Alaska Air Group, the parent company of Alaska Airlines, has announced an interim leadership team to guide Hawaiian Airlines operations during the transition period until both airlines combine under a single operating certificate. This move follows regulatory clearance, allowing Alaska Airlines to proceed with the integration process.
Current regional president of Hawai‘i/Pacific for Alaska Airlines, Joe Sprague, will take on the role of CEO of Hawaiian Airlines. Sprague will oversee Hawaiian’s operations until the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) grants a single operating certificate, officially combining the two airlines’ operations. During this period, both airlines will function under separate operating certificates but will be managed as a single organization.
The interim leadership team will include several senior executives from Hawaiian Airlines, with a collective experience of nearly 65 years in the company. The team members are:
- Shannon Okinaka – EVP, Administration
- Robin Kobayashi – SVP, Human Resources
- Jim Landers – SVP, Tech Ops (Maintenance & Engineering, Flight Ops, System Operations Control Center)
- Lokesh Amaranayaka – VP, Airport Operations and In-Flight
- Terry Hill – Managing Director, Safety
- Alisa Onishi – Director, Brand and Culture
Daniel Chun, the current regional VP of Hawai’i for Alaska Airlines, will also join the interim leadership team, managing community and cultural relations, government affairs, and Hawai’i sales.
Existing Hawaiian operations leaders like Bob Johnson (VP, Flight Operations), Beau Tatsumura (VP, Maintenance & Engineering), and Tom Zheng (VP, Technical Operations Business Planning & Services) will continue reporting to Jim Landers. Justin Doane, VP of Labor & People Relations, will maintain his role in supporting Hawaiian labor relations.
“We have a unique, once-in-a-generation opportunity to combine two incredible companies with aligned values and 90+ year legacies of serving and connecting local communities,” said Sprague. “I am deeply honored to work alongside these strong leaders from Hawaiian Airlines to lead the airline’s people, operations, and brand through this transition while sustaining our commitments to safety and service.”
In December 2023, Alaska Air Group and Hawaiian Holdings announced a definitive agreement in which Alaska Airlines will acquire Hawaiian Airlines. The merger aims to offer more destinations and expanded air service options throughout the Pacific region, the U.S. continent, and globally. The transaction is expected to create a stronger platform for growth and competition in the U.S., while providing long-term job opportunities and continuing investment in local communities and environmental initiatives. Upon obtaining a single operating certificate, the two airlines will operate as a unified entity under two public-facing brands.
