Alaska Airlines has cleared the final regulatory hurdle to complete its merger with Hawaiian Airlines, as the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) granted an exemption related to the transfer of international route authorities between the two carriers. This approval paves the way for Alaska Airlines to close the transaction in the coming days, solidifying its position in the Pacific region and enhancing competition in the U.S. airline industry.
In line with the DOT’s order, both Alaska Airlines and Hawaiian Airlines have committed to maintaining exceptional customer service, supporting air service-dependent communities, and upholding a strong loyalty program. These commitments reflect Alaska Airlines’ longstanding dedication to these values and do not affect the synergies anticipated from the merger. The combination is expected to boost competition and offer consumers an expanded range of travel options.
“We look forward to formally welcoming Hawaiian Airlines’ guests and employees into Alaska Air Group. We sincerely appreciate the exceptional care and service that employees of both companies have continued to show for one another and our guests throughout this process, and the support of both airlines’ labor unions, as we proceed to realize the vision for this combination and build a stronger future together,” said Ben Minicucci, CEO of Alaska Air Group.
Interim Leadership Team Announced to Oversee Integration
With the regulatory green light, Alaska Airlines has announced an interim leadership team based in Honolulu to oversee Hawaiian Airlines’ operations during the transition period. This team will manage the airline until a single operating certificate from the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) is obtained, allowing the merged entity to operate fully under one certificate but with two distinct brands: Hawaiian Airlines and Alaska Airlines.
Leading the interim team is Joe Sprague, the current regional president of Hawaii/Pacific for Alaska Airlines, who will step into the role of chief executive officer of Hawaiian Airlines. Sprague will be responsible for guiding all aspects of Hawaiian Airlines’ operations until the merger is fully integrated. This leadership transition follows the announcement that Hawaiian Airlines President and CEO Peter Ingram will step down once the transaction is completed.
The interim Honolulu leadership team, composed of seasoned executives from both airlines, includes:
- Shannon Okinaka, Executive Vice President of Administration
- Robin Kobayashi, Senior Vice President of Human Resources
- Jim Landers, Senior Vice President of Tech Operations
- Lokesh Amaranayaka, Vice President of Airport Operations and In-Flight
- Terry Hill, Managing Director of Safety
- Alisa Onishi, Director of Brand and Culture
- Daniel Chun, Regional Vice President of Hawai‘i for Alaska Airlines, oversees community and cultural relations, government affairs, and Hawai‘i sales.
Additional Hawaiian operations leaders such as Bob Johnson (VP of Flight Operations), Beau Tatsumura (VP of Maintenance & Engineering), and Tom Zheng (VP of Technical Operations Business Planning & Services) will continue reporting to Jim Landers. Justin Doane, VP of Labor & People Relations, will also support Hawaiian labor relations during this transition.
“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. 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,” said Joe Sprague.
A New Chapter for Air Travel in the Pacific Region
The merger, first announced in December 2023, is set to create a powerful new entity in the aviation industry. By combining their strengths, Alaska Airlines and Hawaiian Airlines aim to offer more destinations and an expanded range of air services across the Pacific region, the U.S. mainland, and beyond. The merger promises to bolster competition and provide long-term job opportunities, continued investment in local communities, and a stronger platform for growth.
Once the FAA grants a single operating certificate, the airlines will officially operate as one entity with two public-facing brands. This new chapter in their history is expected to benefit passengers with enhanced travel options and a stronger, more competitive airline network.