Honolulu Leadership Restructures as Hawaiian Airlines Integrates with Alaska Air Group

The leadership of Hawaiian Airlines, now part of the Alaska Air Group, is undergoing significant changes in Honolulu, affecting travelers and operations alike. Jim Landers, who has been with Hawaiian Airlines since 2013, will now lead the Hawai‘i operations following his tenure as senior vice president of technical operations. Reporting to CEO Joe Sprague, Landers will oversee safety and operational performance, focusing on integrating the airline's functions with those of Alaska Airlines under a new, unified operational framework.

In preparation for this transition, the Honolulu leadership team has been expanded to include various experienced individuals tasked with different areas of the operations. Among them, Alisa Onishi, managing director of marketing for Hawai‘i, will drive the strategic marketing efforts, brand management, and guest experience enhancements needed to improve the company's service offerings. Daniel Chun, with considerable experience at Alaska Airlines, will manage public affairs and sales, reinforcing community and cultural relations within Hawai‘i. Safety, a critical area for any airline, will be directed by Jonathan Goo, who brings 20 years of service to the role. Melodi Pieper will serve as human resources regional director, focusing on employee benefits, engagement, and development.

This organizational restructuring is a necessary step as the airlines anticipate obtaining a single operating certificate from the Federal Aviation Administration. This upcoming unification signifies a reshaping of the operational landscape in Honolulu, reflecting a merger intended to bolster both airlines in their shared hub—their second-largest operation after Seattle. The restructuring aims to enhance operational reliability and consistency, areas that travelers to and from Honolulu have seen improvement needs.

The changes also include a push towards more integrated operations, with the combined loyalty program expected to roll out in the fall, and a single passenger service system planned for the next spring. The announcement of these changes comes with cautious optimism from some travelers, who have noted that operational reliability has at times been lacking, and hope that as the companies integrate, efficiency and consistency will improve.

Hawaiian's CEO emphasizes their commitment to Hawai‘i, stressing the importance of building on their longstanding legacy of delivering safe and enjoyable service. The joint network with Alaska Airlines is expected to deliver greater value and improved experience for both residents and visitors. Moreover, Hawaiian Airlines continues to focus on expanding its global footprint, with strategic new leadership appointments targeted at enhancing their Pacific network. Beau Tatsumura, for instance, has been promoted to managing director overseeing Hawai‘i, international and heavy maintenance operations.

The merger also intends to streamline airport operations and customer service, as evidenced by Monica Kobayashi's appointment, who will now lead these functions, managing a significant workforce across various locations in the Pacific.

With Honolulu as a pivotal node in their operations, both airlines are poised to leverage their combined strength, drawing on each other’s feeder and transpacific networks to optimize their service offerings. As these changes unfold, the companies are keenly focused on delivering an integrated customer experience seamlessly across their consolidated routes, while continuing to invest in the local community and economy of Hawai‘i. This restructuring comes at a time when maintaining competitive edge while delivering high customer satisfaction remains crucial. As the integration continues, there is an expectation for the airlines to meet the evolving needs of travelers navigating the increasingly complex air travel landscape.