SEATTLE- Alaska Air Group-owned Alaska Airlines (AS) has completed its acquisition of Hawaiian Holdings, Inc., Hawaiian Airlines (HA), marking a significant expansion in domestic and international air travel options.
The merger enhances customer access to destinations worldwide through the oneworld Alliance and an extensive network of global partners.
Alaska Hawaiian Airlines Merger
The combined entity now operates nearly 1,500 daily flights to 141 destinations, including 29 international markets across the Americas, Asia, Australia, and the South Pacific. This expanded network feeds into the oneworld Alliance’s network of over 1,200 destinations.
The merger establishes hubs in Seattle, Honolulu, Los Angeles, San Francisco, Portland, San Diego, and Anchorage. Honolulu emerges as the second-largest hub after Seattle, strengthening the company’s Pacific presence.
Ben Minicucci, CEO of Alaska Air Group said,
This is a historic day for Alaska Airlines as we officially join with Hawaiian Airlines. Alaska and Hawaiian share tremendous pride in connecting communities with award-winning service, and we look forward to inviting more guests on board to experience what makes both brands unique. Among Alaska, Hawaiian and Horizon Air, we have more than 230 years of history flying guests and serving communities. I know we will build on that legacy and become stronger together – providing the excellent operation guests have come to expect, expanding options to seamlessly travel nearly anywhere in the world, and securing the financial stability and value that inspires investment.”
Ben Minicucci, CEO of Alaska Airlines
The consolidated fleet now comprises 350 aircraft, including Boeing, Airbus, and Embraer models. This diverse fleet includes long-haul capable aircraft such as Boeing 787s and Airbus A330s, enhancing the airline’s ability to serve international routes.
With a workforce exceeding 33,000 employees across North America, Asia, and the Pacific, the merged entity is poised to leverage its expanded resources and expertise.
Alaska Airlines and Hawaiian Airlines will maintain separate operations during the integration process. The companies will work to secure a single operating certificate from the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), enabling them to function as a unified carrier with an integrated passenger service system.
Benefits for Customers
Alaska Air Group has unveiled new benefits for customers following its acquisition of Hawaiian Holdings. The merger expands flight options on the West Coast and throughout the Hawaiian Islands, offering increased destinations and global connectivity through oneworld partners.
Effective immediately, Mileage Plan and HawaiianMiles loyalty programs retain their full value. Alaska Lounge members can now access lounge facilities when flying Hawaiian Airlines. The company is also recognizing Hawaiian Million Milers with new benefits.
In the coming weeks, customers will gain the ability to transfer miles between Alaska and Hawaiian loyalty accounts at a 1:1 ratio without charge. This feature enables seamless award travel bookings across both airlines’ networks.
Cross-platform ticket purchases will soon be available. Customers will be able to buy tickets for most Hawaiian flights on alaskaair.com and Alaska flights on hawaiianairlines.com. The option to purchase Hawaiian international flights to destinations like Japan, South Korea, and Australia on alaskaair.com will follow.
A new travel program, Huaka’i by Hawaiian, is being introduced exclusively for Hawaii residents. This program offers unique discounts and benefits for interisland travel, including 10% off one booking per quarter and a free checked bag. Hawaiian Airlines World Elite Mastercard holders will receive enhanced benefits, including 20% off one interisland booking per quarter and two free checked bags.
The integration process will roll out these benefits in stages. While immediate changes to the guest experience are limited, the combined network promises expanded choices for guests and businesses. The merger aims to provide seamless global connectivity and access to an enhanced loyalty program.
What’s Next?
The company aims to gradually implement new features, enhancing the value proposition for customers of both airlines.
In the coming months, customers will gain the ability to earn miles across both airlines. Travelers can accrue Mileage Plan miles or HawaiianMiles regardless of which carrier they fly, expanding earning opportunities across the combined network.
Early 2025 will see expanded redemption options. Mileage Plan members will be able to redeem miles directly on all Hawaiian flights, including international destinations. The integration will also allow customers to combine Hawaiian flights with Alaska or partner flights when using miles for bookings.
A status matching program will be implemented, enabling elite flyers to link their accounts and enjoy equivalent status across both airlines. For customers with elite-qualifying miles (EQMs) in both programs, the status will be determined by the highest tier achieved based on combined EQM totals.
Longer-term benefits include elite reciprocity, where Mileage Plan and HawaiianMiles elites will receive select elite benefits when flying on either airline. This move aims to ensure consistent premium experiences across the merged entity.
The integration will culminate in a unified loyalty program, combining the best features of Mileage Plan and HawaiianMiles. Alaska Air Group plans to reveal details of this new industry-leading program in mid-2025, promising a comprehensive rewards system that leverages the strengths of both existing programs.
Future of Hawaiian Airlines
Alaska Air Group has announced plans to maintain the Hawaiian Airlines brand following their merger. This decision aims to preserve Hawaiian Airlines’ rich history and iconic identity, ensuring continuity in guest experiences across both brands.
The merged entity will retain Hawaiian Airlines’ aircraft livery, airport presence, and onboard service. This strategy allows both Alaska Airlines and Hawaiian Airlines to continue delivering their renowned service, operational excellence, and premium products.
Alaska Airlines has committed to preserving and expanding union-represented jobs in Hawaii. The merger will provide employees with long-term career advancement opportunities. Workforce development initiatives from both airlines will be expanded to support future airline careers in Hawaii and beyond.
Josh Green, M.D., Hawai‘i Governor said,
In an island state, where all of Hawai‘i’s residents are reliant on passenger and cargo air service for our way of life, a healthy local airline committed to sustaining essential connectivity and travel options is a cornerstone of community resilience. I am confident that by the joining of these two airlines, a stronger company will emerge and offer more travel options for Hawai‘i residents and local businesses — and will enhance competition across the U.S. airline industry.”
Josh Green, M.D., Hawai‘i Governor
Honolulu will become Alaska Air Group’s second-largest hub and regional headquarters. The city will maintain a strong operational presence, including pilot, flight attendant, and maintenance technician bases.
The combined airline pledges to strengthen its connection and investment in local communities. Both carriers boast over 90-year legacies of providing critical air services to remote communities. The merger aims to enhance these services and deepen community ties.
Alaska Air Group commits to advancing regenerative tourism, Hawaiian language preservation, and cultural promotion in the Hawaiian Islands. These efforts will build upon existing programs from both airlines, focusing on fostering a vibrant future for Hawaii.
In January, Alaska Airlines established the Hawaii Community Advisory Board (HICAB) to deepen its understanding of Hawaii’s people and culture. This board will provide feedback and recommendations on how the combined airlines can best serve local Hawaiian communities.
Environmental stewardship remains a priority for the merged entity. Building on previous successes in local sourcing and reducing single-use plastics, the combined airline will align ambitious sustainability goals. Their immediate focus will be on achieving net-zero carbon emissions.
Leadership Changes
Ben Minicucci, Alaska Air Group CEO, will lead the combined organization. Joe Sprague, formerly Alaska’s regional president of Hawaii/Pacific and president of Horizon Air, assumes the role of Hawaiian Airlines CEO until the FAA grants a single operating certificate.
Sprague emphasized the merger’s potential, stating, “We are truly honored to join forces with Hawaiian Airlines and its 95-year history. We have much to learn from our new colleagues. I know we will be stronger together as we offer greater access and benefits both to Hawaii residents and guests visiting the Islands.”
The acquisition aligns with Alaska’s long-term strategy to diversify revenue, expand growth opportunities, and increase network relevance. It positions the combined entity as a leader in the $8 billion Hawaii market.
Alaska Air Group projects at least $235 million in run-rate synergies, leveraging recent integration experience. The company expects high single-digit earnings accretion within two years and mid-teens return on invested capital by year three.
This financial outlook, coupled with the acquisition of a top 25 U.S. hub and Alaska’s strong financial performance, positions the company to remain among the industry’s top margin producers. The focus will remain on disciplined financial management, maintaining a strong balance sheet, and delivering long-term margin, returns, and free cash flow goals.
Hawaiian Airlines’ stock will be de-listed from NASDAQ on September 18. The combined organization will continue trading under the ticker ALK on the New York Stock Exchange.
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