Alaska
The First Hawaiian Airlines Flight On The Chopping Block After The Alaska Airlines Merger – View from the Wing
The First Hawaiian Airlines Flight On The Chopping Block After The Alaska Airlines Merger
I don’t like airline mergers, but I was a big proponent of the idea that the Alaska-Hawaiian merger was about as reasonable as they come. Neither airline dominates the mainland-Hawaii market (neither was even the largest player before the merger, and United, Delta, Southwest and American all offer significant service). Alaska doesn’t overlap on any other routes flown by Hawaiian.
Any degradation in Hawaiian Airlines flying we see post-merger may have happened anyway. The carrier has struggled for the past five years. The Alaska acquisition is a lifeline.
If anything, Alaska overpaid. There’s no real moat in Hawaiian Airlines markets. Alaska really just acquires knowledge of flying to Pacific destinations and some route authorities which are mostly replicable. And they gain a fleet of overwhelmingly Airbus planes for long haul and Hawaii – mainland service, right after finally getting rid of the last of the Airbus fleet acquired in their deal for Virgin America.
Today, Hawaiian Airlines serves:
- Auckland and Sydney
- Fukuoka, Tokyo Haneda and Narita, and Osaka in Japan
- Seoul
- Papeete, Pago Pago, and Raratonga
Hawaiian Airlines Airbus A330 First Class
It’s clear that we’re going to see some long haul flying move to Seattle. That means some Hawaiian Airlines widebodies leave Honolulu. There will be fewer widebodies operating between Honolulu and the West Coast, perhaps, and fewer Honolulu – Pacific destinations. But it’s not just those markets that will see planes shift around.
It turns out that this merger is likely to be personally negative for me, because my prediction is that one of the first Hawaiian routes that Alaska Airlines drops is Honolulu – Austin.
- Alaska wants Hawaiian widebodies for Seattle international long haul flying
- The Austin flight has never performed especially well
- It was a pandemic add to begin with when many markets were closed and they needed to find a place to send their planes. Orlando was already axed, but Austin remains.
Hawaiian Airlines Airbus A330 First Class
Trying to figure out how quickly this decision might be made, I wondered about service obligations that might flow from subsidies Hawaiian received for the route.
For a few years before the route started, the Austin airport was looking to hand out money for someone to fly to Hawaii. They were also pitching incentives for Amsterdam, Beijing, Dublin, Paris, Seoul, Shanghai, and Tokyo.
- Amsterdam was supposed to commence right as the pandemic started, and was delayed. KLM flies this route 3 times weekly.
- Norwegian was supposed to offer Paris service, but ceased transatlantic operations with the pandemic.
- There were rumors of the Delta-Korean joint venture starting Seoul at the time, but the KLM add went first and the pandemic intervened. Austin has no non-stop flights to Asia.
- China flying is certainly off the table at this time. The big Apple presence in Austin made it seem farfetched but not insane back in 2019.
KLM Boeing 787 in Austin
Austin airport, however, tells me that “Hawaiian Airline’s incentives expired in 2023” so there are no requirements for Hawaiian to maintain service.
I’ve taken the Austin – Honolulu flight a few times. In August I had no problem getting five first class award seats using partner miles on the flight for my preferred dates. That’s not a flight that’s doing well! For what amounted to 16,000 Bilt points (transferred to Virgin Atlantic with 150% bonus) apiece I got a great deal, but my bet is not a sustainable one.
More From View from the Wing
At Icy Strait Point, visitors can spot whales and eagles while supporting a small Alaska community.
How cruise tourism could help and hurt Alaska’s environment
Although Alaskans rely on revenue tourism cruise ships bring in, some locals are raising concerns on the impact of tourism on Alaska’s environment.
Icy Strait Point in Hoonah, Alaska, offers a rare kind of cruise stop — one where nature, culture, and community take center stage. It was also specifically developed with tourists in mind.
Built on Huna Tlingit land near Hoonah, this privately owned destination was designed to spread visitors across 23,000 acres of wilderness rather than overwhelm the town. The result is a place where travelers can see bald eagles, sea lions, and crashing waves instead of traffic and tour buses.
Beyond its dramatic scenery, Icy Strait Point generates about $20 million in annual economic impact for a community of roughly 900 people, supporting hundreds of jobs, making it a model for how tourism can benefit residents while preserving Alaska’s character.
Why it matters
Located on Huna Tlingit land, Icy Strait Point shows how tourism can support small communities while preserving their identity. Places like this reflect a broader American story of stewardship, self-determination, and economic opportunity.
According to Icy Strait Point’s Senior Vice President, Tyler Hackman, the destination generates “$20 million a year of positive economic impact on a community of 900 people,” creating jobs while allowing Hoonah to remain distinctly itself.
What to see today
Unlike many cruise ports, Icy Strait Point feels remarkably undeveloped.
“This place is mostly untouched,” Hackman said. “When a ship comes into a dock here, somebody can be standing on the top deck of the ship, and you don’t see a parking lot, you don’t see a bus, you don’t see a vehicle.”
Visitors can take a gondola to the mountaintop for sweeping views, then follow Hackman’s advice and head to the beach in front of the historic cannery. There, they can search for shells, dip their hands in Alaska’s icy waters, and take in snowcapped peaks on the horizon — and maybe spot a humpback whale or an orca.
Ask a local
For a sweet stop with a bigger purpose, visit Lil’ Gen’s Mini-Doughnuts.
Operated by The Salvation Army, the shop serves warm mini-doughnuts to cruise visitors all summer. The impact extends far beyond dessert: Hackman said that in 2025, profits from the shop helped fund “$130,000 worth of food to the local community.”
It’s a delicious way to support Hoonah residents directly. Try the lemon sugaring.
Plan your visit
- Best time: May through September during the Alaska cruise season.
- Hours/admission: Open seasonally. Access is included with most cruise itineraries.
- Getting there: Primarily reached by cruise ship from Southeast Alaska itineraries.
- Learn more: https://icystraitpoint.com/
Governor Mike Dunleavy today announced the appointment of Stephen Cox as his new Counsel to the Governor. The appointment comes after the legislature’s decision to not confirm him as attorney general, despite his extensive legal and public policy experience and proven record of defending Alaska’s interests both at home and on the national level. Cox’s responsibilities will be to advise Governor Dunleavy on a wide range of legal, regulatory, and constitutional matters affecting the State of Alaska.
Governor Dunleavy also appointed Cori Mills acting attorney general for the Alaska Department of Law. Mills has been with the department for 14 years and most recently served as deputy attorney general.
“Stephen Cox has a strong understanding of Alaska law and the challenges facing our state,” said Governor Dunleavy. “His experience, professionalism, and commitment to public service make him a valuable asset as Counsel to the Governor. I look forward to working with Stephen as we continue advancing policies that strengthen Alaska’s economy, uphold the rule of law, and serve the people of our state.”
As Counsel to the Governor, Cox will continue to work closely with the Department of Law and other executive branch departments to provide counsel on policy initiatives, legislation, and executive actions.
“I am honored to serve Governor Dunleavy and the people of Alaska in this new role,” said Stephen Cox. “I look forward to continue supporting the administration’s efforts to promote responsible resource development, governance and opportunities for Alaskans across the state.”
Cox assumes his new role effective today.
Juneau blends towering glaciers, the Tongass National Forest and rich Indigenous culture.
How cruise tourism could help and hurt Alaska’s environment
Although Alaskans rely on revenue tourism cruise ships bring in, some locals are raising concerns on the impact of tourism on Alaska’s environment.
Juneau, Alaska, is the only U.S. state capital not accessible by road — a remoteness that adds to its magic and appeal.
Nestled between mountains, rainforest, and the waters of the Inside Passage, Juneau combines Alaska Native heritage, Gold Rush history, and some of the state’s most spectacular scenery.
Visitors can watch humpback whales surface offshore, ride a tram above downtown, stand face-to-face with or even on Mendenhall Glacier, a river of ice flowing from the vast Juneau Icefield. Surrounded by the Tongass National Forest — the world’s largest temperate rainforest — Juneau offers a quintessential Alaska experience where nature feels immense, and adventure begins just minutes from the cruise dock.
Why Juneau matters
Long before prospectors arrived in search of gold, the area now known as Juneau was home to the Áak’w Kwáan, whose name for this place — Áakʼw, often translated as “little lake” — reflects a deep connection to the surrounding land and water.
Russia later expanded into Alaska through the fur trade, bringing Orthodox missionaries, new trade networks, and profound cultural change to Indigenous communities across the region. Though Juneau rose to prominence during the Gold Rush and became the territorial capital after the United States purchased Alaska in 1867, the city still bears traces of both worlds.
As the nation approaches its 250th anniversary, Juneau offers visitors a richer understanding of America’s layered history — one that’s shaped by Native stewardship, Russian influence, and the enduring resilience of southeast Alaska’s Indigenous peoples.
What to see today
The star attraction is Mendenhall Glacier, a 13.6-mile-long glacier that descends from the Juneau Icefield into a turquoise lake.
Easy trails lead to roaring Nugget Falls, while boardwalks along Steep Creek offer chances to spot spawning salmon and black bears. Back downtown, colorful floatplanes skim the harbor and the Mount Roberts Tramway lifts visitors above the city for sweeping views of Gastineau Channel and the surrounding mountains.
Ask a local
One of Juneau’s most whimsical attractions is Glacier Gardens Rainforest Adventure, tucked into the Tongass rainforest just outside downtown.
Locals and visitors alike love the upside-down trees known as “Flower Towers” — massive spruce trunks planted root-side up, bursting with colorful blooms. The display is a unique (and accidental) creation of master gardener Steve Bowhay.
It’s an eccentric sight that feels uniquely Alaskan, blending lush rainforest scenery with a touch of horticultural imagination.
Plan your visit
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