Hawaiian acquires fourth ATR 72-200F
Hawaiian Airlines acquired an ATR 72-200F (389, ex-ASL Airlines Ireland) and is moving forward with plans to put a fourth ATR 72-200F into service [FAT 005346]. Slovakia-based AELIS Group announced the delivery of the aircraft to Hawaiian airlines today.
Originally, Hawaiian had planned to acquire and convert an aircraft but, due to complications, has instead acquired an aircraft already configured as a freighter. Hawaiian originally earmarked an ATR 72 (467, ex-Air Mandalay) for conversion but did not ultimately secure the aircraft. It is unclear why the deal to secure unit 467 fell through, and Hawaiian declined to comment.
Like the existing trio of ATR 72-200Fs, the incoming aircraft is expected to operate on behalf of Hawaiian subsidiary ‘Ohana by Empire Airlines. Hawaiian’s freighter service includes charter flights and scheduled services from Honolulu (HNL) to Lihue (LIH) and Hilo (ITO).
The carrier launched initial operations of these aircraft in August 2018.
