Hawaiian Airlines has announced a new investment plan of over 600 million USD aimed at enhancing the experience for guests travelling to, from and within the islands via the modernisation of airport spaces, upgrades of technology and retrofitting of aircraft interiors.
The works are set to take place over a five year period, and will also see an expansion of community and sustainability work across Hawai’i.
Hawaiian Airlines’ Kahuʻewai Hawai’i Investment Plan involves a wide number of works, including:
- The renovation of lobbies and gates in Honolulu, Līhu’e, Kahului, Kona and Hilo to improve passenger flow and comfort through to 2029, as well as the construction of a new, 10,600-square-foot premium lounge at the entrance of the Mauka Concourse in Terminal 1 of Honolulu Airport
- The launch of a new app and website with improved functionality that aims to simplify travel planning, booking and trip management via the introduction of self-service features like flight changing and travel award redemption through global partners
- Upgrades of the operator’s existing fleet of widebody Airbus A330s, which, starting in 2028, will receive new seats, carpets, lighting, first class suites and a premium economy cabin, as well as bluetooth-enabled in-flight entertainment systems and Starlink W-Fi
- Acquisition of three of its A330 aircraft off lease in order to support the future expansion of its fleet
- Further improvements via its Travel Pono programme, alongside investments to preserve Hawai’i’s natural resources whilst advancing new technologies to support overall sustainability
Hawaiian Airlines CEO Diana Birkett Rakow, said:Hawaiian Airlines is proud to call Hawai'i home, to reflect the spirit of the islands, to take care of our local guests and welcome visitors, and support our communities.
Our Kahu'ewai Hawai'i Investment Plan represents one of Hawaiian Airlines' largest single investments in our infrastructure, products and services in Hawai'i. It reflects our kuleana to our people and guests in the islands and reinforces our commitment to deliver safe and remarkable service that enables Hawai'i and Hawaiian Airlines to thrive.
Last month, Hawaiian Airlines announced intentions to invest in a large amount of locally produced sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) to both reduce flight emissions and support agriculture, in partnersip with Pono Pacific and Par Hawaii, rendering it the first airline to take deliveries of Hawai’i-made SAF later this year.
The operator has also begun working to advance lower-emission options for short-haul air service with an investment in hybrid-electric propulsion developer Ampaire whilst increasing use of electric ground service vehicles at Honolulu airport.
