Hawaiian Airlines is evaluating two aircraft models, the Airbus A220 and the Embraer E195-E2, to potentially replace its aging fleet of Boeing 717s. With a rich history dating back to its founding in 1929, Hawaiian Airlines has become the largest airline in the state, connecting the islands with the US mainland and beyond. The current fleet of Boeing 717s, which averages around 22 years in age, requires modernization to maintain competitive operations.
Current Fleet Overview
Hawaiian Airlines operates a total of 19 Boeing 717s, ranking it as the world’s second-largest operator of this model, behind Delta Air Lines’ fleet of 80. Each Boeing 717 has a capacity of up to 128 passengers, divided into eight first-class and 120 economy seats. In comparison, the airline’s larger aircraft, such as the Boeing 787-9, can accommodate up to 300 passengers. The airline’s overall fleet includes 65 aircraft, comprising models such as the Airbus A321neo and Airbus A330-200, alongside the Boeing 717 and 787-9.
According to data from ch-aviation, the fleet currently includes:
– **Airbus A321neo**: 18 in the fleet
– **Airbus A330-200**: 24 in the fleet
– **Boeing 717**: 19 in the fleet
– **Boeing 787-9**: 4 in the fleet
As Hawaiian Airlines considers replacements, both the Airbus A220 and the Embraer E195-E2 present compelling options that align with the airline’s operational needs.
Comparing the Airbus A220 and Embraer E195-E2
The Airbus A220, originally developed by Bombardier as the C Series, has quickly gained recognition for its efficiency and passenger comfort since entering commercial service in July 2016. It features a two-class configuration that enhances the travel experience with wider seats and larger windows, which are 50% bigger than those found on comparable regional jets. The A220 is powered by Pratt & Whitney PW1500G geared turbofan engines, providing up to 25% lower fuel burn per seat compared to older aircraft, making it particularly suitable for Hawaiian Airlines’ operations. With a range of approximately 3,900 miles, the A220 can effectively serve routes to the US West Coast, including major destinations such as Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) and Seattle-Tacoma International Airport (SEA).
Conversely, the Embraer E195-E2 is the largest aircraft in Embraer’s next-generation E-Jet family, having entered service in 2019. It also boasts impressive fuel efficiency, with a similar reduction in fuel consumption per seat as the A220. The E195-E2 can accommodate up to 146 passengers and features a 2-2 seating layout, ensuring that no passenger is left with a middle seat. This configuration enhances comfort on shorter flights, which is ideal for Hawaiian Airlines’ interisland routes. With a range of about 2,900 miles, the E195-E2 can handle the majority of the airline’s interisland operations effectively.
Both aircraft models would allow Hawaiian Airlines to operate economically and efficiently while maintaining the high standards of passenger comfort that the airline is known for.
In conclusion, Hawaiian Airlines has a significant decision ahead regarding the future of its fleet. The Airbus A220 offers extensive range and passenger comfort, making it ideal for medium-haul routes to the mainland. Meanwhile, the Embraer E195-E2 presents an efficient solution for shorter, high-frequency interisland flights. Ultimately, both options could support Hawaiian Airlines in continuing to deliver exceptional service while aligning with its sustainability goals.
As the airline moves forward, its commitment to modernizing its fleet will not only enhance operational efficiency but also ensure that it continues to provide a premium travel experience for its passengers.