Alaska Airlines Buys Hawaiian Airlines

[@Kiwibikerbuddy]

I'm impressed with how both Alaskan & Hawaiian both managed to keep this development well under the radar. Undoubtedly the best well-kept aviation secret of 2023!

[@johniii8147]

I would agree with that.

[@johniii8147]

@@chrisb5888 Virgin, those of those in the industry knew was coming. That wasn't any big secret. You can thank VA for that since Branson wasn't happy and leaking that all over the place. Wasn't happy that venture FAILED. That's why it was no secret at the time.

[@soccerguy2433]

Umm they just now revealed PLANS to purchase Hawaiian. There's nothing secret here. Nothing has happened.

[@TUMBA0]

@@soccerguy2433do you know how many individual humans are involved in this announcement? Whatever number you think...add 50. It's impressive for anything at this scope and scale to escape ALL of the industry analysts.

[@cellpat7392]

A medal to AS & HA for being so discrete. walk quietly and carry a BIG SACK of money!

[@TacticaLLR]

I think both airlines will stay somewhat separate, with Hawaiian Airlines operating in itself, just under Alaska.

[@NarasimhaDiyasena]

“For now”. They’ll play it cool for the first year then cannibalize the carrier creating a socio-political upheaval among Hawaiians and Hawaiian enjoyers who watch their airline get rug pulled like Virgin America

[@Cerby1979]

They did say that both will operate separately. However, this could also be blocked by the DOJ as this acquisition removes a competitor and may cause a rise in airfares.

[@lcthevideogamer]

That’s also what Alaska Airlines had originally said when they bought out Virgin America 7 years ago, only for them to do away with their seatback entertainment and retire all of their brand new Airbus planes 🙄

[@TacticaLLR]

@@lcthevideogamer but Virgin America was already associated with a larger group of airlines, with the same name, it wouldn’t make sense to keep it on its own. With Hawaiian it’s different because they rely on wide bodies, and Hawaiian is an iconic airline, you simply cannot get rid of its aircraft and aesthetic without losing money.

[@mikemcd]

It’s gonna say Hawaiian Airlines x Alaska Airlines on the body

[@rushfan3]

This comes as a shock to me. The purchase of Hawaiian Airlines by Alaska Airlines was not something I saw coming. Let's hope this will be a smooth transaction and they will allow Hawaiian Airlines to maintain its identity.

[@hanj31]

It will be similar to Air France KLM group I’m hoping

[@johniii8147]

We shall see how it progresses. It actually seems a bit of desperate move by both. HA is losing a lot of money and AS doesn't haven't options left in the east. The stated goal is to turn HNL into a major hub to Asia. Seems sketchy at best

[@timduggan1461]

​@@hanj31I think? I hope you're right there

[@Dstew57A]

Hawaiian will keep its name and livery..just will have also Alaska Air indicated somewhere on the livery

[@matthewwelsh294]

Hawaiian is keeping its identity

[@Blank00]

An airline company with multiple brands has never worked in the US. All mergers here have resulted in discontinuation of other brands. Even in Canada, WestJet is shutting down their other brands. The only reason why this worked with IAG, AFKLM, and Lufthansa Group is because they are not North American.

[@johniii8147]

Yes. Highly questionable plan so far announced. This sounds like a rushed deal.

[@soccerguy2433]

​@@johniii8147it's not even a done deal. It's just a press release

[@waynehagler4954]

I don't know. Alaska does OK with Horizon.

[@waynehagler4954]

I don't know. Alaska does OK with Horizon.

[@johniii8147]

@@waynehagler4954 Completely different situation and scale. That was a regional carrier they purchased years ago to feed SEA.

[@RashadKhanAviation2023]

HOLD UP WHAT IN THE WORLD OF AVIATION?!

[@snooz221]

Ikr

[@ari_29971]

I LITERALLY THOUGHT THAT RIGHT NOW 💀💀💀💀

[@timduggan1461]

Again....my thoughts (retired UAL pilot). Hawaiian has B-787s on order, circa 2024. Alaska is (now) mostly B-737 fleet type. Hawaiian's best widebody currently, the A-330. They still have life left. Long-term planning is required.

[@nomercyinc6783]

nothing exists circa 2024 in 2023. nothing exists in 2024 yet

[@sosaix3545]

Also, AS really loved the A321NEO, but the leases they inherited from that basketcase company known as VX were ridiculous. It's like getting rid of a car your new wife has but bought with her lousy credit and was financed at an 11% interest rate. Sure you like it, but you can't live with those terms so you get rid of it and buy something new with a 4% interest rate since your credit is much better.

[@sanmateoflights]

Rainy Seattle and Sunny Hawaii - what a combination !

[@sushka]

It’s been raining a lot here in HNL this past week 😆

[@matthewwelsh294]

Seattle is very sunny during the summer months

[@thomasairbuspilot]

Epic transition around 4:40 from Alaska A21N to Hawaiian A21N

[@richardneilan2392]

"OMG!" is exactly what I said when this breaking news story appeared on CNN. I certainly wasn't expecting this news. Although, long-term, it is doubtful that both brands will survive. Hawaiian's culture is truly unique and I would hate to see it diminished. Despite its name, Alaska will always be a "Seattle airline." Thank you Dj for covering this important story. It will be interesting, indeed, to see how it plays out.

[@grantkaski350]

Oh a CNN watcher

[@maxsaviation9512]

@@grantkaski350oh a fox propaganda watcher

[@stilljt2864]

I think they will strictly because the doj doesnt seem to want more consolidation

[@moekitsune]

@@grantkaski350 Why even mention this it has nothing to do with the video

[@jwil4286]

how is Alaska a "Seattle airline"? are you saying that because they dominate the domestic market at SEA? Or how they're the ONLY carrier to serve PAE (a secondary airport in the northern part of the Seattle metro)? or what is it that doesn't seem very "Alaska" or "Anchorage" to you? to be clear, I am purely curious.

[@Michael_K_Woods]

Hawaiian Airlines is a terribly run company facing a liquidity crisis. They need this deal and I am surprised Alaska is giving them a lifeline.

[@Blank00]

I was surprised JetBlue never set their eyes on Hawaiian and decided to look at Spirit instead

[@census3370]

@@Blank00JetBlue just wanted the fleet and crews of spirit. Adding an airline at the furthest point of western United States wouldn’t make sense for them.

[@travelinginfantryveteran5439]

Alaska and Hawaiian will always be brothers and sisters cause of the 49th and 50th states and the CEO of Alaska once said: "The skies over the Pacific without Hawaiian will a dark Skies, Hawaiian will maintain its current logo and will not go away.

[@Railviation]

Never thought that I would ever see this day coming, haha! I think it's absolutely hilarious that Alaska will be forced to keep the A321neos when they just retired the ex-Virgin America ones like two months ago. I also love how the FAA or whoever that they approved this merger but yet for some reason they declined the JetBlue-Spirit one.. oh well!

[@andrewkosmowski3985]

Maybe those Airbuses will be sent to Hawaiian, assuming this consolidation occurs?

[@paulgooding803]

Yeah "whoever" is kind of a giveaway that you have no idea what you are talking about. Mergers tend to lose approval due to a loss of competitive potential .... which is obviously not an issue here.

[@LtNduati]

This is bonafide breaking news!!!

[@johniii8147]

Nice change for once.

[@vincetelles3767]

Hawaiian is introducing the Boeing 787-9 soon. 10 with more options. I wonder if the new Alaska Airlines with Hawaiian being integrated will look to remove the A330s for more 787s eventually

[@p4family]

Alaska is all-Boeing so I’ll bet they’ll get rid of all Airbus planes in the fleet - that’s what they did with Virgin America’s fleet.

[@johniii8147]

Let's not speculate about that. The current stated goal is this is just a subsidiary with separate operations.

[@dmcr9525]

Hawaiian actually stated previously they were already going to replace the A330 with the 787.

[@dmcr9525]

⁠@@johniii8147Hawaiian has already decided to replace the A330 with the 787 according CH-Aviation and other inside sources.

[@Railviation]

Due to the 787 delays, Hawaiian extended their A330 contracts for 5 more years. So they should be still around for a bit longer.

[@liamball8335]

I love Hawaiian! I hope they maintain their great service.

[@6allmotivepowers363]

I'm fine with it as long as Hawaiian doesn't cease to exist.

[@chiefcaptaincole9889]

While I doubt the Hawaiian brand will get killed off due to these two airlines sharing the similar trait of providing exclusive service with Alaska serving small communities within Alaska and Hawaiian providing inter island service. However, remembering what happened to Virgin America concerns me. Many people will be extremely upset if Alaska decides to discontinue the Hawaiian brand as it will leave Hawaii with no locally themed or owned airline.

[@gfrede1]

This is a very smart transaction to me with very little route overlap. The route structure will be very complimentary. It will be interesting to see the fate of the Hawaiian Airbus A320 family. I think Alaska will keep the A330s until they can phase them out with the 787s. I do hope the identity of Hawaiian will be maintained, because of its esteemed history. We shall see!

[@Sams911]

As a Hawaiian pilot (A321 CA) I think this will be a win/win if done right... if they just gut our brand and fleet it will not work... if they tweak this and tweak that, then it will create a growth and synergy.

[@PrestigeWorldWide777]

Do you think they will keep the 717 or possibly contract that out for inter-island?

[@Sams911]

@@PrestigeWorldWide777 they will try to contract it to one of the regional carriers, however, the scope language in the Hawaiian Airlines contract, makes that extremely difficult

[@ak1ranger]

They will absolutely gut the fleet and the brand, thats what they do. They don't want Hawaiian's routes, they want to remove Hawaiian's routes, its what they do. I worked for Alaska for 19 years, they are not a kind company and they do not care about legacy or heritage or history.

[@lrg3834]

Alaska should do what Air France did with KLM. Keep Hawaiian as a separate, integrated brand.

[@rylans.5365]

They are…

[@jamesstark265]

…for now

[@emikomina]

Alaska airlines bailed out Hawaiian Airlines

[@johniii8147]

That and buying up a competitor as they did with Virgin. Hawaii is a big part of Alaska's business from the west coast.

[@raptorshootingsystems3379]

Can see the Hawaiian Airlines brand becoming like a boutique airline within an airline. Continental Micronesia had it serving between Hawaii and the South Pacific. Hawaiian will become intra Hawaii and to key destinations connecting Hawaii. Alaska Air gains a wide body foundation that can be expanded. In a joint interview, the CEO of Alaska Air brought up the 787’s without being asked and talked about being able to position them not only for Hawaii. I can see the order being expanded as regulatory approval is more clear.

[@chazglenn3]

Alaska. Not Alaskan...

[@BrianThePilot1640]

I pray that Alaska doesn't massacre the passenger experience as they did with Virgin America

[@RashadKhanAviation2023]

They could possibly merge the experience from both airlines on selective flights to Hawaii, which is a very high potential.

[@erauprcwa]

Alaska ranked #1 above Virgin America on all metrics prior and after the merger.

[@markdc1145]

Better pray hard then!

[@skinnybricks]

A passenger experience that wouldn't exist today, to be fair - if they didn't get bought.

[@Tokamak3.1415]

I guess I'm one of the few who wasn't surprised by this. When JetBlue took Spirit they pretty much dumped LGB and canceled almost all of their LAX service. I booked 6 flights from LAX to SEA only to have each one canceled. JetBlue gave up it's conquest of the West for the time being. Meanwhile, Alaska is now operating at maximum capacity at SNA and is desperate for gates. I fly on Hawaiian and Alaska frequently. The combined group could be very powerful if they can get their synergies in place. Both airlines are worlds better then American and United and usually better than Delta when on the Pacific rim.

[@Rndmstff737]

I guess we can say goodbye to Hawaiian airlines airbus planes

[@rylans.5365]

The 787 is already slated to replace the aging fleet. At this time, the acquisition involves Hawaiian continuing to operate independently, but under the same umbrella. This means that all logos, trademarks, and liveries will remain untouched. Hawaiian Airlines is a flag carrier of the state of Hawaii, and I doubt the brand itself will ever sunset (terminate).

[@Tcook96]

I’m pretty sure they will actually keep the Hawaiian brand separate. Comparing it to Virgin America doesn’t make sense, because there was never any promise to keep those two brands separate, nor would that have made sense for that merger.

[@BrandonTheWarriorPrince]

I just applied to be a Flight Attendant for Alaska Airlines

[@vapour_xs9235]

Gotta say, even the lingo between me and my flight instructor (who flies for Horizon Airlines) never told me about this, or even knew of it! I’m happy to see Alaska finally spreading their wings a bit more by acquiring a loner-distance based airline such as Hawaiian, things could look very promising here in the near future for my favorite airline.

[@df446]

It's been a rumor at Alaska Air Group for about 10 years.

[@mitchellquartero]

It was a shock here in Hawaii as well early this morning

[@internallyLe4i]

I am just excited to see if Alaska air group acquires any widebody aircraft from Hawaiian such as the a330 series or the 787 series that will soon be delivered to Hawaiian.

[@briananderson6558]

Alaska retired the airbus fleet because the leases were terrible! Virgin didn't have the negotiating power that Alaska has! If the leases were more favorable, AS might have kept the airbus! Alaska is not anti-airbus as a lot of social media reports! The price tag and or lease rates just need to be in the company's best interest!

[@wallacegrommet9343]

Alaska flies one type , the 737

[@AlaskaErik]

An all Boeing fleet makes sense for an airline the size of Alaska when you look at it from the standpoint of pilot and FA training, maintenance and spare parts. And it doesn't hurt that Boeing is right down the street vs almost two continents away.

[@user-yj6ok5rf8e]

I wonder if Alaska Airlines would keep A330 fleets if HAL was changed into Alaska Airlines. I know that B787 fleets have been very popular now.

[@mr.luisanthonydivito3585]

Maintaining two separate brands may not be operationally efficient, particularly at West Coast airports, where Hawaiian planes could be optimally utilized for flights to Alaska, Mexico, or other U.S. destinations. Leveraging Hawaiian's widebody fleet presents significant potential in the Asian and European markets, supporting direct flights to and from key hubs like SEA and PDX. Consolidating under a single brand could streamline operations and enhance overall efficiency.

[@The.Fake.Adam.Lulich]

It will be interesting to see if Alaska utilize Hawaiians widebody Jets for expiations from its mainland hubs to Europe or Asia.

[@RashadKhanAviation2023]

That's the upgrade of the merger. I'd expect Alaska to launch a route from the likes of Seattle all the way to London on a 787 Dreamliner if they ever acquire some from Hawaiian.

[@TacticaLLR]

Hawaiian is not turning into Alaska Airlines, they are just merging, similar to Air France + KLM.

[@jeremyy9188]

Let's see if Southwest can offer more to get HA

[@johniii8147]

@@jeremyy9188 They won't. Not interested. They have their own issues.

[@johniii8147]

@@TacticaLLR To some degree given what's announced/figured out. Separate brands etc. But AS's latest statement is the vision is to turn HNL into a a major international connecting hub for them. This will be messy.

[@flyBy_Offical]

No way! I would had never expected this!!

[@brucemiller8109]

The Frozen Drunk Eskimo can now go to Hawaii to warm up and dry out.

[@DreamlinerFan2016]

I was not expecting this new to pop up today! It’s quite the surprise to see within the aviation industry.

[@jiongyu8185]

Will greatly miss the HA's Pualani

[@DreamlinerFan2016]

@@jiongyu8185Alaska did state that they will keep the Hawaiian brand

[@theonemouse]

I hope to God that they do a similar deal like how Air France & KLM operate… I love the Hawaiian’s fleet is mixed and I love the Hawaiian brand too. I am worried as to what they will do with the A321neo aircraft though…

[@NicksDynasty]

The two newest states partnering makes sense

[@Dan.d649]

Quite a shock!! These two great airlines combining to become Alaska Airlines is beyond anything unheard of. As far as the fleet is concerned, that is what bears the most confusion. I think Alaska Airlines will replace all the Airbus A330s with the newer Boeing 787-9 Dreamliners that were previously ordered by Hawaiian Airlines. However, what they decide to do with the new Airbus A321 NEOS is beyond me. These aircraft do have good range, but will they fit into their future route portfolio, I don't know. The Boeing 737-700, 800, and 900 and the 737-MAX airplanes have all done really well in that fleet and I think they should consider keeping an "all Boeing" fleet since their Seattle base is right close to Boeing buildings and hangers. The Airbus A321 NEOs are newer aircraft however, and they probably would keep them for 1 to two years and utilize them until I think, more Boeing "replacements" come along.

[@rtano33567]

Alaska 787s gonna be awesome

[@Freeze-O]

Always wanted to visit Alasker.

[@AVgeek91]

Seeing A330s & 787s in the Alaska Airlines livery seems strange.

[@briansparks4926]

A330 is being replaced by B787 over time. Alaska will over time replace the other Airbus types as they never signed any contracts with Airbus so my expectation is that they will deal with the issue in the same manners as they dealt the the Virgin America acquisition.

[@johniii8147]

They will have to wait for any lease agreements to expire or if purchased will have to have to pay for remaining payment obligations. If they do end up buying them AS in the hook for all of that. They don't just go away. With VA that's exactly how it worked out. They continued to pay the lease payments until expiration and the final batch of 321Neo they took a big right off to get out the lessees and brokered a deal to sell them to AA.

[@crashlander5555]

Finally some HUGE NEWS… After so many false alarms LOL OMG! 😅 thanks for the video ✈️

[@airplanechannel9493]

That is the best thumbnail! That was my exact reaction 😂

[@Defan24]

(My perspective - Grew up in the PNW on Alaska Airlines, recently moved to Hawaii) Holy shoot this is huge, Hawaiin's Boeing 717's for Interisland travel needs to be refreshed and I hope to see something huge come from Alaska-Hawaiin Airlines. Alaska-Hawaiin Airlines Service to Japan, South Korean, Australia, New Zealand, South Pacific Islands, and the longest Domestic flight from Boston to Honolulu. Hawaiin Strong position on the Islands Airports now under the Alaska-Hawaiin Brand. This would be the first time Alaska has had a Widebody jet too! Honestly, it would be awesome to see them take up the Hawaiin Airlines brand instead, or maybe revive the Ohana brand back for the Interisland flights back would be amazing! Great things are to come, I can feel it!

[@dagoose.]

Also you will get oneworld benefits on both airlines, and american will partner with them now

[@stacky512a]

at 1:41 you think you are watching a big plane taxi, then you see a really big Korean Air 380 plane in the background. Wowsers!

[@Capt.OggyPeabodyOfficial]

There's an expectation for Hawaiian Airlines to become a full Boeing operated fleet once Alaska Airlines bought out Hawaiian Airlines

[@brucebaker111]

Hawaiians' strategy is to replace the A330 with the 787. That can still do that with boeing. Perhaps we will see Max 7s being flown inter Island. The A321s make sense for the West Coast runs. Whatever happens, it will take time. Alaska has done a great job maintaining the separate Horizon brand for many years. Thank Southwest Airlines for forcing this deal to happen.

[@johniii8147]

You were completely focused on the wrong issue. Of why the merger would happen.. really has nothing to do with fleet

[@jameswaters3939]

IMO, if the sale does go through, Alaska should keep the Hawaiian brand for that part of the company.

[@rickyism1576]

I've always loved Hawaiian. Raised in the PNW and Stationed in Hawaii, i'd fly Alaska to Seattle and get a Hawaiian widebody to the Islands. Not sure what Alaska gets from this because they don't really compete for markets, and they now not only immediately reintroduce Airbus to the fleet, but widebodies at that. They did pay like less than half for Hawaiian than they did for Virgin though if I remember correctly.

[@aviator20]

Don’t do this to Hawaiian please!!

[@g4orce703]

It's over for hawaiian airlines. They're airbusses will be retired, get more maxs and give there 717s to delta at a reduced rate

[@mstengel777]

This is a really smart business move. However I think they need to keep the name Hawaiian Air or even merge into that

[@df446]

This has been rumored for years . . . I don't understand everyone's surprise.

[@erauprcwa]

The VX/Alaska merger is a lot different than this. The VX merger had to happen, as JetBlue or Delta would've bought VX and caused issues for Alaska. This merger is keeping Southwest Airlines at bay with regards to the merger. I think Alaska will maintain Hawaiian as a separate branded carrier until the leaders of Alaska figure out international operations and regulator restrictions, since Alaska has only dealt with Canada, Mexico, Cuba, and Central America. After some time, I see them merging the two carriers entirely, once more 787 aircrafts come on property and they can fully transition away from Airbus to Boeing in the future. Learn from the mistakes of VX and grow as a carrier.

[@Petriefied0246]

The strength of Hawaiian airlines is as the Pacific equivalent of Emirates, it would be a great way to connect the entire Pacific area.

[@theonemouse]

I’ll say this… if they get rid of the Hawaiian brand OR the Hawaiian authenticity of the brand and make it generic, the Hawaiian people will turn on Alaska hard. Alaska, do NOT Virgin America this if it’s approved… follow the Air France/KLM model.

[@nplus1watches35]

Agreed, if Pualani gets replaced by some freaky looking Eskimo, I might as well fly SWA.

[@erauprcwa]

VX came at a cost if they wanted to maintain the brand. People don't understand what actually happened with the AS/VX acquisition.

[@thomasburke7995]

I dont think regulatory bodies will let this happen . With Hawaiian being essentially a airbus fleet this purchase is about getting access to markets and the 787 and potential 777x orders..

[@jeffssaunders]

Huh?

[@cxa340]

Regulators will have no real cause to block this purchase. HA is in bad financial shape and the DOJ will have to somehow convince a judge that a possibly bankrupt HA is better for consumers than HA under AS operations - I do not see that argument going far. There is plenty of competition on the Hawaii routes so it will be tough to argue somehow AS will be able to dominate any one market

[@pinkasteriodea3480]

As much of a shock as this was, they could be another Air France-KLM type group and have seperate branding and fleets

[@ThatBoeing747Guy]

Did not see this coming.

[@RScottPR]

Hawaiian has already purchased 787’s and there are plenty in the used market. My guess is we’ll see accelerated retirement of the A330’s. No idea about the A320/321 as range is an issue. The big question is the inter-island fleet. Hawaiian was said to start looking for a replacement of the 717’s. This almost guarantees Embraer or even 737-7 as the preferred choice of Alaska for the very short haul fleet.

[@bonzobonanza]

A simple reminder: Just because Alaska and Hawaiian are joining forces doesn't mean they will integrate their fleets into one airline. They will still remain as separate brands.

[@nickolliver3021]

just like Vistara and Air India right? Or Jetblue and Spirit?

[@bonzobonanza]

@@nickolliver3021 It's not like those airlines. TATA plans to close down Vistara, and JetBlue wants to close down Spirit. Alaska Group, however, will let Hawaiian operate as its own brand.

[@johniii8147]

That doesn't go well in the US. VERY questionable strategy.

[@johniii8147]

@@nickolliver3021 Vistara brand is going away and if the merger (big IF) is approved the Sprit brand will go away as well.

[@fixpacifica]

Separate brands for now.

[@johniii8147]

Damn, this is one thing few saw coming. No talk of it as there usually is. But not I'm sure it really makes sense from a network and fleet perspective. The whole keeping them "separate" also does not realize merger benefits. This merger is pretty confusing.

[@Jraptorblue8465]

NO NO NO Alaska Airlines have already purchased Virgin America back in 2018, you don't. Need Hawaiian Airlines

[@waynehagler4954]

Sure they do

[@cxa340]

If AS doesn’t buy HA then HA is eventually going to go bankrupt - HA’s financials have been terrible

[@mrbogeygolf6946]

I believe Hawaiian was working to retire the A330s in favor of the 787. But they did just purchase a bunch of A 321 neos. Will be interesting to see what they do with those

[@a.gproductions_official]

“Oh My God” that thumbnail says it all

[@Deltaflot1701]

While it's been my observation that not only the airlines cooperated with each other, but the states as well, ti still a surprise to see Alaska buy Hawaiian. It'll be interesting to see how that plays out

[@Alej3880]

I think hawaiian had no choice but to sell. Financially, they were not doing too well. Also, i highly doubt they will keep hawaiian as hawaiian. No airline merger has kept both names years after a merger. I just hope this will create more routes to expand travel and make it more reliable. Prayers for the staff. I think the frontline agents, pilots, and FA's will be ok, but everyone else will be at risk. Whatever happens, may the spirit of aloha live on.

[@orsonstarbuck]

Alaska had kept Horizon separate for decades. It is still separate in many aspects. More recently they have adopted Alaska livery for Horizon Air aircraft.

[@BrandanTheBroker]

Can we just get a darn 787 on the Seattle to Anchorage flights?

[@johniii8147]

No there would be never a need.

[@philipwarren6269]

Funny. I watch up to 179 people per ship go SEA/ANC everyday on 10+ flts/day. It's one of our hardest routes to nonrev. Always full. But hey, I could be wrong.

[@nomercyinc6783]

brands buying other brands isnt ever an omg moment. nothing not life and death is an omg moment

[@Abisanth11]

Oh, this came out of nowhere

[@jmowreader9555]

It'll be "narrowbody: Alaska; widebody: Hawaiian." I wouldn't be surprised to see them expand into European markets here...Europeans like Hawaii too, and if they set up one flight a day from London, Paris and Frankfurt into either BOS or JFK - where Hawaiian already has gates - it'd be a pretty easy one-stop on one ticket kind of deal.

[@boataxe4605]

Does this mean that they will serve pineapple ice cream on board?

[@NeilMacedo]

I was really surprised to hear the news

[@artyfuffkin7805]

I haven't been this excited since Spirt bought Jet Blue

[@sosaix3545]

The acquisition of VX is completely different; that was a barely ten year old brand with no identity in a core geographic area, whereas HA and AS are their respective namesake states' intrastate highway system, supporting key infrastructure, proudly representing their native communities, and with VX the statement was they'd analyze both brands whereas here it is FIRMLY STATED BY THE LEADERSHIP TEAM that both brands will be retained, with Alaska being the acquirer, a single operating certificate issued under "Alaska Airlines" and the branding for HA will remain but have a "Proudly operated by Alaska Airlines" decal slapped on the fuselage somewhere, probably by the L1 door.

[@sixfifty_sebb]

yea..no, Idk abt this merger, all I want is the Hawaiian Airlines logo to not disappear and for the service to be the same

[@robertlyon8876]

I’ve been through 4 airline mergers and they all suck . Both of these company’s are well run and should be a good fit. Good luck to all.

[@austinkub2337]

So, uh, on everyone's 2023 BINGO card, who had Alaska/Hawaiian buyout on it?

[@delta_cosmic]

the aviation news no body expected

[@TheTraveler23]

I’m Kind of Excited! Then Technically Alaska Flys to Japan!

[@alooga555]

I really doubt Alaska will let the Hawaiian brand to live on if/when the merger is approved because of the way how it has completely erased the legacy of Virgin America. It will be kind of weird to see the Inuit logo on the tail of A330s and 787s because Alaska has never flown any widebody aircraft.

[@stevesmoneypit6137]

It wouldn’t be on the the A330s their history now! Good by bus

[@rylans.5365]

The 787 is already slated to replace the aging fleet. At this time, the acquisition involves Hawaiian continuing to operate independently, but under the same umbrella. This means that all logos, trademarks, and liveries will remain untouched. Hawaiian Airlines is a flag carrier of the state of Hawaii, and I doubt the brand itself will ever sunset (terminate). You don’t understand, they will never dissolve the Hawaiian Airlines brand for the foreseeable future.

[@alooga555]

@@rylans.5365 so many airlines have come and gone over the years and so Hawaiian is no exception.

[@markcorneliuslau]

Virgin America had no legacy. It ran for nine years and was unsustainable

[@hubertkraft2218]

So the Airbusses will disappear from Hawaiian fleet.

[@andrewsunde7915]

I work for Alaska, and I was surprised when I saw the news

[@danielgriffiths8754]

Well I am shocked that Alaska has bought Hawaiian but I am not surprised because I think if they didn't buy them then somebody else would but as for keeping I think they will do in the long run

[@iceman9678]

Think of the improved Alaska/Hawaii Air Cargo!

[@RN-DNP]

Oh-no! Please say it ain't so. Eventually, Alaska will rid itself of the Airbus aircraft as it did after acquiring the former Virgin America, forcing customers to fly inside the cramped 737s. Moreover, service standards and routes will decidedly decline and/or disappear; and competition and fares to Hawaii, in particular, will fall and rise. Terrible, just terrible.

[@trimule]

Nah! Just like when Continental took over United- everything was immediately upgraded and only the best and most advanced practices and products were retained.

[@leezinke4351]

I really hope they don’t merge..

[@ValkyrieMagnus]

I live in Seattle and use both airlines. Alaska is great for my flights around the west coast and to Florida. When I go to Hawaii I fly Hawaiian Airlines. Alaska has always been the little airline when I was a kid but they have grown into a large airline. I like both airlines and I hope Hawaiian Airlines keeps their identity as a separate airline but still part of the Alaska umbrella.

[@toshi9278]

Now, I think have two brands one with Boeing and the other with Airbass is a good risk hedge.

[@Deedeemegadoodoopoocoo]

I think Hawaiian will still be around. Just a separate identity, but same companies.

[@Buc_Stops_Here]

All Alaska Airlines members got an email last night about this. They will keep the brand Hawaiian Airlines but closely integrate their schedules and share all infrastructure to reduce operating costs with a larger fleet. Actually, a smart merger as they have few overlapping routes. The only disadvantage I see is they are primarily a west coast airline still with flights to the east coast just across the country and not north/south as many need to fly.

[@user-yj6ok5rf8e]

I understand, but Alaska Airlines does fly to many cities on the East Coast, while HAL serves to the cities in the West Coast, so the flights under both should be balance, for example: HAL brings passengers to SEA and they then can connect to their East Coast destinations where Alaska Airlines flies. Same thing with the west-bound jets. I heard that HAL twice filed for the bankruptcy protections. So, my theory is that if Alaska Airlines didn’t buy HAL, then it means that maybe HAL would fold down its business. So, that is why Alaska Airlines purchased HAL, so that Alaska Airlines can let HAL to operate their business everyday. I would love to fly both of them one day.

[@user-yj6ok5rf8e]

Also, one thing is that I don’t like the airlines to merger into with others. Oh well…

[@Buc_Stops_Here]

@@user-yj6ok5rf8e Your are right. The financials are - Alaska pays off the 900 million dollars of debt, and buys Hawaiian for 1 billion dollars - total cost, 1.9 billion. Hawaiian is in a lot of trouble because Southwest is eating it up in Hawaii as it has expanded its presence and taken sales away from them. The only profitable part of of Hawaiian is their flights to Asia. This does not solve the North south flight problem on the east coast but otherwise helps Alaska stay competitive with the huge big 4 (Delta, United, Amercian, Southwest) and allows Alaskan to stay about the same size as a merged JetBlue/Sprit Airlines which does have an East Coast presence.

[@Buc_Stops_Here]

@@user-yj6ok5rf8e I don't disagree but only the big airlines seem to survive now. The only exception to this rule left is the profitable Frontier airlines left in Denver.

[@Canleaf08]

Wilderness to Waikiki. I traveled with AS and liked their lounge and service.

[@alfredvelazquez3306]

I DON'T WANT TO SEE "PUALANI" DISAPPEAR!!!!! NOOOOOO!!!!!!💔😥

[@craiggourley8703]

I've never flown Hawaiian, but my limited experience with Alaska has been positive - better than their larger U.S. competitors by far. I think this purchase by them makes sense in the short term, and it could really expand their reach long term.

[@waikikilatino1]

Be reminded of the A321 Neos that Hawaiian just got! Those are brand new :)

[@user-gj6ke6su4t]

If these airlines merge, then it would be jaw dropping wowing to see an Alaska A330

[@nickolliver3021]

We wont see this change. Alaska 787-9 from Hawaiian? do we see that in a few years time? Who knows

[@johniii8147]

You won't see that.

[@RashadKhanAviation2023]

@@nickolliver3021 I could potentially see an Alaska 787-9 for sure. Maybe Hawaiian and Alaska can spilt the order into half, so Alaska can have their share of planes from the purchase.

[@RashadKhanAviation2023]

I’d love to see an Alaska A330 as well, but it’s not gonna happen, but Alaska may be forced to have the A321neos again.(As said in the video)

[@nickolliver3021]

@@RashadKhanAviation2023 It depends on if alaskan want the 787 in their fleet. If they don't then they will be separated and still have hawaiian brand

[@MatheusLPV]

I believe this purchase is far different from Virgin America acquisition/disappearance… Virgin was way smaller than Hawaiian Airlines also hasn’t the same legacy as HA. That’s why I think both brands will keep separated but under the same umbrela, and if in the unforeseeable future it changes, I think it will be a rebrand of the entire group, letting go the two brands for a new one as per what happened when LAN and TAM “mergered”(LAN actually bought TAM) to form LATAM Airlines Group…

[@waynehagler4954]

I agree. I think Alaska's philosophy with the VA buyout was to kill off and absorb a competitor. There's no way that's what this is about.

[@johniii8147]

@@waynehagler4954 Agreed. VA was about beefing of the CA presence. This now an admission they have no shot further east so they are looking to beef up the West Hawaii where they already have a lot of flights. Seems a bit of desperate move on both parts.

[@hawaiifiles]

Huge news all day here in Hawaii. Bottom line Hawaiian had $900 million in debt which Alaska will retire. I can see eventually both airlines having an all Boeing fleet.

[@waikikilatino1]

I am ok with an all Boeing Fleet. I prefer Boeing over Airbus. As for the $900 million debt, I blame Ingram! He sucks as a CEO. He's no Mark Dunkerley. Mark was an amazing CEO who is missed. I had the opportunity to meet him and he's a brilliant man. He brought all that experience from Sabena Airlines!

[@jarussell12]

Of coarse they did, they charge people 800 dollars to fly instate. They have a credit card for alaska airlines and don't even have that bank in alaska! Alot of people would call them crooks.

[@cooldood37]

A321 NEO will be sold then