Alaska Air Group and Hawaiian Airlines Form Strategic Alliance Amid Leadership Transition Alaska Air Group (NYSE: ALK) has initiated a significant leadership restructuring as part of its strategic merger with Hawaiian Airlines (NASDAQ: HA). The move follows regulatory approval, with both airlines maintaining their distinct brands—Hawaiian Airlines and Alaska Airlines—under a unified operational framework. Joe Sprague, currently the regional president of HawaiiPacific for Alaska Airlines, has been appointed as the interim CEO of Hawaiian Airlines, leading the company through this transitional phase until a single operating certificate is issued by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA).

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The interim leadership team brings together seasoned executives from both airlines, with nearly 65 years of collective experience at Hawaiian Airlines. Key members include Shannon Okinaka as EVP of Administration, Robin Kobayashi as SVP of Human Resources, and Jim Landers overseeing Technical Operations, which covers Maintenance & Engineering, Flight Operations, and the System Operations Control Center. Other notable leaders include Lokesh Amaranayaka as VP of Airport Operations and In-Flight, Terry Hill as Managing Director of Safety, and Alisa Onishi as Director of Brand and Culture.

Daniel Chun, the current regional VP of Hawaii for Alaska Airlines, will join the leadership team with a focus on community relations, government affairs, and sales in Hawaii. This restructuring follows Alaska Air Group’s December 2023 announcement of its acquisition of Hawaiian Airlines, which aims to expand air service access across the Pacific region and enhance destination offerings. The merger is expected to drive growth within the U.S. aviation market, promising new job opportunities, sustained community investments, and a commitment to environmental sustainability.

The combined entity will continue operating under both airline brands once the FAA grants a single operating certificate, uniting their strengths to improve operational efficiency and customer service. The transition is underscored by a shared dedication to safety and service excellence, as emphasized by Joe Sprague, who expressed his honor in leading this merger. The focus will remain on maintaining high standards for passengers and employees, with the leadership team navigating the complex integration of operations and cultures.

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