Alaska and Hawaiian Forge Equity Partnership
A new global carrier group is being formed by the Alaska Air Group purchase of Hawaiian Airlines.
This gives Alaska access to immediate capacity gains with Hawaiian’s A330 and 787 fleet. Alaska scheduling expertise means Hawaiian’s aircraft assets become better revenue producers. Fleet utilization is enhanced on the long haul service to the islands. Capacity is enhanced in the peak season on the long haul from Seattle to Anchorage with the addition of A330 aircraft at some departure times.
Forward plans for more long haul connectivity in summer 2025, at some Hawaiian stations are joined by Alaska, as in the Seattle-Tokyo link planned for May 2025, and a similar link to Seoul planned shortly thereafter.
The big challenge is matching “Aloha spirit” with “Alaska nice” to make the partnership meaningful to customers.
Mileage Plan, Alaska’s well regarded loyalty scheme, is key to their expansion. New customers will convert and trial the new operation if the benefits stay unique and superior to competitors. On this, customers are watching.
British Airways Deflates Avios by Program Changes
British Airways, once “The World’s Favorite Airline“ has made changes to its’ loyalty program giving frequent customers reason to boycott the airline.
Given BA’s failure at Heathrow with connecting baggage and other irritants, it seems short sighted to add fuel to the customer dissatisfaction. More will be revealed, likely.
