Hawaiian announces a cabin redesign of its Airbus A330 fleet with lie-flat seating, reports 3Q adjusted net income of $78.4 million

Hawaiian Airlines (Honolulu) has announced it plans to introduce new luxury design elements and enhanced service options in its Airbus A330 premium cabins, including the addition of 180-degree lie-flat seats. The airline has developed its new seats in partnership with Optimares, an Italian manufacturer focused on traveler-centric design.

The airline continued:

The 180-degree seats will use an innovative seat platform to fold into 76-inch beds, maximizing living space for travelers while providing options for both privacy and a shared flight experience. They will also feature an advanced in-flight entertainment experience powered by the next generation of large-format tablets and equipped with a telescoping tablet arm that adjusts to optimize viewing angle and comfort.

Hawaiian Airlines Announces Premium Cabin Redesign of its Airbus A330 Fleet with Lie-Flat Seating (PRNewsFoto/Hawaiian Airlines)

Hawaiian worked with West Coast-based brand and design consultancy PaulWylde to translate the airline’s signature design language, rooted in the natural colors and forms of the island landscape, into the cabin experience. The cabin design will incorporate flowing curves evocative of the winds and ocean, while marrying organic textures, pops of bright saturated color, and luxury materials like leather from Poltrona Frau.

Hawaiian, PaulWylde and Optimares collaborated intensively to ensure the seat and cabins are uniquely tailored to the needs of the Hawaii traveler. The seats will be installed in a 2-2-2 configuration ideally suited for couples and families traveling to the beautiful Hawaiian Islands.

The first newly outfitted aircraft is expected to enter Hawaiian’s long-haul network in the second quarter of 2016. The airline will begin installing lie-flat seats in the remaining 22 A330 aircraft in September of 2016 through 2017.

As part of the cabin redesign, Hawaiian also announced it will add 28 additional Extra Comfort seats on each A330 aircraft in response to growing demand for its popular premium economy service. The Extra Comfort option features 36 inches of seat pitch; priority boarding at the gate; complimentary on-demand in-seat entertainment; and a personal power outlet.

Today, Hawaiian’s wide-body, twin-aisle Airbus 330-200 aircraft seat 294 passengers, with 18 in Business/First Class, 40 in Extra Comfort and 236 in the Main Cabin. In the new configuration, the aircraft will seat 278 passengers, with 18 in Business/First Class, 68 in Extra Comfort and 192 in the Main Cabin. Seat pitch in the Main Cabin will remain a roomy 31 inches.

Hawaiian operates its A330 aircraft on the majority of its North American and international routes. Amenities include personal on-demand entertainment system, comfortable legroom, and a roomy interior.

On the financial side, Hawaiian reported its financial results for the third quarter of 2015:

• GAAP net income of $70.0 million or $1.15 per diluted share.
• Adjusted net income of $78.4 million or $1.29 per diluted share, an increase of $28.9 million or $0.50 cents per diluted share year-over-year.
• Adjusted pre-tax margin of 20.0% compared to 12.6% in the prior year period.
• Unrestricted cash, cash equivalents and short-term investments of $611 million.
• Achieved leverage target at 3.1x.