Hawaiian Airlines’ new CEO talked about the merging of Hawaiian and Alaska Airlines and what that means for flyers in terms of miles and new travel destinations.



HONOLULU (Island News) — Hawaiian Airlines and Alaska Airlines officially merged today which brings upcoming changes to both airlines and to customers who fly with them.

​Nothing is different at Hawaiian Airlines’ counters, even though they are now under new management. But travelers on both Hawaiian and Alaska airlines will soon start to see some changes.

​Hawaiian Airlines’ new CEO Joe Sprague said both airlines will not only keep their current routes, mileage members from each airline will soon have access to more destinations. This means Hawaiian Airlines members will be able use those miles to fly to three times the number of U.S. destinations.

Travelers will also get to keep all the miles they’ve accrued, which was a key condition for the federal government to give this merger the green light. Those miles are important to most travelers and to some, so is the Hawaiian Airlines brand.

Sprague shared about the brand connection, “For visitors to Hawaii and residents flying through Hawaii, they know and they feel strongly about it and they want to retain that connection with this powerful brand.”

“We go to Vegas, San Jose or phoenix, and people that are there have taken our tickets live on Maui or Oahu. It feels like home,” added Maui resident Manny Nunez.

Sprague said this will be the first time in a U.S. airline merger that the bought out brand was retained. By joining forces, Hawaiian and Alaska will be the fifth largest carrier in the country and will be able to compete better against the four larger U.S. airlines.

Hawaiian Airlines’ stock will be delisted and cease trading on the NASDAQ on Sept. 18, 2024.


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