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Hawai‘i’s First Full-Circle Commercial Pilot Development Program Expands Opportunities For Local Students

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Horizon Air, the regional airline subsidiary of Alaska Air Group, which includes Alaska Airlines and Hawaiian Airlines, is paving the way to the flight deck for aspiring pilots in Hawaiʻi – without needing to leave the islands for training. The program, the first of its kind in Hawaiʻi, provides pilots with a path to potentially join Horizon Air while easing the financial burden of training costs.

Local students are invited to apply and can obtain the necessary experience and flight ratings through flight schools in Hawai‘i at their own pace. Once selected, participants in the Horizon Air Pilot Development Program will receive a $12,500 flight training stipend, a conditional job offer at Horizon Air upon graduation and meeting hiring requirements, pilot mentorship and networking opportunities, exclusive access to company events, and personalized support throughout their training.

Horizon

A Horizon Air Embraer E-175 aircraft

 

More than 430 students nationwide are enrolled in Horizon Air’s Pilot Development Program. The airline employs nearly 3,500 people and operates a fleet of 44 Embraer E-175 jets. Headquartered in Seattle, Horizon serves more than 50 destinations on the West Coast and beyond. Horizon has crew bases in Anchorage, Alaska; Boise, Idaho; Everett, Seattle and Spokane, Washington; and Portland and Medford, Oregon.

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Carlos Zendejas, vice president of flight operations at Horizon Air, spoke to Pacific Flight Academy students about the carrier's Pilot Development Program and how it helps pave the way for aspiring pilots like them.

 

“We are very excited to provide pilots from Hawaiʻi not only an opportunity to join us at Horizon but also a path to eventually come home to Hawaiʻi to fly the rest of their careers,” said Carlos Zendejas, vice president of flight operations for Horizon Air. “Horizon’s seven pilot bases and the communities we serve in the Pacific Northwest and beyond offer students some incredible flying experiences while they build their time.”

Yesterday, employees from Horizon, Alaska and Hawaiian joined Hawaiʻi Lt. Governor Sylvia Luke, along with nearly 60 student pilots, at the Honolulu facility of Pacific Flight Academy, which was co-founded by Hawaiian Airlines Airbus A330 First Officer Babak “Bobby” Nikkhoo.

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Nikkhoo joined Ian Misaro, assistant system chief pilot of Hawaiian Airlines, in the pilot seats of one of Pacific Flight Academy's training aircraft.

 

“Being born and raised in Hawai‘i, it was always my goal to be able to serve my community here at home,” said Anais Rodriguez, a student pilot at Pacific Flight Academy. “This program is a game-changing opportunity – one that has never existed before – for aspiring pilots from across Hawai‘i to be able to train right here in the state and potentially advance into careers with a world-class airline.”

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From left to right: Hawaiian Airlines CEO Joe Sprague, Hawaiʻi Lt. Gov. Sylvia Luke, Hawaiian Airlines Airbus A330 First Officer and Pacific Flight Academy Co-Founder Babak "Bobby" Nikkhoo, and Horizon Air Vice President of Flight Operations Carlos Zendejas.

 

“The aviation sector plays a crucial role in keeping Hawai‘i’s residents and islands connected to the world,” said Lt. Governor Luke. “By training and retaining homegrown pilots, this program strengthens the future of air travel to and from our islands. Investing in local students through Horizon Air not only supports Hawai‘i’s economy but also empowers the next generation of pilots.”

Horizon Air anticipates a steady need for skilled pilots as the company grows to support the combined global network of Alaska and Hawaiian. Prospective local aviators can learn more and apply at careers.alaskaair.com/career-opportunities/pilots/pdp/.

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A Horizon Air Embraer E-175 aircraft

 

Hawai‘i’s first full-circle commercial pilot development program expands opportunities for local students

Summary

Horizon Air is paving the way to the flight deck for aspiring pilots in Hawaiʻi by providing a path to potentially join Horizon Air while easing the financial burden of training costs.

Hawaiʻi students are invited to apply and can obtain the necessary experience and flight ratings through flight schools in Hawai‘i at their own pace.

Horizon Air, the regional airline subsidiary of Alaska Air Group, which includes Alaska Airlines and Hawaiian Airlines, is paving the way to the flight deck for aspiring pilots in Hawaiʻi – without needing to leave the islands for training. The program, the first of its kind in Hawaiʻi, provides pilots with a path to potentially join Horizon Air while easing the financial burden of training costs.

Local students are invited to apply and can obtain the necessary experience and flight ratings through flight schools in Hawai‘i at their own pace. Once selected, participants in the Horizon Air Pilot Development Program will receive a $12,500 flight training stipend, a conditional job offer at Horizon Air upon graduation and meeting hiring requirements, pilot mentorship and networking opportunities, exclusive access to company events, and personalized support throughout their training.

More than 430 students nationwide are enrolled in Horizon Air’s Pilot Development Program. The airline employs nearly 3,500 people and operates a fleet of 44 Embraer E-175 jets. Headquartered in Seattle, Horizon serves more than 50 destinations on the West Coast and beyond. Horizon has crew bases in Anchorage, Alaska; Boise, Idaho; Everett, Seattle and Spokane, Washington; and Portland and Medford, Oregon.

We are very excited to provide pilots from Hawaiʻi not only an opportunity to join us at Horizon, but also a path to eventually come home to Hawaiʻi to fly the rest of their careers. Horizon’s seven pilot bases and the communities we serve in the Pacific Northwest and beyond offer students some incredible flying experiences while they build their time.”

– Carlos Zendejas

Vice President of Flight Operations for Horizon Air

Yesterday, employees from Horizon, Alaska and Hawaiian joined Hawaiʻi Lt. Governor Sylvia Luke, along with nearly 60 student pilots, at the Honolulu facility of Pacific Flight Academy, which was co-founded by Hawaiian Airlines Airbus A330 First Officer Babak “Bobby” Nikkhoo.

“Being born and raised in Hawai‘i, it was always my goal to be able to serve my community here at home. This program is a game-changing opportunity – one that has never existed before – for aspiring pilots from across Hawai‘i to be able to train right here in the state and potentially advance into careers with a world-class airline.”

Anais Rodriguez

Student Pilot at Pacific Flight Academy

The aviation sector plays a crucial role in keeping Hawai‘i’s residents and islands connected to the world. By training and retaining homegrown pilots, this program strengthens the future of air travel to and from our islands. Investing in local students through Horizon Air not only supports Hawai‘i’s economy but also empowers the next generation of pilots.”

– Lt. Governor Luke

Horizon Air anticipates a steady need for skilled pilots as the company grows to support the combined global network of Alaska and Hawaiian. Prospective local aviators can learn more and apply at www.careers.alaskaair.com/career-opportunities/pilots/pdp/.

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Meet Employees Learning and Celebrating the Hawaiian Language Alongside Their Keiki

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Mahina ʻŌlelo Hawaiʻi (Hawaiian Language Month), celebrated throughout February, is the hallmark of linguistic and cultural celebrations across the islands. For many, including our employees, it's a time to celebrate the strides made in their language-learning journeys — a path some have walked as parents of students attending Hawaiian language immersion schools.

Rise Tapati, a Hawaiian Airlines flight attendant and mother of two keiki (children), was born and raised on Oʻahu, and did not grow up speaking ʻōlelo Hawaiʻi. She began her studies in high school and worked her way up to the highest college course offered by the University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa at the time. However, for many years afterward, she stopped speaking the language.

“Unfortunately, I had no one to speak with, and for many years I went without conversation. You know what they say: if you don't use it, you lose it,” Tapati explained.

Rise

Tapati, pictured far right, is shown helping her son with a language exercise during a Mahina ʻŌlelo Hawaiʻi community event.

 

Fast-forward to today and Tapati, who considers herself a “conversational speaker,” has sharpened her language skills by speaking ʻōlelo Hawaiʻi at work and at home with her keiki — including her son, the first in her immediate family to attend a Hawaiian language immersion school.

While her son was at school, Tapati turned her everyday life into a classroom, sticking Post-It notes with the Hawaiian names of items throughout the house and pushing the family to use a new word whenever possible.

“If it could be labeled, it was! Simple substitutions of English words with Hawaiian words were encouraged, and slowly but surely, Hawaiian became common in our daily conversations,” she said. “Now, as my son gets older, he comes home from school and teaches us new words. Without him attending a Hawaiian language immersion school, we would never be able to do this.”

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Hawaiian Airlines employees who are parents to immersion school students often find helping their keiki with their studies also sharpens their own skills.

 

In keeping ʻōlelo Hawaiʻi alive and thriving, Tapati shared the importance of being vulnerable and using it whenever possible – including with youth and her Hawaiian Airlines colleagues.

“Sharing the language with our guests and my coworkers feels just as important as holding conversations with other Hawaiian speakers. I’m often asked how to properly say place names or how to say certain phrases in Hawaiian, and it feels good to be able to confidently answer and teach someone something new! It’s an honor for me to share the native tongue of our land with others,” Tapati said.

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Koehler's daughter is a Hawaiian language school immersion student, where classes are taught entirely in ʻōlelo Hawaiʻi.

Jerome Koehler, an IT platform engineer at Hawaiian Airlines, has also deepened his use of Hawaiʻi’s native tongue by speaking with his young daughter — another immersion school student — and reading her Hawaiian storybooks before bed.

Since Koehler moved to Hawaiʻi from Texas in 2002, he hasn’t stopped carrying the wisdom of a friend. “Before I moved here, one of my good friends, originally from American Samoa, gave me some great advice: ‘Wherever you go, learn and respect the language and the culture of the people.’” Koehler shared. “This was my initial guiding beacon when I first came to Hawaiʻi and it continues to drive me whenever I visit new places.”

He has gone above and beyond to integrate ʻōlelo Hawaiʻi into his experience in Hawaiʻi. Through his daughter’s school, he and his wife have regularly connected with other speakers throughout the islands and forged lifelong bonds. He also attends events and language workshops hosted by Hawaiian Airlines’ Community and Cultural Relations Team, volunteers in the community, tries to use the language at work whenever possible and supports his daughter and wife’s hālau hula (hula school).

“As I become more proficient, I try to include more Hawaiian words in my emails. It helps others learn too when they have to go to a resource like wehewehe.org to look up the meaning of certain words I used,” he explained. “All in all, I hope that others see me — someone who is non-native and attempting to learn the language — and get excited and more involved.”

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Koehler supports his wife and daughter in their love and practice of hula.

 

Hawaiian Airlines is proud to perpetuate ʻōlelo Hawaiʻi through its support of Hawaiian language immersion schools throughout the state. Earlier this month, West Maui’s Pūnana Leo o Lahaina, a Hawaiian language immersion preschool impacted by the Lahaina wildfires, received a $50,000 donation from the Hawaiian Airlines Foundation to support rebuilding efforts, ensuring the continuation of its mission to perpetuate Hawaiian culture and language among the island’s youngest learners.

In 2023, the carrier also contributed over $12,000 to nonprofit Awaiaulu to fund a significant book donation to 34 Hawaiian language immersion schools throughout Hawaiʻi.

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In February 2023, employees gathered in a pop-up Mahina ʻŌlelo Hawaiʻi room at Hawaiian's headquarters for a group reading of the donated book, “Ke Kumu Aupuni: The Foundation of Hawaiian Nationhood."

 

Alaska and Hawaiian Airlines Unite for a Festive Lunar New Year Celebration in San Francisco

For the first time, Hawaiian Airlines employees joined Alaska Airlines in the San Francisco Chinese New Year Parade, where thousands gathered to watch the festivities.

Alaska and Hawaiian Airlines Unite for a Festive Lunar New Year Celebration in San Francisco 

Summary

From Seattle to San Francisco, we welcomed the Year of the Snake with vibrant celebrations that united our employees and communities in joy and tradition

The San Francisco Chinese New Year Parade sees over 1 million spectators each year and is the largest of its kind outside of Asia

As the vibrant parade marched through the streets of San Francisco, the air filled with the rhythmic sounds of gongs and the cheers of onlookers, Grace felt an overwhelming sense of pride. As a Hawaiian Airlines flight attendant, she was honored to represent not just Hawaiian but also Alaska Airlines.

“The most memorable part of the experience was the excitement and unity among everyone representing Alaska and Hawaiian. Even though we are two groups coming together in a unique way, there was a natural ease—an energy that flowed organically. Everyone interacted in a genuine way, making it feel effortless to represent both brands as one.”

– Grace

Flight Attendant, Hawaiian Airlines

Together, for the first time, Hawaiian Airlines employees joined Alaska Airlines for the San Francisco Chinese New Year Parade & Festival—where thousands of spectators gathered to watch the dazzling parade. The crowd looked on in awe as the Dance Team performed choreographed routines alongside the company’s striking red and gold snake float.

As the parade’s title sponsor, Alaska Airlines is honored to celebrate not only the Year of the Snake in the Chinese zodiac, but also its significance in the Vietnamese and Korean New Year traditions—embracing all the communities touched by this holiday. 

Photos by Joe Nicholson, Alaska Airlines

“I am half Taiwanese and as a kid my mom always made sure we celebrated Chinese New Year. It was so important to her that we were able to take part and understand our culture. We would sit and make dumplings, prepare noodles, fish, and pass out hongbao (red envelopes). As my mother got older it became my responsibility, as the eldest daughter, to take over those traditions and I am proud to pass those traditions on to my son. It was so incredible to get to participate in the Lunar New Year festivities and to be surrounded by so many people who wanted to celebrate and honor our Asian traditions.”

– Mary

Accounts Payable Supervisor, Alaska Airlines

Alaska Records Analyst MyHoa, who celebrates Tết from the first day of the first month of the Vietnamese lunar calendar until at least the third day and has volunteered in the parade’s festivities before, said each year is just as exciting as the last.

“Everyone was waving, cheering, and dancing when our float passed by,” MyHoa said. “Family gatherings mean a lot to me on Lunar New Year. It’s important for me to be part of Alaska Air Group’s Lunar New Year festivities so I can show our community how much our Alaska family cares.”

“The camaraderie of all our fellow coworkers participating was so fun. Whether you were walking, part of the dance team, or riding the float, it felt so amazing to be part of this experience,” Mary said. “The San Francisco community was electric and the turnout was HUGE! As we walked and waved at the crowd, they would yell to us ‘We love Alaska Airlines’ or ‘Thank you all for being here!’ You could tell that the community really appreciated us hosting the event and taking pride in the community.”

San Francisco’s weekend festivities weren’t the only way we came together to embrace the new year. Members of our Air Group Pan Asians (AGPA) business resource group kicked off the celebrations with a mesmerizing Lion Dance performance at our Seattle headquarters, bringing the same energy and joy to employees.

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hero-ANC

California’s Public Affairs team hosted a thoughtful brunch in San Francisco’s Chinatown, bringing together community leaders from the local Asian American and Pacific Islander community. The team surprised organizations — Very Asian, Chinese Culture Center of San Francisco and Asians Are Strong — with 200k miles to further their missions. Led by Managing Director David Tucker and Public Affairs Senior Manager J’Keren Sears, the team also welcomed filmmaker Sean Wang as a special guest to explore the cultural and generational themes behind his film “Didi.”

Photo by Riley Dabin, Hawaiian Airlines

As Alaska Airlines and Hawaiian Airlines continue to come together, events like these highlight the deep connections we share in culture, tradition and community. With the Year of the Snake symbolizing strength and prosperity, we look forward to an exciting year ahead—united in our commitment to uplifting the communities we serve.

“I have only been with Alaska for a little over a year and was honored to have the opportunity to take part in the Chinese New Year Parade. Having our Hawaiian Airlines family there made it so special, and I truly loved the chance to get to know some of our new family. I can’t wait until next year,” said Mary.

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About Alaska Air Group

Alaska Airlines, Hawaiian Airlines and Horizon Air are subsidiaries of Alaska Air Group, with McGee Air Services a subsidiary of Alaska Airlines. 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. Alaska is a member of the oneworld Alliance with Hawaiian scheduled to join in 2026. With oneworld and our additional global partners, guests can earn and redeem miles for travel to over 1,000 worldwide destinations. Guests can book travel at alaskaair.com and hawaiianairlines.com. Learn more about what’s happening at Alaska and Hawaiian. Alaska Air Group is traded on the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE) as “ALK.”

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Experience more with Alaska Mileage Plan™ Unlocked

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Summary

Gain access to unique and exclusive events – like food & wine, sporting events, music, entertainment, and travel – with our new program: Mileage Plan™ Unlocked. The only way to gain entry is through miles.

HawaiianMiles members: To redeem a Mileage Plan™ Unlocked experience, make sure you transfer your HawaiianMiles to Mileage Plan miles.

Beginning today, Mileage Plan™ members can use their miles to access a curated collection of unique and exclusive events with our new program: Mileage Plan™ Unlocked. Experiences include passes to Coachella and Stagecoach, exclusive access to Alaska Airlines suites at sporting events and concerts, getaways to places like Alaska and Guatemala, and dinner at renowned restaurant Church Vineyards in Napa, Calif. – with miles being the only way to gain entry. Mileage Plan™ Unlocked will also feature exclusive events with Seattle’s renowned chef Renee Erickson in partnership with ForeverOut, a new Pacific Northwest initiative from EverOut, the go-to going-out guide for Seattle and Portland.

Mileage Plan™ members can participate in auctions for premium events, while other experiences will be available to purchase with miles outright. With opportunities spanning food and wine, sporting events, music, entertainment, and travel, starting as low as 10,000 miles, there’s an opportunity for everyone to find something that suits their interests! Check out the experiences here and keep an eye out as more events and experiences will be added.

Experience more with Alaska Mileage Plan

This news comes on the heels of additional Mileage Plan™ program enhancements, including benefits like the ability to redeem Mileage Plan™ miles on Hawaiian Airlines-operated flights, select benefits for Mileage Plan™ elites when flying on Hawaiian Airlines, and the ability to earn miles across both programs.

And in October 2024, we announced members could choose new perks at certain milestone moments, such as bonus miles, lounge access and more. One of the perks available in the Mileage Plan™ program includes a discount code for an Mileage Plan™ Unlocked experience (for example – 75,000 miles off an Mileage Plan™ Unlocked experience when you hit the MVP Gold 100K milestone level).

HawaiianMiles members wanting to participate in Mileage Plan™ Unlocked experiences can transfer their HawaiianMiles to Mileage Plan™ miles, then redeem for an Mileage Plan™ Unlocked experience. Click here to learn how.

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Hawaiian Airlines Foundation Awards $150,000 to Maui Organizations

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HONOLULU – The Hawaiian Airlines Foundation has awarded $150,000 in grants to three Maui organizations leading the recovery efforts following the devastating August 2023 Maui wildfires. Now part of the Alaska Air Group, the Foundation was established to support Hawai‘i programs that promote environmental sustainability, educational advancement and the preservation of Hawaiian culture. Both Hawaiian Airlines and Alaska Airlines share a long history of supporting nonprofits and programs that are important to local communities in Hawai‘i. 

The grants were awarded yesterday evening during a reception ceremony hosted by Alaska Airlines and Hawaiian Airlines at The Ritz-Carlton Maui, Kapalua. Each nonprofit organization received $50,000 to further their impactful work. 
 

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Ben Minicucci, CEO of Alaska Air Group, give remarks during a reception ceremony hosted by Alaska Airlines and Hawaiian Airlines at The Ritz-Carlton Maui, Kapalua

During his remarks to attendees, Ben Minicucci, CEO of Alaska Air Group, highlighted each carriers’ continued support of Hawai‘i’s communities, “Even though Alaska has served Hawai‘i for more than 17 years, we know that our responsibility to these islands will be much greater in the years ahead as we join with Hawaiian Airlines, which has been Hawai‘i’s airline for the past 95 years and counting. We feel this deeply and appreciate input from the community, and from all of you, to help us serve the people of Hawai‘i well for generations to come.” 

The three recipients of the Hawaiian Airlines Foundation grants include: 

Pūnana Leo o Lahaina, a Hawaiian language immersion preschool established in 2016, is dedicated to revitalizing the Hawaiian language and serves as a model for language preservation in West Maui. The school was destroyed in the wildfires, and the grant will support its rebuilding efforts, ensuring the continuation of its mission to perpetuate Hawaiian culture and language among the island’s youngest learners. 
 
“We would like to express our sincere gratitude to Hawaiian Airlines and Alaska Airlines for their continued support and aloha as we rebuild the Pūnana Leo o Lahaina, focusing on our foundation of ʻŌlelo Hawaiʻi and aloha ʻohana,” said Kumu Karyn Kanekoa of Pūnana Leo o Lahaina. “Aloha ʻohana is a vital and cherished aspect of Hawaiian culture. The overall success of ʻohana and community rests on the responsibility of its members. Therefore, we extend our heartfelt mahalo to Hawaiian and Alaska for embracing this responsibility. E Ola Ka ʻŌlelo Hawaiʻi!” 

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L-R: Joe Sprague, CEO of Hawaiian Airlines; Kumu Karyn Kanekoa and Kumu Charmane Yamada of Pūnana Leo o Lahaina; and Ben Minicucci, CEO of Alaska Air Group

Lahaina Public Library, a cornerstone of the community since its opening on March 4, 1956, was tragically lost in the wildfires. Built on Moku‘ula, the former royal taro patch of King Kamehameha III, the 4,540-square-foot library housed approximately 21,000 volumes and served as a vital hub for reading, technology access, and community programs. The grant will assist in establishing a temporary location, slated to open by Summer 2025, providing necessary furniture, technology, and materials to restore a sense of normalcy and healing for the West Maui community. 
 
“Public libraries are community hubs that bring people together to read, learn and connect. They are comfortable living rooms of the community where people find new stories, use technology and find spaces to dream,” said Stacey Aldrich, State Librarian of the Hawai‘i State Public Library System. “We are very grateful to the Hawaiian Airlines Foundation for supporting our future Lahaina Public Library space where our friends and neighbors will be able to connect and heal.” 

Treecovery Hawai‘i has been instrumental in addressing the environmental impact of the wildfires, which destroyed over 20,000 trees in Lahaina and Kula. The organization is committed to growing and planting trees free of charge for affected families and businesses. The grant will support their ongoing efforts to care for surviving trees, as well as the cultivation, maintenance, transportation, and replanting of new trees for future generations. Treecovery Hawai‘i is collaborating with Hua Momona Farms as a growing site and partnering with the Hua Momona Foundation to provide food to those facing food insecurity on Maui and to educate the island’s youth on agricultural opportunities. 
 
“We at Treecovery are honored to be in the wa‘a with Hawaiian Airlines and Alaska Airlines,” said Duane Sparkman, Founder and President of Treecovery Hawai‘i. “As we navigate the long journey ahead in the replanting of Lahaina and Kula, we know that we’ll have a tremendous partnership for years to come.” 
 
In conjunction with the grant presentations, members from Alaska Airlines and Hawaiian Airlines’ leadership teams participated in a volunteer activity with Treecovery Hawai‘i, where they planted and potted 100 trees at Hua Momona Farms, demonstrating both airlines’ commitment to environmental stewardship and community support. 
 

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Volunteers from Alaska Airlines and Hawaiian Airlines planted and potted 100 trees at Hua Momona Farms

Alaska Airlines and Hawaiian Airlines provided critical relief efforts in the days, weeks and months following the Lahaina wildfires. 

In the first 72 hours after the West Maui wildfires, Hawaiian prioritized the evacuation of displaced residents and visitors, transported first responders, operated hundreds of flights and carried more than 17,000 people out of Kahului Airport. During that first week, Hawaiian also flew more than 54,000 pounds of essential supplies into Kahului (OGG), including life-saving blood, medical supplies, communications equipment, animal kennels and more. 

Likewise, Alaska Airlines transported over 220,000 pounds of relief supplies and contributed $150,000 to the Council for Native Hawaiian Advancement’s Kāko‘o Maui Fund. Additionally, together with Alaska employees and guests, the airline donated over 32 million miles to provide travel support for over 650 impacted Maui residents as they began the rebuilding process. Last year, Alaska launched its Maui Care Flights program, which provides over 3,000 roundtrip tickets for individuals and families on Maui to take a trip and decompress from the mental toll of recovery. 

About Alaska Air Group

Alaska Airlines, Hawaiian Airlines and Horizon Air are subsidiaries of Alaska Air Group, with McGee Air Services a subsidiary of Alaska Airlines. 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. Alaska is a member of the oneworld Alliance with Hawaiian scheduled to join in 2026. With oneworld and our additional global partners, guests can earn and redeem miles for travel to over 1,000 worldwide destinations. Guests can book travel at alaskaair.com and hawaiianairlines.com. Learn more about what’s happening at Alaska and Hawaiian. Alaska Air Group is traded on the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE) as “ALK.”

Unlocking Shared Loyalty Benefits: Enjoy Status Match, Oneworld® Access, Reciprocal Earn and More

Hawaiian and Alaska Airlines are excited to offer their loyalty program members even more benefits as the combined company takes the first step towards a single loyalty program that will continue to deliver the most generous benefits in the industry. Starting today, members can now access the following new perks:

  • Status match between HawaiianMiles and Alaska’s Mileage Plan
  • Earn HawaiianMiles on Alaska flights and Mileage Plan miles on Hawaiian flights
  • Redeem Mileage Plan miles on Hawaiian Airlines-operated flights

Experience more with status match  

Members of HawaiianMiles and Alaska’s Mileage Plan can now link their accounts to match their status across both programs, allowing them to enjoy elite benefits when traveling on either airline. Additionally, guests who earned elite-qualifying miles (EQMs) in both HawaiianMiles and Mileage Plan in 2024 will be awarded the highest possible status based on their combined EQM balance. HawaiianMiles members who have already transferred miles between HawaiianMiles and Mileage plan are already linked.   

Access to oneworld® benefits

HawaiianMiles elites who have a linked Mileage Plan account will enjoy Mileage Plan elite benefits when they fly on Alaska and will receive the benefits of oneworld® status when flying on oneworld® partners using their Mileage Plan number in their reservation.

HawaiianMiles elite members who status match with Mileage Plan and use their Mileage Plan number when flying a oneworld® partner like American Airlines, Japan Airlines, Qantas and more will receive a variety of privileges, including priority check-in, access to international first and business class lounges (depending on tier), preferred boarding, fast track through security, baggage benefits and more.   

Important: HawaiianMiles members who don’t currently have an Alaska Mileage Plan account must create one and link their current HawaiianMiles account to receive these exciting new benefits. 

Members who have HawaiianMiles status only will be matched to the following status:  

If you have:  

Mileage Plan status received:  

oneworld® Alliance status received:  

HawaiianMiles Pualani Gold  

Alaska Mileage Plan MVP   

oneworld® Ruby  

HawaiianMiles Pualani Platinum  

Alaska Mileage Plan MVP Gold   

oneworld® Sapphire  

Members with Alaska Mileage Plan and HawaiianMiles elite-qualifying miles will be matched to the following status:

If your combined EQM balance reaches:   Alaska Mileage Plan status received:   oneworld® Alliance status received:  
20,000 EQMs   MVP   oneworld® Ruby  
40,000 EQMs   MVP Gold   oneworld® Sapphire  
75,000 EQMs   MVP Gold 75k   oneworld® Emerald  
100,000 EQMs   MVP Gold 100k   oneworld® Emerald  

Need a refresher on the elite benefits for these programs? Click the links below.

Mileage Plan benefits
HawaiianMiles benefits
oneworld® benefits  

Ability to earn miles across both programs 

Guests can now earn miles towards their respective loyalty programs – either HawaiianMiles or Mileage Plan – whether they’re flying Hawaiian or Alaska, provided that their frequent flyer number is entered into the reservation. These miles also count toward elite status in both programs. 

Coming Soon: Enjoy your cardholder bag benefits on Alaska Airlines
Beginning later this Spring, Hawaiian Airlines World Elite Mastercard® card members will receive two free checked bags when using their card to book Alaska Airlines-operated flights. Terms apply. 

Redeem awards that include both Alaska and Hawaiian flights via Mileage Plan 

Mileage Plan members can redeem miles on both Alaska and Hawaiian in all classes of service (subject to availability) for even greater flexibility and value. HawaiianMiles members can take advantage of redeeming awards that include both Alaska and Hawaiian flights by transferring their HawaiianMiles to Mileage Plan.   

What to do next?

  1. Link your accounts, and if applicable, receive a status match on Alaska.
  2. Use your Mileage Plan number on any Alaska or oneworld® flight to maximize your benefits.
  3. Flying between Neighbor Islands? Continue using your HawaiianMiles number to receive the exclusive benefits of our new Huaka’i by Hawaiian program. Not a member? Join today here.

And this is just the beginning. We remain committed to offering both Alaska and Hawaiian guests more benefits and value as we work towards our single loyalty program. Stay tuned for more updates!

 

*oneworld® benefits will be available on Hawaiian Airlines once the carrier becomes a member in 2026, following the adoption of a single passenger system with Alaska Airlines.   

**First come, first served based on availability. Main cabin basic not eligible. 

Unlocking our shared loyalty benefits on Alaska Airlines and Hawaiian Airlines

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Summary

Status match is now available between Alaska’s Mileage Plan and HawaiianMiles.

Members can redeem Alaska Mileage Plan miles on Hawaiian Airlines-operated flights.

Mileage Plan elites can now also get select benefits when flying on Hawaiian Airlines.

How are we rewarding our members with even more benefits? Let us count the ways … we’re now offering status match between Alaska’s Mileage Plan and Hawaiian’s HawaiianMiles, the ability to redeem Mileage Plan miles on Hawaiian Airlines-operated flights, select benefits for Mileage Plan elites when flying on Hawaiian Airlines, and the ability to earn miles across both programs.

These benefits are the first step in our upcoming single combined loyalty program that will continue to deliver the most generous benefits in the industry.

Experience more with Status Match

HawaiianMiles members can link their HawaiianMiles and Mileage Plan accounts together to have their status matched, allowing them to enjoy elite benefits when traveling on either airline.

And, if those guests earned elite-qualifying miles (EQMs) in both Mileage Plan and HawaiianMiles in 2024, they’ll be awarded the highest possible status based on their combined EQM balance. Even non-elite members can benefit from linking their accounts – if they have elite qualifying miles in both programs, their combined balance could qualify them to become elite.

Importantly, if a guest only has an Alaska Mileage Plan account, there is no need to sign up for a HawaiianMiles account – they can receive benefits by using their Mileage Plan number when flying on Hawaiian Airlines-operated flights (see below).

After status matching, in addition to enjoying Mileage Plan elite benefits when flying Alaska and using their Mileage Plan number, HawaiianMiles elites will also be able to enjoy the benefits of oneworld® status when using their Mileage Plan number and flying on oneworld® partners.

oneworld® status unlocks access to a variety of privileges, including priority check-in, access to international first and business class lounges (depending on tier), preferred boarding, fast track through security, baggage benefits and more. With flights on global partners like American Airlines, Japan Airlines, and Qantas, all of which fly from the Hawaiian Islands, HawaiianMiles elite members will have access to even more benefits around the world.

Note, Hawaiian Airlines intends to join the oneworld® alliance in 2026, in conjunction with Alaska Airlines and Hawaiian Airlines reaching a single passenger service system. oneworld® benefits do not apply when flying on Hawaiian Airlines.

If you currently have HawaiianMiles Status only, here is what you will be matched to:

If you have elite-qualifying miles with Alaska Mileage Plan and HawaiianMiles, here is what you could be matched to:

Need a refresher on the elite benefits for these programs? 

Click the links below.

Mileage Plan benefits
HawaiianMiles benefits
oneworld® benefits

Alaska Mileage Plan elite benefits while flying Hawaiian Airlines

Mileage Plan elites also now have access to select benefits when flying on Hawaiian Airlines-operated flights, including priority check-in, priority boarding, complimentary baggage, complimentary preferred seats at booking, and access to Extra Comfort seats at check in*- no status matching required. Simply use your Mileage Plan number when traveling on a Hawaiian Airlines flight.

*First come, first served based on availability. Main cabin basic not eligible.

Redeem Mileage Plan miles on Alaska, Hawaiian, oneworld® and Alaska global partners

Not only can guests use their Mileage Plan number to earn miles on Alaska and Hawaiian Airlines, but they can also now redeem those miles on both Alaska and Hawaiian in all classes of service (subject to availability, and restrictions apply), providing guests greater flexibility and value. The sky is the limit, whether you’re booking lie-flat business class on our new Seattle to Tokyo route, a lie-flat first class seat from Seattle to Honolulu or a main cabin neighbor island flight from Maui to Kona.

Visit alaskaair.com to redeem Mileage Plan miles for Hawaiian flights. HawaiianMiles members who want to redeem awards that include both Alaska and Hawaiian flights can transfer their HawaiianMiles to Mileage Plan miles, then redeem via alaskaair.com.

Reciprocal Earn

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Guests can now earn miles towards their respective loyalty programs – either Mileage Plan or HawaiianMiles – whether they’re flying Alaska or Hawaiian, provided that their frequent flyer number is entered into the reservation.

These miles also count toward elite status and toward the new milestones introduced this year within Mileage Plan.

Coming soon: Enjoy your cardholder bag benefits on Hawaiian Airlines

Beginning later this spring, Alaska Airlines Visa Signature® and Alaska Airlines Visa® Business cardholders will receive one free checked bag for themselves and up to six guests on the same reservation when using their card to book Hawaiian Airlines-operated flights.*

Visit our Free Bag FAQ to learn more.

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

What to do next?

HawaiianMiles members:

Link your accounts and, if eligible, receive a status match on Alaska.

Mileage Plan members:

Use your Mileage Plan number on your next Hawaiian Airlines-operated flight to earn elite-qualifying Mileage Plan miles and to receive select elite benefits.

All members:

Use your Mileage Plan miles to book your next flight operated by Hawaiian Airlines or awards that include both Alaska and Hawaiian flights on alaskaair.com.

And this is just the beginning. We remain committed to offering both Alaska and Hawaiian guests more benefits and value as we work towards our single loyalty program later this year. Stay tuned for more updates!

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HBCU Weekend with the Portland Trail Blazers is back, this year featuring Howard University

Summary

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Presented by Alaska Airlines, HU Showtime Marching Band to Perform Throughout the Portland Community and at Halftime on February 22 vs. Charlotte

PORTLAND, Ore. (February 10, 2025) – The Portland Trail Blazers and Alaska Airlines are once again teaming up to transform this year’s HBCU (Historically Black Colleges and Universities) to the Pros Night into a celebration of the HBCU experience across the Portland community. Members of the Howard University Showtime Marching Band and Auxiliary Units will fly to Portland, courtesy of Alaska Airlines, for a weekend of community interaction, celebration, and education. The highlight of the weekend will be the annual HBCU to the Pros game on February 22 when the Trail Blazers take on the Charlotte Hornets.

In alignment with the NBA, the Trail Blazers prioritize highlighting the traditions and impact of HBCUs and the contributions of Black leaders who belong to historically Black fraternities and sororities and alumni of Historically Black Colleges and Universities. HBCUs have served as cultural and intellectual hubs, fostering a sense of identity, pride, and leadership development. They have contributed significantly to Black culture, literature, arts, and sciences and we are excited to showcase those contributions to Rip City throughout the weekend. As the NBA team the farthest from an HBCU, bringing the HBCU experience to Portland invites the local community, specifically Black youth, to get a taste of the rich history, traditions, and culture that HBCU’s embody.

HBCUs play an important role in Alaska’s commitment to contributing in a meaningful way to the communities it serves. Driven by the belief that education has the power to transform the lives of young people, Alaska supports programs like United Negro College Fund (UNCF), the nation’s largest and most effective minority education organization. To date, the airline partnered with UNCF to launch a special aircraft livery to symbolize a joint commitment to creating opportunities in education, and established UNCF as a CARE Miles partner, which allows Alaska Airlines Mileage Plan members to donate their miles to students flying out for college tours or flying home to be with their families on summer and holiday breaks. As part of the aircraft’s mission, Alaska has also supported several college tours and career and leadership development events. This spring, Alaska will support Portland area students from UNCF and the Portland Opportunities Industrialization Center as they go on HBCU tours.

“Howard University and the “Showtime” Marching Band are thrilled to take the national stage at the Portland Trail Blazers’ HBCU to the Pros Night.,” said Denise Saunders Thompson, Assistant Dean for Administration, Howard University College of Fine Arts. “We are excited to bring our dynamic energy, powerful stereophonic sound, and unmatched showmanship to the Pacific Northwest. As cultural ambassadors of Howard University, this moment is more than just a performance—it’s an opportunity to share our legacy of excellence while embodying our institution’s core values of “truth and service.” We believe this opportunity will strengthen the connection between our historic university and the vibrant Portland community. Under the direction of Chancellor Mills, the Showtime Band promises an exhilarating performance that will leave a lasting impression. Get ready, Portland—we’re coming to show up and show out!”

“We’re thrilled to once again partner with Alaska Airlines to bring a taste of the HBCU experience to the Pacific Northwest with the Howard University Showtime Band,” said Michelle Jalali, Senior Director of DEI, Portland Trail Blazers. “Bringing the culture and traditions of Historically Black Colleges and Universities to Portland is a meaningful way to inspire and inform our Black and brown youth on the tremendous opportunities that these schools offer, helping to strengthen the pipeline of young people attending and graduating from HBCUs. We look forward to a weekend of celebration, education, and show-stopping entertainment.”

“Our commitment to Portland runs deep – from our investment in the local community to offering the most flights to the most destinations from PDX,” said Megan Ouellette, vice president, public and government affairs at Alaska Airlines. “I know I join our more than 2600 Portland employees in anticipation as we partner with the iconic Trail Blazers and Howard University to bring the excitement of an HBCU to Portland.”

On Friday, February 21 the Trail Blazers and Alaska Airlines will host a community event at Portland Community College Cascade Gym (600 N Killingsworth St., Portland OR, 97217) beginning at 4 p.m. The event will be open to the public and feature performances from local dance and music groups, tabling from community groups, and the HU Showtime Marching Band’s first performance in Portland. On Saturday, February 22, both organizations will put on a private pregame mixer for local youth featuring a college and career exploration event made up of current professionals who are HBCU alumni and members of fraternities and sororities of the Divine 9. The weekend will close out on Sunday with another special community event featuring another show stopping performance from HU Showtime Marching Band.

Fans will have multiple opportunities to enjoy the incredible experience of the HU Showtime Marching Band throughout the game night. Prior to tip, catch the band participating in Blaze’s Pregame Parade presented by Polar Beverages throughout the 100 and 300 Level concourses. At halftime, stay in your seats for an epic halftime performance with the band taking over the Moda Center court with the sounds and choreography that make HBCU marching bands iconic. In addition to the band, the BlazerDancers will be joined by special guest dancers for a performance out on the court during a break in the game action.

In addition to the performances, the HBCU experience will be felt throughout Moda Center on February 22. Every attendee will receive a booklet upon entering the arena highlighting the night’s activations and entertainment. Back by popular demand, DJ Drae Slapz, an international DJ and artist, and member of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc., will be mixing tunes and providing the vibes as fans venture through the concourse. Throughout the night, special videos will play throughout the arena featuring the Local Portland NPHC Chapter and HBCU Alumni. Also, check out Black History posters highlighting HBCU alumni and D9 members who have made significant cultural impact.

Stay tuned for more details on activations throughout the night and weekend.

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Hawaiian Airlines Celebrating Huakaʻi by Hawaiian Members with 10 Million Miles Sweepstakes

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HONOLULU – Hawaiian Airlines is giving away 10 million HawaiianMiles – the company’s biggest sweepstakes ever – to celebrate the launch of Huakaʻi by Hawaiian, its new travel program offering exclusive benefits for Hawaiʻi residents. Hawaiʻi’s airline will award 30 Huakaʻi by Hawaiian members with 365,000 HawaiianMiles, the equivalent of approximately nine roundtrip flights between Hawaiʻi and Las Vegas, or 48 one-way flights between the Neighbor Islands. 

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Award miles never expire and can be redeemed anywhere Hawaiian and Alaska Airlines fly. HawaiianMiles members can create an Alaska Airlines Mileage Plan account to seamlessly transfer miles and redeem them on a broader network of flights. 

The more than 150,000 existing Huakaʻi members are automatically entered in the sweepstakes. For a chance to win, Hawaiʻi residents must become a Huakaʻi member by Feb. 16. Kamaʻāina (Hawaiʻi residents) can sign up at www.HawaiianAirlines.com/Huakai.*

“As Hawaiʻi’s trusted airline, we are privileged to welcome onboard thousands of kamaʻāina guests each day, from early risers commuting to work on our Neighbor Island morning departures to families exploring the exciting destinations across our network. Huakaʻi by Hawaiian, and our 10 Million Miles Sweepstakes, is our way to mahalo our residents for their loyalty,” said Kanani Kealoha-Faleafine, principal of loyalty recognition at Hawaiian Airlines. 

Huakaʻi by Hawaiian members enjoy a free checked bag – inclusive of surfboards, golf bags and other sports equipment – on Neighbor Island flights, 10 or 20% off one Neighbor Island booking per quarter and monthly network-wide deals.

*NO PURCHASE NECESSARY. Open to legal U.S. residents of Hawai'i who are 18 years and older as of date of entry. Begins 12:00 a.m. HST on 2/3/25; ends 11:59 p.m. HST on 2/16/25. For Official Rules, visit HawaiianAirlines.com/OfficialRules. 

About Alaska Air Group

Alaska Air Group, Inc. is based in Seattle and comprised of subsidiaries Alaska Airlines, Hawaiian Holdings, Inc., Horizon Air and McGee Air Services. With our recent acquisition of Hawaiian Airlines, we now serve more than 140 destinations throughout North America, Central America, Asia and the Pacific. We are committed to safety, remarkable customer care, operational excellence, financial performance and sustainability. Alaska Airlines is a member of the oneworld Alliance. With oneworld and our additional global partners, our guests have more choices than ever to purchase, earn or redeem on alaskaair.com across 31 airlines and more than 1,000 worldwide destinations. Book travel throughout the Pacific on Hawaiian Airlines at hawaiianairlines.com. Learn more about Alaska Airlines at news.alaskaair.com and Hawaiian Airlines at newsroom.hawaiianairlines.com/blog. Alaska Air Group is traded on the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE) as “ALK.”

Alaska Airlines transforms Anchorage Lounge into a spacious sanctuary

Summary

The newly remodeled space now offers more than double the seating and an additional 2,600 square feet

The expansion of the Anchorage Lounge is part of our Great Land Investment Plan, which involves $60 million in projects throughout the state of Alaska over the next few years

After an extensive renovation, our Lounge at Ted Stevens Anchorage International Airport boasts double the seating and square footage for the ultimate space to reset and relax

Alaska Airlines is excited to announce the official reopening of its newly expanded Alaska Lounge at Ted Stevens Anchorage International Airport after nearly a year of development and construction.  The spacious oasis now offers more than double the seating – from 65 seats to 140 – and an additional 2,600 square feet for the ultimate space to reset, recharge and relax.

“The Anchorage Lounge is one of the busiest in our network, and we can’t wait to welcome back guests to this newly refreshed space as they travel through Anchorage. This remodel is part of our Great Land Investment Plan, which involves $60 million in projects throughout the state of Alaska over the next few years. Providing an elevated travel experience is just one way to show we care for our guests and thank them for their loyalty.”

– Todd Traynor-Corey

Vice President of Guest Products and Experience, Alaska Airlines

Photos by Joe Nicholson, Alaska Airlines

 

Conveniently located in Concourse C near Gate C-1, the expanded Lounge now offers a variety of comfy chairs and furniture, including our popular Signature Loungers positioned for views of the tarmac and beyond. Guests will find that most seats are also near power outlets to allow them to sit back in comfort while recharging their electronic devices.

Our Lounge serves a daily selection of complimentary fresh, seasonal food items and premium beverages. Enjoy hand-crafted espresso drinks made with locally roasted beans from Kaladi Brothers, alongside a curated selection of West Coast wines, craft brews, and custom cocktails.

Each Lounge in our network is thoughtfully designed to reflect the unique character of its city. In Anchorage, we blended modern interiors with inspiration from Alaska’s breathtaking natural beauty. Each year, we’ll showcase the talents of local artists who creatively capture the essence of the state in their work.

 

“We’re proud to offer our guests a space that feels both modern and deeply connected to Alaska’s rich culture that celebrates the state’s landscape and heritage. This year, thanks to the Alaska Native Heritage Center, we’ll feature a carefully curated collection representing the five major cultural regions of Alaska. We hope our guests visiting the Anchorage Lounge feel a true sense of place as they recharge.”

– Marilyn Romano

Regional Vice President of Alaska, Alaska Airlines

 

The renovation in Anchorage is just one of many significant investments for our Lounge program across our network. Last month, we released the first concept designs for our largest lounge investment at Honolulu’s Daniel K. Inouye International Airport. We also announced our plans to open a Lounge at San Diego International Airport, followed by a new international Lounge in Seattle by 2027.

For our media kit, including still images, click here.

 

Our Lounge Program

The Alaska Lounge Membership program offers two options for guests to choose from:

A standard Alaska Lounge membership includes access to all our Lounge locations.
An Alaska Lounge+ membership includes access to all our Lounges plus nearly 90 partner lounges around the world.

Alaska operates nine Lounges at six airports: Anchorage; Los Angeles; New York JFK; Portland (two locations); San Francisco; and Seattle (three locations).

We offer a generous access policy. Lounge members are welcome to bring their immediate family members or up to two guests traveling with them into the Lounge at no additional charge. Alaska MVP Gold, Gold 75K and Gold 100K members can enjoy Lounge access when they travel on a oneworld member airline to a destination outside of the U.S., Canada or Mexico.

We also offer access to our Lounges for First Class guests that other airlines do not. Those guests traveling on a paid or award First Class ticket on flights more than 2,000 miles have complimentary  same-day access to our Lounges.

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About Alaska Air Group

Alaska Air Group, Inc. is based in Seattle and comprised of subsidiaries Alaska Airlines, Hawaiian Holdings, Inc., Horizon Air and McGee Air Services. With our recent acquisition of Hawaiian Airlines, we now serve more than 140 destinations throughout North America, Central America, Asia and across the Pacific. We are committed to safety, remarkable customer care, operational excellence, financial performance and sustainability. Alaska Airlines is a member of the oneworld Alliance. With oneworld and our additional global partners, our guests have more choices than ever to purchase, earn or redeem on alaskaair.com across 30 airlines and more than 1,000 worldwide destinations. Book travel throughout the Pacific on Hawaiian Airlines at hawaiianairlines.com. Learn more about Alaska Airlines at news.alaskaair.com and Hawaiian Airlines at newsroom.hawaiianairlines.com/blog. Alaska Air Group is traded on the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE) as “ALK.”

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