Aloha Air Cargo adds two Boeing 737-300 freighters

Aloha Air Cargo (Honolulu) has announced the initiation of its fleet replacement plan with the purchase of two former Lufthansa Boeing 737-300SF all cargo converted aircraft. The first 737-300 (737-330 N301KH, msn 27904) was delivered on June 2, 2014 and recently entered operations with the second plane (737-330 N302KH, msn 27905) currently in its initial maintenance check, and scheduled to be delivered to Honolulu during the third quarter of this year – enhancing the carrier’s fleet mix to two Boeing 737-300s, two Boeing 737-200s, and three SAAB 340A turboprops.

The Boeing 737-300 boasts nine full cargo positions totaling upwards of 39,000 lbs of payload capacity; that is two positions and nearly 10,000 lbs more than its sister aircraft, the Boeing 737-200 that Aloha currently flies. With ETOPS (Extended Range Twin Operations) capability, more fuel efficient and quieter engines, and a greatly reduced environmental footprint, the airframe is superior in every way.

“Our current fleet of four Boeing 737-200 aircraft has served Aloha and our predecessor very well over the last several decades, but timing is key to begin transitioning to a newer airframe,” said Pat Rosa, Chief Operating Officer for Aloha Air Cargo. “We are excited to invest in the future of our company and its employees by adding the 737-300s to our fleet. With this addition, Aloha Air Cargo will continue to build upon its 30 year history for providing safe and reliable cargo services to our communities in Hawaii and beyond.”

Aloha Air Cargo delivers fast, economical and reliable transport of goods between the Hawaiian Islands of Oahu, Maui, Kauai and the Island of Hawaii. It became an independent cargo operator after the closure of Aloha Airlines passenger services in May 2008. Aloha Tech Ops is a division of Aloha Air Cargo and provides maintenance and engineering services to airlines in the State of Hawaii.

Aloha Air Cargo is owned by Seattle-based Saltchuk, which has been doing business in Hawaii since 2000 when it acquired Young Brothers/Hawaiian Tug & Barge. Committed to the welfare of Hawaii and strengthening the local economy, the company also acquired Hawaii Fuel Network, Maui Petroleum and Minit Stop Stores in 2006.

Copyright Photos: Aloha Air Cargo. Kahu Kordell Kekoa blessing the plane’s name: Kū Ha’aheo (meaning “to stand tall with unselfish pride”).