Hawaiian Airlines has announced plans to cut 57 out of nearly 1,400 Hawaii-based non-union jobs by the end of the year due to its merger with Alaska Airlines. The layoffs include 52 positions from Hawaiian’s corporate headquarters and four from its air cargo hangar, along with one from the passenger terminal at Daniel K. Inouye International Airport.
The job cuts are part of a broader integration process following Alaska’s acquisition of Hawaiian, which has not yet been fully completed. The layoffs are expected to begin around December 31, 2024, and further reductions are anticipated over the next six to twelve months as the companies continue to merge operations.
Despite the layoffs, Hawaiian Airlines’ approximately 6,000 union employees will retain their jobs under the new structure. Hawaiian is one of Hawaii’s largest private employers, with about 7,500 employees, most of whom hold union positions. The airline plays a critical role in providing transportation for residents and tourists alike, making it a vital part of the state’s economy.
The integration process is complex, requiring compliance with FAA regulations that dictate a phased approach to merging operations. As part of this process, Hawaiian anticipates that more non-union jobs may be eliminated as specific integration milestones are met.
While Hawaiian has begun one-on-one meetings with non-union employees regarding their positions, the company hopes to retain a majority of these workers in either permanent or interim roles to support its ongoing operations across the islands.