Alaska Airlines has fully merged its cargo operations with Hawaiian Airlines, enhancing revenue and operational efficiency post-acquisition.
Alaska Airlines has fully integrated its cargo operations with Hawaiian Airlines, marking the first completed merger unit since the 2024 acquisition, reports American Shipper.
Alaska Air Group stated in its fourth quarter earnings report that cargo revenue rose 11 percent year over year to US$146 million. Legacy Hawaiian operations gained 11.6 percent, while Alaska Airlines Cargo grew five percent. Full-year cargo revenue reached $549 million, up 19 percent.
Hawaiian results included revenue from flying 10 Airbus A330-300 freighters for Amazon's logistics network, with the final two aircraft delivered last summer. The streamlining of cargo systems and teams was completed in January.
Chief Operating Officer Jason Berry noted that the merger has improved margins and created new growth opportunities. He emphasized that the adoption of a single selling platform has simplified booking for customers.
Alaska Airlines began operating flights from Seattle to Tokyo and Seoul last year using Airbus A330-200 passenger jets from Hawaiian's fleet. Boeing 787-9 Dreamliners were added to the Tokyo route this month, boosting capacity. Cargo operations to London Heathrow and Rome are scheduled to launch in the spring.
In January, Alaska Airlines introduced its GoldStreak express shipping service in Hawaii, offering guaranteed next-available flight service for urgent shipments. Vice President of Cargo Ian Morgan stated that the international expansion will allow Alaska to connect with global freight forwarders and extend its reach beyond London and Rome.
Other integration efforts included co-locating cargo teams in Seattle, New York, Hawaii, and Portland to create unified drop-off points.
Corporate results showed adjusted earnings per share of 43 cents, exceeding guidance of 10 cents. Revenue grew three percent to $3.6 billion, while adjusted net income fell to $50 million. Management warned of a possible first-quarter loss due to high West Coast fuel prices but expects strong demand and merger synergies to support results later in the year.
Alaska secured a single operating certificate for itself and its new subsidiary during the quarter, though Hawaiian continues to operate as a separate brand.
