Key Takeaways
• On May 24, 2025, FAA issued a directive over cracks in Boeing 717 wings, risking catastrophic failure.
• Hawaiian Airlines operates 19 aging Boeing 717s, vital for frequent, short inter-island flights in Hawaii.
• Replacement challenges include timing, costs, pilot training, and possible Alaska Airlines merger impact.
The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has raised new concerns about the safety and future of the Boeing 717 fleet, a group of planes that has been the backbone of Hawaiian Airlines’ inter-island service for over twenty years. On May 24, 2025, the FAA issued a directive that directly affects these aircraft, highlighting the urgent need for action as the planes continue to age. This move comes after several incidents and discoveries of structural problems, making the future of these planes—and the people who depend on them—a pressing issue for Hawaii and the broader aviation community.
Who is involved? The FAA, Hawaiian Airlines, and Alaska Airlines are the main players.
What happened? The FAA flagged safety concerns about the aging Boeing 717 fleet, especially those used by Hawaiian Airlines.
When? The latest directive was issued on May 24, 2025, following earlier warnings and incidents.
Where? The focus is on Hawaii, where these planes connect the islands, but the issue has national importance.
Why? Cracks and other problems have been found in the planes’ wings and landing gear, raising fears about safety.
How? The FAA is using its authority to require inspections and possible repairs, while Hawaiian Airlines must decide how and when to replace these planes.
Let’s break down what this means for travelers, workers, and the future of air travel in Hawaii.
FAA Flags Safety Concerns
The FAA is the main government agency in the United States 🇺🇸 that makes sure airplanes are safe to fly. When the FAA finds a problem, it can issue an “airworthiness directive.” This is an official order that tells airlines to check, fix, or even ground certain planes if there’s a risk to safety.
On May 24, 2025, the FAA issued a new directive about the Boeing 717 fleet, which is mostly used by Hawaiian Airlines. This came after a series of problems:
- In October 2024, inspectors found several cracks in the wing of a Boeing 717. One crack was about 7 inches long—big enough that it could have caused a serious accident if not fixed.
- The FAA warned that these cracks could “lead to reduced structural integrity of the airplane and loss of control of the airplane, which could result in a catastrophic event.”
- There have also been reports of landing gear problems, including a nose landing gear-up landing, and a flap issue on a Delta Air Lines 717.
These warnings are serious. The FAA’s job is to protect passengers, crew, and everyone on the ground. When they issue a directive like this, it means the risk is real and must be addressed right away.
For more information about FAA safety directives, you can visit the FAA’s official Airworthiness Directives page.
The Boeing 717: Hawaii’s Workhorse
The Boeing 717 is a small, twin-engine jet that was first introduced in 1999. Hawaiian Airlines started using these planes in 2001, and they quickly became the main way people travel between the islands. As of March 2025, Hawaiian Airlines still operates 19 of its original 25 Boeing 717s. These planes are, on average, 23.1 years old—making them some of the oldest commercial jets still flying in the United States 🇺🇸.
Key airports served by the Boeing 717 fleet:
– Honolulu (HNL)
– Hilo (ITO)
– Kona (KOA)
– Lihue (LIH)
– Maui (OGG)
The 717 is perfect for Hawaii’s unique needs. The flights are short—often less than an hour—and the planes need to take off and land many times each day. The 717 was designed for quick turnarounds, meaning it can unload, reload, and get back in the air faster than most other jets. This is important in Hawaii, where people rely on these flights like others rely on buses or trains.
Recent Incidents and Safety Record
Even though the Boeing 717 has served Hawaii well, its age is starting to show. While the safety record has been good overall, there have been several incidents:
- In 2023, a Hawaiian Airlines 717 was damaged while taxiing at Kahului Airport. No passengers or crew were hurt, but a ramp worker had minor injuries.
- The FAA’s recent directive was triggered by the discovery of wing cracks that could make the plane unsafe.
- Other airlines using the 717, like Delta Air Lines, have also reported problems, including landing gear and flap issues.
These incidents are reminders that even the best-maintained planes can develop problems as they get older. The FAA’s job is to catch these issues before they lead to accidents.
The Challenge of Replacement
Replacing the Boeing 717 fleet is not as simple as buying new planes. Hawaiian Airlines faces several big challenges:
1. Finding the Right Plane
– The 717 was built for quick, frequent flights. Not many modern planes can do this as well.
– Possible replacements include the Boeing 737 MAX 7, Airbus A220, and Embraer E195-E2.
– Each option has pros and cons. For example, the 737 MAX 7 is bigger and may not be as fast to turn around. The Airbus A220 is efficient but may be harder to get quickly. The Embraer E195-E2 is smaller but may not carry as many people or bags.
2. Timing
– Hawaiian Airlines had planned to retire the 717s by 2025, but now says they may keep them for another five or six years.
– Industry experts warn that waiting too long could leave the airline without enough planes to serve the islands.
3. Cost
– Hawaiian Airlines has lost over a billion dollars since 2019. Buying new planes is expensive, and the airline must balance safety with financial reality.
4. Training and Maintenance
– New planes mean new training for pilots, mechanics, and ground crews.
– The airline would need to update its maintenance facilities and schedules.
5. Alaska Airlines Acquisition
– Alaska Airlines is in the process of buying Hawaiian Airlines. This could affect which planes are chosen, since Alaska already uses the Boeing 737 for many of its flights.
As reported by VisaVerge.com, these factors make the replacement decision one of the most important in Hawaiian Airlines’ history.
Alaska Airlines Acquisition: What Could Change?
The possible merger between Alaska Airlines and Hawaiian Airlines adds another layer of complexity. Alaska Airlines is a much bigger airline and already has a large fleet of Boeing 737s. Some experts think that, after the merger, Hawaiian Airlines might switch to the 737 for both inter-island and mainland flights. This would make it easier to share parts, maintenance, and training.
However, the 737 is a different kind of plane. It’s bigger and may not be as well-suited to the short, frequent flights between the Hawaiian islands. There are also questions about whether the airports in Hawaii can handle more 737s, especially during busy times.
The merger could also affect jobs, schedules, and ticket prices. Workers may need new training, and passengers could see changes in flight times or routes.
The Human Side: What This Means for Hawaii
For many people in Hawaii, the Boeing 717 is more than just a plane—it’s a lifeline. The islands are separated by hundreds of miles of ocean, and there are no bridges or tunnels. For most people, flying is the only way to visit family, go to work, or get medical care on another island.
What’s at stake?
– Passengers: Reliable, frequent flights are essential. Any gap in service could disrupt daily life.
– Workers: Pilots, flight attendants, mechanics, and ground staff all depend on these planes for their jobs. New planes mean new training and possibly new roles.
– Tourism: Hawaii’s economy depends on tourism. If flights are delayed or canceled, it could hurt businesses across the islands.
– Cargo: The 717s also carry mail, food, and other goods between the islands.
The FAA’s directive is a reminder that safety must come first. But the process of replacing these planes must be handled carefully to avoid hurting the people and businesses that rely on them.
Historical Context: The Boeing 717’s Legacy
The Boeing 717 has a unique history. It was originally designed as the MD-95 by McDonnell Douglas, a company that Boeing later bought. The plane was first announced in 1991, flew for the first time in 1998, and entered service in 1999. The last 717 was delivered in 2006.
Hawaiian Airlines started using the 717 in 2001. Over the years, these planes have become a familiar sight in Hawaii’s skies. They are known for their reliability, quick turnarounds, and ability to handle the demands of inter-island travel.
But all planes have a lifespan. Most airlines retire jets after 20 to 25 years. Hawaiian’s 717s are now among the oldest still flying in regular service.
What Happens Next?
The future of the Boeing 717 fleet at Hawaiian Airlines will depend on several key factors:
1. FAA Directives and Inspections
– Hawaiian Airlines must follow the FAA’s orders, inspecting and repairing planes as needed.
– If more cracks or problems are found, some planes may have to be grounded.
2. Replacement Decision
– The airline must choose a new type of plane soon to avoid a gap in service.
– The choice will affect everything from ticket prices to job training.
3. Alaska Airlines Merger
– The merger could speed up the replacement process or change which planes are chosen.
– Integration with Alaska’s fleet could bring new opportunities and challenges.
4. Financial Health
– Hawaiian Airlines must find a way to pay for new planes while recovering from years of losses.
5. Community Impact
– The airline must work with local leaders, workers, and passengers to make sure the transition is smooth.
Practical Guidance for Travelers and Workers
If you live in Hawaii or plan to visit, here’s what you need to know:
- Flights are still safe. The FAA’s job is to make sure only safe planes are flying. Hawaiian Airlines is following all orders and inspections.
- Expect changes. Over the next few years, you may see new planes, different flight schedules, or changes in ticket prices.
- Stay informed. Check with Hawaiian Airlines for updates, especially if you have special travel needs.
- Workers should prepare. Pilots, mechanics, and other staff may need new training. Talk to your union or manager about what’s coming.
Conclusion: The End of an Era, the Start of a New One
The FAA’s concerns about the aging Boeing 717 fleet mark a turning point for Hawaiian Airlines and for air travel in Hawaii. These planes have served the islands well for nearly 25 years, but time and safety concerns mean change is coming.
The decision about what comes next will affect everyone in Hawaii—from families and workers to tourists and business owners. It will require careful planning, investment, and cooperation between airlines, government agencies, and the community.
For now, the skies over Hawaii remain safe, but the next few years will bring big changes. Hawaiian Airlines, with help from the FAA and possibly Alaska Airlines, must find a way to keep the islands connected while putting safety first.
For more detailed information about FAA regulations and airworthiness directives, visit the FAA’s official website.
Analysis from VisaVerge.com suggests that while the Boeing 717’s days may be numbered, its legacy will live on in the hearts of those who have relied on it for so many years. The challenge now is to ensure that the next generation of planes can serve Hawaii’s unique needs just as well—safely, reliably, and for many years to come.
Learn Today
Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) → U.S. government agency regulating aviation safety and issuing mandatory directives for aircraft inspections and repairs.
Airworthiness Directive → Official FAA order requiring airlines to inspect, repair, or ground aircraft to ensure safety compliance.
Boeing 717 → A twin-engine, short-haul jet widely used for inter-island Hawaiian flights, now aging and facing structural issues.
Structural Integrity → The condition of aircraft components ensuring strength and stability essential to safe flight operations.
Turnaround Time → The time needed for an aircraft to unload, reload passengers/cargo, and prepare for next flight.
This Article in a Nutshell
The FAA raised urgent safety concerns about Hawaiian Airlines’ aging Boeing 717 fleet, citing structural cracks. Plans to replace these essential inter-island planes face financial and logistic challenges, complicated by a potential Alaska Airlines merger, impacting Hawaii’s vital air connectivity for passengers, workers, and commerce.
— By VisaVerge.com
