Alaska Airlines announces largest fleet order in airline’s history

January 7, 2026
Company
Alaska Airlines
30 min read

Summary

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Alaska orders 105 737-10 aircraft and 5 787 widebody aircraft – extending the delivery stream through 2035.

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The order includes an option for 35 additional 737-10 aircraft within the same timeframe.

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The airline will also welcome its first 787 widebody aircraft in the new Alaska global livery into its fleet, which will be seen operating across Europe and Asia.

Alaska Airlines announced today it is ordering 105 new 737-10 aircraft and five new 787 aircraft – exercising all previous 787 options held with Boeing. The airline also secured rights for an additional 35 737-10 aircraft. This order – representing the largest order in the airline’s history – secures critical delivery slots and extends the aircraft delivery stream through 2035.

This fleet investment builds on the strong foundation Alaska has created to support steady, scalable and sustained growth, and is another building block in executing our Alaska Accelerate strategic plan. These planes will fuel our expansion to more destinations across the globe and ensure our guests travel aboard the newest, most fuel-efficient and state-of-the-art aircraft. We are incredibly proud to be partnering with Boeing, a Pacific Northwest neighbor and a company that stands as a symbol of American innovation and manufacturing.”

Ben Minicucci

CEO, Alaska Air Group

This order brings Alaska’s total 737 orderbook with Boeing to 245 aircraft, in addition to the 94 MAX aircraft we’re operating today.
A mix of growth aircraft and replacement for aging 737s, this order will keep Alaska’s fleet one of the youngest in the industry and the most fuel efficient for any premium, global airline.
Alaska already operates a narrowbody fleet that includes 737-9 and 737-8 aircraft. This order is for 737-10 aircraft, but the airline retains the flexibility to adjust to a different model if necessary.
The five additional 787 widebody aircraft support the Alaska Accelerate strategic plan and will enable the airline to fly to at least 12 long-haul international destinations from Seattle by 2030. The order brings our firm future 787 widebody fleet to 17, with five already in operation across the network. The intention is for these five 787s to be delivered as the -10 variant.
With a current fleet of 413 aircraft, Alaska Air Group’s carriers will operate a fleet of more than 475 aircraft by 2030 and more than 550 aircraft by 2035.

This morning in Seattle, leaders from Alaska Airlines, Boeing and the U.S. Department of Transportation will join with employees, customers and guests to celebrate this fleet order and welcome the first 787-9 painted in Alaska’s global livery. The new 787-9 exterior design draws inspiration from the natural wonder of the Aurora Borealis, featuring a palette of deep midnight blues and lush emerald greens that channel the aurora’s energy and spirit of the Alaska brand. Utilizing a new aircraft painting technique, it took artists nearly 1000 hours across 13 days to paint the aircraft exterior from nose to tail.

Secretary Sean Duffy speaking at reveal event

Go to our global livery press kit

Download event b-roll

As we transform into the country’s fourth largest global airline, we are proud to introduce a new, global livery for the Alaska brand. The design is a tribute to Alaska’s rich history and a reflection of our bold vision for international growth and our commitment to connect the Pacific Northwest to the world.”

Ben Minicucci

CEO, Alaska Air Group

Alaska Airlines global livery being painted

Alaska Airlines Global Livery Fuselage and Engine

Alaska Airlines global livery in front hangar

As the company’s brand strategy expands to meet its growing global footprint, essential elements of our two airline brands’ legacies and history remain unchanged. The core Alaska Airlines brand expression will remain with the Alaska Native on the tail of narrowbody aircraft flying throughout the North American continent. The Hawaiian Airlines brand will continue to be expressed in service to, from and within the Hawaiian Islands with Pualani on the tail of Airbus A321, A330 and Boeing 717 aircraft.

Flights to Europe and Asia from our expanding global gateway in Seattle are available for booking now at alaskaair.com:

London Heathrow, United Kingdom: Daily, year-round flights beginning May 21, 2026
Rome, Italy: Daily, summer seasonal flights beginning April 28, 2026
Reykjavik, Iceland: Daily, summer seasonal flights beginning May 28, 2026 (operated on a 737-8 MAX)
Tokyo Narita, Japan: Daily, year-round flights already in service
Seoul Incheon, South Korea: five-times-weekly, year-round flights already in service

Go to our global livery press kit

Visit alaskaair.com

About Alaska Air Group

Alaska Airlines, Hawaiian Airlines and Horizon Air are subsidiaries of Alaska Air Group, and McGee Air Services is a subsidiary of Alaska Airlines. We are a global airline with hubs in Seattle, Honolulu, Portland, Anchorage, Los Angeles, San Diego and San Francisco. We deliver remarkable care as we fly our guests to more than 140 destinations throughout North America, Latin America, Asia and the Pacific. We’ll serve Europe beginning in spring 2026. Guests can book travel at alaskaair.com and hawaiianairlines.com. Alaska is a member of the oneworld alliance, with Hawaiian scheduled to join oneworld in spring 2026. With oneworld and our additional global partners, guests can earn and redeem points for travel to over 1,000 worldwide destinations with Atmos Rewards. Learn more about what’s happening at Alaska and Hawaiian at news.alaskaair.com. Alaska Air Group is traded on the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE) as “ALK.”

Hawaiian Airlines, a part of Alaska Airlines, announces Kahu‘ewai Hawai‘i Investment Plan of more than $600M over five years to modernize infrastructure and guest experience, and deepen its commitment to the community and sustainability

January 5, 2026
Company
Hawaiian Airlines
29 min read

Hawaiian Airlines A330 Reef Runway header

Summary

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Major airport renovations include improved lobbies, gates and amenities at Honolulu, Līhu‘e, Kahului, Kona and Hilo, plus a new premium lounge in Honolulu.

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The airline will update its app and website, offering better travel planning and self-service features, and invest in new technology for employees.

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The carrier is investing in a refreshed onboard experience with upgraded widebody Airbus A330 interiors, while offering enhanced rewards and exclusive benefits to loyal Hawai‘i residents.

Hawaiian Airlines, a part of Alaska Airlines, today unveiled an investment plan of more than $600 million over five years to comprehensively enhance the experience for guests traveling to, from and within the islands by modernizing airport spaces, upgrading technology and retrofitting aircraft interiors, while expanding community and sustainability work across Hawai‘i.

Hawaiian Airlines’ Kahuʻewai Hawai‘i Investment Plan will improve the guest experience from booking to the day of travel and provide airport and in-flight teams with modern tools and spaces to welcome travelers with their award-winning Hawaiian hospitality. Investments will also help Hawaiian advance lower emission technologies and programs promoting regenerative tourism, culture and conservation.

Hawaiian Airlines is proud to call Hawai‘i home, to reflect the spirit of the islands, to take care of our local guests and welcome visitors, and support our communities. Our Kahu‘ewai Hawai‘i Investment Plan represents one of Hawaiian Airlines’ largest single investments in our infrastructure, products and services in Hawai‘i. It reflects our kuleana to our people and guests in the islands and reinforces our commitment to deliver safe and remarkable service that enables Hawai‘i and Hawaiian Airlines to thrive.”

Diana Birkett Rakow

Chief executive officer, Hawaiian Airlines

Kahuʻewai signifies fresh water bursting forth as a metaphor for vital resources. Much like water that flows and nurtures, the investments will deliver benefits across Hawaiian Airlines and communities in Hawai‘i today and for a long time to come.

They include:

Airports

Starting this year through 2029, Hawaiian Airlines will renovate lobbies and gates in Honolulu, Līhu‘e, Kahului, Kona and Hilo to improve passenger flow and comfort, with bright, elegant open spaces and better seating and amenities like increased power charging. In Honolulu, Hawaiian’s busiest hub, the airline will build a spacious 10,600-square-foot premium lounge at the entrance of the Mauka Concourse in Terminal 1 – setting a new standard of preflight comfort.

Hawaiian Airlines waiting area rendering

Technology

This spring, Hawaiian Airlines will launch an updated, modern app and website with improved functionality to simplify travel planning, booking and trip management with self-service features like changing flights and redeeming award travel on global partners. The airline is also investing in new technology to support employees in their critical roles across the operation. Full functionality of these tools – and a significantly smoother guest experience – will be possible once Hawaiian Airlines and Alaska Airlines share the same passenger service system and Hawaiian Airlines joins the oneworld alliance, both scheduled for late April.

Aircraft

Hawaiian Airlines’ fleet of widebody Airbus A330s, based in Honolulu, will undergo a full interior upgrade, starting in 2028, with new seats, carpets, lighting, first class suites, and a premium economy cabin. Guests will also enjoy a Bluetooth-enabled in-flight entertainment system with high-definition seatback screens and an extensive movie and music library, along with fast and free Starlink Wi-Fi. The airline is also acquiring three of its A330 aircraft off lease to support the future of this fleet in its service across the Pacific.

Loyalty

Later this year, Hawaiian Airlines will reward Hawai‘i residents who are members of its popular Huaka‘i by Hawaiian loyalty program with a 50% bonus on Atmos Rewards points and status points earned on Neighbor Island flights, adding to exclusive kama‘āina benefits that include a free checked bag, 10% or 20% quarterly discounts when flying within the state, and monthly systemwide deals.

Community impact

Hawaiian Airlines remains deeply engaged in the community, with expanded partnerships in education and workforce development initiatives, new grant-making opportunities, promoting regenerative tourism efforts through its Travel Pono program and new investments to preserve Hawai‘i’s natural resources and to advance new technologies for a more sustainable future.

Hawaiian Airlines’ investment is exactly the kind of long-term commitment Hawaiʻi needs. Modern, welcoming airports improve the experience for residents and visitors alike, strengthen our economy and keep Hawaiʻi competitive as a global destination. We appreciate Hawaiian Airlines’ partnership in advancing workforce development, regenerative tourism, clean energy and community programs that reflect the values of our islands.”

Gov. Josh Green

State of Hawaiʻi

As part of its community and sustainability initiatives, Hawaiian is expanding a partnership with business accelerator Mana Up through an investment in its Mana Up Capital II fund to help more local companies scale for the global market. Hawaiian has featured more than a dozen local retailers in the food, fashion, beauty and home and art sectors in its onboard service since becoming Mana Up’s official airline sponsor in 2017.

Hawaiian last month announced it is investing in locally produced sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) to reduce flight emissions and support agriculture in partnership with Pono Pacific and Par Hawaii, and that it would be the first airline to take deliveries of Hawai‘i-made SAF later this year. The airline is also working to advance innovative lower-emission options for short-haul air service with an investment in hybrid-electric propulsion developer Ampaire and increasing use of electric ground service vehicles at Honolulu airport.

Finally, the airline will be providing grants to nonprofit organizations promoting cultural programs, environmental preservation and perpetuation of native Hawaiian art and language through the Alaska Airlines | Hawaiian Airlines Foundation, a newly integrated 501(c)(3) foundation dedicated to these efforts in their two namesake states.

The Hawaiian Airlines’ Kahuʻewai Hawai‘i Investment Plan is part of Alaska Air Group’s Alaska Accelerate strategic plan to deliver on the combined airline’s vision of connecting guests to the world with a remarkable travel experience rooted in safety, care and performance.

View the press kit

Visit hawaiianairlines.com

About Alaska Air Group

2025 wrapped: a look back on Alaska Airlines and Hawaiian Airlines’ first combined year

December 29, 2025
Company
Alaska Airlines
43 min read

A year of meaningful progress on the integration between Alaska Airlines and Hawaiian Airlines, 2025 was full growth, innovation and impact across our newly combined company. Let’s take a moment to look back at some of the biggest highlights of the year.

Expanding our global reach and network

We proudly carried more than 55,000,000 passengers on more than 486,000 flights across our combined global network.

We announced five new global destinations from our Seattle hub — Seoul, Tokyo, Reykjavik, Rome and London — opening doors to new adventures and cultural connections.

Over Thanksgiving, our employees delivered the best operation in the industry, achieving the highest on-time performance of any U.S.-based carrier.

We expanded our schedule and connectivity by adding 21 new domestic routes in 2025, including nonstop service between San Francisco and both Kona and Lihue in Hawai’i, Portland to Houston, Anchorage to Sacramento and the first-ever nonstop service between San Diego and Washington National (DCA).

We carried more than 40,000 tons of cargo to and from remote communities across Alaska, Hawaiʻi and the Pacific region — the equivalent of over 400 fully loaded Boeing 737‑9 passenger aircraft — ensuring vital goods reached those who need them most.

Loyalty and travel perks, reimagined

We introduced Atmos™ Rewards, our new combined loyalty program, bringing the best of our airlines into a single industry-leading rewards ecosystem. Atmos Rewards won major “Best Airline Rewards Program” awards from publications like U.S. News & World Report and NerdWallet in 2025, and was praised for distance-based earning, high value, companion awards and generous elite status perks.

We launched the Atmos™ Rewards Summit Visa Infinite^® card, co-branded with Bank of America, our most generous card with over 15 benefits, including an annual 25,000-point Global Companion Award, a 100,000-point Global Companion Award after qualifying purchases, eight Alaska Lounge passes annually and the fastest path to status with one status point for every $2 spent on purchases. At the same time, the Alaska Airlines Visa Signature^® card was transformed into the Atmos^™ Rewards Ascent Visa Signature^® card.*

Across our combined network, we proudly welcomed over 7,500 Million Milers and 890,000 Atmos status holders. Through the new Atmos Rewards program, status members enjoyed enhanced complimentary upgrades — with over 63,000 premium upgrades delivered in 2025.

We celebrated one year of Huakaʻi by Hawaiian in the state of Hawaiʻi and 14 years of Club 49 in the state of Alaska.

Alaska model aircraft being held by Santa

Investing in the communities we serve

During our annual Week of Care, held in October, nearly 500 volunteers across Alaska Airlines, Hawaiian Airlines, and Horizon Air supported 24 community partner projects across our network, including Alaska, California, Florida, Idaho, Hawaiʻi, Oregon, Washington, and Washington, D.C.

Hawaiian Airlines awarded 500,000 Atmos Rewards points to each of its 14 Atmos Giving by Hawaiian partners in celebration of Giving Tuesday.

We created a new 501(c)(3) foundation to support nonprofits with grants in each of our namesake states. The Alaska Airlines | Hawaiian Airlines Foundation will continue investing in programs that celebrate and preserve the unique way of life in Alaska and Hawai‘i.

Group shot of Hawaiian Airlines donation

Elevating the guest journey

Alaska Airlines installed complimentary Starlink earlier than planned on several of its Embraer E175, and Hawaiian Airlines guests embraced the service, streaming more than 177,095 hours over the year — the equivalent of streaming for 7,379 straight days or over 20 years. On average, about 200 devices were connected to the high-speed, low-latency service during each transpacific flight – even while traversing remote stretches of the Pacific.

We introduced exciting new collaborations with three award‑winning chefs — Seattle’s Brady Ishiwata Williams and San Francisco’s Brandon Jew on Alaska Airlines, and Hawaiʻi’s Jason Peel on Hawaiian Airlines — elevating our inflight culinary experience in our First Class cabins.

Alaska also introduced new snacks and chef-driven meals for guests in its Main Cabin, including its newest 100% plant-based and gluten-free The Best Laid Plants grain bowl – available on select flights.

Our guests also began collecting new pilot trading cards from both Alaska and Hawaiian – including exclusive digital collectible cards available only onboard Hawaiian Airlines aircraft.

We introduced an industry-leading surfboard policy, making it easier for surfers to bring their boards along for the ride. And we combined check-in lobbies and airport operations at most of our hubs, creating a smoother, more consistent travel experience.

New liveries to mark the moment

Alaska Airlines unveiled its newest Disneyland Resort-themed aircraft, Tiana’s Bayou Adventure Flyer, featuring a vibrant livery inspired by “The Princess and the Frog” and the Tiana’s Bayou Adventure attraction at Disneyland Park.

Hawaiian Airlines celebrated the release of Disney’s live‑action Lilo & Stitch with three playful aircraft liveries, as well as a new Lilo & Stitch-themed travel pono (responsibly) in-flight video.

We revealed a first glance at Alaska Airlines’ new global livery for the Boeing 787 Dreamliner. Inspired by the natural wonder of the aurora borealis, this aircraft will support our combined company’s long-haul, international expansion out of Seattle.

Alaska Global Livery for the Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner

Building a pipeline of aviation talent

We welcomed over 5,000 new employees across Hawaiian Airlines and Alaska Airlines, growing our team of passionate people dedicated to safety, hospitality and care.

Hawaiian Airlines, Alaska Airlines and Horizon Air proudly served as title sponsors of the Organization of Black Aerospace Professionals (OBAP) Conference — a first for our combined company.

Horizon Air expanded its Pilot Development Program to Hawaiʻi, the first of its kind in the state, offering aspiring pilots a pathway to join the carrier while easing training costs.

Hawaiian Airlines and Honolulu Community College expanded their workforce development partnership with the launch of the Maintenance Technician Development Program (MTDP), an initiative to train the next generation of aviation maintenance technicians.

Hawaiian Airlines and Alaska Airlines were recognized as 2025 Outstanding Businesses by local nonprofit ClimbHI for the third consecutive year, recognizing our efforts to engage Hawaiʻi-based students and teachers in aviation careers.

Innovating and investing in sustainability

Alaska Airlines and Hawaiian Airlines, the most fuel-efficient U.S. premium carriers, saved over 7.3 million** gallons of fuel through fuel efficiency initiatives.

We became a lead investor and helped launch the oneworld Breakthrough Energy Ventures fund to accelerate innovation in the global development of SAF.

We also invested in over nine million gallons of sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) — enough to fill 14 Olympic-sized swimming pools.

We continued to expand our SAF use by entering into an offtake agreement with Japan’s Cosmo Oil Marketing for our Osaka–Honolulu flights.

Looking ahead

As we turn the page to 2026, we’re focused on executing our Alaska Accelerate strategic plan: launching new service to Europe, unlocking the full power of Atmos Rewards, and bringing our premium experience to even more guests.

With exciting destinations on the horizon, strong foundations built in our hubs and growing investment in our hometowns of Honolulu and Seattle, we’re embarking on our journey to make travel — no matter what country or small town you’re flying from — more seamless and rewarding than ever before.

*The Atmos Rewards credit card program is issued and administered by Bank of America, N.A. Visa Signature and Visa Infinite are registered trademarks of Visa International Service Association and are used by the issuer pursuant to license from Visa U.S.A. Inc.

**Based on data reported through October 2025.

Visit alaskaair.com

Visit hawaiianairlines.com

Hawaiian Airlines and Polynesian Voyaging Society honor a legacy of wayfinding in Auckland

December 23, 2025
Community
Hawaiian Airlines
18 min read

Hawaiʻi’s Polynesian Voyaging Society (PVS) has sailed with the spirit of exploration for over 50 years, reviving traditional wayfinding and inspiring cultural pride throughout the Pacific. That legacy was honored last month in Aotearoa (New Zealand), where Māori communities welcomed crews aboard the double-hulled canoes Hōkūleʻa and Hikianalia with a powerful and moving welcome. The arrival of PVS crews coincided with the return of our 2025–2026 seasonal service between Auckland and Honolulu.

A shared return to Auckland

On Nov. 17, our Airbus A330, named Hikianalia after the star Spica, touched down in Auckland as the first of two vessels to carry the name. Debbie Nakanelua‑Richards, Hawaiian Airlines’ director of community and cultural relations, was among those on board the flight that evening. The following morning, she joined Ngāti Whātua Ōrākei tribal members at Ōkahu Bay — their ancestral homeland — to welcome PVS sister canoes Hōkūleʻa and Hikianalia to port.

As Hōkūleʻa and Hikianalia emerged on the horizon of Auckland’s Ōkahu Bay, they were soon escorted by the waka hourua (Māori double‑hulled canoe) of the Te Toki Voyaging Trust — a nonprofit dedicated to preserving traditional wayfinding knowledge for Māori. The cultural welcome was a powerful gesture of collective respect for the canoes and their crews, who had sailed from Honolulu to Tahiti, Rarotonga and finally Aotearoa using the same ancient wayfinding techniques as their ancestors, without navigational instruments or modern technology.

The Aotearoa arrival marked another successful leg of PVSʻs Moananuiākea Voyage, a 43,000-nautical-mile, 47-month circumnavigation of the Pacific that touches 36 countries and archipelagoes, nearly 100 indigenous territories and 345 ports.

A cultural renaissance

As a teenager in the 1970s, Debbie developed a keen interest in PVS. The nonprofit was founded in 1973 and spent years focusing on reconstructing traditional Hawaiian double-hulled voyaging canoes and recovering ancient wayfaring knowledge. Hōkūle‘a, the first and foundational canoe of PVS, made history in 1976 when it completed its first voyage to Tahiti. The canoe was welcomed by more than 17,000 Tahitians, over half of Pape‘ete’s population at the time, underscoring a shared commitment to safeguarding indigenous values and practices across Hawaiʻi and the Pacific.

“It was a time when Hawaiian culture was at risk of extinction, so there was deep concern to preserve and pass on important cultural knowledge – our language, dance, music, art, carving and the legacy of exploration and navigation. Hōkūleʻa ignited a cultural renaissance in Hawaiʻi, which continues today,” Debbie said.

Connected by ocean (and air)

Today, Hōkūleʻa continues to carry crews around the world as they convey messages about respecting oceans, protecting cultural knowledge and caring for native communities and the environment.

Hawaiian Airlines, Hawaiʻiʻs carrier for 96 years, has proudly supported PVS for nearly five decades. As the official airline sponsor of the Moananuiākea Voyage, weʻve contributed 34 million miles (now points) to help transport voyagers during crew swaps and critical cargo during food and supply restocks. Our expansive network has also long connected a handful of Pacific communities touched by the Voyage, including Auckland, a city we have proudly served since March 2013.

Maori woman on the shore looking out at canoe

Crew reflections at the arrival

Jay Tansley, the first Māori to become a U.S. Navy SEAL, described the voyage as profound. Born in Aotearoa, his family moved to Hawaiʻi when he was five. He joined PVS to add his skills to the Moananuiākea Voyage.

“Nainoa Thompson [master navigator and CEO of PVS] first told me, ‘the canoe will take you home,’ and ever since, the experience has been incredible,” he said.

“We approached in darkness, but between lightning strikes, we recognized Aotearoa’s long white cloud stretched over Mount Manganui. It was then that we estimated we were only about 200 miles off the coast.”

Kalā Baybayan-Tanaka grew up around voyaging canoes, learning from her father, the late master navigator and Captain Kālepa Baybayan, who crewed Hōkūleʻa in 1975 and on all major voyages. She joined PVS nearly two decades ago and has voyaged on both Hikianalia and Hōkūleʻa as captain, watch captain, navigator, safety officer and education specialist.

“It’s my hope that Hōkūleʻa continues to sail the sea roads that connect our past and future and that our decks stay full with ʻohana of the waʻa [family of the canoe] as we teach and pass on knowledge to future generations,” she said.

PVS crew sharing a breath with a Maori man

Our commitment to Hawaiʻi and PVS

While welcoming the canoes, Debbie reiterated Hawaiian Airlines’ longstanding commitment to PVS and Hawaiʻiʻs rich culture.

“Deeply embracing culture and supporting organizations like the Polynesian Voyaging Society is and has always been a priority,” she said.

“When people see Hawaiian Airlines, they see Hawaiʻi and think of a people, a place and a culture. There is kuleana, or responsibility, that comes with that, and so it matters how we show up to celebrate Hawaiʻi and share our culture – not just at home, but also with the communities we serve.”

To learn more about the Moananuiākea Voyage and the Polynesian Voyaging Society, visit hokulea.com.

Watch Hawaii News Now’s reporting on the canoes’ Auckland arrival:

Visit hawaiianairlines.com

Now boarding: Alaska Airlines debuts new Premium Class Snack Basket

December 19, 2025
Guest Experience
Alaska Airlines
14 min read

Summary

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We’re introducing a complimentary Premium Class Snack Basket on select long-haul flights, featuring a curated selection of sweet and savory options, available now.

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This new offering enhances the Premium Class experience and complements our industry-leading pre-order program for fresh, chef-crafted meals across cabins.

Alaska Airlines is giving guests something new to savor at cruising altitude with the debut of our Premium Class Snack Basket, now rolling out on select long-haul flights across our network.

The Premium Class Snack Basket, complimentary for Premium Class guests, is the latest example of our commitment to making every mile matter — pairing signature hospitality with elevated food and beverage offerings on most flights over 2,100 miles. Starting today, Premium Class guests can choose up to two complimentary snacks from our curated Premium Class Snack Basket, available on select flights.

Hand-selected with care and curated from beloved West Coast brands, our new Premium Class Snack Basket offers an intentional mix of sweet and savory favorites. Guests can indulge in Thinsters Chocolate Chip Cookies and Jackson’s Avocado Oil Sea Salt Potato Chips or opt for a lighter snack such as Hippeas Groovy White Cheddar Puffs, Honey Roasted Wonderful Pistachios from Los Angeles, California and vegan-friendly Soley Organic Fruit Gummies from San Diego.

The Premium Class Snack Basket offers a rotating lineup of high-quality snacks that balances indulgent treats with feel-good favorites. Selections will evolve seasonally, keeping the experience fresh for both frequent flyers and first-time guests.

Our Premium Class experience is already among the best in the industry and starting today, we’re making it even better with a thoughtful, delicious touch. We designed our new snack basket with our guests in mind as another way to say thank you for choosing Alaska, and to help create a memorable experience before they even reach their destination.”

Todd Traynor-Corey

Vice President of guest experience & products, Alaska Airlines

Alaska’s industry-leading pre-order program offers more inflight dining options than any other U.S., delivering a premium dining experience no matter where our guests sit. Guests in First Class enjoy complimentary chef-curated meals, while those in Premium Class and Main Cabin can savor fresh, chef-crafted meals by pre-order through their Alaska Airlines app. Pre-orders are available up to 14 days in advance and until roughly 20 hours before takeoff, including at least one hot meal option on flights over 1,100* miles, and feature favorites like the Signature Fruit & Cheese Platter.

*Certain meal options may not be available on some flights, including redeye flights or where catering is not available

Visit alaskaair.com

Alaska Air Group welcomes Ryan Sather as new vice president of safety and security

December 19, 2025
Company
Alaska Airlines
14 min read

Summary

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Ryan Sather will become Vice President of Safety and Security for Alaska Air Group and Alaska Airlines.

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Sather brings more than a decade of experience at Alaska and Horizon as well as a 26-year career in the United States Marine Corps.

The Alaska Air Group board of directors has elected Ryan Sather as vice president of safety and security for Alaska Air Group and Alaska Airlines, where he will lead safety and security functions across the company’s airline operations. The transition reinforces the company’s unwavering commitment to the safety of its employees and guests.

Safety is the foundational value at Alaska, Hawaiian, Horizon and McGee, and their individual safety programs are built on trust, innovation, and a shared dedication to protecting guests and employees. In his new role, Sather will oversee all safety functions, develop and execute long-term safety and security strategies, and continue to advance Air Group’s world-class safety culture.

Ryan’s extensive experience across Alaska Air Group and aviation more broadly will benefit every employee and guest across our system. His knowledge and ability to move the ball forward is matched only by his care for the people on his team and those he is working with. Ryan’s leadership will be essential as we continue bringing Alaska and Hawaiian together under a single safety system and throughout the global expansion.”

Brooke Vatheuer

Senior vice president of safety and audit, Alaska Airlines

Sather brings more than a decade of progressive leadership experience at Alaska and Horizon, Alaska’s regional carrier, with responsibilities spanning safety, system operation control, station operations, project management, and internal evaluation programs. His operational expertise has fostered strong relationships with the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), and he is recognized for his commonsense approach and ability to unite teams to deliver results.

Most recently, Sather led the effort to achieve a single operating certificate between Alaska Airlines and Hawaiian Airlines. On Oct. 29, 2025, the FAA officially recognized Alaska and Hawaiian as one operating airline with two guest-facing brands.

A retired U.S. Marine Corps lieutenant colonel, Sather completed 26 years of service, earning advanced tactical and standardization flight qualifications, including instructor pilot status.

Sather succeeds Max Tidwell, who will retire in January after eight years of distinguished service. Under Tidwell’s leadership, Alaska Air Group navigated some of the most challenging moments in the company’s recent history, including the COVID-19 pandemic, the response to Alaska Flight 1282, and the 2024 grounding of the Boeing MAX fleet.

About Alaska Air Group

Alaska Airlines, Hawaiian Airlines and Horizon Air are subsidiaries of Alaska Air Group, and McGee Air Services is a subsidiary of Alaska Airlines. We are a global airline with hubs in Seattle, Honolulu, Portland, Anchorage, Los Angeles, San Diego and San Francisco. We deliver remarkable care as we fly our guests to more than 140 destinations throughout North America, Latin America, Asia and the Pacific. We’ll serve Europe beginning in spring 2026. Guests can book travel at alaskaair.com and hawaiianairlines.com. Alaska is a member of oneworld, with Hawaiian scheduled to join the alliance in spring 2026. With oneworld and our additional global partners, guests can earn and redeem points for travel to over 1,000 worldwide destinations with Atmos™ Rewards. Learn more about what’s happening at Alaska and Hawaiian at news.alaskaair.com. Alaska Air Group is traded on the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE) as “ALK.”

Alaska Airlines bolsters service from Anchorage and Portland with seven new routes, including nonstop flights to Boston, Jackson Hole and four Washington state cities

December 18, 2025
Destinations
Alaska Airlines
21 min read

Summary

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We’ll fly from Anchorage to 17 nonstop destinations in the Lower 48 and Hawai‘i next summer – the most we’ve ever offered during that peak travel season to Alaska.

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We keep growing in the Rose City: New flights offer convenient connections at PDX for journeys that continue across our network.

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New flights begin as early as this March, with most beginning in mid-June.

Alaska Airlines continues to strengthen our network with new nonstop routes from our key hubs in Anchorage and Portland to destinations across the country – offering our guests convenient travel options and improved connectivity.

Beginning in spring next year, we’ll fly three additional routes from Anchorage to Boise, Boston and Spokane, and four additional routes from Portland to Bellingham, Everett/Paine Field and Pasco in Washington state, and Jackson Hole in Wyoming. Tickets for the newly added routes are available for purchase now at alaskaair.com.

New Anchorage Routes

Flights between Anchorage and Boise, Boston and Spokane begin in mid-June for service through mid-August – just in time for summertime adventures in the Land of the Midnight Sun, when the days are long and the air is warm. Those new flights add up to 17 nonstop destinations to the Lower 48 and Hawai‘i, the most we’ve ever served in the summer.

The twice-weekly service connecting Anchorage to Boise is an all-new route for us, with roundtrips offered on Wednesdays and Saturdays.
Our weekly flight between Anchorage and Boston will welcome guests from New England heading west to Alaska’s largest city for exploration, culture, food and maybe even a cruise.
We’ll also serve Anchorage-Spokane twice a week. It has been 10 years since we last flew this route, so we’re excited to reconnect Eastern Washington to Alaska with a nonstop flight, along with convenient flight times.
Due to strong demand, we’ve added a second weekly nonstop between Anchorage and both Sacramento and San Diego for the summer season.

New Portland routes

With four new routes next spring and summer, we’ll offer our guests convenient connections at PDX to more than 65 nonstop destinations, including Hawai‘i and Mexico.

New flights begin as early as mid-March with all-new daily, year-round service between Portland and Bellingham, Washington.
In mid-June, we’ll start flying twice daily between Portland and Pasco, Washington. The flights will be offered year-round.
We’ll resume daily, year-round flights on June 10 between Portland and Everett, Washington, home of Paine Field Airport – the Seattle region’s second airport.
For a long summer stretch, we’ll fly nonstop between Portland and Jackson Hole, Wyoming, twice a week starting June 10.
Also of note: As we resume our daily Portland-Fairbanks service in the summer, it’ll be served by a larger 737 aircraft.

Anchorage and Portland are essential airports to our guests and us in our growing global network. The state of Alaska remains high on the wish list of travelers, especially in the summer months, and we’re excited to add new nonstops to get them there. Portland is not only a great city to visit, but we also offer convenient nonstop connections for those continuing their travel across our wide network.”

Kirsten Amrine

Vice president of revenue management and network planning, Alaska Airlines

New routes from Anchorage and Portland

City pair	Start	End	Frequency	Aircraft
Anchorage – Boise, ID	June 10, 2026	Aug. 15, 2026	Wed/Sat	737
Anchorage – Boston, MA	June 13, 2026	Aug. 15, 2026	Saturday	737
Anchorage – Spokane, WA	June 10, 2026	Aug. 15, 2026	Wed/Sat	E175
Portland – Bellingham, WA	March 18, 2026	Year-round	Daily	E175
Portland – Everett, WA	June 10, 2026	Year-round	Daily	E175
Portland – Jackson Hole, WY	June 10, 2026	Sept. 30, 2026	Wed/Sat	E175
Portland – Pasco, WA	June 10, 2026	Year-round	2x Daily	E175

Guests across our expanding network can enjoy a premium travel experience and award-winning service on their next Alaska flight. We are the West Coast’s premier airline, offering our flyers generous legroom in First Class and Premium Class, no change fees, a variety of fare options and West Coast-inspired fresh meals that can be pre-ordered before flights. We offer the most fresh food options of any U.S. airline including on flights as short as 670 miles.

Atmos Rewards is our newly evolved loyalty program – ranked the #1 airline loyalty program by U.S. News and World Report for 2025-26. It’s designed to deliver more choice, more rewards, and more global access than ever before to our members, who earn 1 point and 1 status point for every mile flown (excluding Saver fares). Points can be redeemed for flights, hotels and more, and status points track progress toward status levels and milestones. Later in 2026, members can choose how they earn based on the distance they travel, the amount they spend or the frequency of their flights.

Visit alaskaair.com

About Alaska Air Group

Nonstop to the North Pole: Alaska Airlines’ Fantasy Flight brings holiday magic to kids in need

December 17, 2025
Community
Alaska Airlines
17 min read

As the countdown to Christmas begins, Alaska Airlines turned up the holiday cheer by partnering with Northwest North Pole Adventures to transform an ordinary flight into an unforgettable experience for children in need.

Last Saturday, 43 well-deserving kids from shelters and transitional housing spent a magical evening alongside more than 200 volunteer elves on a special journey to the North Pole.

For most of these children, Flight AS 1225 — our festive nod to Dec. 25 — was their very first time flying. The Boeing 737 departed Spokane, Wash., with six of our crewmembers and one mission: deliver smiles and holiday joy during a 40-minute nonstop trip to Santa’s hometown.

While airborne, the festivities soared as the kids and their chaperone elves sang carols, played games, shared stories and recited the magical chant that would allow the aircraft to enter Santa’s airspace.

When the plane touched down at the North Pole — a hangar at Spokane International Airport transformed into a winter wonderland — the children stepped into a fantastical world of glittering lights and decorations, cheerful activities, sparkly face painting and endless holiday treats.

Santa and Mrs. Claus made a grand entrance, greeting each child with a warm smile and a gift from their wish list, ready to make holiday dreams come true.

Elf coming out of an Alaska Airlines aircraft

Since 2008, we’ve partnered with Northwest North Pole Adventures to make this event possible. Each year, our employees and community volunteers donate their time, energy and Christmas spirit, while local businesses contribute everything from decorations to toys. For all of us at Alaska, Fantasy Flight is more than a holiday tradition — it’s a shared experience that shows the greatest magic isn’t in the flight itself, but in the hearts that make it possible.

More moments from our Fantasy Flight to the North Pole

Visit alaskaair.com

Hawaiian and Alaska airlines, Par Hawaii and Pono Energy partner to advance the Hawai‘i-based market, supply chain for sustainable aviation fuel production

December 17, 2025
Sustainability
Hawaiian Airlines
27 min read

Alaska and Hawaiian aircraft tails featured image

Summary



The combined airlines will take the first deliveries of Hawaiʻi-made SAF in early 2026.



The investment enables SAF production for more sustainable future flying, diversifies Hawaii’s fuels industry, strengthens energy independence and supports agriculture.

Hawaiian Airlines and Alaska Airlines today announced it has joined Par Hawaii to invest in pioneering the development of sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) in Hawaiʻi using locally grown agriculture feedstock to reduce aviation carbon emissions.

This initiative will enable SAF production for more sustainable future flying and deliver economic benefits through the creation of a new energy sector and fuel supply chain in Hawai’i, while bringing new opportunities for local agriculture.

Hawaiian Airlines and Alaska Airlines, which together provide the most flights to, from and within Hawai‘i, and Par Hawaii, the largest producer of energy products in the islands, are partnering with Pono Pacific, through its Pono Energy, Inc. subsidiary, to study Camelina sativa (camelina) as a multi-purpose crop that can be used as SAF feedstock and to support agriculture.

The combined airlines also will become Par Hawaii’s launch SAF customer, with plans to take delivery of Hawaiʻi’s first locally produced SAF in the first quarter of 2026.

SAF, a safe drop-in fuel made from sustainable feedstock such as plant-based oils or used cooking oil, can cut lifecycle carbon emissions by up to 80 percent compared to conventional jet fuel. Pono Pacific’s crop trials drew the attention of Alaska Star Ventures, the venture capital arm of Alaska Air Group that invests in technologies to drive aviation efficiency, performance and innovation.

As Hawaiʻi’s airline, we have a responsibility to reduce our environmental impact while continuing to provide essential air service that connects our communities and strengthens our economy. Our company has a long-term strategy to reach net zero carbon emissions, and sustainable aviation fuel is essential for us to get there. We are grateful to have partners like Par Hawaii and Pono Pacific who share our commitment to making our operations more sustainable while creating a new fuel industry and strengthening Hawaiʻi’s energy independence.”

Alanna James

Sustainability innovation director, Hawaiian Airlines and Alaska Airlines

We value the efforts of our airline partners as we work together to find long-term solutions to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and increase our energy security, while meeting Hawai‘i’s transportation needs. We applaud Hawaiian and Alaska airlines, Par Hawaii, and Pono Pacific for taking this important step to establish a locally based, lower-emissions supply chain for aviation fuel that supports our state’s clean energy goals.”

Ed Sniffen

Director, Hawai‘i State Department of Transportation

Pono Pacific, the state’s largest private resource company, will launch Pono Energy, Inc. in early 2026 to accelerate its work on camelina, a high-yield, pest-resistant cover crop that can be grown in rotation with food crops, reaching maturity in just eight to nine weeks. Its oil seeds can be crushed to produce renewable fuels, including SAF, while the remaining seedcake can be turned into government-approved, nutrient-rich feed for cattle and chickens. This revenue-generating cover crop will deliver more economic opportunity for Hawai‘i by creating jobs, supporting farmers and decreasing the aviation industry’s carbon footprint.

Camelina represents a rare opportunity for Hawai‘i to build a true circular-economy model around renewable fuels. By growing this crop locally, we strengthen our agricultural sector, keep more dollars circulating within the state, and reduce our dependence on imported fossil fuels. Camelina can be refined into sustainable aviation fuel while the remaining seedcake becomes a valuable, locally produced animal feed that supports Hawai‘i’s ranchers and livestock industry. We will explore food crops that can be grown alongside camelina to increase food security as well. It’s a win for our economy, a win for local agriculture, and a win for the environment — an example of how Hawai‘i can lead the way in innovative, homegrown climate solutions.”

Chris Bennett

Vice president of sustainable energy solutions, Pono Pacific Land Management, LLC

Alaska Star Ventures has made a new investment that builds on Par Hawaii’s earlier support of Pono Pacific, which collaborated with the Hawaiʻi Agriculture Research Center to begin cultivating 50 non-GMO camelina varieties in 2023 to identify those best suited to Hawaiʻi’s year-round temperate climate.

The initial investment allowed Pono Pacific to conduct crop trials on four islands, in partnership with Aloun Farms, Mahi Pono and Meadow Gold Dairy. Pono Pacific identified suitable agricultural lands across the state and engaged Hawai‘i’s cattle and livestock industry to explore the use of camelina seedcake as animal feed.

As Pono Pacific advances the agricultural foundation for camelina, Par Hawaii, the state largest fuels manufacturer, is preparing to deliver SAF in the first quarter of 2026. Earlier this year, Par Pacific, parent company of Par Hawaii, formed Hawai‘i Renewables, and partnered with Alohi Renewable Energy, LLC, a joint venture between Mitsubishi Corporation and ENEOS Corporation, following a $100 million investment to convert and upgrade one of the refinery’s processing units into a renewable hydrotreater capable of processing plant-based and waste oils.

In 2022, when we formed an agreement with Hawaiian Airlines to jointly study the commercial viability of locally produced sustainable aviation fuels, we didn’t think we would be able to progress so quickly. With renewable fuel production coming online in early 2026, it’s exciting to see the results of our team’s hard work. These fuels will have up to 80 percent lower carbon emissions compared to conventional fuels. This would not have been possible without a shared vision for our islands and our great teamwork.”

President

Eric Wright, Par Hawaii

“We are thrilled to be the first customer to receive SAF from Par Hawaii next year,” added James.

“This is an important milestone for our company and Hawai’i, but there is still more work to do. While SAF is the best option to reduce aviation emissions, it is two to three times more expensive than regular jet fuel and supply is limited. We will need strong collaboration across airlines, fuel and feedstock producers, investors, including business partners seeking to offset their scope 3 emissions, and government, along with supportive policies, to grow the SAF industry and reach our decarbonization goals.”

Learn more about Alaska and Hawaiian's sustainability initiatives

About Alaska Air Group

About Par Hawaii
Par Hawaii is the state’s leading provider of transportation fuels. It is headquartered in Honolulu and is a wholly-owned subsidiary of Houston, Texas-based Par Pacific Holdings, Inc. [NYSE: PARR]. Par Hawaii owns the state’s only petroleum refinery in Kapolei, Oʻahu, and has invested $100 million to reconfigure one of the refinery’s processing units to produce renewable fuels from plant-based and waste oils. Par Hawaii’s statewide fuel distribution system includes pipelines on Oʻahu and storage facilities on all major neighbor islands. It markets gasoline, diesel, and biodiesel through its network of 76 and Hele retail stations throughout Hawaii, and operates the Hele convenience stores. Visit www.ParHawaii.com.

About Pono Pacific

Pono Pacific Land Management, LLC (Pono Pacific), is Hawai‘i’s largest private natural resource conservation company and works with state and federal agencies, nonprofit organizations, and education institutions to protect and restore sensitive ecosystems and indigenous species. Pono Pacific has supported the management of land and watersheds on O‘ahu, Kaua‘i, Moloka‘i, Lāna‘i and Maui, and has restored and managed a variety of ecosystems statewide. Pono has developed agricultural projects and supported energy feedstock projects throughout Hawai‘i. The company’s mission is rooted in the Hawaiian word “pono”—doing what is right and living with integrity. Its sister companies, Pono Island Capital and Poukihi, are the building blocks to sustain life and uplift Hawai‘i’s economy and community while restoring natural resources.

The ultimate traveler’s gift guide for Alaska Airlines and Hawaiian Airlines

December 11, 2025
Guest Experience Loyalty Sustainability
Alaska Airlines
33 min read

The holidays have arrived, and if you’re shopping for someone who loves to travel — or maybe treating yourself — Alaska Airlines and Hawaiian Airlines have you covered. From the gift of travel to surprising a loved one with an Alaska Lounge membership, here are some of the best picks to make any traveler’s holiday season merry and bright.

For everyone, from the globetrotter to the bucket list traveler

Know someone planning a bucket list trip to Tokyo, London or Rome? Atmos™ Rewards points make the perfect gift. They can redeem points for award travel to more than 1,000 destinations on Alaska, Hawaiian and 30-plus global airline partners, including oneworld member airlines, as well as book premium upgrades, hotel stays, car rentals and exclusive Atmos Rewards Unlocked experiences.

Gift Atmos points

For the traveler who loathes airport crowds

Give the gift of comfort with an Alaska Lounge membership — the present that keeps on giving. Members enjoy exceptional service and relaxation at all Alaska Lounge locations, plus the Plumeria Lounge in Honolulu. For global travelers, upgrade to Alaska Lounge+ for access to nearly 90 partner lounges worldwide.

Purchase an Alaska Lounge membership

For the traveler who goes with the flow

Gift certificates are the ultimate way to give memories and experiences that can’t be wrapped. Whether it’s a spontaneous getaway or a carefully planned trip, a flight gift certificate is always the right fit.

Purchase an Alaska Airlines gift certificate

Purchase a Hawaiian Airlines gift card

For the traveler who is so close to reaching status

Through the end of the year, Atmos Rewards members can earn 500 status points for every $100 contribution to sustainable aviation fuel (SAF), up to a maximum of 5,000 status points, which count toward status and milestone qualification. Make a contribution to our EverGreen Journey and turn it into a gift toward a loved one’s status.

Make a contribution to support SAF and earn status points

For the traveler with a giving heart

If your loved one cares deeply about giving back, you can donate Atmos Rewards points to their favorite charity partner or cause. It’s a meaningful way to support the vital work of nonprofits while celebrating the season of generosity.

Donate points to charities with Atmos Giving by Alaska Airlines

Donate points to charities with Atmos Giving by Hawaiian Airlines

Year-round gifting for travelers who are our biggest fans

Our company stores are filled with everything Alaska Airlines or Hawaiian Airlines’ most loyal guests could want.

Feeling festive? Cozy up in Alaska Airlines’ 2025 holiday sweater. Want to show off your airline pride on the go? Explore travel essentials such as luggage tags, bags and more. For everyday style, try an exclusive Hawaiian Airlines aloha shirt or a sleek Alaska Airlines jacket. Shopping for kids? Don’t miss our youth bomber jackets, aircraft-inspired backpacks and other fun gear designed just for them.

Disclaimer: For Alaska Airlines items, the last day to order for Christmas delivery is Dec. 15. Due to a high volume of orders, Hawaiian Airlines items are unable to arrive by Christmas; please expect a shipping delay.

The Alaska Airlines Company Store

The Hawaiian Airlines Logo Store

Neil Thwaites promoted to ‘Vice President of Global Sales & California Commercial Performance’ for Alaska Airlines and Hawaiian Airlines

December 11, 2025
Company
Alaska Airlines
19 min read

Summary



Neil Thwaites will be named vice president of global sales and California commercial performance for Alaska Airlines and Hawaiian Airlines.



With 15 years in the airline industry, Thwaites joined Alaska Airlines in 2022 as regional vice president of California.

Neil Thwaites will be promoted to vice president of global sales and California commercial performance at Alaska Airlines and Hawaiian Airlines. The newly created role is another step in Alaska’s strategic vision to connect guests to the world with a remarkable travel experience rooted in safety, care, and performance.

With a rapidly expanding global network, this is a transformational moment for our business, and I’m excited that Neil will be leading our sales team into our global era. This role positions us to accelerate our indirect sales strategy as we continue to grow with the network, premium products, and industry-leading loyalty program to win corporate and leisure guests across the West Coast and beyond.”

Andrew Harrison

Chief commercial officer and executive vice president, Alaska Airlines

The Alaska and Hawaiian network now spans more than 140 destinations, including 29 international markets throughout North America, Latin America, Asia and the Pacific – and Europe starting in 2026. Through the oneworld Alliance and our global partners, guests can access more than 1,000 destinations worldwide. Nonstop flights from Seattle to Rome, London and Reykjavik are on sale now for spring debuts, marking our first-ever European service. By 2030, Alaska plans at least 12 intercontinental destinations from Seattle global gateway, with plans for 17 widebody, long-haul Boeing 787 Dreamliner aircraft reimagined for a global travel experience. Four are already flying for us today, with a fifth recently delivered.

Growing our global team

Thwaites will lead the strategy and execution of all sales activities for the combined Alaska Airlines and Hawaiian Airlines team. His responsibilities include growing indirect revenue on Alaska’s expanding international and domestic network, as well as expanding Atmos for Business, a new program designed for small- and medium-sized companies.

Thwaites joined Alaska Airlines in January 2022 as regional vice president in California. Since stepping into the role, Thwaites has significantly sharpened the airline’s focus and scale in key markets and communities across the state, strengthening Alaska’s position as we continue to grow in California. He will continue to be based at the company’s California offices in Burlingame. The moves take effect Dec. 13, with Thwaites also continuing to lead his current California commercial planning and performance function in addition to Global Sales.

Prior to Alaska, Thwaites worked in multiple positions within the airline industry, including a decade holding roles in London, New York, and Los Angeles for British Airways (a fellow oneworld member); most recently as ‘VP, Sales – Western USA’, where he was responsible for market development strategy and indirect revenue for both British Airways and Iberia across the western U.S.

Thwaites is originally from the United Kingdom and graduated from the University of Brighton with a double honors degree in Business Administration & Law.

Connecting our guests to the world

As Alaska and Hawaiian move forward as one team with two beloved brands, we have taken big steps to deliver on our vision of connecting our guests to the world:

Global routes: With flights now available for booking at alaskaair.com, guests can purchase Alaska-operated flights to five intercontinental destinations in Europe and Asia from our expanding global gateway in Seattle:
- London Heathrow, United Kingdom: Daily, year-round flights beginning May 21, 2026
- Rome, Italy: Daily, summer seasonal flights beginning April 28, 2026
- Reykjavik, Iceland: Daily, summer seasonal flights beginning May 28, 2026
- Tokyo Narita, Japan: Daily, year-round flights that are now flying
- Seoul Incheon, South Korea: 5x weekly, year-round flights that are now flying.
- From Honolulu, we continue to serve Japan, Australia, New Zealand and the South Pacific under Hawaiian Airlines and are investing in a full interior modernization of our A330 widebody airplanes to match the exceptional service our teams deliver onboard.
Global fleet: Our new Boeing 787s aren’t just about going global – they’re about giving our guests the comfort, space, and amenities they’ve asked for on long-haul journeys. We’ll have a total of 17 Boeing 787 aircraft arriving in the next few years, with lie-flat suites designed for comfort.
Global livery: We created our first-ever global livery that will fly exclusively on Alaska-operated 787s out of Seattle. Inspired by the aurora borealis, it’s a nod to our roots and a signal of our future around the world.
Global partners: 30 global partners, including oneworld member airlines, guests can earn and redeem points for travel to over 1,000 worldwide destinations
Global loyalty program: Atmos™ Rewards, the #1 airline rewards program for the past 11 years, is designed to deliver more choice, more rewards and more global access than ever before to our members. Intercontinental flights earn big points: 1 point and 1 status point for each mile flown.
Global status and lie-flat upgrades: Atmos Titanium status holders will receive complimentary lie-flat upgrades on our intercontinental routes on the day of departure, beginning in spring 2026, subject to availability. We’re the only airline loyalty program to offer this upgrade type without requiring a certificate or points.
Global connectivity: Alaska is set to bring ultra-fast Wi-Fi to our 787-9 aircraft in fall 2026, thanks to T-Mobile and powered by Starlink. The service will be free for Atmos Rewards members.

About Alaska Air Group

Alaska Airlines, Hawaiian Airlines and Horizon Air are subsidiaries of Alaska Air Group, and McGee Air Services is a subsidiary of Alaska Airlines. We are a global airline with hubs in Seattle, Honolulu, Portland, Anchorage, Los Angeles, San Diego and San Francisco. We deliver remarkable care as we fly our guests to more than 140 destinations throughout North America, Latin America, Asia and the Pacific. We’ll serve Europe beginning in spring 2026. Guests can book travel at alaskaair.com and hawaiianairlines.com. Alaska is a member of oneworld, with Hawaiian scheduled to join the alliance in spring 2026. With oneworld and our additional global partners, guests can earn and redeem points for travel to over 1,000 worldwide destinations with Atmos™ Rewards. Learn more about what’s happening at Alaska and Hawaiian at news.alaskaair.com. Alaska Air Group is traded on the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE) as “ALK.”

New Year’s at the Needle Returns: The West Coast Window to the World

December 10, 2025
Community
Alaska Airlines
7 min read

Alaska Airlines returns as sponsor of the New Year’s Eve tradition, drone show, fireworks and lights delighting viewers across the globe

SEATTLE, Dec. 10, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — The Space Needle is proud to announce the return of New Year’s at the Needle; the premier New Year’s Eve show broadcast across four markets down the coast to viewers in Seattle, Spokane, Portland and San Diego. Alaska Airlines will return as the presenting sponsor of Seattle’s iconic pyrotechnic and light spectacular to welcome 2026. Viewers along the coast will tune in to watch hundreds of drones take to the sky, leading up to the largest structurally launched firework show in North America, broadcasting on KING 5 Seattle.

“We’re honored that New Year’s at the Needle has become a beloved tradition for viewers to celebrate together,” said Ron Sevart, Space Needle President & CEO. “Our continued partnership with Alaska Airlines supports this spectacular, one-of-a-kind show, inviting the world to get a glimpse of West Coast excellence as we ring in 2026.”

The 18-minute show will begin seven minutes before midnight, when 500 drones take to the sky next to the Space Needle. The formations will take viewers around the world, before landing back in the Pacific Northwest. A drone countdown leads into a thrilling pyrotechnic display as fireworks launch from the Space Needle at midnight. Partygoers at Seattle Center will watch the Space Needle come to life with impressive 10-minute light shows happening at 10:00 PM PT, 10:30 PM PT, 11:00 PM PT, and 11:30 PM PT.

“2025 has been a transformational year for Alaska, with Seattle as our global gateway and new connections from the West Coast to the world,” said Alaska Airlines CEO Ben Minicucci. “As Seattle’s hometown airline, we’re thrilled to return for New Year’s at the Needle, celebrating the new year with our loyal guests up and down the West Coast.” As the number one airline in Seattle with the most daily flights, Alaska offers over 100 nonstop destinations from Seattle, including flights to Tokyo and Seoul, with upcoming service to London, Reykjavik and Rome.

Seattle residents and visitors are encouraged to join us at Seattle Center for the best view of the show. Enjoy an impressive lineup of pre-show activities including live music from Blue Wave Band, a DJ and light show near the fountain and giveaways at Alaska Airlines’ pop-up booths at the Armory; there will also be a special treat for Atmos Rewards members and employees of Alaska Air Group. Then, watch the skies light up with a brilliant display of color with a front row seat at the International Fountain Lawn or the Fisher Pavilion rooftop. New Year’s Eve at the Center will keep energy high leading up to fireworks!

Join us from home or the party by tuning in to the live broadcast starting at 11:30 PM PT on KING 5 and KONG in Seattle, KGW 8 in Portland, KREM 2 in Spokane, and CW 8.2 in San Diego. Coverage will also stream on KING5+, KGW+, KREM2+, and CBS8+. Those watching the show in the surrounding area can tune in to a live simulcast of the soundtrack on HITS 106.1 in Seattle.

The Space Needle will offer extended hours December 31, 9:00 AM through 8:00 PM.

For event updates, visit spaceneedle.com/newyears.

Schedule of Events (all Pacific Time):

8:00 PM – Blue Wave Band performance begins
9:00 PM – Fountain of Light DJ & Light Show (International Fountain)
10:00 PM – Light-only pre-show (10-minute performance)
10:30 PM – Light-only pre-show (10-minute performance)
11:00 PM – Light-only pre-show (10-minute performance)
11:30 PM – Light-only pre-show (10-minute performance)
11:53 PM – Show begins
12:00 AM – Happy New Year!
12:09 AM – Show ends

About Space Needle
Built as the centerpiece and inspiration for the 1962 Seattle World’s Fair, the Space Needle has since become a part of the Seattle experience and the globally-recognized icon for the city. The Space Needle’s recent $100 million renovation added more than 176 tons of glass to the structure offering unparalleled views of Seattle and featuring The Loupe—the world’s first revolving glass floor. Open year round, the Space Needle hosts more than a million visitors per year. For more information visit: spaceneedle.com/press

About Alaska Air Group
Alaska Airlines, Hawaiian Airlines and Horizon Air are subsidiaries of Alaska Air Group, and McGee Air Services is a subsidiary of Alaska Airlines. We are a global airline with hubs in Seattle, Honolulu, Portland, Anchorage, Los Angeles, San Diego and San Francisco. We deliver remarkable care as we fly our guests to more than 140 destinations throughout North America, Latin America, Asia and the Pacific. We’ll serve Europe beginning in spring 2026. Guests can book travel at alaskaair.com and hawaiianairlines.com. Alaska is a member of the oneworld alliance, with Hawaiian scheduled to join oneworld in spring 2026. With oneworld and our additional global partners, guests can earn and redeem points for travel to over 1,000 worldwide destinations with Atmos Rewards. Learn more about what’s happening at Alaska and Hawaiian at news.alaskaair.com. Alaska Air Group is traded on the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE) as “ALK.”

About KING 5
KING 5 Media Group is a multi-platform media company based in Seattle, WA. It includes NBC affiliate KING 5, independent station KONG-TV and numerous digital platforms, including king5.com and KING 5+, a 24/7 streaming platform. KING 5 was the first television station in the Pacific Northwest, founded in 1948 by Dorothy Bullitt, now owned by TEGNA Inc. (NYSE: TGNA), an innovative media company that serves the greater good of its communities. Today KING 5 is the dominant media company in the region, delivering the largest local news audience and the most local programming across all screens. For more information, go to www.king5.com.

About Pyro Spectaculars
Pyro Spectaculars is a premier full-service pyrotechnic and drone company- the undisputed global standard in pyrotechnic entertainment. As a five-generation, family-owned and operated business, Pyro Spectaculars defines the industry standard, pioneering technologies like the SkyConcert™ and elevating pyrotechnics to an art form. Notably, Pyro Spectaculars helped initiate the tradition of New Year’s Eve fireworks on the Seattle Space Needle in the mid-1990s and has remained the Space Needle’s dedicated partner for “New Year’s at the Needle” ever since. For more information, visit: pyrospec.com.

About Illuminate Production Services Inc.
Headquartered in Northern California with warehouses in California and Florida, Illuminate is a nationwide full-service live event production company and dealer of professional production equipment. As a familyowned business, Illuminate builds team partnerships with clients. As a nationwide supplier of pro audio, video, lighting, staging, and creative content services, Illuminate is ready to serve… any project, any size, any location. For more information visit: IlluminateProduction.co

About Seattle Center
Seattle Center is the 74-acre cultural heart of the Pacific Northwest, home to 30+ arts, civic, and entertainment organizations—including Climate Pledge Arena, KEXP, MOPOP, Pacific Northwest Ballet, Seattle Opera, Pacific Science Center, and SIFF—alongside iconic attractions and year-round free and affordable events. A department of the City of Seattle and anchor of the Uptown Arts & Cultural District, Seattle Center also manages the City’s new Waterfront Park in partnership with Friends of Waterfront Seattle. In 2025, Seattle Center is projected to generate over $900M in visitor spending and more than $2B in regional economic impact, supported by its Official Partners: Alaska Airlines, The Climate Pledge, Coors Light, Pepsi, Symetra, T-Mobile, and WaFd Bank.

For more information, contact:

Amy Cunningham, Space Needle Public Relations Director media@spaceneedle.com
Cameron Greenberg, Alaska Air Group Communications Specialist newsroom@alaskaair.com

SOURCE Space Needle

Summary

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Kahuʻewai signifies fresh water bursting forth as a metaphor for vital resources. Much like water that flows and nurtures, the investments will deliver benefits across Hawaiian Airlines and communities in Hawai‘i today and for a long time to come.

They include:

Airports

Technology

Aircraft

Loyalty

Community impact

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Our commitment to Hawaiʻi and PVS

To learn more about the Moananuiākea Voyage and the Polynesian Voyaging Society, visit hokulea.com.

Watch Hawaii News Now’s reporting on the canoes’ Auckland arrival:

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For everyone, from the globetrotter to the bucket list traveler

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