aircraft’s innovative design reduces jet lag by improving cabin humidity and lowering cabin altitude, helping travelers arrive feeling more refreshed.
Hawaiian Airlines has also tailored the onboard experience with island-inspired décor, unique meal offerings, and in-flight entertainment designed to showcase the beauty and culture of Hawaii.
However, not all changes will be welcomed by every traveler. Economy class on Hawaiian’s current A330 widebody features a more passenger-friendly 2-4-2 seating configuration, ideal for couples and those who prefer fewer middle seats.
In contrast, the Dreamliner introduces a 3-3-3 layout in economy, a denser configuration that some passengers find less comfortable, especially for those traveling in pairs who may now have to share a row with a third person. The 3-3 configuration is also on the airline’s A321neo narrow-body fleet. While the Dreamliner offers enhanced lighting and a quieter cabin, the tighter seating arrangement could be a downside for economy travelers used to the A330’s more intimate two-seat feel.
Is this a test for future Dreamliner expansion?
This deployment raises the question of whether Hawaiian Airlines is using the New York route as a testing ground for the broader expansion of the Dreamliner fleet. Alaska/Hawaiian is awaiting a fleet of 12 planes, of which they only have two.
While the airline has primarily focused on Asia-Pacific routes for long-haul growth, adding more Dreamliner flights to key U.S. cities could signal a strategic shift in its market approach. This is especially true with the current and foreseeable future weakness in its current international markets. Given the competition from mainland carriers offering non-stop service to Hawaii, adding this advanced aircraft may give Hawaiian a stronger foothold on additional routes.
Comparing the Dreamliner to Hawaiian’s existing fleets.
The differences are substantial when comparing the Dreamliner to Hawaiian Airlines’ existing fleet. The Airbus A330, which currently operates some of the airline’s long-haul flights and will soon be seen operating for Alaska Airlines to Asia from Seattle, has served reliably but lacks the latest technological advances found on the Dreamliner.
In addition, the airline operates a fleet of newer narrow-body A321neo planes. Passengers accustomed to both the A330 and the A321 should notice significant improvements in certain areas, including in-flight entertainment. The Dreamliner’s fuel efficiency also aligns with the airline’s sustainability goals, making it a good choice for future expansion plans.
What travelers should know before booking.
For travelers planning their summer trips, including from the East Coast, the timing of the Dreamliner’s deployment to and from JFK is well-focused. This is the first opportunity for East Coast travelers to fly to Hawaii in Hawaiian style, experiencing the airline’s best and latest innovations.
Something else to bear in mind. While the airline plans to use the new plane on the route, there can always be last-minute aircraft changes to be aware of.
What does this mean for Alaska-Hawaiian Airlines’ future?
As the newly combined company continues to expand its fleet and optimize its route network and aircraft deployment methodology, the arrival of the Dreamliner on the East Coast signals a renewed focus on an elevated passenger experience. Where this will lead in future Dreamliner deployments remains to be seen, but for now, it presents a fascinating new option for travelers heading the 5,000 miles to and from the islands.
Hawaiian Airlines’ initial investment in the Dreamliner and Alaska’s doubling down by planning for delivery of the entire order underscores its new strategy of modern technology and the Hawaiian spirit.
What other routes do you think might see the Dreamliner next, and could this be a sign of even bigger changes for Hawaii travelers? Also, how do you feel about the 3-3-3 economy configuration?
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I hope they bring the Dreamliner to Boston soon!
My wife and I prefer the 2-4-2 configuration Airbus planes. We absolutely abhor the 3-3-3 configuration planes for the reasons stated in the article. Boeing planes are unreliable and the seating set up or structure is indeed cramped. In the end, we understand more filled seats on a plane means more revenue for the airline. It’s all about the Benjamin’s, right?
As a retired couple we say 3-3-3 is a deal breaker.
Maybe I missed it but how many Dreamliners does Hawaiian have deployed?
Hi Patrick.
Two delivered and ten more coming.
Aloha.
Thank you!
I’ve always flown on Hawaiian Airlines I know from experience that they always take care of people, no matter to me what they come up with I know it will always be Hawaiian.
Sorry, the longest domestic non-stop route flown by a US airline is Hawaiian’s flight between Honolulu and Boston. Being a cattle-class customer, I’ll be glad to stick with the 2-4-2 A330 aircraft used on the Boston route.
A bit of semantics, but JFK to HNL is the longest Hawaiian 787 route. Yes BOS to HNL is longer.
Fair point!
Biggest drawback after flying thr dreamliner compared to other fleet is no Starlink on Airbus yet, that is a deal breaker now. Have they commented on when this is resolved?
As far as I’m aware all their aircraft have starlink now, expect maybe the interisland 717s, I’ve had no problem connecting on every A330 and A321 I’ve been on
A bit misleading the way it is stated “…replacing the more than decade-old Airbus A330…” which implies the A330 is old, older than the 787, yes. Hawaiian is the second youngest average age fleet among legacy carriers at 10.4 years, second to Alaska (7.3). Decade old is not old for an airplane, it is actually young. United average age is 19.4 years to put in perspective (including some of Hawaiians former 767s), Delta is 17.2, double emphasis on average. The A330s are not old at all and have a lot of life left in them.
We were planning a trip to Hawaii this summer, and this Dreamliner news has me semi excited. Hoping it makes the long flight a bit more bearable. I’ll definitely be checking for last-minute aircraft swaps.
I don’t get why people are so excited about the Dreamliner. It’s not like it’s a first-class-only experience. For those of us flying economy, it looks like it might actually be worse with the tighter 3 across seating.
Big changes coming for Hawaiian! I hope they consider rolling out the Dreamliner to other mainland to Hawaii routes instead of shipping them all to Seattle. A quieter, more fuel-efficient plane is exactly what we need for flights.
Hawaiian has always been my go-to for flights back home, but I’m a little torn on this. While the suites look beautiful, the price is too steep, and what about economy? If I wanted to feel squished in a 3-3-3, I’d fly United or Delta.
I hope Hawaiian maintains their excellent in-flight service because that’s what has really set them apart from the competition all these years. That seemed to be less so on our most recent trip to Maui.
Honestly, I don’t get the hype. Sure, it’s a newer plane, but are they going to fix the real issues? The seat pitch in economy is already tight, and now with a 3-3-3 layout, it’s only going to get more uncomfortable.
Finally, a big step forward for Hawaiian! I’ve been flying them for years, and it’s about time they introduced a more modern aircraft. Looking forward to experiencing the better air quality and quieter ride on the Dreamliner. Plus the new first class.
I was really excited about the Dreamliner until I realized it’s going to have 3-3-3 seating in economy. That’s a pretty big downgrade from flying the A330’s 2 across for the past ten years, especially for those of us who travel as couples. Hawaiian forgot about us in the back!
It would be really nice to see this Dreamliner on the Boston to HNL flight, but so far I’ve seen several articles that say Alaskan (Hawaiian) is planning to discontinue that route 🫤😢
If they do, I’ll be forced to fly a second rate airline from Boston, because JFK is a four hour nerve wracking drive (8 hours RT), and that’s if there’s no major accidents or road construction. I’ve been flying Hawaiian airlines exclusively since they began flying to JFK, and was just thinking I was going to have to change airlines, but then they added Boston 🤗. That’s about 1 1/2 hours, 3 hours RT.
It’s Alaska not Alaskan.
Where have you seen the articles about stopping service?
Only on BOH, lol, which also reported they Hawaiian is actually adding Boston flights thru Summer 2025.
Can Boston be next please?
Bring Dreamliner service from DEN to HNL. United needs some competition for direct flights from Denver.