Alaska Air Weighs 737s to Replace Hawaiian 717s
Alaska Air Group is evaluating options to replace Hawaiian Airlines’ aging fleet of Boeing 717 aircraft, signaling an important next step in aligning fleet strategy following its acquisition of the Honolulu-based carrier. Hawaiian currently operates 19 Boeing 717s, primarily on high-frequency inter-island routes, with the average aircraft age approaching 24 years.
The 717 has long been well suited to Hawaii’s short-stage, high-cycle operations, offering strong reliability and efficient performance on frequent hops between the islands. However, with the aircraft type no longer in production and maintenance costs rising as the fleet ages, Alaska Air Group is assessing replacement options that can support long-term operational and economic goals.
Chief financial officer Shane Tackett has said that Boeing 737 aircraft are a leading candidate to replace the 717s. The 737 already forms the backbone of Alaska Airlines’ mainline fleet, creating potential advantages in pilot training, maintenance, and spare parts commonality. Expanding 737 operations into Hawaii’s inter-island network could simplify fleet complexity while leveraging existing operational expertise.
That said, Alaska is also carefully weighing whether the 737 is the optimal solution for short, high-frequency routes. Inter-island flying in Hawaii involves quick turnarounds, high daily utilization, and relatively short runways at certain airports. Larger aircraft can introduce challenges related to operating costs, capacity matching, and airport infrastructure, particularly on routes where demand fluctuates throughout the day.
As a result, Alaska Air Group is also exploring other purpose-built aircraft that may be better suited to short-stage, high-cycle operations. While no specific alternatives have been confirmed, industry observers have pointed to next-generation regional jets or new narrowbody variants designed for efficiency on short sectors. Any replacement would need to balance operating economics, passenger comfort, and long-term fleet sustainability.
The decision carries broader implications beyond Hawaiian’s inter-island network. A move toward 737s could signal deeper fleet integration between Alaska Airlines and Hawaiian Airlines, potentially unlocking cost synergies and simplifying long-term fleet planning. Conversely, selecting a different aircraft type could preserve a more tailored solution for Hawaii while adding complexity to the combined fleet.
Passenger experience will also be a key consideration. The 717 offers a two-by-three seating layout that many travelers find comfortable for short flights. Alaska will need to evaluate how any replacement aircraft supports its onboard product standards, including seating, baggage handling, and turnaround efficiency.
No timeline has been announced for a final decision, but the evaluation underscores Alaska Air Group’s focus on modernizing fleets and improving efficiency across its expanded network. As Hawaiian’s 717s continue to age, a replacement strategy will be critical to maintaining reliable inter-island service while supporting Alaska’s long-term growth and integration plans.
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Sources: AirGuide Business airguide.info, bing.com