Alaska Airlines announced Tuesday that Hawaiian Airlines' Neighbor Island fleet will transition to Hawaiian-branded Boeing 737-800s, replacing the carrier's retiring Boeing 717s beginning in 2028. For travel advisors, the headline news is a substantially upgraded onboard product on interisland hops, including twice as many First Class seats, more than 30 Premium Class seats, and fast, free Starlink Wi-Fi on every flight.
The added premium capacity should translate into more upgrade opportunities for clients enrolled in Huaka'i by Hawaiian and Atmos Rewards. Beyond the front of the cabin, the 737-800s will feature reclining leather Recaro seats throughout, 110V power outlets, USB charging, and seatback device holders at every seat, plus additional cargo room for surfboards—a welcome detail for clients traveling with sports equipment between the islands.
The fleet will carry the Hawaiian brand, remain focused on Neighbor Island service, and be based in Honolulu (HNL). Once the integration is complete, the aircraft will be flown and crewed by Honolulu-based pilots and flight attendants.
"Neighbor Island service is part of the fabric of life in Hawai'i, and we know how deeply our guests, employees and communities care about its future," said Hawaiian Airlines CEO Diana Birkett Rakow. "This decision reflects our commitment to invest in Hawai'i for the long term, to strengthen Hawaiian Airlines and to honor the local expertise, culture and care that have made Hawaiian the airline of Hawai'i for nearly a century."
Alaska leaders say the 737-800 is well suited to the unique demands of interisland flying, which involves short segments, frequent daily cycles, and operations in a salt-air environment. The airframe and engines can withstand those high cycles while maintaining a full schedule of frequent departures from morning to evening.
"The 737-800 gives us a proven, capable platform for the next chapter of Neighbor Island flying," said Jim Landers, Head of Hawai'i Operations. "It is well suited to the operational needs of the Islands and gives our teams a clear path to transition from the 717s while continuing to deliver the reliable service our guests expect."
What Advisors Need to Know Before 2028
The transition is targeted to begin in 2028, and Alaska says it plans to move quickly once it starts, with additional details to come as planning continues.
In the near term, advisors booking Honolulu–Maui itineraries should note an operational change arriving this fall. Starting in October, one Alaska-branded 737 will fly three daily round trips between Honolulu and Kahului (OGG) to supplement 717 capacity ahead of the transition. Those flights will operate out of Terminal 1 at Honolulu's Daniel K. Inouye International Airport, and guests on them will check in at Terminal 1—worth flagging for clients accustomed to Hawaiian's usual interisland check-in.
The fleet decision is part of Alaska Accelerate, Alaska Air Group's strategic plan built around its dual-brand strategy and expanding the reach of Hawaiian Airlines. Since the two carriers combined, the company has broadened its network, launched a new loyalty program, and announced plans for a new Honolulu lounge and airport improvements across Hawai'i.
"We fly for Hawai'i and have the privilege of serving and representing Hawai'i through the Hawaiian Airlines brand, which will be reflected across even more flights as our operational integration continues. Investment in a dedicated Hawaiian Airlines-branded 737-800 fleet is about more than aircraft. It is about protecting the connections that make life possible across the islands and ensuring Hawaiian remains strong for the future," added Birkett Rakow.
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