Funjets to Birds of Paradise: My Aloha Airlines Fleet
2008 was a sad year for the US airline industry with the loss of de-regulation survivors (ATA) and young hopefuls (Skybus), but the loss felt most keenly was that of Hawaii's second airline - Aloha.
Aloha was born as Trans-Pacific Airways in July 1946 flying 3 ex-military DC-3s. The airline was funded by Ruddy Tongg - a Chinese American businessman who was able to begin to break the stranglehold of the 'Haole' New England missionary descendants whom owned Hawaii's top 5 businesses and the sugar plantations. Hawaiian Airlines (still known as Inter-Island at the time) did its best to stop the new competition and it wasn't until February 1949 that TPA was able to gain a scheduled license.
TPA sold Hawaii itself and dubbed its aircraft Alohaliners with onboard Pineapple juice, hula and ukulele music. By 1952 the airline was known as TPA Aloha Airlines and in that year it was able to post its first profit of $36,000 and had 30% of the inter-island market. By 1956 5 DC-3s were in service.
In 1957, Hung Wo Ching was named CEO and president and he immediately shortened the carriers name to just Aloha Airlines and organised the funding that allowed Aloha to move into the (prop)-jet age by ordering 4 Fairchild F-27s to enable more effective competition against Hawaiians convair-liners.
Aloha has been rather poorly treated by 1:400 so far so photos will have to do for the first few aircraft of our story:
The 1960s saw Aloha experiment with further jets. Vickers Viscounts replaced the F-27s and by 1964 there were 3 in service and only one remaining F-27.
In the mid 60s Aloha competed head to head with Hawaiian using pure jet BAC One-Elevens starting in April 1966 when 'Queen Kapiolani' arrived.
The One-Elevens though rugged had poor short-field performance and didn't fit well with Aloha who replaced them in 1969 with what would become Aloha's main type for the rest of its history - the Boeing 737-200.
The 737s were however delayed which saw the airline post a loss for 1968, but this didn't stop them from taking up a new swinging 60s image with the first of Aloha's Funbird schemes. Below is the first Funbird which'd be great to see in 1:400:
Despite the arrival of the new 737s Aloha was in serious trouble. Delays in certifying other US carriers to serve Hawaii from the mainland (and thus less inter-island traffic) led to Aloha loosing serious money and not for the first time (or the last) Hawaiian came calling. A merger was agreed and Aloha went as far as cancelling 737s and incurring penalties for it before the Hawaiian CEO walked away from the deal thinking that Aloha was dead (so why did he need a merger). Somehow despite owing $7 million and loosing $2.4 million in 1970 the airline survived and bounced back in 1972 to a profit. In 1970 the fleet stood at 4 Viscounts and 3 737s but by 1972 it was all jet with 5 737s on stream.
In our next sections we'll look at more funbirds and see how Aloha took on de-regulation.
Re: Funjets to Birds of Paradise: My Aloha Airlines Fleet
In fact checking out Ed Coates amazing photo collection it looks like the Aloha Viscounts wore 3 different schemes - so that'll be 3 Viscounts please Aeroclassics!
Re: Funjets to Birds of Paradise: My Aloha Airlines Fleet
Richard
Another great post and I have constantly made requests on the forums and directly to AK that an Aeroclassics Aloha Viscount & F27 would be good sellers, as the airline has many followers. Actually Aloha started with DC-3s, which you don't mention, so that would be another one for the list.
I only have one Aloha model in my collection, the Aeroclassics BAC One-Eleven, as that's the only Aloha aircraft I have ever seen, prior to delivery from the Bournemouth factory here in UK in 1967. This aircraft also attended the 1967 Paris Air Show and flew back to UK escorted by our Red Arrows aerobatic team.
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Adrian
DC-8s still needed to be done in 1/400: Air Ceylon, Air Spain, Seaboard World (-63CF)
Comets still missing- Dan Air (4 & 4C), United Arab Airlines/Misrair/Egyptair, Kuwait AW, Sudan AW, East African AW, Saudi Royal Flt.
Caravelles still not made: Luxair, Air Algerie,SABENA (final scheme), Libyan Arab Airlines, SAS ( SCANDINAVIAN titles scheme)
Ilyushin IL-18s still not made: Tarom (billboard,) Malev (1st scheme),Cubana, Balkan/ Tabso-Bulgarian Air Transport,
Re: Funjets to Birds of Paradise: My Aloha Airlines Fleet
I agree that TPA and Aloha DC-3s would be nice but sadly it seems nobody is interested in making Daks anymore. Likewise there are plenty of F-27s that need to be made (Ozark, West Coast etc) but AC seem to have stopped using the mould.
Hopefully some Aloha Viscounts are a possibility along with some 737s.
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Richard
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Re: Funjets to Birds of Paradise: My Aloha Airlines Fleet
Aloha was able to make a profit of $1.4 million in 1972 as the holiday market was booming with the end of Vietnam while long-haul carriers began to sell inter-island flights as part of their package deals. In fact Aloha had 40% of the market and Hawaiian must have been rueing their decision not to consumate the merger particularly as Aloha filed anti-trust hearings against them - and won.
Sadly the oil crisis of 1973 put an end to major profits but the airline was able to stay afloat and began to win plaudits for its levels of service. In 1975 Aloha changed its livery again upping the flower power stakes. The main changes were new titles shortened to Aloha with a flowery font, removal of the old bird of paradise logo from near the door and the cheatlines moving up onto the tail.
There has only been one release in this scheme (by Gemini) and it is rather unsatisfactory (though better than nothing). Gemini's 737 moulds never get the nose correct (annoying as their 727 nose is great) and worse in this release the printing seems to be off too making it look a bit odd a the nose. Worse the registration they chose N73715 was actually a 737-100 not a 737-200 (one of three operated in the 1970s) though originally it had been planned to be a -200 that was in the end NTU and delivered to Southwest instead. Still as I said it's better than nothing:
Throughout most of the 1970s Aloha's fleet stood steady at 5 737s and expansion didn't occur until de-regulation. By mid 1980 the fleet had almost doubled to 4 737-200s and 5 737-200 Advs. However de-regulation brought intense competition caused by the addition of a 3rd Hawaiian carrier - Mid-Pacific Airlines (using NAMC YS-11s). 1982 saw a loss. Joseph O"Gorman was brought in from United as CEO and focused on customer satisfaction and also joined United's frequent-flyer program.
Aloha also changed its livery in 1983 to a lower key flower scheme which noone in 1:400 has seen fit to make on a 737.
You'll notice a DC-10 in the photo above and that was flown by Aloha Pacific a very short-lived mistep by Aloha. This leased DC-10 flew to Taiwan via Guam but only lasted for 6 months and Aloha lost $1.4 million in 1984. Still Hawaiian were getting themselves into all sorts of trouble with their Pacific network and this helped Aloha consolidate their hold on the inter-island market. Aeroclassics have done this DC-10 in 1:400 but I don't own it.
O'Gorman was succeeded by Maurice Myers who started cargo operations and this was a success with Aloha having 90% of the market within a year. In 1986 a hostile takeover was avoided and Aloha was taken private. Princeville Airlines was purchased and renamed as Island Air to operate feeder services and the airline was looking good despite the infamous metal fatigue related roof loss of flight 243 in April 1988.
In our last part of this series we'll take Aloha into the 1990s and beyond.
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Re: Funjets to Birds of Paradise: My Aloha Airlines Fleet
Quote:
Originally Posted by Abraham
Might wanna re-read the post. Mentions of the DC-3 are right at the start, sir.
I stand corrected - apologies - must pay attention to teacher!
Quote:
Originally Posted by RStretton
I agree that TPA and Aloha DC-3s would be nice but sadly it seems nobody is interested in making Daks anymore.
I don't think we should give up yet, Richard, as Daks still trickle out from Aeroclassics (Olympic Airways, KLM, Air France etc) , JC Wings (Qantas & TAA) and Gemini Jets (KLM ) all fairly recently.
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Adrian
DC-8s still needed to be done in 1/400: Air Ceylon, Air Spain, Seaboard World (-63CF)
Comets still missing- Dan Air (4 & 4C), United Arab Airlines/Misrair/Egyptair, Kuwait AW, Sudan AW, East African AW, Saudi Royal Flt.
Caravelles still not made: Luxair, Air Algerie,SABENA (final scheme), Libyan Arab Airlines, SAS ( SCANDINAVIAN titles scheme)
Ilyushin IL-18s still not made: Tarom (billboard,) Malev (1st scheme),Cubana, Balkan/ Tabso-Bulgarian Air Transport,
Re: Funjets to Birds of Paradise: My Aloha Airlines Fleet
1988 also saw the end of Aloha's new competitor Mid-Pacific, whilst Hawaiian had gotten itself into a right mess. These factors enabled Aloha to gain a 60% share of island traffic in the early 90s - the first time Aloha had eclipsed its rival. Still the early 90s were turbulent and the Gulf war and Hurricane Iniki impacted profits.
In 1992 Aloha introduced a lovely new more corporate but still colourful scheme focused around its original Bird of Paradise flower logo from the 1950/60s. The fleet had also expanded to include 737-300s and 400s by this time (at the end of 92 there were 4 -200s, 12 -200Advs, 5 -300s and 2 -400s). However these new CFM engined types proved unsuitable for the short rotation heavy island hops in Aloha's network and were also a bit too large so from 1996 the fleet reverted back to all 737-200s.
I have only one plane in the airline's last scheme - an Aeroclassics 737-200. Note the extra flags and ETOPs lettering on the wheel well. Since 1986 Aloha had operated flights to various Pacific destinations like Kiribati and American Samoa:
During the 90s whilst Hawaiian continued to struggle Aloha did quite well despite competition from another upstart - Mahalo Air between 93-97. With the coming of the new century it appeared it would continue to do so, however this was sadly not to be.
In 2000 Aloha began to fly to the mainland for the first time using 737-700s initially from 3 Hawaiian destinations to Oakland but expanding to orange County, San Diego, Sacramento, Reno and Vegas. Unfortunately the early 2000s proved even more turbulent than the 90s with Sept 11, SARs and high fuel prices combining to force the carrier into bankruptcy in December 2004.
Aloha emerged from bankruptcy in early 2006 but the arrival of another competitor (in the form of Go - financed by Mesa's deep pockets) created a fare war which Aloha couldn't survive. On March 31st 2008 the last Aloha passenger flight was flown.
The only survivor of Aloha is its profitable cargo division which after protracted negotiations was sold and though rebranded continues to operate as Aloha Air Cargo. Fortunately Mesa who obviously have no shame were stopped from rebranding Go as Aloha.
In hindsight it seems rather unfair that Hawaiian still operates when it spent much of the 90s and 00s close to liquidation and propped up by AA whilst Aloha which was largely profitable, independent and well run has gone, but that's business I guess?
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Re: Funjets to Birds of Paradise: My Aloha Airlines Fleet
Quote:
Originally Posted by RStretton
2008 was a sad year for the US airline industry with the loss of de-regulation survivors (ATA) and young hopefuls (Skybus), but the loss felt most keenly was that of Hawaii's second airline - Aloha.
I don't know how the loss of Aloha was felt more keenly. Who made that claim? I'm still crying for ATA.
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Re: Funjets to Birds of Paradise: My Aloha Airlines Fleet
Didn't mean to offend but for me though TZ was a great airline they can't compare with the 50+ year history of Aloha. Great to see you back by the way Fazeman - I've missed your insights.
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Re: Funjets to Birds of Paradise: My Aloha Airlines Fleet
Quote:
Originally Posted by Alaska Fan
are you sure N73715 (732) never flew in Aloha colors)?
The plane originally to be registered as N73715 did fly in Aloha colours but only as N73717. Check out http://rzjets.net/aircraft/index.php. This is from all info I can find a f*ck up by Gemini.
Shame as they had plenty of 732's to choose from.
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Re: Funjets to Birds of Paradise: My Aloha Airlines Fleet
Quote:
Originally Posted by Abraham
Sounds like a matter of opinion. Based on your location perhaps the loss of Aloha wasn't so hard felt for you as I and others.
It has nothing to do with my personal opinion more than it does with the history of these carriers. The reason I responded was that Richard mentioned two carriers which began services post-deregulation and felt I needed to address historical issues beyond the summaries Richard is employing. Not that there is anything wrong with these summaries because most DAC members couldn't hold a candle in discussing historical issues for various reasons. And not that there is anything wrong with that because DAC is a model forum.
Quote:
Originally Posted by RStretton
Didn't mean to offend but for me though TZ was a great airline they can't compare with the 50+ year history of Aloha. Great to see you back by the way Fazeman - I've missed your insights.
Never any offense taken Richard. From my reading, Aloha and American Trans Air (ATA) were simular in two ways; they began as charter airlines and both served Hawaii right out of the gate. From there, the differences were as vast as the Pacific Ocean. Aloha grew up under the insular world of CAB's highly questionable regime and the airline was also a member of the American Transport Association (ATA).
As early as 1946, the CAB recognized the need for supplemental carriers but their constraining regulations for mainland charter airlines made it nearly impossible to survive. In their long battle to gain respect and dignity as irregular carriers, poineering charterers such as North American Airlines and Tranocean Air Lines fought tooth and nail with the likes of the CAB, ATA, IATA, etc., but in the end, to no avail. These early airlines who were seen as pariahs, did all the dirty work and died as martyrs to a cause so necessary for the benefit of the American traveling public. By 1962, these outcast airlines were finally given a legitimate status under Public Law 87-528. World Airways and Trans International Airlines (T.I.A.) reaped the vast worldwide routes of those pioneers.
Twenty years later, American Trans Air started business in a much more hospital environment and grew to become a worldwide airline. So, I make no bones about my keen sense of ATA and the rough and tumble world of charter airlines before them.
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Re: Funjets to Birds of Paradise: My Aloha Airlines Fleet
Quote:
Originally Posted by fazeman
I
As early as 1946, the CAB recognized the need for supplemental carriers but their constraining regulations for mainland charter airlines made it nearly impossible to survive. In their long battle to gain respect and dignity as irregular carriers, poineering charterers such as North American Airlines and Tranocean Air Lines fought tooth and nail with the likes of the CAB, ATA, IATA, etc., but in the end, to no avail. These early airlines who were seen as pariahs, did all the dirty work and died as martyrs to a cause so necessary for the benefit of the American traveling public. By 1962, these outcast airlines were finally given a legitimate status under Public Law 87-528. World Airways and Trans International Airlines (T.I.A.) reaped the vast worldwide routes of those pioneers.
Twenty years later, American Trans Air started business in a much more hospital environment and grew to become a worldwide airline. So, I make no bones about my keen sense of ATA and the rough and tumble world of charter airlines before them.
Yeah agreed - I've been doing some investigations into supplementals but the info is quite thin on the ground about a lot of them and airlines like Taloa and American Flyers are criminally ignored in most histories / people's minds. I'm not American and I'm too young to have been around during the CAB's regulated era plus I get way too nostalgic for old things. All that combined means I look back on the regulated years with a nostalgia that I am sure I wouldn't have shared if I'd been forced to withstand the CAB's whimsical, corrupt and just plain incorrect decrees or fly at the sort of prices the airline's were charging back then.
By the way that's a great photo - 4 ATA L1011s at the gate at the same time that's a thing of beauty. I spent a good chunk of my childhood at Gatwick on the old viewing terrace and on a Saturday in the early 90s you could often see Tristars of Delta (up to 5 at once), Rich Int, Caledonian, ATA, Air Transat, Royal and Worldways all at the gates at the same time!
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Re: Funjets to Birds of Paradise: My Aloha Airlines Fleet
Quote:
Originally Posted by fazeman
It has nothing to do with my personal opinion more than it does with the history of these carriers. The reason I responded was that Richard mentioned two carriers which began services post-deregulation and felt I needed to address historical issues beyond the summaries Richard is employing. Not that there is anything wrong with these summaries because most DAC members couldn't hold a candle in discussing historical issues for various reasons. And not that there is anything wrong with that because DAC is a model forum.
I think it's absolutley 100% a matter of opinion. I personally grew up in Honolulu so the loss of Aloha DID hit home more for me than I'm sure it did others. I also personally know and have flown with guys who are ex AQ and ex TZ so hearing there stories and how much passion they flew with makes me appreciate each companies story. Again, for me Aloha hit home because it was in my back yard.
Re: Funjets to Birds of Paradise: My Aloha Airlines Fleet
Quote:
Originally Posted by RStretton
Yeah agreed - I've been doing some investigations into supplementals but the info is quite thin on the ground about a lot of them and airlines like Taloa and American Flyers are criminally ignored in most histories / people's minds. I'm not American and I'm too young to have been around during the CAB's regulated era plus I get way too nostalgic for old things. All that combined means I look back on the regulated years with a nostalgia that I am sure I wouldn't have shared if I'd been forced to withstand the CAB's whimsical, corrupt and just plain incorrect decrees or fly at the sort of prices the airline's were charging back then.
By the way that's a great photo - 4 ATA L1011s at the gate at the same time that's a thing of beauty. I spent a good chunk of my childhood at Gatwick on the old viewing terrace and on a Saturday in the early 90s you could often see Tristars of Delta (up to 5 at once), Rich Int, Caledonian, ATA, Air Transat, Royal and Worldways all at the gates at the same time!
It just depends on how much one desires to study the operational history of said airline(s) and the scope with which said airline(s) have had to operate under domestic and international government regulations. I agree that the history of Aloha and the U.S. domestics industry as a whole has been no picnic by any stretch of the word. The books are there for anyone to read and it is clear that they will tend to sour much of the glossy romanticism that many of us held in our youth. In the same breath, the pioneering romance of air travel through our own experiences today keeps the spirit alive. Excuse me Richard...walk-walk-walk...VOMIT!!! Oh god!
Stewardess: Can I get you something Mr. Fazeman? Fazeman: Aloha layin' me to da' BONE! Jackin' me up... tight me! Stewardess: I'm sorry, I don't understand. Fazeman: Payin' tribute Aloha... can't HANG! Passenger: Oh stewardess! I speak jive. He said that he's in great pain for romanticizing Aloha Airlines and he wants to know if you can help him. Stewardess: All right. Would you tell him to just relax and I'll be back as soon as I can with some medicine? Passenger: Jus' hang loose, blood. She gonna catch ya up on da' rebound on da' med side.
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Re: Funjets to Birds of Paradise: My Aloha Airlines Fleet
Quote:
Originally Posted by Abraham
I think it's absolutley 100% a matter of opinion. I personally grew up in Honolulu so the loss of Aloha DID hit home more for me than I'm sure it did others. I also personally know and have flown with guys who are ex AQ and ex TZ so hearing there stories and how much passion they flew with makes me appreciate each companies story. Again, for me Aloha hit home because it was in my back yard.
Abraham,
If everyone's emotions flowed from the same tap, the faucet would constantly be adjusted. My view of the airline industry is based on a broad, impersonal sense for the sake of learning its history. I pay no allegiance to any airline and that includes my avatar airline, Piedmont.
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Re: Funjets to Birds of Paradise: My Aloha Airlines Fleet
Quote:
Originally Posted by fazeman
Abraham,
If everyone's emotions flowed from the same tap, the faucet would constantly be adjusted. My view of the airline industry is based on a broad, impersonal sense for the sake of learning its history. I pay no allegiance to any airline and that includes my avatar airline, Piedmont.
Funjets to Birds of Paradise: My Aloha Airlines Fleet
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