Hawaiian Airlines will be investing more than USD $600 million over the next five years to enhance its inflight and airport experiences for those traveling with the airline to/from the Hawaiian islands.
Hawaiian Airlines will be investing more than USD $600 million over the next five years to enhance its inflight and airport experiences for those traveling with the airline to/from the Hawaiian islands.
The new investment plan – which Hawaiian refers to as the Kahuʻewai Hawai‘i Investment Plan – will be the largest for the Honolulu, Hawaii-based Alaska Air Group carrier. Among the major parts of the plan include upgrades of its airport facilities, an updated app and website, and a full upgrade of the interiors aboard its Airbus A330s. Hawaiian has also pledged community initiatives to promote local Hawaiian businesses and culture, and investments into Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF).
In a statement, Hawaiian Airlines Chief Executive Officer Diana Birkett Rakow said: “Hawaiian Airlines is proud to call Hawai‘i home, to reflect the spirit of the islands, to take care of our local guests and welcome visitors, and support our communities. Our Kahu‘ewai Hawai‘i Investment Plan represents one of Hawaiian Airlines’ largest single investments in our infrastructure, products and services in Hawai‘i. It reflects our kuleana to our people and guests in the islands and reinforces our commitment to deliver safe and remarkable service that enables Hawai‘i and Hawaiian Airlines to thrive.”
Upgrading the Airport Experiences in Hawaii
Starting this year through 2029, Hawaiian will renovate its lobbies and gates at Hawaii's airports including Honolulu, Lihue, Kahului, Kona, and Hilo. The upgrades are aimed to improve passenger flow and comfort, featuring bright, elegant open spaces, and better seating and amenities such as added power charging stations.
At Honolulu International Airport – Hawaiian's biggest hub – the airline will build a 10,600 square-foot premium lounge at the entrance of the Mauka Concourse in Terminal 1.
Images: Artist depictions of Hawaiian Airlines' airport lounges and facilities (Source: Hawaiian/Alaska Air Group)
Upgraded App/Website
Hawaiian Airlines will launch an updated app and website with improved functionality this spring to simplify travel planning, booking, and trip management. Self-service features like changing flights and redeeming award travel on global partners will be a part of the airline's online experience.
New technology will also be part of the investments to support employees across the airline's operations.
“Full functionality of these tools – and a significantly smoother guest experience – will be possible once Hawaiian Airlines and Alaska Airlines share the same passenger service system and Hawaiian Airlines joins the oneworld alliance, both scheduled for late April.”
A330 Cabin Upgrades
Hawaiian Airlines' Honolulu-based widebody Airbus A330 fleet is expected to undergo a full interior upgrade starting in 2028. With the upgrades, the A330s will feature new seats, carpets, lighting, First Class suites, and a premium Economy cabin.
Onboard, passengers will also enjoy a Bluetooth-enabled inflight entertainment system with HD seatback screens with an extensive movie and music library. Fast and free Starlink Wi-Fi will also be available for passengers.
To support the future of its services across the Pacific, Hawaiian is also acquiring three of its A330s through lease.
Rewards for Local Hawaii Residents
In addition to the investments and upgrades Hawaiian has announced, the airline will also offer rewards for local Hawaii residents who are members of its Huaka'i by Hawaiian loyalty program.
Later this year, local Huaka'i members will get a 50% bonus on Atmos Rewards points and status points earned on interisland flights. It will add to the exclusive benefits such as a free checked bag, quarterly discounts when flying within Hawaii, and other system-wide deals.
“The Hawaiian Airlines’ Kahuʻewai Hawai‘i Investment Plan is part of Alaska Air Group’s Alaska Accelerate strategic plan to deliver on the combined airline’s vision of connecting guests to the world with a remarkable travel experience rooted in safety, care and performance.”
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