Alaska Airlines finalized its acquisition of Hawaiian Airlines less than 24 hours after the US Department of Transportation cleared the last regulatory hurdle. The two airlines will maintain their distinct brands while offering enhanced benefits and expanded travel options over the next 18 months.
The acquisition enables travelers to reach 141 destinations directly, including 29 international markets, with connections to over 1,200 destinations globally through the Oneworld Alliance and other partners. Honolulu will become Alaska’s second-largest hub, allowing for greater connectivity throughout the Hawaiian Islands and beyond.
To benefit frequent flyers, the integration will soon allow HawaiianMiles members and Alaska’s Mileage Plan members to transfer miles between accounts at no cost. Additionally, customers can purchase Hawaiian Airlines flights on alaskaair.com and Alaska Airlines flights on hawaiianairlines.com.
Alaska Air Group’s fleet will now operate nearly 1,500 daily flights to 141 destinations, including a fleet of 350 aircraft across Boeing, Airbus, and Embraer models. This move increases Alaska’s workforce to over 33,000 employees across North America, Asia, and the Pacific.
Key Integration Steps
– Starting today, Sept. 18, Mileage Plan and HawaiianMiles retain their full value.
– Alaska Lounge members gain access to lounges when flying on Hawaiian.
– Hawaiian Airlines Million Milers are being recognized with new benefits.
– Later this month, members will be able to transfer miles between the two loyalty programs at a 1:1 ratio, free of charge.
– Tickets for both airlines will soon be available on each other’s websites, with plans to include international destinations like Japan, South Korea, and Australia.
Hawaiian Airlines’ stock will be de-listed and cease trading on the NASDAQ also on Sept. 18. The combined organization will continue to trade under the ticker ALK on the New York Stock Exchange. In the coming months, members will also be able to earn and redeem miles across both airlines. Elite flyers will have their statuses matched, and by mid-2025, a single, unified loyalty program is expected to be introduced.
Leadership and Future Plans
Ben Minicucci, CEO of Alaska Air Group, will lead the combined organization, with Joe Sprague acting as CEO of Hawaiian Airlines until the FAA grants a single operating certificate. The integration aims to deliver at least $235 million in run-rate synergies, with a focus on expanding growth opportunities and enhancing network relevance.
The acquisition positions Alaska Airlines to strengthen its presence in the $8 billion Hawai‘i market, with a focus on long-term margin, returns, and free cash flow.
