Hawaiian Airlines

Alaska Airlines and Hawaiian Airlines have announced new nonstop service from Seattle to Osaka, Japan, and Papeete, French Polynesia. Flights to Osaka will begin on May 14, 2027, and service to Tahiti will kick off on June 11, 2027. Both routes will be operated by Hawaiian's Airbus A330s, featuring legacy business-class seats. These new routes are part of Alaska's expansion plans, which include launching four new long-haul destinations in 2027. The addition of these routes will provide Pacific Northwest-based flyers and members of the Atmos Rewards loyalty program with more direct links to popular destinations in Asia and the South Pacific.

Alaska Airlines and Hawaiian Airlines, both part of the Alaska Air Group, have jointly announced a new in‑flight dining experience for international Suites passengers. The airlines will offer chef‑curated menus inspired by the regions of Asia, Europe and Oceania, paired with a premium wine program. The initiative targets flights to these destinations, aiming to enhance the premium travel experience for Suites customers. The collaboration is made possible by the shared ownership structure of the two carriers, allowing them to coordinate a unified culinary offering across their international routes.

Hawaiian Airlines announced a second wave of layoffs affecting 537 non‑union employees across three workgroups. The cuts are slated for December and January, underscoring the airline’s ongoing restructuring efforts. While the company has not detailed the specific roles or departments, the move signals a significant reduction in Oahu‑based staff. Employees in the affected groups may experience changes in workload distribution and operational capacity. The announcement comes amid broader industry pressures, and the timing suggests a strategic effort to streamline operations before the busy holiday travel season.

Alaska Airlines announced it is working on a new trans‑pacific destination from Seattle‑Tacoma International Airport, adding to its two current nonstop stops in Tokyo and Seoul. The move follows a 2024 acquisition of Hawaiian Airlines and a 2025 launch of flights to Japan and South Korea, and fits the carrier’s broader strategy to add at least 15 overseas destinations by 2030. Seattle’s status as a major Pacific hub and the expected competition from Delta’s planned Singapore service suggest Alaska is targeting high‑traffic routes. Meanwhile, the airline is also rolling out lie‑flat seats on select Boeing 737‑MAX 10s for domestic routes that may include New York City, and is installing Starlink Wi‑Fi on most of its fleet. Alaska has said it will not introduce “basic business” fares in the near term.

Alaska and Hawaiian Airlines have added four fresh “Atmos Communities” to their existing Club 49 and Huaka’i by Hawaiian programs, bringing the total to six. The new groups—Global Locals, Families on the Go, Culinary Journeys, and Active Escapes—are open to all Atmos members, while the state‑specific clubs remain exclusive to Alaska and Hawaii residents. Each community offers tailored perks, such as bonus status points for international flights, 20 % points back on child award bookings, free checked bags on island hops, and extra points for dining‑heavy cities. Members can join one community at a time and switch annually, making it easy to align rewards with travel habits. The rollout, effective Oct. 1, is designed to help travelers earn more points and save on flights and experiences in 2027. Cautiously, the program’s success will depend on how many travelers choose to align their bookings with the community’s focus areas, but the free entry and clear benefits suggest a low‑risk way to enhance loyalty value.

Alaska Air Group announced a new 41,000‑square‑foot lounge complex at Seattle‑Tacoma International Airport (SEA) that will open in late 2027. The two‑level facility will house a 500‑seat Alaska Lounge and a separate 200‑seat Aurora Lounge, together creating Seattle’s largest airline lounge. The expansion is part of Alaska’s broader push upmarket, and a new Hawaiian Airlines lounge will also launch at Honolulu International Airport (HNL). The Seattle complex promises a high‑capacity, premium experience for frequent flyers and business travelers, positioning Alaska as a key competitor in the premium lounge market.

Hawaiian Airlines is revamping its Airbus A330 fleet with luxurious upgrades. The aircraft will feature 22 Leihōkū Business Class suites, offering a new level of comfort. Additionally, the airline is introducing a premium economy section, dubbed "Premium Reserve," marking its first-ever premium economy offering. These enhancements are expected to debut in 2028. The new Business Class suites will provide passengers with a more personalized experience, while the Premium Reserve section will cater to those seeking a step up from standard economy. The upgrades aim to elevate the overall travel experience for Hawaiian Airlines' passengers.

Alaska Airlines is planning a major premium spending spree, with upgrades to its planes and airport lounges. The airline will install lie-flat seats on domestic planes, starting with key transcontinental routes as early as 2028. Additionally, Alaska will introduce premium economy, known as Premium Reserve, on its 737 MAX 10s, Boeing 787s, and Hawaiian Airlines' Airbus A330s. The airline will also debut a new business-class product, Aurora Suites, on its Boeing 787 and 737 MAX 10. The suites will feature sliding privacy doors, updated tech, and direct aisle access. Passengers flying in Aurora Suites will have access to the airline's new premium check-in facility and the Aurora Lounge, which will include a la carte table-service dining and shower suites.