Hawaiian Takes Delivery of First New Airbus A330

Hawaiian Airlines has taken delivery of the first of up to 27 new, wide-body Airbus aircraft that will be integrated into its fleet over the next decade.

Hawaiian took possession of the 294-seat Airbus A330-200 in a formal acceptance ceremony at the Airbus factory in Toulouse, France.

 Mark Dunkerley, Hawaiian’s president and CEO, said, “These new Airbus aircraft will allow us to operate more efficiently and over greater distances, while also setting a new standard for passenger comfort and convenience.”

In keeping with Hawaiian Airlines’ heritage, the handover ceremony showcased Hawaii’s culture and traditions, with the performing of Hawaiian music and hula, the presentation of a special Hawaiian ‘oli (chant) written for the occasion, and a traditional Hawaiian blessing.

The new A330 is scheduled to arrive at Honolulu International Airport on the morning of 3 May 2010, after which the aircraft and its flight crews will undergo the preparations needed to start service on the Honolulu - Los Angeles route in early June.

Hawaiian plans to have up to 27 new Airbus aircraft as part of its fleet by the end of this decade. Hawaiian is leasing three A330s that are joining the fleet this year, and has signed a purchase agreement with Airbus to acquire seven A330s (starting in 2011) and six A350XWB-800 (Extra Wide-Body) aircraft (starting in 2017), as well as purchase rights for an additional five A330s and six A350s.

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