
Major news - Alaska Airlines to acquire Hawaiian Airlines
Alaska Airlines announced yesterday that it will acquire Hawaiian Airlines. The surprise move, which is subject to regulatory approvals, would vault Alaska into international expansion with a fleet including long-haul widebody jets flying across the Pacific Ocean to
destinations in Japan, Korea, Australia and New Zealand. Honolulu will become a major hub for the combined airline.
Alaska CEO Ben Minicucci said in an interview. “We become a bigger competitor against the big four airlines, United, Delta, American and
Southwest.”
The acquisition appears to be a good cultural fit, as Alaska Airlines and Hawaiian Airlines are both known to have a deep
commitment to caring for their employees, guests and communities.
The deal will also open up new opportunities for Alaska, through Hawaiian's membership of the Oneworld alliance.
More details are yet to be announced, but I would expect Alaska's loyalty program to remain intact, with that of Hawaiian being absorbed
into it somehow.
This is exciting news for travellers located in east Asia and the Pacific regions.