Alaska Airlines has recently completed its acquisition of Hawaiian Holdings, Inc., which will provide guests with enhanced travel options. The merger will enable guests to reach 141 destinations directly, including 29 international markets, and over 1,200 destinations globally through the oneworld Alliance and global partners. This move will maintain the distinct brands of Alaska Airlines and Hawaiian Airlines while establishing Honolulu as its second-largest hub.
The CEO of Alaska Air Group expressed excitement about the merger, emphasizing the shared commitment to excellent service and community connection that both airlines possess. The two airlines will work towards securing a single operating certificate with the FAA, allowing them to operate as a single carrier with an integrated passenger service system. Until the integration is complete, the airlines will continue to operate separately with no immediate changes to operations.
As of today, Alaska Air Group’s airlines operate nearly 1,500 daily flights to various destinations and maintain hubs in Seattle, Honolulu, and other major cities. The combined fleet consists of 350 aircraft, including a mix of Boeing, Airbus, and Embraer planes. With over 33,000 employees across North America, Asia, and the Pacific, the merger is expected to create significant benefits for both guests and employees.
Guests can expect expanded benefits as a result of the merger, including the ability to transfer miles between Alaska and Hawaiian loyalty accounts, purchase tickets for flights on both airlines through their respective websites, and enjoy a new travel program exclusively for Hawai’i residents. Additionally, guests will soon be able to accrue and redeem miles on both airlines, offering more flexibility and choice for travelers.
Looking ahead, the merger will bring elite reciprocity for Mileage Plan and HawaiianMiles elites, a single loyalty program across both brands, and ambitious sustainability goals to achieve net zero carbon emissions. The combined organization will be led by Alaska Air Group CEO Ben Minicucci, with Joe Sprague serving as the CEO of Hawaiian Airlines. The acquisition aims to maximize shareholder value by diversifying revenue, expanding growth opportunities, and delivering significant synergies.
Overall, the acquisition of Hawaiian Airlines by Alaska Airlines marks a significant milestone in the airline industry, offering guests a wider range of travel options and benefits. The combined organization is poised to become a leader in the market, with a strong focus on operational excellence, financial performance, and sustainability.