Alaska Finalizes Purchase of Hawaiian Air

Alaska Airlines has finalized its acquisition of Hawaiian Airlines less than a year after the deal was initially announced. Following the necessary regulatory approvals, the merger was completed on September 18, 2024.

This acquisition will maintain both Alaska and Hawaiian as seperate brands. According to the company, the integration process will take place over the next 18 months, with no immediate operational changes for customers.

Alaska now offers access to 141 destinations, including 29 international markets. In addition, Honolulu will become Alaska’s second-largest hub, following Seattle.

Benefits for travelers, Alaska says, include the ability for HawaiianMiles and Mileage Plan members to transfer miles between accounts and the option to purchase tickets for both airlines on their respective websites. These changes are expected to roll out soon in the coming weeks.

“This is a historic day for Alaska Airlines as we officially join with Hawaiian Airlines,” said Alaska Air Group chief Ben Minicucci in a news release. “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.”

Alaska and Hawaiian’s combined route map (Photo: Alaska Air Group)

Long-time Hawaiian Airlines CEO Peter Ingram will step down following the acquisition’s completion. Alaska Air Group CEO Ben Minicucci will lead the combined companies.

The carrier’s former regional president of Hawaii/Pacific and president of Horizon Air Joe Sprague will become the chief executive officer of Hawaiian until the FAA issues a single operating certificate.

No Longer an All-Boeing Airline

The completed acquisition means Alaska is no longer an all-Boeing operator, acquiring a fleet of 24 Airbus A330 and 18 A321neos from Hawaiian. Last year, the airline retired the last remaining A321neos that were part of the 2018 Virgin America merger.

With the combined Alaska and Hawaiian fleets, the airline will have a total of 350 aircraft, including 2 Boeing 787s, 24 Airbus A330s, 18 Airbus A321neos, 235 Boeing 737s, 19 Boeing 717s, 44 Embraer E175s, and 8 dedicated freighters (3 Boeing 737-700s, 2 Boeing 737-800s and 3 Airbus A330s).

Hawaiian Airlines will be de-listed from the NASDAQ as of September 18, and the combined entity will continue trading under the ticker ALK on the New York Stock Exchange.

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Ryan Ewing

Ryan founded AirlineGeeks.com back in February 2013 and has amassed considerable experience in the aviation sector. His work has been featured in several publications and news outlets, including CNN, WJLA, CNET, and Business Insider. During his time in the industry, he's worked in roles pertaining to airport/airline operations while holding a B.S. in Air Transportation Management from Arizona State University along with an MBA. Ryan has experience in several facets of the industry from behind the yoke of a Cessna 172 to interviewing airline industry executives. Ryan works for AirlineGeeks' owner FLYING Media, spearheading coverage in the commercial aviation space.

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