Hawaiian Airlines’ A330 aircraft are set to play a crucial role under Alaska Airlines’ ownership, with plans to expand non-stop services from Seattle to Europe starting in 2026. Alaska CEO Ben Minicucci emphasized the versatility of the A330, stating it will help the airline reach new markets that were previously inaccessible. Unlike Hawaiian, which focused on wide-body models on limited routes, Alaska is revitalizing the aircraft for long-haul missions beyond Hawaii.
Alaska aims to optimize its international route network using the A330, which will be based in Honolulu but operate primarily outside of Hawaii, including recently launched routes to Tokyo and new services to Seoul. This marks a strategic shift as Alaska adopts a more aggressive growth model while Hawaiian struggles with its narrow-body fleet strategy.
While Alaska guarantees that Hawaiian branding will persist, many travelers express concern over the loss of comfort associated with wide-body flights. As Alaska gears up for expansion, routes vital to Hawaiian travel, like those to New York and Boston, remain uncertain. Overall, the new approach reflects a significant transformation, with Hawaiian Airlines’ capabilities being repurposed to fit Alaska’s broader ambitions, signaling a change in its identity and service approach.
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