A330-800neo_Hawaiian

Hawaiian Airlines has finalised a $1.5bn firm order for six Airbus A330-800neo airliners, replacing its previous order for six A350-800s.

The latest move comes after the carrier signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) in July this year.

Hawaiian Airlines president and CEO Mark Dunkerley said: "The A330-800neo is an aircraft, which meets all of our needs.

"It is the right size, with the right range and costs, and shares much commonality with our A330-200 fleet.

"Our customers and crew love the aircraft and we are thrilled that it will continue to be Hawaiian’s wide-body mainstay for far into the future."

The A330neo has been designed specifically for the 250-300 seat category, and was launched earlier this year.

"The airline currently has 19 A330-200 aircraft in its fleet, with 16 A321neo airliners on order."

Airbus COO Customers John Leahy said: "The A330-800neo is perfectly suited to Hawaiian’s unique route structure, offering a great balance of range and capacity that will allow the airline to expand its reach to new audiences."

The airline currently has 19 A330-200 aircraft in its fleet, with 16 A321neo airliners on order.

Hawaiian’s switch to the A330neo aircraft comes over Airbus’s plan to stop production of A350-800, to focus on larger types of the A350, according to Reuters.

The A330neo is offered in two versions, A330-800neo and A330-900neo, and the first aircraft are scheduled for delivery in late 2017.

Powered by Rolls-Royce Trent 7000 engines, the aircraft is said to offer 14% in fuel efficiency per seat as well as increased range of around 400nm.

Image: Hawaiian Airlines to buy six Airbus A330-800neo aircraft. Photo: courtesy of Fixion / Airbus SAS.