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Alaska Airlines and UP.Labs launch Odysee, an AI-enabled startup taking a new approach to schedule optimization

Summary

Alaska Airlines and UP.Labs have introduced their first startup, Odysee, at the UP.Summit. The venture aims to solve core strategic challenges for the aviation industry through innovative solutions.

Odysee is an innovative, new flight schedule optimization software platform that leverages AI and big data to optimize asset configuration for the airline industry and other logistics operators.

One year after announcing their partnership to solve business challenges through innovation, Alaska Airlines and UP.Labs, have officially announced their first new startup, Odysee, at the UP.Summit.

Odysee, which launched with $5M in seed funding led by UP.Partners, is focused on lending powerful AI and computing power to inform real-time tradeoff decisions in planning for and managing operational logistics, starting with scheduling. The platform will ensure the best use of each aircraft asset and the interconnections between them, empowering teams to more effectively optimize one of the most complex areas of an airline’s business.

This AI-powered flight schedule optimization solution marks a significant milestone in the journey that began at last year’s UP.Summit. Last year, we announced our partnership and set a vision to solve core strategic challenges for the aviation industry with new companies that help unlock the future in transportation and mobility.

“What sets Odysee apart is its ability to help airline schedulers assess the various tradeoffs that come with certain schedule changes, allowing them to make more informed choices in building comprehensive flight schedules. Our team is excited about the power and efficiency this technology will provide to Alaska Airlines and all future customers and the opportunity to continue building out its functionality.”

– Steve Casley

Odysee Chief Executive Officer

AI-powered flight schedule optimization:

Rapid Insights:

Odysee utilizes an operations research-led approach to build flight schedules and rapidly quantify the impacts of schedule changes on revenue, profitability and reliability.

Enhanced Simulations in Seconds:

The platform can run hundreds of simulations within seconds to provide accurate flight-level insights to stress-test a future schedule.

Beyond Human Limits:

This tool can assess more options and evaluate more variables than the human brain – giving teams the opportunity to make more informed decisions.

“As CEO and a former COO, I know that configuring an airline to use each airplane optimally is a key lever for operational reliability, a remarkable travel experience for our guests, and maximizing revenue. I am thrilled that Odysee, the first company launched through our partnership with UP.Labs, leverages artificial intelligence to help our teams put our airplanes in the right place, at the right time.”

– Ben Minicucci
CEO of Alaska Airlines

The partnership between UP.Labs and Alaska Airlines was established as part of Alaska Star Ventures, Alaska Airlines’ investment arm and is aligned with Alaska’s commitment to innovation and sustainability. Over the next three years, the partnership will launch additional startups focused on solving key challenges in aviation and mobility.

UP.Labs is a venture lab and a core part of the UP.Partners ecosystem, which also includes mobility investment fund UP.Ventures and the UP.Summit, an invite-only mobility event that brings together 300 of the world’s most innovative minds rethinking the future of transportation.

 

“The launch of Odysee marks an exciting milestone, uniting the strengths of UP.Labs and Alaska Airlines to create a startup that revolutionizes how flight schedules are built, analyzed and optimized. By combining our expertise and shared vision, we’re paving the way for new opportunities, driving growth, and setting a new standard in our industry.”

– John Kuolt
Founder and CEO of UP.Labs

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Alaska Airlines Brand Assets

About Alaska Airlines

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.”

About UP.Partners

UP.Partners is Transforming the Moving World by building and investing in companies that move people and goods cleaner, faster, safer, and at lower cost — on the ground, in the air, on the sea, and in space. The multi-strategy firm achieves this goal through its unique and virtuous ecosystem encompassing UP.Ventures, UP.Labs, and UP.Summit. UP.Ventures invests in companies and technologies to enable the future of mobility, working with some of the world’s most innovative investors and entrepreneurs. With flagship launch partner Porsche, UP.Labs is a first-of-its-kind venture lab, partnering with the world’s largest corporations to identify the most pressing challenges that they, and broader society, face. The UP.Summit is an invitation-only experience co-hosted with Tom and Steuart Walton and Ross Perot Jr., in Bentonville, AR and Dallas/Ft. Worth, TX respectively, bringing together the world’s most innovative minds to rethink the future of transportation. For more information, visit www.UP.partners or follow on Twitter @UpPartnersVC or LinkedIn.

About UP.Labs

UP.Labs is a first of its kind Venture Lab using a new venture model to solve core problems for the world’s most important corporations in the mobility world. By bringing together world-class business leaders, investors and corporate partners, UP.Labs solves industry problems for corporations who have the scale and resources but cannot do it on their own. Recognizing that transportation is the underlying fabric of society, UP.Labs utilizes these strategic partnerships to rapidly ideate, build and scale disruptive startups transforming the way we move people and goods to be cleaner, faster, and safer. To learn more visit https://up.partners/labs/.

About UP.Summit

UP.Summit is an annual, invitation-only gathering of the world’s most innovative minds rethinking the future of transportation. Some of the most impactful investors, entrepreneurs, and leaders in policy, defense, transportation and mobility companies gather at the summit each year with the goal of moving people and goods in cleaner, faster, safer, and at lower-cost ways – on the ground, in the air, on the sea, and in space. UP.Summit was founded in 2017 and is jointly organized by UP.Partners, Tom and Steuart Walton, and Ross Perot Jr.

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Alaska Air Group Announces Pricing of Upsized Senior Secured Notes Offering

Summary

Alaska Air Group today announced pricing on the previously announced private offering, backed by Alaska Airlines’ Mileage Plan Program.

In conjunction with the pricing, also announced was an upsize of the private offering to $1.25 billion in Senior Secured Notes and $750 million in senior secured Term Loan.

Alaska Air Group, Inc. (the “Company”) today announced the pricing of the previously announced private offering (the “Offering”) of (i) $625 million aggregate principal amount of 5.021% Senior Secured Notes due 2029 and $625 million aggregate principal amount of 5.308% Senior Secured Notes due 2031 (the “Notes”) by AS Mileage Plan IP, Ltd. (“Loyalty Issuer”), an exempted company incorporated with limited liability under the laws of the Cayman Islands and an indirect, wholly-owned subsidiary of the Company and (ii) $750 million senior secured Term Loan B due 2031 (the “Loyalty Term Loan Facility” and, together with the Notes the “Loyalty Financings”). The aggregate amount of the Offering was increased to $1,250 million from the previously announced offering size of $750 million in aggregate principal amount of Notes.

The Company expects to close the Loyalty Financings on or about October 15, 2024, subject to the satisfaction of customary conditions. Loyalty Issuer intends to use the net proceeds received from the Offering, together with borrowings under the Loyalty Term Loan Facility, in each case, after deducting fees and expenses payable by the Company, (i) to fund the reserve account for the Notes and the Loyalty Term Loan Facility and (ii) to fund a collection account, and the proceeds deposited into the collection account will be used to make an intercompany loan to Alaska Airlines, Inc (“Alaska”) on the closing date of the Offering (the “Intercompany Loan”). Alaska intends to use the proceeds from the Intercompany Loan (i) to redeem or repay certain outstanding debt acquired or assumed in the merger of the Company with Hawaiian Airlines pursuant to an Agreement and Plan of Merger dated as of December 2, 2023, including to redeem Hawaiian’s 11.000% senior secured notes due 2029 at par and its 5.750% senior secured notes due 2026, and (ii) for general corporate purposes and to support its liquidity position.

The Loyalty Financings will be (i) fully and unconditionally guaranteed on a senior secured basis, jointly and severally, by Alaska and AS Mileage Plan Holdings Ltd. and on an unsecured basis by the Company (together, the “Guarantors”) and (ii) secured, on a senior, first-priority basis by the Guarantors’ right, title and interest in certain collateral associated with Alaska’s customer loyalty program, Alaska Airlines Mileage Plan™.

This press release does not constitute an offer to sell or a solicitation of an offer to buy the Notes or any other securities and shall not constitute an offer, solicitation or sale in any jurisdiction in which such an offer, solicitation or sale would be unlawful prior to the registration and qualification under the securities laws of such state or jurisdiction. The Notes are being offered only to persons reasonably believed to be “qualified institutional buyers” in an offering exempt from registration in reliance on Rule 144A under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the “Securities Act”), and outside the United States in reliance on Regulation S under the Securities Act. The Notes proposed to be offered will not be registered under the Securities Act or any state securities laws and may not be offered or sold in the United States without registration or an applicable exemption from the registration requirements of the Securities Act or any applicable state securities laws.

 

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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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Alaska Airlines inaugurates service on five new routes

Summary

Alaska expands presence in California and adds a new coast-to-coast connection sure to delight Northwest guests.

New routes include connections between Las Vegas and both San Diego and Santa Rosa/Sonoma County, between Los Angeles and both Pasco, Washington and Reno, and between Portland and Atlanta.

Alaska Airlines is kicking off five new nonstop routes. Beginning today, guests can travel between Las Vegas and both San Diego and Santa Rosa/Sonoma County, and between Los Angeles and both Pasco, Washington, and Reno. We’re also resuming our nonstop service between Portland and Atlanta.

“Travel demand continues to be strong, and we are excited to provide our guests with more options for their next business trip or autumn getaway. With the addition of these new nonstop routes, we also continue to strengthen our presence throughout the state of California and connect Pacific Northwest communities with our broader network.”

– Kirsten Amrine

Vice President of Revenue Management and Network Planning

Expanding connectivity with our Los Angeles hub

With the launch of two new flights from Los Angeles, Alaska officially offers the most daily flights to West Coast destinations of any airline from Los Angeles International Airport (LAX). The return of a guest-favorite flight between Los Angeles and Reno operates twice daily.

We’re excited to bring another nonstop option to guests traveling with us from Pasco, which operates once daily to LAX. Both routes are flown with our Embraer 175 jet, an aircraft boasting only window and aisle seating; there are no middle seats.

Vegas is now on the bingo card for Santa Rosa/Sonoma County and San Diego

Las Vegas marks our 39th nonstop destination from San Diego, enhancing options for residents in southern California and cementing our title as the airline serving the most nonstop destinations from San Diego.

For Santa Rosa, the destination offers an easy stop en route to Mexico for our Bay Area guests, while Las Vegas residents are now a hop, skip and a jump away from wine country. Alaska guests collecting cabs or procuring pinots can also take advantage of our Wine Flies Free program, which helps avoid costly shipping fees by offering each Mileage Plan member the ability to check an entire case — up to 12 bottles of wine — for free. Service on this route operates once daily. Both routes are served by an Embraer 175 aircraft.

Bringing back service from Portland to Atlanta

Just in time for guests to flee the rain or experience the seasons, we are excited to reopen our cross-country route between Portland and Atlanta, which will operate once daily on a Boeing 737-900. Guests can enjoy the Portland airport’s spectacular new terminal, including our transformed Alaska lobby area, which uses proprietary technology to speed travelers to security in 5 minutes or less.

Committed to providing a premium experience

Guests across our expanding network can take advantage of a premium travel experience and enjoy award-winning service on their next Alaska flight. We are the West Coast’s premier airline offering our flyers:

The most legroom in First Class* and Premium Class

No change fees

Multiple fare offerings

The most generous loyalty program with Mileage Plan with the fastest path to elite status

30 global partners

West Coast food and beverage on board

* Out of any U.S. airline excluding lie-flat seats

We’re also making it easier for our guests to buy tickets with our domestic and global partners directly at alaskaair.com.

First class max

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Alaska Air Group Announces Proposed Senior Secured Notes Offering

Summary

Alaska Air Group, Inc. has launched a private offering of senior secured notes by Alaska’s Mileage Plan. 

Alaska intends to use the proceeds from the loan to redeem debt assumed in the merger with Hawaiian Airlines.

Alaska Air Group, Inc. (the “Company”) today announced that it has launched a private offering (the “Offering”) of senior secured notes due 2029 and senior secured notes due 2031 (together, the “Notes”) by AS Mileage Plan IP Ltd. (“Loyalty Issuer”), an exempted company incorporated with limited liability under the laws of the Cayman Islands and an indirect, wholly-owned subsidiary of the Company.

The Notes will be (i) fully and unconditionally guaranteed on a senior secured basis, jointly and severally, by Alaska Airlines, Inc. (“Alaska”) and AS Mileage Plan Holdings Ltd. and on an unsecured basis by the Company (together, the “Guarantors”) and (ii) secured, on a senior, first-priority basis by the Guarantors’ (other than the Company) right, title and interest in certain collateral associated with Alaska’s customer loyalty program, Alaska Airlines Mileage Plan™.

Loyalty Issuer intends to use the net proceeds received from the Offering, together with borrowings under a loyalty term loan facility, in each case, after deducting fees and expenses payable by the Company, (i) to fund the reserve account for the Notes and the loyalty term loan facility and (ii) to fund a collection account, and the proceeds deposited into the collection account will be used to make an intercompany loan to Alaska on the closing date of the Offering (the “Intercompany Loan”). Alaska intends to use the proceeds from the Intercompany Loan (i) to redeem certain outstanding debt acquired or assumed in the merger of the Company with Hawaiian Airlines pursuant to the Agreement and Plan of Merger dated as of December 2, 2023, including to redeem Hawaiian’s 11.000% senior secured notes due 2029 at par and its 5.750% senior secured notes due 2026, and (ii) for general corporate purposes and to support its liquidity position.

This press release does not constitute an offer to sell or a solicitation of an offer to buy the Notes or any other securities and shall not constitute an offer, solicitation or sale in any jurisdiction in which such an offer, solicitation or sale would be unlawful prior to the registration and qualification under the securities laws of such state or jurisdiction. The Notes are being offered only to persons reasonably believed to be “qualified institutional buyers” in an offering exempt from registration in reliance on Rule 144A under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the “Securities Act”), and outside the United States in reliance on Regulation S under the Securities Act. The Notes proposed to be offered will not be registered under the Securities Act or any state securities laws and may not be offered or sold in the United States without registration or an applicable exemption from the registration requirements of the Securities Act or any applicable state securities laws.

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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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Our newest specially designed aircraft celebrating the Seattle Mariners is a home run  

Summary

We’re proud to unveil the Seattle Mariners aircraft that will take to the skies on Friday, Sept. 27, just in time for the Mariners Fan Appreciation Day.

The design features the Seattle Mariners logo, Mariner Moose, and the famous line “Fly, Fly Away” commemorating longtime Mariners broadcaster and Hall of Famer Dave Niehaus.

This is the second iteration of a Mariners-themed aircraft (tail number #N710AL), and the new design will fly throughout our network until 2026. 

It’s not time to hang up the mitts just yet, because we’re announcing a new aircraft that hits it out of the park!

Celebrating our longstanding partnership (since 2001) with our favorite Major League Baseball team, we’re proud to unveil the Seattle Mariners aircraft that will take to the skies on Friday, Sept. 27, just in time for the Mariners Fan Appreciation Day.

The design, displayed on a Boeing 737-9 MAX, features the Seattle Mariners logo, Mariner Moose, and the famous line “Fly, Fly Away” commemorating longtime Mariners broadcaster and Hall of Famer Dave Niehaus.

“As the hometown team, the Mariners are thrilled to partner with the hometown airline on this exciting new Alaska Airlines plane! We know our fans will be thrilled to see the plane in the skies above T-Mobile Park and excited with the opportunity to Fly, Fly Away aboard the Mariners-themed plane.”

– Chris Voigt

Seattle Mariners Senior Vice President of Corporate Partnerships.

Download press kit for images

This is the second iteration of a Mariners-themed aircraft, and the new design will fly throughout our network until 2026. The plane’s tail number, #N710AL, is also a nod to the Official Radio Station of the team, Seattle Sports 710, who broadcasts all Mariners games throughout the Pacific Northwest.

“As Seattle’s hometown airline, we’re excited to launch one of the most requested custom livery designs we’ve had over the past few years– a new Seattle Mariners Boeing 737. This aircraft represents an exciting opportunity to show our Seattle spirit and celebrate our baseball team not only during the season but year-round,” said Eric Edge, managing director of Marketing and Advertising, Alaska Airlines.

Our partnership with the Seattle Mariners also includes:

Interactive moments and promotions with fans during home games. 

Every Friday game at T-Mobile Park, we present “Fly, Fly Away Fridays.” This recurring event provides fans the chance to win First Class tickets and MVP status from Alaska when the Mariners hit a 5th-inning home run.

Fans can also earn 5x miles when using their Alaska Airlines Visa® card on eligible in-stadium concession and retail purchases during Fly, Fly Away Friday games.

Community partnerships with the Mariners

We also have other community partnerships with the Mariners, including a Home Runs for UNCF program where we donate 10,000 miles for every Mariners home run at T-Mobile Park and 40,000 miles for a Grand Slam to UNCF. In 2023, we provided one million miles to UNCF for travel through the Home Runs for UNCF program, and this season, there have been 82 home runs to date! Miles donated help students fly to college tours, travel back and forth between school and home, and participate in a variety of leadership development programs and other programming offered by UNCF.

 

Additional Details

Looking for stills or b-roll of our Seattle Mariners aircraft? Click the button below.

Press Kit

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Alaska Airlines pilots vote overwhelmingly to extend contract 

Summary

Alaska Airlines pilots, represented by the Air Line Pilots Association (ALPA), ratified a two-year contract extension with 97% approval. Over 88% of the 3,400 pilots participated in the vote.

This follows an industry-competitive contract from October 2022 that improved pay, benefits, and job security.

Alaska Airlines pilots, who are represented by the Air Line Pilots Association (ALPA), voted to ratify a two-year contract extension. This comes after a strong, industry-competitive contract was instituted in October 2022 that ushered in increased pay, better benefits and greater job security.

More than 88% of Alaska’s 3,400 pilots voted, and the agreement passed by 97%.

As Alaska Airlines and Hawaiian Airlines begin the process to integrate operations, this contract extension aligns the two contracts for pay increases and amendable dates as we work towards a JCBA and highlights the engagement of our pilot group to ensure Alaska Air Group is a premier destination for pilot careers.

“We’re pleased to have reached this agreement with our pilots. While keeping Alaska pilots among the leaders in the industry in compensation, this contract extension positions us well for the future success of our combination with Hawaiian Airlines. Seeing the margin of support from our pilots is very gratifying and is an indicator of strength and stability for years to come.” 

– Dave Mets
Vice president of flight operations

Provisions from the contract have been successfully implemented over the last two years including significant wage increases, more flexible schedules and greater retirement contributions.  

The previous contract was set to become amendable in November 2025. Following the September 18th acquisition of Hawaiian Airlines, ALPA negotiating teams from both airlines will meet with Alaska Airlines to negotiate a new joint collective bargaining agreement for the more than 4,500 combined pilots.  

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New heights, new features: Discover Alaska’s enhanced Flight Pass subscription service  

Summary

We’re introducing enhanced features to simplify booking through Flight Pass.

With Flight Pass, subscribers can lock in lower-than-average fares to select cities from California, Arizona, Nevada, and Utah for a year. Most flights cost just $0.01, plus taxes and fees.

Plus, choose to protect your trip through Allianz, select seats, earn miles and and enjoy free upgrades upon availability to First Class and Premium Class for elites.

Whether flying home from college, traveling for business or heading to Utah’s world-class ski resorts, Alaska Airlines Flight Pass subscribers enjoy the unmatched convenience and affordability the service offers.

In 2021, we became the first U.S. airline to introduce a groundbreaking subscription service that allows guests to earn miles and book flights in advance with no blackout dates. Today we’re thrilled to announce we’ve made Flight Pass even better.

Over the last two and a half years, we’ve asked subscribers to give us feedback on how to improve their guest experience. On Sept. 25, we’re rolling out enhanced features to streamline the booking process through Flight Pass – making the overall user experience seamless and easy!

Learn more

Subscribers can continue to lock in lower-than-average main cabin fares for an entire year, with most Flight Pass flights priced at just $0.01, plus applicable government taxes and airport fees. With Flight Pass, booking nonstop flights to select cities within California, Arizona, Nevada and Utah is easier than ever, offering peace of mind that you’ll be getting the best value for your money with no change fees and blackout dates while credits are valid.

“Our subscribers value the flexibility and affordability of Flight Pass, and these new enhancements will make their travel experience even more seamless. We’re proud to offer a unique service that enables guests to visit loved ones or their favorite destinations, all while securing a consistent monthly price on an airline that offers the most nonstop flights on the West Coast.”

– Courtney Lansing

Managing director of business development and products

For a limited time, new subscribers can enjoy a free one-year subscription to Alaska Access, typically priced at $60 annually. Alaska Access offers additional perks, including a monthly Wi-Fi voucher, early access to some of our biggest fare sales of the year and a personalized fare page to help you book the best seat for the best price. New subscribers use code YEAROFACCESS at sign-up!

Don’t forget you earn full miles for every Flight Pass trip, no matter the price. So don’t forget to sign-up or link your Mileage Plan number to your Flight Pass account and enjoy the most generous loyalty program with the fastest path to elite status. Our elites enjoy a range of benefits to elevate their travel experience including, priority boarding, complimentary upgrades to First Class and Premium Class when available, waived fees for checked baggage and much more!

Flight Pass enhancements include:

Easy access:

Subscribers can now easily find the Flight Pass booking page on alaskaair.com.

Seamless booking:

Now you can book, cancel and manage your flights directly on alaskaair.com without needing to contact a reservation agent. Credits will now be conveniently deposited into your Alaska Airlines account. Plus, choose your seat,earn miles and enjoy free upgrades upon availability to First Class and Premium Class for elites.

Simplicity:

We’ve streamlined our offerings by phasing out Flight Pass Pro plans (used by only 2% of subscribers) and focusing on our most popular plans. Now, subscribers can choose from two monthly Flight Pass plans:

  • Flight Pass: $69 per month, includes six roundtrip flights per year
  • Flight Pass Plus: $129 per month, includes 12 roundtrip flights per year

Perks that are here to stay:

Always pay lower-than-average main cabin fares. Subscribers are still required to pay applicable government taxes and airport fees on each flight (as low as $15.11 per flight), in addition to the monthly subscription fee and nominal fare.

Book flights up to two weeks advance with no change fees or blackout dates

Access flights between 17 destinations in California, Arizona, Nevada and Utah.

Flexibility to change flights when your plans change.

Earn at least 500 miles for every completed flight and take advantage of Alaska’s most generous Mileage Plan with the fastest path to elite status.

Complimentary upgrades to First Class and Premium Class for Mileage Plan elite members, when available.

We recognize that change isn’t always easy. That’s why we’re offering current Flight Pass subscribers the option to switch to one of the above two plans at their current price for one year. Alternatively, current subscribers can choose to cancel their subscription immediately, free of charge. If a subscription is canceled, any eligible unused Flight Pass credits will still be honored until their expiration. Terms and conditions apply. Current subscribers will soon get an email for more information on the upcoming changes to their accounts and how to take action, if needed.

Learn more about Flight Pass

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To learn more about the Terms and Conditions for Flight Pass click here

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Alaska Air Group announces proposed Mileage Plan financing

Summary

Alaska Air Group, Inc. (the “Company”) launched a proposed senior secured term loan facility and intends to issue additional pari passu senior secured debt (collectively, the “Mileage Plan Financing”). 

The aggregate principal amount of the Mileage Plan Financing is expected to be $1.5 billion.

Alaska Air Group, Inc. (the “Company”) today announced that it launched a proposed senior secured term loan facility and intends to issue additional pari passu senior secured debt (collectively, the “Mileage Plan Financing”). The aggregate principal amount of the Mileage Plan Financing is expected to be $1.5 billion.

The borrower under the Mileage Plan Financing is AS Mileage Plan IP Ltd. (“Borrower”), an exempted company incorporated with limited liability under the laws of the Cayman Islands and an indirect, wholly owned subsidiary of the Company.

The Mileage Plan Financing will be (i) fully and unconditionally guaranteed on a senior secured basis, jointly and severally, by Alaska Airlines, Inc. (“Alaska”) and AS Mileage Plan Holdings Ltd. and on an unsecured basis by the Company (together, the “Guarantors”) and (ii) secured, on a first-priority basis by the Guarantors’ right, title and interest in certain collateral associated with Alaska’s customer loyalty program, Alaska Airlines Mileage Plan™.

Borrower intends to use the borrowings under the Mileage Plan Financing, after deducting fees and expenses payable by the Company, (i) to fund, in part, the reserve account for the Mileage Plan Financing and (ii) to fund, in part, a collection account, and the proceeds deposited into the collection account will be used to make an intercompany loan to Alaska on the closing date of the Mileage Plan Financing (the “Intercompany Loan”). Alaska intends to use the proceeds from the Intercompany Loan (i) to redeem certain outstanding debt acquired or assumed in the merger of the Company with Hawaiian Airlines pursuant to an Agreement and Plan of Merger dated as of December 2, 2023 and (ii) for general corporate purposes and to support its liquidity position.

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.”

Alaska Airlines expands cargo division and establishes new leadership and enterprise oversight post merger with Hawaiian Airlines

Summary

Ian Morgan named Alaska Airlines Vice President of Cargo; Jason Berry named Alaska Air Group’s Executive Vice President of Cargo

The Alaska Airlines and Hawaiian Airlines combination offers a unique opportunity to pair complimentary cargo networks that can strengthen both brands globally and domestically.

This week, the Alaska Airlines board of directors elected Ian Morgan as the new Vice President of Cargo Alaska Airlines. In parallel, Jason Berry was made an Executive Vice President at the Alaska Air Group. Inc. parent company level, while also maintaining his role as President of Horizon Air.

Morgan will lead the day-to-day cargo operations and the nearly 600 employees who make up Alaska Air Cargo. He will also be responsible for managing the continued growth of Alaska Air Group’s cargo business – operated by both Hawaiian Airlines and Alaska Airlines.

Berry will provide enterprise oversight of the cargo business while continuing in his separate role as President of Horizon Air, a wholly-owned subsidiary of Alaska Air Group.

 “We couldn’t be more thrilled about this next chapter for Alaska Air Cargo,” said Air Group President and CEO Ben Minicucci. “With these leaders, we’re well positioned for unlimited future success as we grow and expand our cargo operations to deliver for everyone who depends on us.”

At Alaska Airlines and Hawaiian Airlines, cargo plays a critical role in the communities the airlines serve. Cargo is a strategic function for the business and enables both airlines to support multiple needs for customers.

The Alaska Airlines and Hawaiian Airlines combination offers a unique opportunity to pair complimentary cargo networks that can strengthen both brands globally and domestically, and leverage cargo even more strategically. Both airlines share a knowledge and appreciation for the cargo needs of communities that are uniquely reliant on air travel.

 

About Ian Morgan

Morgan is an industry veteran and brings more than 40 years of global cargo experience to this new role. Throughout this career, he’s held cargo leadership roles at British Airways Cargo, Cargolux Airlines International, S.A., Centurion Airlines and Qatar Airways Cargo. Under his leadership at Qatar Airways as vice president cargo, the Americas, the airline became a core and preferred carrier for the freight forwarding community achieving significant growth.

About Jason Berry

Berry has cultivated an extensive career in air cargo. He has nearly 30 years of experience leading cargo operations for multiple airlines including Air Canada Cargo, Cargolux Airlines International, S.A. and Alaska Air Cargo where he oversaw the transition of the Boeing 737-400 combi aircraft to next generation 737-700 freighters. Berry also previously led McGee Air Services, a ground-handling subsidiary of Alaska Air Group. In December 2022, Berry was named “Executive of the Year” by Air Cargo World magazine. 

He joined Horizon Air as senior vice president of operations in January 2023 and became president in November 2023. In addition to serving on the combined airline’s Executive Committee, he will continue to serve as Horizon Air president in addition to his new role leading Alaska Air Group’s cargo strategy.

Jason Berry
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Alaska Airlines completes acquisition of Hawaiian Airlines, expanding benefits and choice for travelers 

Summary

Enables guests to reach 141 destinations directly, including 29 international markets, and over 1,200 destinations globally through the oneworld Alliance and global partners.

Maintains the distinct brands of Alaska Airlines and Hawaiian Airlines.

Establishes Honolulu as its second largest hub.

Beginning soon, provides HawaiianMiles members and Mileage Plan members with the ability to transfer miles between accounts free of charge.

Beginning soon, enables guests to purchase Hawaiian Airlines flights at alaskaair.com and Alaska Airlines flights on hawaiianairlines.com.

Alaska Air Group, Inc. today announced it has completed its acquisition of Hawaiian Holdings, Inc., a combination that expands guests’ access to domestic and international destinations, including through the oneworld Alliance and a vast network of global partners, and offers a remarkable guest experience through two strong brands with deep legacies serving local communities.

“This is a historic day for Alaska Airlines as we officially join with Hawaiian Airlines. Alaska and Hawaiian share tremendous pride in connecting communities with award-winning service, and we look forward to inviting more guests on board to experience what makes both brands unique. Among Alaska, Hawaiian and Horizon Air, we have more than 230 years of history flying guests and serving communities. I know we will build on that legacy and become stronger together – providing the excellent operation guests have come to expect, expanding options to seamlessly travel nearly anywhere in the world, and securing the financial stability and value that inspires investment.”

– Ben Minicucci

CEO of Alaska Air Group

Alaska Airlines and Hawaiian Airlines now begin the work to secure a single operating certificate with the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), which will allow the two airlines to operate as a single carrier with an integrated passenger service system. In the interim, the airlines will continue to operate as separate carriers with no immediate changes to operations and will maintain separate websites, reservation systems and loyalty programs until later in the integration process. Guests can book and travel with confidence knowing their trips will occur as planned with the corresponding airline.

As of today, Alaska Air Group’s airlines/subsidiary airlines:

Fly nearly 1,500 daily flights to 141 destinations including 29 international markets in the Americas, Asia, Australia and the South Pacific. This expanded network feeds the more than 1,200 destinations available through the oneworld Alliance.

Maintain hubs in Seattle, Honolulu, Los Angeles, San Francisco, Portland, San Diego and Anchorage, with Honolulu becoming the second largest behind Seattle.

Operate a fleet of 350 aircraft, which includes 2 Boeing 787, 24 Airbus A330, 18 Airbus A321neo, 235 Boeing 737, 19 Boeing 717, 44 Embraer E175, and 8 dedicated freighters (3 Boeing 737-700, 2 Boeing 737-800 and 3 Airbus A330).

Employ more than 33,000 people across North America, Asia and the Pacific.

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Expanded Benefits for Guests

While nothing significant changes to the guest experience immediately, guests can start experiencing meaningful benefits of this combination very soon. Our complementary domestic, international and cargo networks will expand choice for guests and businesses on the West Coast and throughout the Hawaiian Islands. This will mean more destinations, seamless connectivity across the globe through oneworld partners and the benefits that come with access to the most generous loyalty program in the industry.

As we work through integration processes, guests can expect these benefits to come online in stages. Here’s what you need to know:

Effective today, Sept. 18:
Your Mileage Plan and HawaiianMiles retain their full value:

Your hard-earned miles in both loyalty programs are secure and more valuable than ever.

Alaska Lounge members get more access:

Alaska Lounge members and guests can enjoy Alaska Lounge locations when flying on Hawaiian.

We’re celebrating Hawaiian Million Milers:

Hundreds of flyers have accrued more than one million miles or more flying Hawaiian Airlines. We’re acknowledging our appreciation for their business with new benefits.

More information about these benefits can be found on alaskaair.com.

In the coming weeks:
You’ll soon be able to transfer miles between Alaska and Hawaiian loyalty accounts to redeem award travel:

Later this month, you’ll be able to seamlessly transfer miles between Mileage Plan and HawaiianMiles at a 1:1 ratio – for no charge. For example, if you have miles in a HawaiianMiles account and you want to redeem for a flight on Alaska or an Alaska global partner, simply transfer the miles to your Mileage Plan account at no charge and book your award travel at alaskaair.com.

Buy tickets for flights on both airlines on both websites:

You’ll be able to buy tickets for most Hawaiian flights on alaskaair.com and buy tickets for Alaska flights on hawaiianairlines.com starting this month. Soon we’ll offer the option to purchase Hawaiian international flights to destinations such as Japan, South Korea and Australia on alaskaair.com.

We’re introducing a new travel program just for those who live in Hawai‘i:

Called Huaka‘i by Hawaiian, meaning voyage, it will include unique discounts and benefits exclusively for Hawai‘i residents. Huaka‘i members will enjoy exclusive benefits when traveling interisland, including 10% off one booking per quarter and a free checked bag. Huaka‘i members who are Hawaiian Airlines World Elite Mastercard cardmembers will receive even more, with 20% off one interisland booking per quarter and their existing credit card benefit of two free checked bags. Plus, members will receive access to exclusive, network-wide deals each month. In the coming weeks, Hawai‘i residents will receive an email with a link to sign up for a free membership.

In the coming months:
Earn miles on both airlines:

You’ll be able to accrue Mileage Plan miles or HawaiianMiles when flying either airline.

We’ll offer expanded redemption opportunities:

In early 2025, you’ll be able to redeem your Mileage Plan miles directly on all Hawaiian flights including international destinations. And you’ll be able to combine Hawaiian flights with Alaska or partner flights when redeeming your miles.

Match your status across programs:

If you’re an elite flyer with Alaska or Hawaiian, you’ll be able to link your accounts to automatically enjoy equivalent status on the other airline. If you have elite-qualifying miles (EQMs) in both programs, your status will be based on the highest tier you qualify for based on your combined EQM total.

Click route map to enlarge.

Longer term benefits:
Elite Reciprocity:

Mileage Plan and HawaiianMiles elites will enjoy select elite benefits when flying on either airline.

A single, industry-leading loyalty program across both brands:

We’re working on combining the best of Mileage Plan and HawaiianMiles into a new unified loyalty program for our guests. We’ll have more details to share in mid-2025.

Future of the Hawaiian Airlines Brand

Honoring its rich history and deep legacy, Hawaiian Airlines’ iconic brand will continue to welcome and delight guests – on aircraft, in airports and onboard, just like it is today. Maintaining both industry-leading Alaska Airlines and Hawaiian Airlines brands will enable guests to continue experiencing the remarkable service and hospitality, operational excellence and premium products for which both airlines have been consistently recognized.

Substantial Benefits to Employees

Alaska Airlines will uphold its commitments to employees by preserving and growing union-represented jobs in Hawai‘i and providing opportunities for long-term career advancement. Workforce development initiatives from both airlines will be expanded to support future airline careers in Hawai‘i and beyond.

Honolulu will become our second largest hub and a regional headquarters with a strong operations presence and the continuation of pilot, flight attendant and maintenance technician bases.

Unwavering Commitment to Communities

Alaska and Hawaiian both maintain 90+ year legacies providing critical service to communities uniquely reliant upon air travel. This combination only strengthens that connection and investment in local communities. The combined airline will continue to advance regenerative tourism, Hawaiian language, and culture in the Hawaiian Islands by building upon Hawaiian Airlines’ and Alaska Airlines’ existing programs. Our commitments will continue to center on how we can best help build a vibrant future for Hawai‘i.

“In an island state, where all of Hawai‘i’s residents are reliant on passenger and cargo air service for our way of life, a healthy local airline committed to sustaining essential connectivity and travel options is a cornerstone of community resilience. I am confident that by the joining of these two airlines, a stronger company will emerge and offer more travel options for Hawai‘i residents and local businesses — and will enhance competition across the U.S. airline industry.”

– Josh Green, M.D.

Hawai‘i Governor

As an early testament to this commitment, Alaska Airlines established the Hawaiʻi Community Advisory Board (HICAB) in January to continue developing Alaska’s understanding of Hawai‘i’s people and culture, and seek feedback and recommendations for how the combined airlines’ business can best serve local communities in Hawai‘i.

We know caring for the communities we serve also includes caring for the natural environment. Driven by this shared commitment to environmental stewardship and building on our successes with local sourcing and phasing out single-use plastics, the combined airline will immediately work to align ambitious sustainability goals in our effort to achieve net zero carbon emissions.

Combined Organization Leadership

Alaska Air Group CEO Ben Minicucci will lead the combined organization. Joe Sprague, previously Alaska’s regional president of Hawai‘i/Pacific and president of Horizon Air, will serve as the chief executive officer of Hawaiian Airlines until the FAA grants a single operating certificate. He will be responsible for leading all aspects of Hawaiian Airlines’ operations.

 

“We are truly honored to join forces with Hawaiian Airlines and its 95-year history. We have much to learn from our new colleagues. I know we will be stronger together as we offer greater access and benefits both to Hawai‘i residents and guests visiting the Islands. Each airline brings incredible history, character, and strengths into this combination, with a shared passion for care of our guests, each other, and our communities.”

– Joe Sprague
CEO of Hawaiian Airlines

Maximizing Shareholder Value

The acquisition builds on Alaska’s long-term strategy and financial objectives by further diversifying our revenue base, expanding growth opportunities, increasing network relevance and positioning the combined organization as a leader in the $8 billion Hawai‘i market.

Our teams have recent integration experience which will be leveraged to deliver at least $235 million in run-rate synergies. We also expect high single-digit accretion to earnings within the first two years and mid-teens return on invested capital (ROIC) by year three.

The combination of these synergies, the long-term value of acquiring another top 25 U.S. hub, and Alaska’s historically strong financial performance positions us well to remain among the top margin producers in the industry. Our focus will remain on disciplined financial management – driven by maintaining one of the industry’s strongest balance sheets, and delivering on our goals for long-term margin, returns and free cash flow.

Additional Details

Hawaiian Airlines’ stock will be de-listed and cease trading on the NASDAQ on Sept. 18. The combined organization will continue to trade under the ticker ALK on the New York Stock Exchange.

Press kit for media

More info for guests

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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Alaska Air Group announces interim Honolulu leadership team to guide combination with Hawaiian Airlines  

Summary

Now that final clearance has been received from regulators, Alaska Airlines can close the transaction and shift focus to obtaining a single operating certificate from the FAA. Until that time, Alaska Airlines and Hawaiian Airlines will operate as one organization with two separate airline operations, under two individual operating certificates. The interim Honolulu leadership team will lead the Hawaiian Airlines operation during this time.

Joe Sprague, Alaska Airlines’ regional president for Hawai‘i/Pacific, will become CEO of Hawaiian Airlines, overseeing operations until the FAA issues a single operating certificate.

Alaska Air Group, the parent company of Alaska Airlines, today announced the interim Honolulu leadership team that will guide Hawaiian Airlines operations from transaction close through a full combination of operations under a single operating certificate with two brands — Hawaiian Airlines and Alaska Airlines.

Now that final clearance has been received from regulators, Alaska Airlines can close the transaction and shift focus to obtaining a single operating certificate from the FAA. Until that time, Alaska Airlines and Hawaiian Airlines will operate as one organization with two separate airline operations, under two individual operating certificates. The interim Honolulu leadership team will lead the Hawaiian Airlines operation during this time.

When the combination was announced, it was shared that Hawaiian Airlines President and CEO Peter Ingram would step down from his role following transaction close. Current Alaska Airlines regional president of Hawai‘i/Pacific, Joe Sprague, will be named chief executive officer of Hawaiian Airlines. In this role, Sprague will be responsible for leading all aspects of Hawaiian Airlines’ operations until the FAA grants Alaska a single operating certificate.

In addition to Sprague, several senior executives from Hawaiian Airlines will comprise the interim Honolulu leadership team. These leaders, who collectively have nearly 65 years of experience with Hawaiian Airlines, include:

EVP, Administration – Shannon Okinaka

SVP, Human Resources – Robin Kobayashi

SVP, Tech Ops (Maintenance & Engineering, Flight Ops and System Operations Control Center) – Jim Landers

VP, Airport Operations and In-Flight – Lokesh Amaranayaka

MD, Safety – Terry Hill

Director, Brand and Culture – Alisa Onishi

Additionally, the current regional VP of Hawai‘i for Alaska Airlines, Daniel Chun, will serve on the Honolulu leadership team, overseeing community and cultural relations, government affairs, and Hawai‘i sales.

Current Hawaiian operations leaders Bob Johnson (VP, Flight Operations), Beau Tatsumura (VP, Maintenance & Engineering) and Tom Zheng (VP, Technical Operations Business Planning & Services) will continue to report to Jim Landers during this period. Justin Doane, VP, Labor & People Relations, will continue to support Hawaiian labor relations.

 “We have a unique, once-in-a-generation opportunity to combine two incredible companies with aligned values and 90+ year legacies of serving and connecting local communities. I am deeply honored to work alongside these strong leaders from Hawaiian Airlines to lead the airline’s people, operations, and brand through this transition while sustaining our commitments to safety and service.”

– Joe Sprague

In December 2023, Alaska Air Group, Inc. (NYSE: ALK), and Hawaiian Holdings, Inc. (NASDAQ: HA) announced they entered into a definitive agreement under which Alaska Airlines will acquire Hawaiian Airlines. The combined company will unlock more destinations for consumers and expand choice of critical air service options and access throughout the Pacific region, U.S. continent and globally. The transaction is expected to enable a stronger platform for growth and competition in the U.S., as well as long-term job opportunities for employees, continued investment in local communities and environmental stewardship. Once granted a single operating certificate, the two airlines will function as a single operation with two public-facing brands, Hawaiian Airlines and Alaska Airlines.

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About Alaska Airlines

Alaska Airlines and our regional partners serve more than 128 destinations across the United States, the Bahamas, Belize, Canada, Costa Rica, Guatemala and Mexico. We offer our guests a premium flying experience with award-winning customer service and an industry-leading loyalty program, Mileage Plan. With our fellow oneworld Alliance members and 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. Learn more about Alaska at news.alaskaair.com and follow @alaskaairnews for news and stories. Alaska Airlines, Hawaiian Holdings, Inc. and Horizon Air are subsidiaries of Alaska Air Group.

About Hawaiian Airlines

Now in its 95th year of continuous service, Hawaiian is Hawaiʻi’s largest and longest-serving airline. Hawaiian offers approximately 150 daily flights within the Hawaiian Islands, and nonstop flights between Hawaiʻi and 16 U.S. gateway cities – more than any other airline – as well as service connecting Honolulu and American Samoa,  Australia, Cook Islands, Japan, New Zealand, South Korea and Tahiti. Hawaiian Airlines, Inc. is a subsidiary of Hawaiian Holdings, Inc. (NASDAQ: HA). Additional information is available at HawaiianAirlines.com. Follow Hawaiian’s Twitter updates ( @HawaiianAir ), become a fan on Facebook  ( Hawaiian Airlines ), and follow us on Instagram ( hawaiianairlines ).

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Alaska Airlines clears last regulatory hurdle to finalize combination with Hawaiian Airlines   

Summary

The U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) today issued an order under its authority to grant an exemption relating to the transfer of international route authorities in the combination of Alaska Airlines and Hawaiian Airlines.

The two companies expect to close their merger transaction in the coming days. 

The U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) today issued an order under its authority to grant an exemption relating to the transfer of international route authorities in the combination of Alaska Airlines and Hawaiian Airlines. The two companies expect to close their merger transaction in the coming days.

In connection with the DOT’s issuance of the order, the two airlines and the DOT agreed to certain commitments. These commitments align with the plans Alaska announced at the time it signed the transaction and are consistent with its longstanding commitment to exceptional customer service, serving air service dependent communities, and an industry-leading loyalty program. These commitments do not impact the synergies of the deal, which will enhance competition and expand choice for consumers.

“We look forward to formally welcoming Hawaiian Airlines’ guests and employees into Alaska Air Group. We sincerely appreciate the exceptional care and service that employees of both companies have continued to show for one another and our guests throughout this process, and the support of both airlines’ labor unions, as we proceed to realize the vision for this combination and build a stronger future together.”

– Ben Minicucci
CEO of Alaska Air Group

More information about the combined organization will be shared in the coming days. 

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