Hawaiian Airlines Pilots Warn of Future Changes

Hawaiian Airlines and Alaska Airlines are in the midst of a merger after Alaska acquired Hawaiian in a deal that was finalized back in September of 2024. However, as the two airlines work out the details of the merger, some Hawaiian Airlines pilots are now warning passengers of what could happen.

Over the years, Hawaiian Airlines has developed a unique, island-based culture that has become beloved by its customers. However, several longtime Hawaiian Airlines pilots seem to be concerned about the future of the airline.

In a recent article published by Beat of Hawaii, which specializes in Hawai'i travel news, the outlet cited several pilots expressing concerns behind the scenes.

One veteran pilot expressed concerns about the speed at which things are changing within Hawaiian Airlines, but it sounds like several more pilots are issuing warnings about some of the changes passengers could feel in the coming months and years after the merger.

"If you’ve flown Hawaiian Airlines for years, as we have, you know the rhythm: widebody planes with crews based in the islands, familiar interisland service, and a flight team that feels closely tied to the state. But that’s what many Hawaiian pilots say is now at risk," Beat of Hawaii wrote this week.

"The tension boils down to two clashing styles: Hawaiian’s island-first model versus Alaska’s mainland efficiency. Hawaiian has continuously operated with in-house flying, dedicated widebody crews, and minimal outsourcing. Alaska, by contrast, relies more heavily on regional contractors and outsourced help to manage many of its shorter routes."

"Some pilots worry that the same model could soon be applied to Hawaii, possibly even including interisland service once the 717 is retired," the outlet continued.

"There’s growing fear that this approach may sideline Hawaii-based crews in the name of flexibility and cost control. As decisions shift to the mainland, pilots based in Hawaii worry some flying may not stay here."

We'll have to see how the merger progresses over the next couple of months, but it's pretty clear that Hawaiian Airlines pilots have concerns about the direction of the airline.