Alaska Air Group, Inc. - ALK STOCK NEWS

Alaska Airlines (ALK) is launching ten new nonstop routes connecting West Coast cities to winter destinations across North and Latin America. Starting November 20, 2024, with Los Angeles to La Paz service, the airline will expand its network throughout December with routes including Fresno-Guadalajara, Boise-Bozeman, Los Angeles-Kelowna, and connections to Vail and Liberia from multiple cities. The expansion reinforces Alaska's position as the leading U.S. carrier from the West Coast to Mexico. The new routes will operate with varying frequencies using E175 and 737 aircraft, with some seasonal services extending into spring 2025. The airline is also offering Alaska Alpine Getaways benefits for Mileage Plan members at select ski destinations.

Alaska Airlines and Hawaiian Airlines announce special fares starting at $390 one-way from Seattle or Portland via Honolulu to Auckland and Sydney. The promotion runs through Nov. 21, 2024, for travel to Auckland through April 30, 2025, and to Sydney between Feb. 1 through Sept. 30, 2025. The airlines offer the most direct routes from the Pacific Northwest with a Honolulu layover. Hawaiian operates flights to Sydney five times weekly and Auckland three times weekly using Airbus A330 aircraft featuring 18 Premium lie-flat seats, 68 Extra Comfort seats, and 192 main cabin seats, with complimentary Starlink Wi-Fi available.

Alaska Airlines has announced five executive promotions to strengthen its leadership team following the Hawaiian Airlines merger. The newly appointed vice presidents are: Natalie Bowman (Digital Experience), Cameron Cloar-Zavaleta (Legal), Megan Ouellette (Public and Government Affairs), Alexa Rudin (Communications), and Todd Traynor-Corey (Guest Products & Experience). These leaders will focus on enhancing customer experience, managing regulatory affairs, overseeing government relations, directing communications strategy, and improving guest services across the combined organization.

Alaska Airlines (ALK) is introducing new premium products to enhance the onboard experience starting this fall. The offerings include Lagunitas Hoppy Refresher, a non-alcoholic sparkling water available from Nov. 20; Straightaway Nitro Espresso Martini made with Stumptown Coffee; Filson blankets for First Class passengers starting early December; and Salt & Stone amenities in Lounges and onboard beginning next year. The airline is also expanding its hot meal options on flights over 1,100 miles, offering up to five chef-curated dishes available for pre-order.

Hawaiian Airlines, a 15-year UKG customer, has expanded its use of the UKG Pro suite to enhance HR service delivery for its 7,000+ employees, including 5,000+ frontline workers. The mobile-first technology provides 24/7 access to critical HR information, particularly benefiting pilots and guest service agents who rarely work in traditional office settings. The implementation helps the airline manage FAA regulatory requirements and provides employees with an expansive knowledge base for HR-related queries. The system automatically routes complex requests to appropriate teams, streamlining HR operations for the airline's around-the-clock operations.

Alaska Air Group (NYSE: ALK) reported strong Q3 2024 results with GAAP pretax margins of 10.7% and EPS of $1.84. The company achieved adjusted pretax margin of 13.0%, leading the industry. The quarter includes approximately 13 days of Hawaiian Airlines results following the completed acquisition on September 18, 2024. Excluding special items, adjusted net income was $289 million, or $2.25 per share. Unit revenues showed positive growth with premium revenue up 10% year-over-year. The company ended Q3 with total liquidity of $3.4 billion and raised $2.0 billion in Term Loan B and Bond debt post-quarter.

Hawaiian Airlines unveiled the first of three special aircraft designs featuring characters from Disney's upcoming animated film 'Moana 2'. The Airbus A330 showcases Moana, Maui, and the Kakamora, with two more themed aircraft designs planned for an A321neo and Boeing 717. The aircraft will operate on Hawaiian's domestic and international routes through March 2025. The airline launched a 'Navigate Your Own Adventure' sweepstakes running through November 30, offering five winners 500,000 HawaiianMiles each. The themed planes were specially chosen based on their Hawaiian names related to traditional navigation: Hōkūleʻa (A330), Koa (A321neo), and ʻElepaio (B717).

Alaska Airlines is enhancing its Mileage Plan for 2025 with new benefits and faster ways to earn elite status. Key changes include:

1. New milestone rewards starting at 10,000 elite-qualifying miles (EQMs)
2. More ways to earn EQMs, including on award travel redemptions and credit card purchases
3. Simplified earning with global partners, offering up to 350% bonus miles for premium cabins
4. Multi-carrier redemptions for international travel
5. Upgrade waitlist prioritization based on loyalty

The airline is also working on a single loyalty program as Alaska and Hawaiian Airlines combine. Members can already transfer miles between accounts at a 1:1 ratio and book flights on both airlines' websites.

Alaska Airlines (ALK) reveals fall travel trends and prepares for the busiest travel period of the year. Key highlights include:

1. Thanksgiving remains the peak travel period, with Dec. 1 expected to be the busiest day of the year.

2. Strong year-over-year bookings to Hawaiʻi as guests support local economy recovery efforts.

3. Increased bookings across California hubs due to rebounding business travel.

4. Rising popularity of smaller destinations like Bellingham, Missoula, and Santa Rosa.

5. Special events driving travel demand, including Veterans Day weekend and Austin City Limits.

6. Unique trend of 'Swifties' traveling to Taylor Swift concert destinations.

Alaska Airlines is enhancing its service with increased staffing, expanded flight options, and improved amenities to provide an elevated travel experience.