Alaska Airlines to Replace Hawaiian's 717s with 737-800s for Neighbor Island Service — Alaska Airlines, Inc.

Event summary

Alaska Airlines will replace Hawaiian Airlines' retiring Boeing 717 fleet with Hawaiian-branded Boeing 737-800s for Neighbor Island service.
The transition, beginning in 2028, aims to enhance guest experience and increase capacity with features like Starlink Wi-Fi and more premium seats.
Starting October 2026, Alaska will supplement 717 flights with 737 aircraft on the Honolulu-Kahului route to maintain frequency and capacity.
The move is part of Alaska Accelerate, a strategic plan to strengthen Hawaiian Airlines' brand and expand its reach.

The big picture

Alaska Airlines' decision to replace Hawaiian's 717s with 737-800s underscores its commitment to modernizing Neighbor Island service and enhancing guest experience. This move aligns with broader industry trends of fleet upgrades and strategic investments in regional connectivity, particularly in markets like Hawai'i where reliable intra-island service is critical for daily life.

What we're watching

Integration Challenges: The pace at which Alaska Airlines can seamlessly integrate the new fleet while maintaining reliable service for Neighbor Island routes.
Market Response: How Hawaiian Airlines' guests and local communities react to the enhanced onboard experience and increased capacity.
Strategic Execution: Whether Alaska Accelerate can successfully deliver long-term growth by strengthening the dual-brand strategy.