Hawaiian Airlines to Replace Boeing 717 Interisland Fleet with Boeing 737-800s by 2028

Hawaiian Airlines is retiring its long-serving Boeing 717 fleet in favor of larger Boeing 737-800s for all interisland operations. The transition is scheduled to begin in 2028.

The strategic shift involves transferring aircraft from sister carrier Alaska Airlines, which will be repainted in Hawaiian livery. This move addresses the operational strain on the current fleet and aims to capture higher premium revenue through increased seating capacity.

CEO Diana Birkett Rakow noted that Neighbor Island flying is uniquely demanding due to short flight segments, frequent daily cycles, and the corrosive nature of salt-air environments. The Boeing 737-800 was selected for its durability and proven ability to withstand these high-cycle operations while maintaining a rigorous schedule of frequent departures.

Fleet Transition Specifications

The current operational data highlights a significant age gap and capacity limitation in the existing fleet:

Current Fleet: 19 Boeing 717 aircraft.
Average Age: Over 24 years.
Utilization: Over 160 flight segments per day.
Implementation Date: Transition to begin in 2028.

Capacity and Passenger Experience Upgrades

The move to the Boeing 737-800 represents a substantial increase in both passenger volume and luxury offerings per flight.

Feature	Boeing 717 (Current)	Boeing 737-800 (New)	Change
Total Seats	123 – 128	161	+33 to 38 seats
First Class Seats	8	16	100% Increase
Extra Legroom Economy	17	47+	+30 seats
Connectivity	Standard	Starlink High-Speed WiFi	Upgrade
Power Access	Limited	Outlets at every seat	Universal

Why This Matters: Industry Analysis

From a logistical perspective, this fleet replacement is less about "modernization" and more about "right-sizing" for the post-merger era with Alaska Air Group.

For travelers on these routes, the real impact is a shift in the cabin experience. By doubling the first-class inventory and nearly tripling the extra-legroom economy seats, Hawaiian is aggressively targeting the high-yield traveler. The addition of Starlink WiFi and universal power outlets transforms these short hops into productive environments for business travelers and digital nomads.

Our analysis of the route map suggests that the 717s were becoming a liability due to their age (24+ years). Operating 160 segments daily on aircraft of that age creates a maintenance bottleneck. By utilizing the 737-800, Hawaiian achieves three critical goals:

Operational Reliability: Reduced mechanical delays associated with aging airframes.
Revenue Optimization: More premium seats per departure.
Synergy: Streamlining parts and training by aligning with Alaska Airlines' fleet.

Forward Outlook

While the airline has not yet disclosed the exact number of 737s required for the full transition, the 2028 start date indicates a phased rollout. Market trends suggest that as the 717s are retired, we may see a slight adjustment in flight frequencies—potentially fewer flights with larger planes—to optimize load factors. Passengers should expect a significant jump in on-board technology and comfort levels once the first 737s enter interisland service.

A strategic pivot toward higher capacity and modernized connectivity for the Hawaiian archipelago.