Hawaiian Airlines

Hawaiian Air was founded in Honolulu in January 1929 as Inter Island Airways by the Inter Island Steam Navigation Company. Flights commenced on Nov 11 that year, between Honolulu and Hilo with Sikorsky S-36 amphibians, later replaced by larger Sikorsky S-43s. In 1941 the current name was introduced and operations changed over to Douglas DC-3s. Strong expansion in the tourist business and route additions led to the acquisition of larger aircraft such as the Convair 340 in 1952 and the Douglas DC-6 from 1958. In 1967 the airline moved into the jet age with the introduction of the Douglas DC-9-30. For charter flights to the American mainland, the Pacific and Europe, DC-8s were added to the fleet in 1983, followed in 1987 by Lockheed L-1011 Tristars. Because of financial problems, Hawaiian Air entered Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection in 1993, and sought new financial partners, whilst the entire company underwent reorganisation. Initially DHC-7s were sold, DC-8s taken out of service, Tristars traded-in with Douglas DC-10s and many routes dropped. By September 1994, improvements were evident and Chapter 11 protection was lifted. A marketing agreement was reached with American Airlines. When the market stabilised, more aircraft were acquired and flights introduced to Papeete and Samoa. In 1999, new routes from Los Angeles to Maui and Kona were added, prior to which Honolulu was the only point served with direct flights from the US mainland. Further DC-10s were added to the fleet and shares bought back by the company. This year, the entire DC-9 fleet is scheduled for replacement by new Boeing 717s. And we are there for you, with our new B717 mold in the distinctive Hawaiian livery.....just for you!