Alaska Airlines Officially Acquires Hawaiian Airlines

DALLAS — Alaska Airlines (AS) has completed its acquisition of Hawaiian Airlines (HA), marking a transformative moment in the U.S. aviation industry. 

This merger, while maintaining both brands' unique identities, significantly enhances travel options for customers. The combined network now reaches 141 destinations, 29 international markets, and over 1,200 destinations worldwide through the oneworld Alliance and global partners.

Key benefits of this acquisition include establishing Honolulu as AS’ second-largest hub and offering seamless travel options between the two airlines.

Soon, travelers will be able to transfer miles between HawaiianMiles and Alaska Airlines Mileage Plan programs without fees. Additionally, flights from both airlines will be available for booking on their websites.

Ben Minicucci, CEO of Alaska Air Group, emphasized the legacy of both airlines and their shared commitment to excellent service. He expressed optimism about the future, highlighting the airlines' combined 230 years of experience connecting communities and delivering high-quality service. 

Minicucci believes that the merger will strengthen both brands, offer travelers more global travel opportunities, and maintain financial stability.

Fun fact: HA is the second largest Airbus widebody operator in the US behind Delta Air Lines (DL), which means AS just went from "Proudly All Boeing" to major Airbus widebody operator.

Benefits for Customers

Starting today, Alaska Air Group’s airlines/subsidiary airlines:

• Fly nearly 1,500 daily flights to 141 destinations including 29 international markets in the Americas, Asia, Australia and the South Pacific. This expanded network feeds the more than 1,200 destinations available through the oneworld Alliance.
• Maintain hubs in Seattle, Honolulu, Los Angeles, San Francisco, Portland, San Diego and Anchorage, with Honolulu becoming the second largest behind Seattle.
• Operate 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).
• Employ more than 33,000 people across North America, Asia and the Pacific.

Also effective today, Sept. 18:

• Your Mileage Plan and HawaiianMiles retain their full value
• Alaska Lounge members get more access
• We’re celebrating Hawaiian Million Milers

Finally, AS is 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."

Additionally, Huaka‘i members who are HA World Elite Mastercard cardmembers will receive "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.

While the integration process begins, both airlines will continue to operate independently with no immediate changes to their operations, websites, or loyalty programs. However, efforts are underway to secure a single operating certificate from the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), eventually allowing the airlines to function as one cohesive carrier.

This merger sets the stage for both airlines to build on their legacies, offering expanded travel options and enhanced customer experiences worldwide.