by Lacey Pfalz
Last updated: 8:45 AM ET, Wed July 30, 2025
Alaska Air Group released information on the new leadership team that will oversee the combined operations of both Hawaiian Airlines and Alaska Airlines in Hawaii following their merger.
The news comes after the FAA granted the two airlines permission to obtain a single operating certificate.?
The new appointments will be headquartered in Honolulu, the companys second-largest hub, where 6,500 people are employed. Theyll be in charge of operations, but they will also support the airlines integration, including the rollout of a brand-new combined loyalty program this fall and a single passenger service system, to debut in the spring. Planned changes are all part of the group's $1 billion merger and growth plan.
Hawai?i will always be Hawaiian Airlines home, and Im so proud to serve alongside our Honolulu leadership team and our 6,500-plus team members in the islands to build on Hawaiians 95-year legacy of providing safe, reliable and enjoyable service to our communities, said Joe Sprague, Hawaiian Airlines CEO.?
We all look forward to continuing to deliver greater value to our kamaina and visitors through our expanding, joint network with Alaska Airlines, a new combined loyalty program arriving in October, and much more in the months and years ahead.
Jim Landers, Hawaiian Airlines senior vice president of technical operations, will become head of Hawaii operations for Alaska Air Group, supporting the operations team for all Hawaii travel. The U.S. Navy veteran has worked for Hawaiian Airlines since 2013.?
Additionally, Alisha Onishi will become the managing director of marketing for Hawaii. Onishi, who joined Hawaiian Airlines in 2011, will lead its multi-brand marketing strategy and work to unify the airlines and improve guest experience.?
Daniel Chun, who has worked for Alaska Airlines in Hawaii for 14 years, will lead Alaska Air Groups combined community and cultural relations, government affairs and sales team in Hawaii as managing director of Hawaii public affairs and sales.?
Jonathan Goo, safety director, will use his 20 years of service to Hawaiian Airlines to provide important safety and oversight for operations within Hawaii.?
Lastly, Melodi Pieper, who has 26 years of experience working with Hawaiian Airlines, will lead the regional human resources team as the director.?
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