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Alaska Air Commits $600 Million to Overhaul Hawaiian Airlines Experience

MarketDash Editorial Team
3 days ago
Alaska Air Group is pumping over $600 million into Hawaiian Airlines over the next five years, funding everything from airport renovations and premium lounges to upgraded aircraft interiors and sustainable aviation projects across the islands.

Alaska Air Group Inc. (ALK) announced Monday it's backing a substantial Hawaii-focused makeover through Hawaiian Airlines, committing north of $600 million over five years to revamp airports, refresh planes, and upgrade the digital experience for both travelers and staff.

The Kahuʻewai Hawaiʻi Investment Plan touches pretty much everything about flying Hawaiian. From the moment you book a ticket to when you land, the airline wants to smooth out the rough edges while expanding sustainability efforts and community programs throughout the islands.

Between now and 2029, Hawaiian will renovate terminal spaces at five airports: Honolulu, Līhuʻe, Kahului, Kona, and Hilo. Think better passenger flow, more seating, and easier access to charging stations. The crown jewel is a 10,600-square-foot premium lounge coming to Honolulu near Terminal 1's Mauka Concourse entrance.

The digital side gets attention too. A redesigned app and website launching this spring should make trip management considerably less painful, handling flight changes and award redemptions with actual ease. New employee technology is also on deck, with smoother integration expected when Hawaiian adopts Alaska Airlines' systems and joins the oneworld alliance late April.

Starting in 2028, Hawaiian's Airbus A330 fleet gets a full interior overhaul: new seats, lighting, finishes, first-class suites, and a dedicated premium economy cabin. The upgrades include Bluetooth-enabled entertainment, high-definition seatback screens, and free Starlink Wi-Fi. Hawaiian is also purchasing three A330s off lease to bolster its Pacific operations.

Hawaii residents enrolled in the Huakaʻi by Hawaiian program will see a 50% bonus on select points for Neighbor Island flights later this year, stacking on top of existing kamaʻāina perks like free checked bags and periodic in-state fare discounts.

The airline emphasized its commitment to regenerative tourism, workforce development, and lower-emissions aviation, including work on locally produced sustainable fuel and hybrid-electric research.

Alaska Air Group owns Alaska Airlines, Hawaiian Airlines, and Horizon Air, with McGee Air Services operating as a wholly owned subsidiary of Alaska Airlines.

ALK Price Action: Alaska Air shares closed 2.43% higher at $51.52 on Friday.

Alaska Air Commits $600 Million to Overhaul Hawaiian Airlines Experience

MarketDash Editorial Team
3 days ago
Alaska Air Group is pumping over $600 million into Hawaiian Airlines over the next five years, funding everything from airport renovations and premium lounges to upgraded aircraft interiors and sustainable aviation projects across the islands.

Alaska Air Group Inc. (ALK) announced Monday it's backing a substantial Hawaii-focused makeover through Hawaiian Airlines, committing north of $600 million over five years to revamp airports, refresh planes, and upgrade the digital experience for both travelers and staff.

The Kahuʻewai Hawaiʻi Investment Plan touches pretty much everything about flying Hawaiian. From the moment you book a ticket to when you land, the airline wants to smooth out the rough edges while expanding sustainability efforts and community programs throughout the islands.

Between now and 2029, Hawaiian will renovate terminal spaces at five airports: Honolulu, Līhuʻe, Kahului, Kona, and Hilo. Think better passenger flow, more seating, and easier access to charging stations. The crown jewel is a 10,600-square-foot premium lounge coming to Honolulu near Terminal 1's Mauka Concourse entrance.

The digital side gets attention too. A redesigned app and website launching this spring should make trip management considerably less painful, handling flight changes and award redemptions with actual ease. New employee technology is also on deck, with smoother integration expected when Hawaiian adopts Alaska Airlines' systems and joins the oneworld alliance late April.

Starting in 2028, Hawaiian's Airbus A330 fleet gets a full interior overhaul: new seats, lighting, finishes, first-class suites, and a dedicated premium economy cabin. The upgrades include Bluetooth-enabled entertainment, high-definition seatback screens, and free Starlink Wi-Fi. Hawaiian is also purchasing three A330s off lease to bolster its Pacific operations.

Hawaii residents enrolled in the Huakaʻi by Hawaiian program will see a 50% bonus on select points for Neighbor Island flights later this year, stacking on top of existing kamaʻāina perks like free checked bags and periodic in-state fare discounts.

The airline emphasized its commitment to regenerative tourism, workforce development, and lower-emissions aviation, including work on locally produced sustainable fuel and hybrid-electric research.

Alaska Air Group owns Alaska Airlines, Hawaiian Airlines, and Horizon Air, with McGee Air Services operating as a wholly owned subsidiary of Alaska Airlines.

ALK Price Action: Alaska Air shares closed 2.43% higher at $51.52 on Friday.