SEATTLE -- Alaska Air Group Inc has completed its acquisition of Hawaiian Holdings Inc, the parent firm of Hawaiian Airlines. Alaska Air Group is the parent company of Alaska Airlines.

Ben Minicucci, CEO of Alaska Air Group, said, "This is a historic day for Alaska Airlines as we officially join with Hawaiian Airlines. Alaska and Hawaiian share tremendous pride in connecting communities with award-winning service, and we look forward to inviting more guests on board to experience what makes both brands unique. Among Alaska, Hawaiian, and Horizon Air, we have more than 230 years of history flying guests and serving communities. I know we will build on that legacy and become stronger together -- providing the excellent operation guests have come to expect, expanding options to seamlessly travel nearly anywhere in the world, and securing the financial stability and value that inspires investment."

Earlier this week, the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) issued an order granting an exemption related to the transfer of international route authorities in the merger of Alaska Airlines and Hawaiian Airlines. In connection with the issuance of the order, the two airlines and the DOT agreed to several commitments. The order cleared the final regulatory hurdle to the merger.

Alaska Airlines and Hawaiian Airlines are now beginning the work to secure a single operating certificate with the U.S. Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), which will allow the two airlines to operate as a single carrier with an integrated passenger service system. Meanwhile, the airlines will continue to operate as separate carriers with no immediate changes to operations, and they will maintain separate websites, reservation systems, and loyalty programs until later in the integration process. Even after the integration process is complete, though, Alaska Air Group intends to maintain Alaska Airlines and Hawaiian Airlines as separate brands.

Currently, the airlines and subsidiary airlines of Alaska Air Group operate nearly 1,500 daily flights to 141 destinations, including 29 international markets. They operate a fleet of 350 aircraft, including 18 Airbus A321neos, 24 Airbus A330s, 19 Boeing 717s, 235 Boeing 737s, two Boeing 787s, 44 Embraer 175s, and eight dedicated freighters (three Airbus A330s, three Boeing 737-700s, and two Boeing 737-800s).

Source: Alaska Airlines Inc

SEATTLE - Boeing predicts a significant surge in passenger air traffic and airplane fleet expansion in Southeast Asia over the next two decades. Driven by strong economic growth and a rising middle class, the region's air travel demand is expected to more than triple, leading to a corresponding increase in the number of commercial jets.

According to Boeing's Commercial Market Outlook, Southeast Asia's passenger air traffic will grow at an annual rate of 7.2%, outpacing the global average of 4.7%. This growth will be fueled by increased disposable income, which will bring new consumers into the aviation market. To meet this rising demand, the region's airplane fleet will need to expand to over 4,960 jets.

Boeing expects single-aisle airplanes to play a crucial role in connecting Southeast Asia's islands and serving travel demand within the region and to other parts of Asia. In addition, widebody aircraft like the 787 Dreamliner will be essential for long-haul routes. The region will also need to significantly increase its pilot, maintenance technician, and cabin crew workforce to support this growth.

Boeing forecasts that Southeast Asia will need 20 regional jets, 3,765 single-aisle airplanes, 920 widebody airplanes, and 15 freighters to meet the region's growing demand for air travel.

Source: Boeing
Associated URL: https://boeing.mediaroom.com/news-releases-statements?item=131490

BIRMINGHAM, U.K. -- GKN Aerospace has unveiled plans to increase the capacity and efficiency of its aero-engine manufacturing facility in Trollhaettan, Sweden. The company intends to expand the facility by 5,000 square meters. The expansion will include digitized fabrication processes and increased production capacity to meet growing demand for aero-engines.

The new production area is slated to be fully operational in 2026. GKN said that the investment adds state-of-the-art capacity with advanced automation, robotics, and digital technologies. The company added that this will enable it to drive up productivity, improve quality, and reduce industry lead times of its engine systems and major structural components.

According to GKN, the backlog of aero-engines stands at up to nine years, and the expansion will enable the company to support increasing demand for engines such as the GEnx, the GTF, and the Trent XWB.

"We are seeing record order backlogs and strong growth potential across the industry, and this expansion enables us to support our customers and seize that opportunity. Our Engines business is already an industry leader today, and this investment will not only underpin our future growth but also support the industry's shift to more efficient and sustainable aircraft engines," said Joakim Andersson, President of GKN Aerospace's Engines business.

The expansion follows a January 2024 announcement that GKN is also establishing an Additive Fabrication Centre of Excellence at the Trollhaettan facility, as it positions the Engines business for further growth.

Source: GKN Aerospace Services Ltd