Air Hawaii | 2021 | Boeing 737 MAX 9

In early 2021 (after the recertification of the 737 MAX) Air Hawaii finally announced an order for the type, ending speculation that the company was considering the Airbus A321neo as a replacement for its 737NG fleet and 757s. The airline had been looking at various options for renewing its transpacific fleet and eventually decided on the 737 MAX due to commonality with its current fleet, the soon availability of the airframes due to various cancelled orders, and the fact that Boeing was willing to make concessions on the cost. A mix of MAX 8 and MAX 9 variants were specified in the order, with provision for changing some options to the MAX 10 if preferred by the airline. The MAX 9 (and possibly MAX 10) is quickly replacing Air Hawaii's remaining 757-200s, while the MAX 8 is replacing some 737-800s on a one-for-one basis as well as enabling expansion to additional airports on the West Coast and potentially opening up small secodary hubs in order to feed transpacific routes to Hawaii.

Aircraft N709HI, Nunulu (named for the Bonin Petrel), was delivered to Air Hawaii in late 2021 and commenced operations on routes from Honolulu to California shortly thereafter.

Air Hawaiʻi - Spirit of the Islands™