Alaska Airlines is planning a major overhaul of its inter-island flights in Hawaii, with a new fleet of Boeing 737s set to replace the aging Boeing 717s currently in service.
The transition is expected to begin in 2028, with the larger 737s being refurbished and repainted in Hawaiian livery before making the trek to Hawaii. Each of the 737s will have Starlink Wi-Fi and more cargo space for surfboards, catering to the needs of travelers.
The decision to replace the Boeing 717s comes after Alaska acquired Hawaiian Airlines in 2024, with the company now looking to strengthen its presence in the Hawaiian market. The 737-800s planned for Hawaiian's future inter-island flights will seat more total passengers than today's 717s, and they'll also have around double the premium seats.
Seating on the Boeing 737-800s will include 8 first-class seats, 36 premium seats, and 109 economy seats. The planes will offer a more spacious and modern experience for travelers, with improved amenities and services.
Alaska Airlines is also planning to base a 737-800 in Honolulu starting in October, with the plane set to operate three daily round-trips between Daniel K. Inouye International Airport and Maui's Kahului Airport.
The company has also announced plans to eventually paint its entire fleet of planes flying to and from Hawaii in Hawaiian livery, creating a seamless brand experience for travelers. This is just the latest reshuffling of aircraft in the wake of the Alaska-Hawaiian merger, which closed in 2024.
Upgrades are also in the works for Hawaiian's twin-aisle Airbus A330s, which are set to receive new business-class seats and a premium economy cabin. The exact number of Boeing 737s earmarked for inter-island service in Hawaii has not been disclosed, but the company is expected to grow its fleet by 33% between now and 2035.
With the transition set to begin in 2028, travelers can expect to see the new fleet of Boeing 737s on short hops between the state's islands in the coming years. The move is expected to provide a more modern and comfortable experience for travelers, while also strengthening Alaska Airlines' presence in the Hawaiian market.
