Hawaiian Airlines to Update Employment Status for Nonunion Staff

Nonunion employees at Hawaiian Airlines will soon receive updates about their job status following the airline’s merger with Alaska Airlines, with announcements expected as early as Friday. While the majority of positions are set to be retained, certain roles deemed redundant are slated for elimination. Those affected by layoffs will be offered severance packages along with career counseling services.

The merger, which was finalized this Wednesday, sees Hawaiian Airlines combining forces with Alaska Airlines and its regional subsidiary, Horizon Air, bringing the total number of employees to approximately 33,000 globally. Noncontract employees who remain with the company for an additional 90 days post-merger will receive a retention award.

Unionized staff, including pilots and flight attendants, will not face immediate changes, although their contracts will be subject to renegotiation with Alaska Airlines.

Joe Sprague, formerly Alaska Airlines’ regional president for Hawaii and the Pacific, has been appointed as the interim CEO of Hawaiian Airlines. Under his leadership, the merged entity will work towards securing a single operating certificate from the Federal Aviation Administration—a process expected to extend over a year.

Despite the operational merger, the companies will maintain distinct customer-facing brands, with Hawaiian Airlines continuing to serve as a separate entity within the market. Loyalty programs will remain unaffected; however, members will now have the flexibility to utilize their miles across both airlines.

Additionally, the newly introduced Huakaʻi program will offer Hawaiian residents quarterly discounts on interisland flights and promotions for travel outside the state, enhancing the connectivity and affordability of air travel for local communities.

Related news: https://airguide.info/?s=Hawaiian+Airlines

Sources: AirGuide Business airguide.info, bing.com, hawaiipublicradio.org