In 2008, Hawaiian Airlines announced an order for six Airbus A350-800 aircraft along with six Airbus A330-200s. The plan was to modernize the airline’s long-haul fleet by combining immediate capacity growth with future efficiency improvements. The A350-800 was intended to serve long-distance routes that did not require the larger capacity of the A350-900.
However, as the Airbus A350 program developed, the smallest variant, the A350-800, failed to attract enough orders. Airlines showed more interest in the larger A350-900, and Airbus eventually decided to cancel the A350-800 program in 2014. This led Hawaiian Airlines to swap its order for six A350-800s with six A330-800neo aircraft, which offered updated engines and avionics but similar capacity.
The A330-800neo also struggled to gain customers beyond Hawaiian, which raised concerns about its residual value and market support. By 2018, Hawaiian Airlines decided to cancel its A330-800neo order and chose the Boeing 787 instead, citing the wider customer base and support network for the 787 family.
Airbus’ decision to focus on the A350-900 and A330-900 reflected changes in its widebody market strategy. The A350-800’s overlap with other models and limited market appeal led to its discontinuation, while the A330neo series was positioned as a cost-effective option for airlines seeking newer technology without investing in an entirely new design.
Currently, Hawaiian Airlines operates a long-haul fleet that includes 24 Airbus A330-200s and four Boeing 787s. The airline’s strategy has shifted further since its merger with Alaska Air Group in September 2024. Under Alaska’s direction, Hawaiian’s widebody aircraft are being used to expand Seattle-based long-haul routes, including plans to increase flights to European destinations. The A330-200 remains the primary aircraft for daily operations in Hawaii, while the 787s are being used more for routes from Seattle.
This history highlights how changing technology, shifting market demands, and manufacturer decisions have influenced Hawaiian Airlines’ fleet strategy over the past decade. The saga of the A350-800, which never entered service, demonstrates how airlines must remain flexible and responsive to developments in aircraft programs and market needs.
At the end of this process, Hawaiian Airlines’ experience shows how airlines adapt their fleet planning to achieve operational efficiency and manage risk in a changing industry environment.
