Alaska Air Group, Inc. has announced today its acquisition of Hawaiian Holdings, Inc. The $1.9 billion move means the airline now travels to 141 destinations directly across 29 international markets. The step also extends the airline’s reach to over 1,200 destinations globally through the oneworld Alliance and other global partnerships.
Work will now begin to secure a single operating certificate with the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA). This will allow the two airlines to operate as a single carrier. In the meantime, the airlines will continue operating separately with few notable changes.
Customer Benefits
In the coming weeks, customers will be able to transfer miles between Alaska and Hawaiian loyalty accounts and buy tickets for each airline on both websites.
In the long-term, the acquisition aims to allow passengers to earn Alaska Mileage Plan miles or Hawaiian miles when flying with either airline and to merge the elite flyer programmes across both. It will also offer expanded redemption possibilities, with travellers able to redeem Mileage Plan miles directly on all Hawaiian flights and combine those flights with Alaska or partner flights when redeeming miles by early 2025.
A new travel programme for Hawaii residents will also be launched. Huaka‘i, meaning ‘voyage’ in Hawaiian, will offer discounts and benefits including 10% off one booking per quarter and a free checked bag when flying interisland.
By mid-2025, the airline hopes to provide further details about a new unified loyalty programme, which will merge the best of Mileage Plan and HawaiianMiles.
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.”
Honolulu set to be the second-largest hub
As well as the integration of loyalty programmes and increased global connectivity, the acquisition also establishes Honolulu as Alaska Airlines’ second-largest hub, behind Seattle. Other hubs include Los Angeles, San Francisco, Portland, San Diego and Anchorage.
“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.”
Alaska Airlines and its subsidiaries 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. It also has more than 33,000 employees across North America, Asia and the Pacific.
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