“2024 was atransformational year as we brought Hawaiian Airlines into Alaska Air Group andbegan our journey to unlock $1 billion in incremental pretax profit over thenext three years,” said Ben Minicucci, Alaska Air Group President and CEO.
“We're proud thatour incentive plan will reward Alaska Airlines and Horizon Air employees withnearly six weeks of pay, which we believe will lead the industry. Lookingforward, our vision is clear and we're focused on executing our strategic plan– leveraging the strengths of our combined network, enhancing the end-to-endtravel experience for our guests, and delivering value for everyone who dependson us.”
Ben Minicucci
Now air cargogets some exciting new destinations including a move internationally as theairline is deepening its offering adding new destinations including the launchof Seattle as an international gateway with nonstop routes to Tokyo Narita andSeoul Incheon in 2025, with plans to add a dozen international widebodydestinations by 2030.
The internationalmove is new territory for the Seattle-based carrier that expects to deliversignificant increases in its annual air cargo business.
The carrier is also adding nonstop service between San DiegoInternational Airport and Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport, makingAlaska the only airline to operate this route.
Starting with thesummer schedules Alaska commences nonstop services from Anchorage to Detroitand Sacramento; Portland to Houston, Fairbanks, and Eugene; and Medford to SanDiego.
Meantime Hawaiianreceived two A330-300 freighter aircraft from Amazon during the fourth quarter2024 bringing the total within the airline's fleet to six.
Jason Berry JasonBerry “Mr. Air Cargo” at Alaska Air for many seasons got upped last Septemberto Executive Vice President at the Alaska Air Group. Inc. parent company level,while also maintaining his role as President of Horizon Air.
At the same timewho came along in a puff of smoke but the cargo pro, Ian Morgan, named AlaskaAirlines Vice President of Cargo to lead the day-to-day charge and nearly 600employees who make up Alaska Air Cargo.
Morgan ismanaging the continued growth of Alaska Air Group's cargo business – operatedby both Hawaiian Airlines and Alaska Airlines.
“We are investingin air cargo.” Ian said.
“Two established,well-respected brands are together creating new opportunities and expanding ourportfolio, and it’s an incredible time to be here working with these phenomenalteams,” declared Ian, who also noted that he will be attending Air CargoConference in Dallas next month.
“We couldn't bemore thrilled about this next chapter for Alaska Air Cargo,” Ben Minicuccinoted.
“With these twoleaders, we're well positioned for unlimited future success as we grow andexpand our cargo operations to deliver for everyone who depends on us.
“At AlaskaAirlines and Hawaiian Airlines, cargo plays a critical role in the communities,the airlines serve. Cargo is a strategic function for the business and enablesboth airlines to support multiple needs for customers.”
MeantimeIanMorgan, the likeable air cargo industry stalwart that joined Alaska AirlinesCargo last September, is never at a loss for words when it comes to thinkingbig, and the addition of Hawaiian Airlines is a particularly sweet spot rightnow.
We caught up withIan in his role as Alaska Airlines' vice president of cargo, leading thecombined teams of Alaska Air Cargo and Hawaiian Air Cargo wondering with sixmonths under his belt since being tapped for an exciting new adventure …. whatsurprised you ?
IM: I’m energized bythe scope and scale of the airline as it grows with the Hawaiian combination.
We have a ton ofopportunity for customers across the globe to get to know us as well as thosein our historical key markets do. With widebody, narrowbody and freighterservice, we’re becoming a viable option for an expanded global customer basewith diverse needs.
While notexactly surprised, I’ve been very impressed with the professionalism andcreativity of both airlines. We definitely punch above our weight. And gettingto lead in an organization that is guided by strong values resonates with me.Be kindhearted, do the right thing, care in everything you do . . . these arestrong values that bring a sense of ownership and pride to our work. It’s apowerful motivator.
FT: Talk about “ThePlan.” What can shippers expect from Alaska Cargo in 2025? What do you see aspotential interface and growth for Hawaiian?
IM: This is anexciting year for Alaska Air Cargo, and our customers can gear up for moreopportunity. By combining our two networks, seamlessly connecting our three keyhubs (SEA, ANC and HNL), and investing in SEA as an international hub,customers will have access to a truly global freight carrier this year. Evenamidst all the growth and change, customers can still expect the quality, care,enthusiasm and dedication they’re used to receiving from our combined cargoteam on every transaction.
FT: What drives youmost—The joy of winning or fear of losing?
IM: It has alwaysbeen both – one feeds the other. The fear of losing has always pushed me to tryand work harder and smarter. The success that brings helps you understand it’s balancingboth the fear and the joy of success.
.
FT: Who do youadmire in business and life? Why are you optimistic?
IM: I admire mymanagers over the years. I started in this industry 46 years ago, quite bymistake. My first manager recognized something in me I could never see myself.I am fortunate enough that has been my experience in most cases. I stand ontheir shoulders and will be forever grateful. I have now come full circle,working again with Jason Berry, who brings out the best in everyone he managesand supports his team 100%.
I am optimisticby choice. I believe it’s a decision you make every day you wake up. I have thebenefit of 46 years in this business, and it is truly a privilege to be part ofthis industry. That’s reason enough to be optimistic.
FT: What are somemeasures and perhaps basic rules that air cargo can employ to advance thebusiness? What might be changed or adopted that you admire from otherindustries?
IM: My focus is oncontinuously creating reasons for our customers to want to do business with us.That can come from investment in infrastructure like IT that positions us wellfor the future. Perhaps even more important are the investments we’re making inour teams as we bring the cargo operations of Alaska and Hawaiian together.They are our most important investment because they provide the excellentcustomer service people have come to love. Some wise words I think about often:‘Look after your team and they will look after the customer.’
FT: Will there alwaysbe an airline forwarder partnership as core to our business? What percentage ofyour business is forwarder driven? What is your view on how that partnershipcan continue to prosper.
IM: There will alwaysbe a strong partnership with our forwarding partners – they are invaluable tocustomers. Over the years, there have been innovative ideas for businessdevelopment. Our engagement in those conversations will be critical to ourgrowth plans for 2025 and beyond. We will use our excellent customerrelationships to continue to hone our direction and ensure that we providesignificant value.
AirCargo 2025FT: Whatdo you do to relax?
IM: Funny enoughsometimes work can relax me. The adage is “do what you love, love what you do,”and cargo has given me that over the years. Outside of work, my preferredrelaxation methods are hiking, cooking, and travelling to meet friends.
FT: What trade showsdo you deem important for 2025?
IM: We arecontinuing to review our participation in shows as we emerge as a globalcarrier. We have committed to AFA/CNS/ACF/Boston seafood show where we lookforward to joining our customers in a dialogue on how we can jointly advancethe industry.
