Hawaiian Airlines

A Year of Evolution and Adaptation

Hawaiian Airlines pilots experienced an accelerated pace of change throughout 2025, as the Alaska Airlines merger and integration brought new opportunities and challenges.

On the fleet side, the airline added four more A330-300s to serve the freight operation, plus three more passenger B-787s, the last of which debuted the new Alaska “global” livery. This widebody growth, paired with increased utilization of existing aircraft, led to additional block hours and expanded pilot hiring.

The year also tested Hawaiian pilots’ adaptability through four rounds of policy and procedures integration, route map restructuring, and the end of the Hawaiian operating certificate and “Hawaiian” call sign, among other merger changes.

“It’s a testament to the skill and professionalism of our pilots that we’ve safely and effectively navigated the scale and pace of change that this transition has brought,” said Capt. Larry Payne, the pilot group’s Master Executive Council (MEC) chair.

Hawaiian pilots are working in solidarity with their Alaska Airlines colleagues to successfully secure a Joint Collective Bargaining Agreement. With the opening of a Seattle, Wash., domicile in spring 2026 as part of the combined carrier’s ongoing evolution, Hawaiian pilots will be proudly sharing “aloha” with a growing number of passengers across the globe.

While the merger closes a chapter of our history of independence as Hawaiian pilots, we also see a bright future together with our brothers and sisters at Alaska.

Hawaiian Airlines MEC