First Airbus Order For Hawaii's Largest Airline

Hawaiian Airlines, Inc. signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) this week with Airbus for six A350XWB-800s and six A330-200s.

Hawaiian Airlines will begin receiving the new A330-200s starting in 2012, while A350 deliveries will begin in 2017. Both will be powered by Rolls-Royce Trent engines.

The aircraft will be deployed within the airline's Pacific network, which currently extends from Hawaii to nine cities in the Western United States and three cities in the South Pacific. The extended range and capacity of the aircraft allows for growth in the future.

It's the first order for Airbus aircraft in Hawaiian's history, and represents a takeaway deal for Airbus. Hawaiian -- the Aloha State's largest airline -- currently operates an all-Boeing fleet, comprised of Boeing 717s (nee McDonnell Douglas) and 767 widebodies.

President and CEO of Hawaiian Airlines, Mark Dunkerley, called the order a progressive decision for the airline.

"These aircraft will help build on our success and enable us to provide our passengers with extraordinary travel comfort," he said. "We are committed to investing in the most modern technology and operationally-efficient aircraft, and Airbus meets our needs with the A330-200 and A350-800."

"We are very pleased that Hawaiian Airlines has chosen both the Airbus A330 and A350 to enhance their long-haul fleet," said John Leahy, Airbus' Chief Operating Officer-Customers. "These aircraft will allow our new customer, Hawaiian Airlines, to respond efficiently to the increasing demand for travel to its business and holiday destinations, and expand to new ones in the future."

FMI: www.airbus.com