Alaska Air Group announces leadership changes at Alaska Airlines

SEATTLE - Alaska Air Group (ALK), currently trading at $51.13 and identified as undervalued according to InvestingPro Fair Value metrics, announced on Friday that Jason Berry will become the new Chief Operating Officer of Alaska Airlines, succeeding Constance von Muehlen who will retire after nearly 15 years with the company.

Berry, currently President of Horizon Air and Executive Vice President of Cargo for Alaska Air Group, will assume his new role on November 3, 2025. Von Muehlen, who has served as COO since 2021, will remain with the company until February 2026 in an advisory capacity to support the transition. The leadership change comes as the company, with a market capitalization of $5.9 billion, has achieved impressive revenue growth of 27.8% over the last twelve months.

The company also announced that Andy Schneider, Senior Vice President of People at Alaska Airlines, will be appointed CEO and President of Horizon Air. Schneider brings more than 35 years of experience with Alaska Air Group, having previously held various operations roles.

These leadership changes come as Alaska Airlines and Hawaiian Airlines work toward obtaining a single operating certificate from the Federal Aviation Administration, expected later this fall. InvestingPro data shows analysts anticipate continued sales growth, with the company trading at an attractive P/E ratio relative to its near-term earnings growth potential.

"These transitions mark an exciting moment for Alaska Air Group, and the milestone of a single operating certificate is a natural time to evolve our leadership team as we grow into a global premium airline," said Ben Minicucci, CEO of Alaska Air Group, in a press release statement.

Von Muehlen joined Alaska in 2011 and became COO in 2021, leading the airline through what the company described as a period of significant growth and transformation.

Alaska Air Group, traded on the New York Stock Exchange as ALK, operates Alaska Airlines, Hawaiian Airlines, and Horizon Air. For deeper insights into ALK’s valuation and growth prospects, including 8 additional exclusive ProTips and comprehensive financial analysis, visit InvestingPro.

In other recent news, Alaska Airlines has updated its third-quarter 2025 earnings guidance toward the lower end of the $1.00-$1.40 range, attributed to increased costs in both fuel and non-fuel categories, as reported by Evercore ISI. The firm has lowered its price target for Alaska Air to $65, although it maintains an Outperform rating. Meanwhile, Alaska Airlines and Hawaiian Airlines have introduced a new business travel program called Atmos for Business, targeting small and mid-sized companies with a minimum annual travel spend of $5,000. This program allows businesses to earn points on flights that can be redeemed for future travel with Alaska, Hawaiian, or their partners.

Additionally, Alaska Airlines will commence nonstop service between Seattle and Seoul Incheon on September 12, using Hawaiian Airlines’ 787-9 Dreamliner aircraft. This marks Alaska’s first 787-9 international service from Seattle, aligning with their strategy to enhance Seattle as a major global hub. Furthermore, Alaska Airlines announced a new daily nonstop route between Seattle and Reykjavík, Iceland, starting May 28, 2026, with bookings available now. In leadership changes, Diana Birkett Rakow will become the CEO of Hawaiian Airlines effective October 29, succeeding Joe Sprague, who is retiring.

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