Hawaiian Airlines CEO Reflects on Five Years of Leadership and Resilience

Peter Ingram, the President and CEO of Hawaiian Airlines, recently celebrated his fifth anniversary as the leader of the largest airline in Hawaii and the tenth-largest in the United States. In an interview with The Honolulu Star-Advertiser, Ingram reflected on his tenure, the challenges he has faced, and the airline’s achievements during his time at the helm.

Peter Ingram joined Hawaiian Airlines as Chief Financial Officer in 2005 and gradually climbed the ranks, becoming Executive Vice President and Chief Commercial Officer in 2011. He assumed the role of President and CEO in March 2018, succeeding Mark Dunkerley. Ingram expressed his honor and humility in taking on the role and continuing the legacy of his predecessor.

During his leadership, Hawaiian Airlines has maintained its financial stability, operational excellence, and high levels of customer satisfaction. The airline has navigated through intense competition, rising costs, and external disruptions. It has diversified its business by expanding its network in the Asia Pacific region, modernizing its fleet with new aircraft, and enhancing its products and services.

However, Ingram also led the airline through unprecedented challenges, including the COVID-19 pandemic, which had a severe impact on the travel industry. Despite capacity reductions, staff furloughs, and the need for government support, Ingram praised his team’s resilience, flexibility, and innovation in responding to the crisis. The airline implemented rigorous health and safety protocols, supported vaccine distribution and community relief efforts, and launched new routes to attract leisure travelers.

In August 2023, Ingram faced yet another test of his leadership when wildfires devastated Maui, affecting both the community and Hawaiian Airlines’ operations. He expressed deep sadness at the tragedy and offered assistance to affected employees, donated funds to relief organizations, transported emergency supplies and personnel, and provided discounted fares to evacuees.

Throughout his tenure, Ingram relied on Hawaiian Airlines’ corporate culture, which is rooted in Hawaiian values such as aloha (love), mālama (care), hoʻokipa (hospitality), and kuleana (responsibility). These values have guided his decision-making and vision for the future of the airline. He remains optimistic about the travel industry’s recovery and the growth potential of Hawaiian Airlines. Ingram is committed to delivering a unique and authentic Hawaiian experience to customers, partners, and employees, emphasizing the resilience and dedication of the airline’s team.

“We have a great team here at Hawaiian Airlines that really lives our values every day,” Ingram stated in the interview, highlighting the company’s enduring commitment to its core principles.

Sources: AirGuide Business airguide.info, msn.com, newsroom.hawaiianairlines.com