A tale or two airlines that service Hawaii
By Patti Pietschmann, Travel DivaFirst I get an email from Peter Ingram, CEO of Hawaiian Airlines announcing a merger with Alaska Airlines. Shocked and surprised since my husband and I are frequent flyers on HA I search for additional details. And I find them on eturbonews.com--which repor6s that Alaska Air is buying Hawaiian for something like $18 a shore in a 1.9 billion dollar deal. Of course this is pending approval.
So eturbonews reports that "With this deal, Alaska Air aims to expand its reach and establish a stronger presence in the lucrative Hawaiian market, also connecting Hawaii with new large domestic and international markets."
"This strategic move will allow Alaska Air to tap into the growing tourism industry in Hawaii, attracting both leisure and business travelers." The jury's out how this work out for those of us who have been faithful to Hawaiian that provides an Aloha spirit the minute you step on the plan. Will the magic be lost? I hope not.
The deal is expected to close in the first quarter of 2024, but it will take up to a year to align all aspects of this merger. The new company will be based in Seattle with Ben Minicucci, CEO of Alaska Airlines in charge of this new merged airline.
Minicurri explains on LinkedIn--"At Alaska Airlines, our purpose is creating an airline people love. For me personally, I can honestly say that I love this airline for what it stands for, what we do, and how we do it. We have an amazing group of people who live our values every day and distinguish our company from so many others."
He continues saying that "Our two airlines are powered by incredible employees, with 90+ year legacies and values grounded in caring for the special places and people that we serve. This is an exciting next step in our journey to elevate the travel experience and expand options for guests."
Peter Ingram, Hawaiian Airlines’ president, and CEO, responded: “Since 1929, Hawaiian Airlines has been an integral part of life in Hawaii, and together with Alaska Airlines we will be able to deliver more for our guests, employees, and the communities that we serve.
Ingram's email to Hawaiian Airlines frequent flyers
For a long time Hawaiian Airlines had competition from Aloha Airlines (which was a great carrier that we flew frequently, But after Aloha left the market, Hawaiian maintained an almost monopoly on the interisland market in the Islands.
After Hawaiian Airlines just kept on growing. And much to my chagrin, increasing fares from the Mainland, especially in First Class (my preferred place with its lie-flat seats).
Once the merger takes place Hawaii will not have a major home airline, even though Alaska Airlines said it would have a key hub in Honolulu.
Beginning in December, Alaska Airlines will expand to more than 120 locations in the United States, Canada, Mexico, Belize, and Costa Rica, and upcoming routes to the Bahamas and Guatemala.
The 96-year-old Hawaiian Airlines, is the largest airline in the state, offering approximately 150 daily flights between the Hawaiian islands. Additionally, it provides nonstop flights connecting Hawaii to 15 major U.S. cities, as well as serving American Samoa, Australia, Cook Islands, Japan, New Zealand, South Korea, and Tahiti.
Well that's all she wrote for right now. I am kind of hoping the deal won't go through, because I love Hawaiian Airlines. Evern after experiencing no such good meals during my most recent flights in First Class between Los Angeles and Maui. (Landing in Maui photo by Patti Pietschmann)
