Hawaii Aviation

On September 18, Alaska Air Group, Inc. has officially finalized its acquisition of Hawaiian Holdings, Inc., marking a significant expansion in travel opportunities for guests. This merger enhances access to both domestic and international destinations, leveraging the oneworld Alliance and an extensive network of global partners. By bringing together two well-established brands with deep-rooted connections to their communities, the combination aims to deliver an exceptional travel experience while preserving the strong legacies of both airlines.

Alaska Airlines and Hawaiian Airlines are enhancing their loyalty programs, ensuring members’ miles remain valuable and secure. Alaska Lounge members and their guests can now access Alaska Lounge locations when flying Hawaiian. Travelers who have accumulated over a million miles with Hawaiian Airlines will receive new benefits as recognition for their loyalty.

Later this month, members will have the ability to transfer miles between Mileage Plan and HawaiianMiles at a 1:1 ratio without any fees. If a traveler has miles in their HawaiianMiles account and wants to redeem them for flights on Alaska Airlines or its global partners, they can transfer the miles to their Mileage Plan account at no cost and book travel through Alaska’s website. Additionally, tickets for most Hawaiian flights will be available for purchase on Alaska’s website, and vice versa. Soon, Hawaiian’s international routes to Japan, South Korea, and Australia will also be available for booking on Alaska’s site.

Hawaiian is launching Huaka‘i, a program offering exclusive discounts and perks for Hawai‘i residents. Members will enjoy benefits like a 10% discount on one interisland booking per quarter and a free checked bag. Those with a Hawaiian Airlines World Elite Mastercard will receive even greater rewards, including a 20% discount on one interisland booking per quarter and two free checked bags. Members will also have access to special deals each month, and Hawai‘i residents will soon receive an invitation to sign up for free.

Beginning in early 2025, travelers can earn and redeem Mileage Plan miles or HawaiianMiles when flying either airline. Hawaiian flights will be bookable directly using Mileage Plan miles, including international routes. Additionally, travelers will be able to combine flights from both airlines when redeeming their miles. Elite members from both programs can link their accounts for automatic status matching and enjoy select elite benefits when flying either carrier. Status will be determined based on the highest tier achieved through combined elite-qualifying miles (EQMs).

The two airlines plan to merge Mileage Plan and HawaiianMiles into a unified loyalty program, with further details expected in mid-2025.

Hawaiian Airlines will maintain its distinct branding, continuing to offer its signature service, hospitality, and operational excellence. Alaska Airlines also remains committed to its employees, ensuring union-represented jobs in Hawai‘i are preserved and expanded while offering opportunities for career growth. Workforce development initiatives will be enhanced, supporting future aviation careers in Hawai‘i and beyond.

Alaska Air Group CEO Ben Minicucci will oversee the combined organization, while Joe Sprague, formerly Alaska’s regional president of Hawai‘i/Pacific and president of Horizon Air, will serve as CEO of Hawaiian Airlines until the FAA issues a single operating certificate. He will lead Hawaiian Airlines’ operations during the transition.

This acquisition aligns with Alaska Airlines’ strategic and financial goals, diversifying revenue, expanding growth opportunities, strengthening network relevance, and establishing the combined company as a major player in Hawai‘i’s $8 billion aviation market.

Changes Summary:

• Expands direct travel options to 141 destinations, including 29 international locations, with access to over 1,200 destinations worldwide through the oneworld Alliance and global partners.
• Preserves the unique identities of both Alaska Airlines and Hawaiian Airlines.
• Positions Honolulu as the airline’s second-largest hub.
• Soon, HawaiianMiles and Mileage Plan members will be able to transfer miles between their accounts at no cost.
• In the near future, guests will have the convenience of booking Hawaiian Airlines flights on alaskaair.com and Alaska Airlines flights on hawaiianairlines.com
• For more information visit their official Website

 

Reference

1. Alaska Airlines. (Sep 18, 2024) Alaska Airlines completes acquisition of Hawaiian Airlines, expanding benefits and choice for travelers. Alaska Airlines. https://news.alaskaair.com/company/alaska-airlines-completes-acquisition-of-hawaiian-airlines-expanding-benefits-and-choice-for-travelers/