For decades, Hawaiian Airlines has been synonymous with warm island hospitality, offering seamless connectivity between the Hawaiian Islands, the US mainland, and various international destinations. However, as premium travel expectations rise, the airline is stepping up its game to match global competitors in onboard offerings. Starting in 2028, Hawaiian Airlines will embark on a comprehensive overhaul of its Airbus A330 fleet, introducing its first-ever true premium economy cabin alongside a redesigned first-class product. These anticipated upgrades are already generating excitement among frequent flyers, promising to usher Hawaiian into a new era.
Introducing the A330 Premium Economy Cabin
Beginning in 2028, Hawaiian Airlines’ fleet of 24 Airbus A330-200s will undergo a complete transformation. A centerpiece of this update is the introduction of a brand-new premium economy cabin. Often seen as a bridge between economy and business class, premium economy is one of the fastest-growing cabin classes worldwide. Hawaiian’s iteration promises enhanced comfort and amenities at a more accessible price point than business class.
Historically, Hawaiian Airlines has not offered a true premium economy cabin, instead opting for ‘economy comfort’ seats on its A330s, which provided a slight improvement over standard economy. The new premium economy cabin will align Hawaiian more closely with international carriers and premium domestic offerings from airlines like Delta. While specific details on the seat or configuration are yet to be released, industry standards suggest a likely 2-3-2 configuration, offering generous recline and enhanced privacy.
Redefining First Class with New Suites
In tandem with the premium economy introduction, Hawaiian is investing in a revamped first-class product for its A330s. Currently, the A330s feature a lie-flat first-class product, but the dated 2-2-2 configuration leaves much to be desired, particularly regarding direct aisle access. The planned refresh is expected to mirror the business class suites found on Hawaiian’s 787-9s, which are being transitioned to Alaska Airlines following their merger.
“We’re going to be reconfiguring the A330 and increasing the first class, the J cabin. Over the next few years, [the new first class and premium economy] will generate significantly more revenue than they do today.” — Andrew Harrison, Alaska Air Group Chief Commercial Officer
Hawaiian’s 787-9s feature 34 business class suites with direct aisle access and lie-flat seats. While the A330’s first-class cabin will likely be smaller due to the aircraft’s dimensions, the redesign aims to keep Hawaiian competitive in the premium travel market, particularly on international and high-density domestic routes.
Enhancements Beyond Seating
Beyond seating upgrades, Hawaiian Airlines is enhancing its inflight experience with new high-definition seatback entertainment screens featuring Bluetooth connectivity, similar to those on the 787-9s. Complementing these screens, Hawaiian has introduced fast, free onboard WiFi powered by Starlink, a significant leap from its previous lack of inflight internet options.
Additionally, Hawaiian is launching an updated mobile app to streamline booking and trip management, offering features like flight changes and award travel redemption. The airline is also investing in new technology for its employees and merging its passenger service system with Alaska Airlines by late April.
The $600 Million Kahu’ewai Hawai’i Investment Plan
These fleet and service upgrades are part of Hawaiian Airlines’ $600 million Kahu’ewai Hawai’i investment plan, which aims to deliver long-term benefits across the airline and Hawaiian communities. Starting in 2026, renovations will begin at all five Hawaiian airports served by the airline, enhancing passenger flow and comfort with open, bright spaces and more seating options.
Moreover, Hawaiian plans to open a new 10,600 square foot first-class lounge at Honolulu’s Daniel K. Inouye International Airport, featuring light cream and blue colors, wood accents, and native Hawaiian plants. This lounge will complement the existing Plumeria Lounge and Premier Club.
The Future of Hawaiian Airlines’ Fleet
As Hawaiian Airlines heads into 2026, its fleet of 75 aircraft continues to evolve. The airline’s widebody fleet includes 34 Airbus A330s, with the A330-200s configured for passenger service and A330-300s for cargo operations. Despite the transfer of its 787s to Alaska Airlines, Hawaiian remains committed to modernizing its fleet and maintaining its competitive edge.
On the narrowbody side, Hawaiian operates 19 Boeing 717s and 18 A321neo aircraft. However, with Alaska Airlines’ preference for Boeing, the future of these aircraft remains uncertain.
Ultimately, Hawaiian Airlines’ upcoming A330 transformation represents more than a routine cabin refresh; it marks a pivotal moment for the airline as it redefines its role following its merger with Alaska Airlines. With the introduction of a true premium economy cabin, modernized first class, industry-leading WiFi, and sweeping airport investments, Hawaiian is aligning its onboard experience with the expectations of today’s premium travelers. These upgrades promise to enhance the journey to and from the Hawaiian islands while preserving the Aloha spirit.
