After reaching labor deals with its pilots and flight attendants, Hawaiian Airlines firmed up an agreement for 12 Airbus aircraft.
Hawaiian in November 2007 signed a memorandum of understanding with Airbus for six A330-200s and six A350 XWB-800s (pictured) valued at roughly $4.4 billion based on list prices.
Earlier this month Hawaiian told US regulators the sale had been delayed after the carrier’s management reached an impasse with the Air Line Pilots Association (ALPA) in negotiations about the conditions under which the aircraft would enter the carrier’s fleet.
The finalized aircraft deal also includes options for 12 additional aircraft, six A330s and six A350s.
"I want to thank and commend the leadership of our unions for demonstrating a shared vision and commitment to building a successful and profitable future for Hawaiian that serves the interests of our customers and employees, maximizes shareholder value and contributes even more to the growth of Hawaii's tourism economy," says Hawaiian CEO Mark Dunkerley.
Hawaiian plans to take delivery of two A330s in 2012, followed by three the next year. A single A330 is scheduled to join the fleet in 2014. The A350 deliveries start in 2017, with two aircraft arriving that year. Two more A350s arrive in 2018, followed by a single aircraft each year in 2019 and 2020.
Dunkerley says Hawaiian plans to source additional aircraft from the leasing market for entry-into-service between 2009 and the first A330 delivery in 2012.
"One of the key features of our fleet plan and the transaction we structured with Airbus is flexibility. With some aircraft purchased, some to be leased and having options for others, Hawaiian will be able to scale its fleet according to needs and opportunities over the next two decades," Dunkerley says.
Source: FlightGlobal.com
