This article is based on an official press release from Hawaiian Airlines.

Hawaiian Airlines is overhauling its airport lobby experience by introducing self-service bag tag stations across its network. According to a company press release, the Airlines will roll out upgraded software on its existing lobby kiosks in phases, starting with its five Airports in Hawai’i later this month.

The initiative is designed to reduce lobby congestion, minimize wait times, and eliminate the waste associated with printed boarding passes. By mid-April, the new technology will be deployed across Hawaiian’s continental U.S. and international lobbies, aligning the carrier’s check-in process with modern, mobile-first travel expectations.

This transition is a key component of Hawaiian Airlines’ broader integration with Alaska Airlines, which successfully implemented similar self-service technology across its own network in 2023.

Transitioning to a Mobile-First Experience

How the New Process Works

Under the new system, Hawaiian Airlines is shifting away from traditional kiosk check-ins. The press release notes that guests are now expected to check in via the airline’s mobile app or website up to 24 hours before departure. Upon arriving at the airport, travelers will scan their digital or home-printed boarding passes at the new bag tag stations to print their own luggage tags.

Once the tags are attached, passengers can proceed directly to designated bag drop areas. The updated kiosks will no longer print boarding passes, a move that supports the airline’s Sustainability goals by reducing paper waste.

“We consistently hear from our guests that they want to spend less time in the airport lobby and prefer to get on their way as quickly and easily as possible,” said Shelly Parker, Head of Hawai’i guest operations for Hawaiian Airlines, in the press release.

Integration with Alaska Airlines Systems

Proven Success and PSS Integration

The shift to self-service bag tagging closely mirrors the lobby experience at Alaska Airlines. According to the press release, Alaska Airlines transitioned to the same system in 2023. Data from Alaska shows that guests who pre-pay for their luggage spend an average of less than 60 seconds at the bag station, a metric Hawaiian Airlines hopes to replicate as travelers adopt the new technology.

This hardware and software update is also a preparatory step for a major technological milestone. Parker noted that the transition is an important part of the airline’s readiness for the integration of its passenger service system (PSS), which is scheduled for April. By the end of April, all Alaska and Hawaiian stations, including international locations, will be equipped with the bag tag stations.

Financial Incentives and Guest Support

Discounts for Pre-Paying

To encourage adoption of the mobile-first process, Hawaiian Airlines is introducing a financial incentive for travelers. Effective April 22, guests flying on North-America itineraries will receive a $5 discount on their first checked bag fee if they pre-pay online or via the mobile app at least four hours before departure. The press release clarifies that guests who wait to pay at the bag tag station will be charged the full price.

Continued Agent Assistance

Despite the push for digital self-service, Hawaiian Airlines emphasized that human support will remain available. The airline stated that customer service agents will continue to staff the lobbies to assist guests who do not have smartphones, require printed boarding passes, or need help with complex reservations and ID verification.

AirPro News analysis

At AirPro News, we view the transition to self-service bag tagging as a clear indicator of the rapid operational alignment between Hawaiian Airlines and Alaska Airlines following their corporate integration. By standardizing the lobby experience across both carriers ahead of their April passenger service system (PSS) merger, the airline group is minimizing potential friction for travelers navigating the combined network. Furthermore, the shift toward a mobile-first check-in process reflects a broader airline industry trend aimed at reducing overhead costs, cutting paper waste, and optimizing terminal footprints. The $5 incentive for pre-paying baggage fees is a strategic nudge to change consumer behavior, ensuring that the physical kiosks are used strictly for tag printing rather than time-consuming transactional processes.

Frequently Asked Questions

Will the new kiosks print boarding passes?

No. According to the press release, the upgraded bag tag stations will only print luggage tags. Guests must obtain their boarding passes via the mobile app, website, or by speaking with a customer service agent.

When will the rollout be completed?

Hawaiian Airlines expects all of its stations, including continental U.S. and international locations, to have the new bag tag stations operational by the end of April.

What if a passenger does not have a smartphone?

Travelers without smartphones can check in on the Hawaiian Airlines website and print their boarding passes at home, or they can receive full assistance from a guest service agent at the airport.

Sources

• Hawaiian Airlines Press Release

This article summarizes reporting by The Tennessean. The original report may be paywalled; this article summarizes publicly available elements, legislative data, and public remarks.

Tennessee Republican lawmakers have launched a renewed legislative effort in March 2026 to transfer majority control of the state’s major metropolitan Airports boards from local municipalities to state officials. According to reporting by The Tennessean, this marks the second major attempt by the state legislature to take over the Nashville International Airport (BNA) authority.

Unlike the 2023 legislation that exclusively targeted Nashville and was subsequently struck down in court, the 2026 bill expands the scope to include several other major cities. The Tennessean reports:

Republican lawmakers are once again attempting to take over Nashville International Airport. This time, they’re including Memphis and Knoxville.

The legislation, championed by top state Republicans, is currently advancing through House and Senate committees despite strong opposition from local leaders who warn against the politicization of regional economic engines.

Mechanics of the 2026 Airport Board Legislation

The new legislative push is heavily backed by House Speaker Cameron Sexton (R-Crossville) and carried in the Senate by State Sen. Paul Bailey (R-Sparta). According to legislative research, Sexton introduced the measure by substituting a caption bill regarding airport financial reports with an amendment that completely restructures Tennessee airport boards.

Proposed Board Structure

Under the proposed framework, local airport authorities would be replaced by a standardized nine-person commission. The appointment power would heavily favor the state government, shifting the balance of power away from local municipalities. The Governor, the State House Speaker, and the State Senate Speaker would each appoint two members, totaling six state-controlled seats.

Local control would be reduced to a minority stake. A local chief executive, such as a city mayor, would appoint the remaining three members. Each commissioner would serve a four-year term. The bill also mandates specific diversity and professional quotas, requiring that at least one board member be female, at least one be a racial minority, and several hold specific professional credentials.

Historical Context and the 2023 Legal Defeat

To understand the current legislative push, we must look back at the state’s previous attempt to take over the Nashville airport board. In 2023, the Republican-led legislature passed a law vacating Nashville’s mayor-appointed, seven-member airport board, replacing it with an eight-member board where state leaders held six appointments.

Metro Nashville sued the state over the 2023 law. They argued it violated the Tennessee Constitution’s “Home Rule” amendment, which prevents the state from passing laws that single out a specific city or county without local approval. In October 2023, a three-judge panel unanimously struck down the law. The court noted that the legislation unconstitutionally targeted Nashville while explicitly excluding Memphis, leading to the reinstatement of the original, locally appointed board.

The state appealed this decision. The Tennessee Supreme Court heard oral arguments on the matter on February 12, 2026, and a ruling is currently pending.

Arguments from Proponents and Opponents

The State’s Perspective

Proponents of the bill argue that the state’s financial contributions justify greater oversight. House Speaker Cameron Sexton has argued that the state invests significantly more money into these airports than local governments do, giving the state a vested interest in ensuring their operational success.

Furthermore, supporters contend that major airports serve broad regional populations far beyond the borders of the single city that currently controls them. By expanding the bill to include Memphis, Knoxville, Chattanooga, and the Tri-Cities, proponents believe they have bypassed the “Home Rule” constitutional violation that doomed the 2023 legislation.

Local Opposition and Concerns

Opponents, primarily local officials and Democrats, argue this is a massive overreach by the state government. They view the legislation as stripping municipalities of their right to govern their own vital infrastructure and economic hubs.

Critics also fear the politicization of historically nonpartisan boards. Knox County Democratic Rep. Sam McKenzie has argued that local airport boards, such as Knoxville’s, have historically been bipartisan entities focused solely on operational success. Opponents fear state appointments will inject partisan politics into airport management.

There are also lingering concerns regarding eminent domain. During the temporary 2023 state takeover of the Nashville board, the new authority was granted expanded eminent domain powers, allowing it to bypass the Metro Council to seize land for expansion. Local residents and officials fear a return to this dynamic under the 2026 proposal.

AirPro News analysis

We observe that the 2026 legislation represents a calculated strategic pivot by Tennessee state lawmakers. By expanding the scope of the takeover to include Memphis, Knoxville, Chattanooga, and the Tri-Cities, the state is directly addressing the legal vulnerabilities that led to the defeat of the 2023 Nashville-specific bill.

The inclusion of race and gender quotas, alongside allowing local mayors to retain three seats, appear to be strategic concessions designed to make the bill more defensible in court and slightly more palatable to local executives. However, the core objective remains the same: shifting the balance of power over major transportation hubs from local municipalities to the state legislature.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Which airports are affected by the 2026 legislation?
The bill applies to metropolitan airport authorities statewide, impacting Nashville (BNA), Memphis, Knoxville (McGhee Tyson), Chattanooga, and the Tri-Cities.

How will the new airport boards be structured?
The proposed boards will have nine members: six appointed by state officials (the Governor, House Speaker, and Senate Speaker) and three appointed by local mayors.

Why was the 2023 takeover attempt struck down?
A three-judge panel ruled the 2023 law violated the Tennessee Constitution’s “Home Rule” amendment because it singled out Nashville without local approval while explicitly excluding other cities like Memphis.

Sources

• The Tennessean

This article is based on an official press release from De Havilland Aircraft of Canada Limited.

On March 11, 2026, De Havilland Aircraft of Canada Limited (DHC) announced the delivery of a refurbished Dash 8-400 Commercial-Aircraft to Flytec, a regional Airlines based in Argentina. According to the official press release, this milestone marks the first time a Dash 8-400 will operate under an Argentine registration, signaling a significant step forward for regional aviation capabilities within the country.

The 70-to-80-seat turboprop will be deployed primarily to support personnel logistics for the rapidly expanding mining sector in Argentina’s high-altitude regions. As global demand for critical minerals accelerates, robust logistical solutions have become essential for extracting resources from remote and challenging terrains.

For Flytec, the acquisition represents a major scale-up in capacity. The airline plans to utilize the aircraft’s specialized performance capabilities to centralize operations from its hub and offer large-scale transport solutions to international mining consortiums operating in the Andes.

Expanding Aviation Logistics for Argentina’s Mining Boom

The Lithium Triangle and Operational Challenges

The deployment of the Dash 8-400 is directly tied to the rapid expansion of Argentina’s mining sector, which is heavily driven by the global demand for electric vehicles and renewable energy storage. Industry research indicates that Flytec’s base at the Martín Miguel de Güemes International Airports in Salta places the operator at the heart of the “Lithium Triangle”, a region spanning the provinces of Salta, Jujuy, and Catamarca that holds some of the world’s largest lithium brine deposits.

Logistical challenges in this region are immense. Background industry reports note that mining projects in the area are often located at altitudes exceeding 3,500 meters (11,400 feet) above sea level. Ground transportation to these remote salt flats can take over ten hours via treacherous mountain roads, making air transport a critical necessity for moving personnel efficiently and safely. Furthermore, economic data from the Argentine Chamber of Mining Companies (CAEM) projected that the country’s total mining exports would exceed $5 billion in 2025, following a record 66% surge in lithium production that same year. This growth is further accelerated by the Argentine government’s Large Investment Incentive Regime (RIGI), which aims to attract foreign capital for large-scale projects.

Flytec’s Strategic Fleet Upgrade

Prior to acquiring the Dash 8-400, Flytec built its reputation operating smaller aircraft. According to background company profiles, the airline’s historical fleet included Beechcraft Super King Airs, Beech 1900s, and Helicopters, with a focus on executive charters, aeromedical evacuations, and flights to areas with limited infrastructure. In December 2020, the company also launched “Flytour,” a tourism initiative connecting remote scenic destinations in the Salta province.

The transition to a high-capacity turboprop reflects the airline’s strategic pivot toward heavy industry support. In the official press release, Flytec leadership emphasized the aircraft’s specific suitability for their new mission profile.

“The Dash 8-400 stood out for its high-altitude performance, making it ideal for the demanding conditions of our mining operations,” said Mateo Zambruno, Chief Executive Officer at Flytec. “Coupled with its industry-leading low carbon emissions per seat and the confidence provided by DHC’s OEM certified refurbishment program, it was the clear choice for Flytec.”

The Dash 8-400 and DHC’s Refurbishment Program

Aircraft Capabilities for High-Altitude Missions

The Dash 8-400 is uniquely suited for the demanding environment of the Andes mountains. According to Manufacturers specifications, the aircraft is powered by two Pratt & Whitney Canada PW150A engines, each delivering up to 5,071 shaft horsepower. This power output provides the necessary safety margins for taking off from short, unpaved runways in low-density, high-altitude air. Additionally, the aircraft features a cruising speed of 360 knots (667 km/h) and an Active Noise and Vibration Suppression (ANVS) system designed to enhance passenger comfort during transit.

De Havilland Canada highlighted the aircraft’s operational flexibility as a key factor in the partnership.

“We are excited to welcome Flytec as the newest operator of the Dash 8-400,” said Ryan DeBrusk, Vice President of Sales and Marketing at De Havilland Canada. “This aircraft is ideal for Flytec’s mission of supporting operations in Argentina, offering high altitude airfield performance capability. We look forward to supporting their growth with the unmatched performance and operational flexibility of the Dash 8-400.”

OEM Certified Refurbishment Initiative

The aircraft delivered to Flytec was processed through DHC’s OEM Certified Refurbishment Program. Industry records show this program was officially launched at the Farnborough International Airshow in July 2024. Under this initiative, DHC acquires used Dash 8 aircraft, upgrades them to meet specific customer requirements, and remarkets them to extend the fleet’s operational life. The Maintenance, Repair, and Overhaul (MRO) work is conducted at DHC’s facilities in Calgary, Alberta, and can include avionics modernization, airframe life extensions, and the installation of modern interior configurations.

AirPro News analysis

At AirPro News, we observe that Flytec’s acquisition of the Dash 8-400 perfectly illustrates the growing nexus between regional aviation and the global energy transition. Without specialized, high-performance aircraft, the logistics of extracting critical minerals like lithium and copper in harsh, high-altitude environments would face severe bottlenecks. Furthermore, DHC’s refurbishment program presents a compelling sustainability angle for the aviation industry. By upgrading existing airframes with modern interiors and efficient engines, manufacturers can extend the lifecycle of their aircraft, promoting a circular economy while providing cost-effective, lower-emission solutions to growing regional airlines.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

What is the Dash 8-400 being used for in Argentina?

The newly delivered Dash 8-400 will be operated by Flytec to support mining operations in Argentina. It will primarily transport personnel to and from remote, high-altitude mining sites in the “Lithium Triangle,” significantly reducing travel times compared to ground transportation.

Why is the Dash 8-400 suited for this mission?

The aircraft is known for its speed, fuel efficiency, and exceptional performance in high-altitude and short-field environments. Its powerful PW150A engines allow it to operate safely from the challenging airfields typical of the Andes mountains.

What is the DHC OEM Certified Refurbishment Program?

Launched in July 2024, the program involves De Havilland Canada acquiring used Dash 8 aircraft, performing extensive Maintenance, Repair, and Overhaul (MRO) work at their Calgary facilities, and upgrading the aircraft to meet modern operational and passenger comfort standards before delivering them to new operators.

Sources: De Havilland Aircraft of Canada Limited Press Release