United Airlines has made a substantial announcement today, revealing its purchase of a large fleet of new Airbus A321 jets, with an additional 60 planes to supplement their existing orders. This strategic move is in part aimed at replacing their aging Boeing 757 aircraft, some of which are still in service on Hawaii routes.
As this latest acquisition unfolds, the options available to passengers on Hawaii flights are becoming more limited and standardized. It appears likely that, in the not-so-distant future, the majority of Hawaii flights will be operated by either the Boeing 737 MAX, Airbus A321neo, or, in fortunate circumstances, the Boeing 787 Dreamliner. Of course, unless Hawaiian Airlines surprises with the introduction of an A220 fleet (hint).
It’s essential to highlight that despite the challenges faced by the A321, particularly related to engine issues that have required extensive repairs for both Hawaiian and Delta fleets, these planes remain highly regarded in the airline industry due to their remarkable efficiency. However, from a passenger perspective, comfort can be a concern. You can refer to our reviews of Hawaiian Airlines’ A321 and Delta Air Lines’ A321 for more insight.
Turning our attention to United Airlines and Hawaiian Airlines’ Dreamliner fleets, United’s order today includes an additional 50 Boeing 787 Dreamliners, with an option for 50 more. When combined with their existing fleet of 70 Dreamliners, this potentially brings United’s Dreamliner fleet to a total of 170 aircraft. It’s worth noting that Hawaiian Airlines is currently preparing for the delivery of the first of their 12 Dreamliners.
Just a few weeks ago, the editors of BOH embarked on a journey from Kauai to Denver with United and found themselves aboard a 29-year-old Boeing 757-200. The pilot affectionately compared this aircraft to a “Ferrari.” However, age is catching up with these planes, and given United’s substantial and aging fleet, which includes Boeing 757s and 767s, the airline is swiftly updating its orders to include more fuel-efficient and environmentally friendly aircraft destined for Hawaii.
United’s decision to replace its aging fleet of 60 Boeing 757s is a significant step. Many of these aircraft have faithfully served on Hawaii flights for nearly three decades. Recently, United also acquired additional 737 MAX planes as part of its comprehensive strategy for Hawaii.
The Boeing 757, often referred to as the “flying pencil,” enjoys a well-deserved reputation in the aviation industry. These aircraft earned ETOPS (Extended-range Twin-engine Operational Performance Standards) certification for Hawaii flights in 1992, at a time when only three- and four-engine jets could undertake such journeys. The 757, much like the A321neo, filled a unique niche, particularly on routes to neighbor islands like Kauai and Kona. These “thin routes” have lower passenger demand compared to Honolulu and Maui. While Dreamliners are well-suited for larger airports, smaller aircraft types were and still are necessary for flights to Lihue (LIH) and Kona (KOA), as well as to the two major Hawaii airports that don’t require larger planes.
Three major airlines—American Airlines, Delta Air Lines, and United Airlines—relied heavily on Boeing 757s for Hawaii flights. These planes enabled them to offer direct flights, bypassing the need for layovers in Honolulu.
The Boeing 757-200, which is set to be replaced by the A321neo, was akin to an elongated Boeing 727 and took its maiden flight in 1982. It boasted powerful engines and earned the respect of pilots. Although not the most comfortable aircraft, it was highly effective in fulfilling its unique role. American Airlines phased out its 757-200 fleet in 2019-2020.
Hawaiian Airlines faced challenges in providing effective direct-to-neighbor island flights until the arrival of the A321neo. While the airline had the capability to serve these routes previously, the Boeing 767 briefly operated into Lihue (LIH) toward the end of its era. However, it was considered too large for these markets, a sentiment also shared by the DC-10 and subsequent A330. The airline only successfully penetrated the thin neighbor island markets in the past five years with the introduction of the A321neo. Recognizing the need for direct service to these smaller markets, Hawaiian Airlines became an early adopter of Airbus A321neo narrow-body planes, which began arriving in 2018. Since then, they have effectively competed on these popular Hawaii routes, originally established decades ago by other airlines that relied on the dependable Boeing 757.
Disclaimer: The views, suggestions, and opinions expressed here are the sole responsibility of the experts. No Zoomer Zest journalist was involved in the writing and production of this article.
