Alaska completes acquisition of Hawaiian Airlines, guarantees two brands will exist
Alaska Air Group CEO, Ben Minicucci, said the combination of both carriers expands the guests’ access to domestic and international destinations, including through the oneworld Alliance and a vast network of global partners.
He also said the newly combined carriers offer a remarkable guest experience through two strong brands with deep legacies serving local communities.
“This is a historic day for Alaska Airlines as we officially join with Hawaiian Airlines,” he said. “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.”
He said Alaska Airlines and Hawaiian Airlines now begin the work to secure a single operating certificate with the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), which will allow the two airlines to operate as a single carrier with an integrated passenger service system.
In the interim, the airlines will continue to operate as separate carriers with no immediate changes to operations and will maintain separate websites, reservation systems and loyalty programs until later in the integration process, according to Alaska.
As of today, Alaska Air Group’s airlines and subsidiary airlines fly nearly 1,500 daily flights to 141 destinations including 29 international markets in the Americas, Asia, Australia and the South Pacific.
Minicucci said Alaska Air Group would maintain hubs in Seattle, Honolulu, Los Angeles, San Francisco, Portland, San Diego and Anchorage, with Honolulu becoming the second largest behind Seattle.
He said the Group currently operates a fleet of 350 aircraft, which includes 2 Boeing 787, 24 Airbus A330, 18 Airbus A321neo, 235 Boeing 737, 19 Boeing 717, 44 Embraer E175, and 8 dedicated freighters (3 Boeing 737-700, 2 Boeing 737-800 and 3 Airbus A330).
Minicucci said while nothing significant changes to the guest experience immediately, “guests can start experiencing meaningful benefits of this combination very soon”.
“Our complementary domestic, international and cargo networks will expand choice for guests and businesses on the West Coast and throughout the Hawaiian Islands,” he said.
“This will mean more destinations, seamless connectivity across the globe through oneworld partners and the benefits that come with access to the most generous loyalty program in the industry.”
According to Alaska Air Group, guests can expect these benefits to come online in stages.
These include, according to Alaska:
The Alaska Mileage Plan and HawaiianMiles retain their full value: the miles in “both loyalty programs are secure and more valuable than ever”.
Alaska Lounge members get more access: Alaska Lounge members and guests can enjoy Alaska Lounge locations when flying on Hawaiian.
They’re celebrating Hawaiian Million Milers: Hundreds of flyers have accrued more than one million miles or more flying Hawaiian Airlines. Alaska are acknowledging their appreciation for their business with new benefits.
In the coming weeks, members will soon be able to transfer miles between Alaska and Hawaiian loyalty accounts to redeem award travel.
Later this month, members will be able to seamlessly transfer miles between Mileage Plan and HawaiianMiles at a 1:1 ratio – for no charge. For example, if you have miles in a HawaiianMiles account and you want to redeem for a flight on Alaska or an Alaska global partner, simply transfer the miles to your Mileage Plan account at no charge and book your award travel.
Buy tickets for flights on both airlines on both websites: members will soon be able to buy tickets for most Hawaiian flights on alaskaair.com and buy tickets for Alaska flights on hawaiianairlines.com starting this month.
Soon they’ll offer the option to purchase Hawaiian international flights to destinations such as Japan, South Korea and Australia on alaskaair.com.
Alaska are introducing a new travel program just for those who live in Hawai’i: Called Huaka’i by Hawaiian, meaning voyage, it will include unique discounts and benefits exclusively for Hawai’i residents.
Huaka’i members will enjoy exclusive benefits when traveling interisland, including 10% off one booking per quarter and a free checked bag.
Huaka’i members who are Hawaiian Airlines World Elite Mastercard cardmembers will receive even more, with 20% off one interisland booking per quarter and their existing credit card benefit of two free checked bags.
Plus, members will receive access to exclusive, network-wide deals each month. In the coming weeks, Hawai’i residents will receive an email with a link to sign up for a free membership.
In the coming months, members will be able to earn miles on both airlines. They will be able to accrue Mileage Plan miles or HawaiianMiles when flying either airline.
Alaska will offer expanded redemption opportunities. In early 2025, members will be able to redeem their Mileage Plan miles directly on all Hawaiian flights including international destinations. And they’ll be able to combine Hawaiian flights with Alaska or partner flights when redeeming their miles.
Alaska will match your status across programs. If you’re an elite flyer with Alaska or Hawaiian, you’ll be able to link your accounts to automatically enjoy equivalent status on the other airline. If you have elite-qualifying miles (EQMs) in both programs, your status will be based on the highest tier you qualify for based on your combined EQM total.
There are also some longer term benefits, according to Alaska:
Elite Reciprocity: Mileage Plan and HawaiianMiles elites will enjoy select elite benefits when flying on either airline.
A single, industry-leading loyalty program across both brands: Alaska are working on combining the best of Mileage Plan and HawaiianMiles into a new unified loyalty program for their guests.
“We’ll have more details to share in mid-2025,” according to Alaska.
Honouring its rich history and deep legacy, Hawaiian Airlines’ iconic brand will continue to welcome and delight guests – on aircraft, in airports and onboard, just like it is today, according to Alaska Air Group.
“Maintaining both industry-leading Alaska Airlines and Hawaiian Airlines brands will enable guests to continue experiencing the remarkable service and hospitality, operational excellence and premium products for which both airlines have been consistently recognized.”
Alaska Air Group says Honolulu will become its second largest hub and a regional headquarters with a strong operations presence and the continuation of pilot, flight attendant and maintenance technician bases.
“Alaska and Hawaiian both maintain 90+ year legacies providing critical service to communities uniquely reliant upon air travel,” Alaska said.
“This combination only strengthens that connection and investment in local communities.
“The combined airline will continue to advance regenerative tourism, Hawaiian language, and culture in the Hawaiian Islands by building upon Hawaiian Airlines’ and Alaska Airlines’ existing programs. Our commitments will continue to center on how we can best help build a vibrant future for Hawai’i.”
Hawai’i Governor, Josh Green, added: “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,” he said.
Alaska Air Group CEO Ben Minicucci will lead the combined organization. Joe Sprague, previously Alaska’s regional president of Hawai’i/Pacific and president of Horizon Air, will serve as the Chief Executive Officer of Hawaiian Airlines until the FAA grants a single operating certificate. He will be responsible for leading all aspects of Hawaiian Airlines’ operations.
“We are truly honored to join forces with Hawaiian Airlines and its 95-year history,” said Joe Sprague, CEO of Hawaiian Airlines.
“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 Hawai’i residents and guests visiting the Islands.
“Each airline brings incredible history, character, and strengths into this combination, with a shared passion for care of our guests, each other, and our communities.”