Alaska Air Group’s dual investment plan will modernise Hawaiian Airlines’ infrastructure and fleet while expanding Alaska Airlines’ international reach by 2035.
Alaska Air Group, parent company of both Alaska Airlines and Hawaiian Airlines, has announced major investments that will reshape its combined fleet and guest experience over the next decade.
Hawaiian Airlines unveiled a USD$600 million (approximately AUD$888 million) Kahu‘ewai Hawaii Investment Plan, focused on modernising infrastructure, enhancing customer experience and advancing sustainability initiatives, such as sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) investment.
The five-year plan includes major airport renovations at Honolulu, Līhu‘e, Kahului, Kona and Hilo, along with a new premium lounge at Honolulu Airport.
Hawaiian will also introduce an upgraded mobile app and website with improved travel planning and self-service features, plus new staff technology to enhance operational efficiency.
Hawaiian is investing in fully refreshed interiors for its Airbus A330 aircraft, which serve routes from Australia, with upgrades to start in 2028. These will include redesigned first-class suites, a new premium economy cabin, updated lighting, carpets and in-flight amenities designed to elevate passenger comfort and experience.
In tandem, Alaska Airlines has finalised its largest-ever aircraft order, agreeing to purchase 105 Boeing 737 Max 10s and five Boeing 787 Dreamliners with options for an additional 35 737 Max 10s.
The order marks a pivotal step in Alaska’s long-term global expansion strategy with the first 787 Dreamliners set to operate across Europe and Asia under the new Alaska global livery.
These aircraft form part of the airline’s Alaska Accelerate plan, which aims to open at least 12 long-haul routes from its Seattle hub by 2030. Five of those routes have already been confirmed with nonstop services to Seoul and Tokyo-Narita launched last year and London, Rome and Reykjavik from 2026.
The combined investments will see Alaska Air Group’s fleet expand from 413 aircraft today to over 475 by 2030 and more than 550 by 2035. The new Boeing order is expected to maintain Alaska’s fleet among the youngest and most fuel-efficient in the industry among premium global carriers.
Alaska Air Group CEO Ben Minicucci said: “This fleet investment builds on the strong foundation Alaska has created to support steady, scalable and sustained growth. These planes will fuel our expansion to more destinations across the globe and ensure our guests travel aboard the newest, most fuel-efficient and state-of-the-art aircraft.”
For more info, head to alaskaair.com
KARRYON UNPACKS: This dual investment signals a powerful pivot by Alaska Air Group toward sustainability and customer experience, positioning Alaska and Hawaiian competitively as global players in the aviation space.
