Hawaiian Airlines Airbus A330-243 F-WWYX (N380HA) (msn 1104) TLS (first A330 for Hawaiian), originally uploaded by Airliners Gallery.
Hawaiian Airlines (Honolulu) yesterday (April 28) began its long-range fleet renewal and expansion program by taking 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 A330-243 registered N380HA (msn 1104) in a formal acceptance ceremony at the Airbus factory in Toulouse, France.
In keeping with Hawaiian Airlines’ heritage, today’s 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.
Attendees included a group of more than 200 Hawaiian Airlines employees and their guests who made the trip of 7,760 miles from Honolulu to Toulouse to witness this momentous event for the company.
The new A330 is scheduled to arrive at Honolulu International Airport on the morning of May 3, 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 A350-800 XWB (Extra Wide-Body) aircraft starting in 2017, as well as purchase rights for an additional five A330s and six A350s.
Copyright Photo: Airbus A330-243 F-WWYX (msn 1104) arrives back at Toulouse after a test flight. The airframe became N380HA on delivery.