Alaska Air Group, the parent company of Alaska Airlines and the newly acquired Hawaiian Airlines, is poised to significantly boost the utilisation of Hawaiian’s Airbus A321neo fleet this year. As the two carriers work towards a single operating certificate, executives have outlined their strategy for integrating Airbus operations into a group that has long prided itself on an all-Boeing fleet.
A Shift in Fleet Strategy
Alaska Airlines previously phased out its own A321neos in favour of an exclusively Boeing fleet, shedding the Airbus aircraft inherited from its 2016 Virgin America acquisition. However, with the merger bringing Hawaiian Airlines’ 18 Airbus A321neos into the fold, the company is adapting its approach. While this move means Alaska can no longer claim to be an “all-Boeing” operator, executives are embracing the added flexibility.
Speaking on the airline’s Q4 earnings call, Shane Tackett, Alaska’s Executive VP of Finance and CFO, emphasised the importance of ramping up Hawaiian’s A321neo usage as Alaska receives new Boeing aircraft and continues retiring older 737-900 models.
“We expect a material increase in Hawaiian asset utilisation, particularly within the A321 fleet.”
This shift marks a clear departure from Alaska’s previous reluctance to operate Airbus aircraft and signals a pragmatic approach to fleet efficiency.
Overcoming Operational Challenges
While Hawaiian’s A321neos have been a game-changer for transpacific and interisland routes, their operation has not been without hurdles. The aircraft are powered by Pratt & Whitney PW1100G engines, which were subject to recalls, forcing Hawaiian to cancel key routes such as Maui-Las Vegas and Maui-Oakland for extended periods in 2023. With these engine issues now largely resolved, Alaska Airlines is preparing to fly the aircraft more intensively, increasing its overall network efficiency.
Maximising Utilisation for Growth
Before the merger, Hawaiian’s A321neo fleet often experienced extended ground time overnight, limiting its efficiency. Alaska Airlines has since adjusted schedules to improve daily flight hours, adding early morning departures from Honolulu to Portland and San Diego, as well as additional redeye flights. These changes are expected to drive a 25% increase in utilisation, pushing daily block hours above 230 hours, up from 190 hours the previous summer.
Furthermore, Alaska plans to replace Hawaiian’s A321neos with 737s on routes like Maui-San Diego and Honolulu-Ontario, raising speculation about whether the Airbus fleet will be used to launch new routes or simply optimise existing ones.
Adapting to an Evolving Industry
This strategic fleet adjustment is taking place against the backdrop of major delays in aircraft deliveries. Boeing’s production setbacks—particularly with the 737 MAX 9—have forced airlines to rethink fleet planning. While competitors like United Airlines have leased aircraft to offset these delays, Alaska Airlines is leveraging Hawaiian’s A321neos to maintain capacity growth despite limited new aircraft arrivals.
At the same time, Alaska Airlines expects to grow its fleet with 14 new 737 MAX aircraft and three 787-9 Dreamliners in 2025. However, with no Airbus orders in the pipeline, the integration of Hawaiian’s A321neo fleet is likely a temporary necessity rather than a long-term shift in fleet strategy.
A New Chapter for Alaska Airlines
Unlike its acquisition of Virgin America—where Alaska quickly retired all Airbus aircraft and erased Virgin branding—this merger appears to be taking a more measured approach. Alaska Airlines CEO Ben Minicucci acknowledged that the airline had learned from past experiences, stating:
“Because we went through this before, with Virgin America, we were experienced at what to look for… It feels better than what we had thought.”
While Hawaiian Airlines will retain its branding for now, it remains to be seen whether Alaska will eventually absorb the airline completely or maintain a dual-brand strategy.
The Future of Alaska’s Dual-Fleet Operation
As Alaska Airlines navigates 2025, the increased use of Hawaiian’s Airbus A321neos underscores a pragmatic shift in the airline’s operations. By making full use of the fleet it inherited, Alaska ensures network resilience while waiting for Boeing deliveries. Though this does not signal a long-term commitment to Airbus, it demonstrates Alaska’s adaptability in a challenging aviation landscape.
This move, coupled with the airline’s strong financial performance despite setbacks, positions Alaska Airlines for a competitive and profitable year ahead. Whether this temporary return to Airbus aircraft becomes a more permanent fixture in its strategy remains an open question—but for now, efficiency is taking precedence over exclusivity.
