There’s hope at Hawaiian Airlines that it will undergo a metamorphosis via a merger that’s now pending with Alaska Airlines. And clearly the airline is in need of some positive news of things on which it may rely to invigorate its business that has existed since 1929. The arrival of its Dreamliner last night and a new VIP lounge sets the stage for things to come.
Hawaiian Airlines has had its share of challenges. It included the failed upgrade to their reservation system, the long and painful runway outage at home-base Honolulu Airport, painful, expensive, and unending A321neo fleet engine problems, and the problems with international traffic not recovering following Covid.
1) The first Boeing 787 Dreamliner arrived at Honolulu last night.
The first of Hawaiian’s fleet of up to 20 new Boeing 787 Dreamliner wide-body planes arrived at Honolulu Airport. Flying in from final work and assembly at Charleston, South Carolina, as flight HA 9787, the plane flew over 10 hours, arriving at its Hawaii home base at 10:32 pm. (Image courtesy of Flightaware).
Hawaiian Airlines Dreamliners are a generation newer than current A330 fleet.
The Hawaiian Airlines Dreamliner has been long-awaited. It is a major upgrade to the airline’s fleet of aging Airbus A330-200 planes. These will bring a huge increase in efficiency and technology. Passenger comfort is said to improve as well, both in terms of seating and because the 787 is supposed to “feel better” since the cabin pressure maintains a lower altitude. The verdict is out, of course, until we all get a chance to fly the new planes.
Where will you find the new Dreamliner flying?
Hawaiian Airlines has already scheduled flights starting this spring, connecting both Honolulu and Maui with mainland gateways, including Los Angeles, San Francisco, and Phoenix.
Hawaiian Dreamliner business class will set new standards for the airline, if not the industry.
The aircraft will debut with an unusual two-class configuration. At the front will be the new business suites (Leihoku “garland of stars”), which will offer 34 larger, industry-standard, lie-flat suites. There’s a lot more to be said about these, and we will be back with a first-hand experience to share with you next week!
2) New and redefining Hawaiian Airlines premium service at Honolulu Airport.
Hawaiian has long wished to distinguish itself as a premium airline, well aligned with the new paradigm in Hawaii travel. This latest step is a significant move forward, similar to what is offered by premium international carriers.
The new Premium Airport Service, called Apt. 1929, is specifically meant to cater only to the most discerning Hawaii visitors who are willing to spend extra for unparalleled comfort, convenience, and luxury that starts the moment they arrive at HNL until they are onboard their flight.
A dedicated team of hosts will offer a “seamless” airport journey. It includes priority baggage handling and personalized help with hand-carry luggage as well. As you step off the aircraft, you’ll receive a premium lei greeting, setting the tone for what should, at the cost, be a truly unforgettable experience.
Beat of Hawaii editors will report back soon after their tour of Apt. 1929. And we’ll leave it at that for now.
The goal is to provide a level of service that’s nothing short of extraordinary.
We can tell you from experience that we’ve seen Hawaiian step up to extraordinary service before. One example we wrote about last year was on a Hawaiian Airlines A330 flight from Los Angeles to Maui in business class.
What’s the cost of the new premium airport service?
The service is available for parties of two or more, with pricing starting at $500. We’ll report back to you as to what the $500 or more means exactly. Bookings are only accepted up to 72 hours prior to scheduled service, and are subject to availability. The airline said you can pay via either credit card or using HawaiianMiles points.
Are you looking forward to either flying on the new Hawaiian Dreamliner or checking out Apt. 1929?
Not sure how anyone could see BOH as being bias against Hawaiian??
Story just highlights the latest at HA and one more example of why their product is so good, which will be further enhanced by the upcoming merger….HA’s authentic Hawaiian service with Alaska’s website and reservations?..Big upgrade to Hawaii’s tourism industry. 787’s will play a big part in it.
So why is it the “beat of Hawaii” seems to be so hard and negative on Hawaiian airlines and always throwing accolades and roses at United and delta… it’s noticeable!
Could it be the legroom?
Sorry, I didn’t notice.
Will there be a new Dreamliner on the Seattle to Maui run
The 787 Dreamliner. Will be used first between destinations with maintenance bases and that’s something every airline does when they get new aircrafts simply to train all the ground staff/ maintenance/crews before it’s put on routes it was intended for. The 787 is a long distance aircraft so it’ll probably go to Asia, down under or Europe… it would be nice to see it on the Seattle-Maui route though!
There’s no hiding your bias against HA.
I am not sure how you came up to that conclusion. I certainly didn’t, after reading the article, but then I have no affiliation with Hawaiian Airlines or BOH.
How do you book onto the 787? They could do aircraft swaps? Would like to book specifically the 787 to try it out on Hawaiian
Hi Alfred.
We’ll inquire and see what we can find out in that regard. Thanks for asking.
Aloha.
Until there are more aircraft in the fleet, it will be a roll of the dice. Despite anything anyone says, there will be absolutely no way to guarantee you fly on the 787. When you purchase a ticket, you’re buying transportation between Point A and Point B, not a specific aircraft. A tech problem, crew scheduling, or a myriad of other factors could affect which aircraft gets scheduled for a particular route.
Hi Alfred and Drew 808.
It will be more assured albeit not guaranteed later in the spring after Hawaiian gets it’s second Dreamliner.
Aloha.
Booked flight from Lax to Ogg for Sept 6, 24 and Ogg to lax
Sept 28, 24 both on 787. Just check last night and both flights
were changed to A330. Was not contacted by Hawaiian for change in seat assignments. Buyer beware!!