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 Hawai’i 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 company’s second-largest hub, where 6,500 people are employed. They’ll 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.
“Hawaiʻi will always be Hawaiian Airlines’ home, and I’m so proud to serve alongside our Honolulu leadership team and our 6,500-plus team members in the islands to build on Hawaiian’s 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 kama‘āina 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 Hawai’i operations for Alaska Air Group, supporting the operations team for all Hawai’i travel. The U.S. Navy veteran has worked for Hawaiian Airlines since 2013.
Additionally, Alisha Onishi will become the managing director of marketing for Hawai’i. 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 Hawai’i for 14 years, will lead Alaska Air Group’s combined community and cultural relations, government affairs and sales team in Hawai’i as managing director of Hawai’i 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 Hawai’i.
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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