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The Honolulu Advertiser
Posted on: Wednesday, July 15, 2009

Hawaiian Air's 1st plane returning to Isles


Advertiser Staff

Hawaii news photo - The Honolulu Advertiser

Hawaiian Airlines' first airplane, a Bellanca CH-300 Pacemaker, is shown at the Inter-Island Airways (later named Hawaiian Airlines) hangar around 1929. The plane will arrive in Hawai'i in time for Hawaiian's 80th anniversary.

Hawaiian Airlines

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Hawaiian Airlines' first airplane in its history will be coming back to the Islands in September, in time to celebrate the airline's 80th anniversary.

The carrier found that the plane belonged to a collector in Oregon and organized a largely volunteer restoration project to return the plane to flying condition.

Hawaiian Airlines' anniversary is Nov. 11, but the plane will be available for special flights and public appearances following its arrival and reassembly on O'ahu. Hawaiian Airlines and vintage motor company Pratt and Whitney will cover the costs.

The Bellanca CH-300 Pacemaker was used to introduce Hawai'i residents to air travel. Before Hawaiian Airlines began operating flights between islands, the Bellanca gave sightseeing tours over Honolulu.