Well that was quick, they just went back in bankruptcy on March 20th.
Joe Sharkey points to United’s statement about their partner’s collapse.
For customers who are flying on a United ticket, United will rebook them on an alternate flight where space is available, for no additional charge. For customers traveling on an Aloha ticket, United is offering discounted one-way fares through the end of April that will make it easier for them to return home.United will continue to honor reservations that AlohaPass frequent flier members have on a United flight. United will refund frequent flier miles at no additional charge to United Mileage Plus members who have an award ticket reservation on an Aloha flight.
Apparently Aloha’s cargo operation remains profitable and will continue operation, being auctioned off in April.
Update: Hawaiian is making an explicit status match offer to Aloha elites.
What forced AQ into final bankruptcy wasn’t competition as they indicated, it was years of poor decisions. These included failure of the prior owners to modernize its inter-island fleet, expand its trans-pacific fleet beyond a handful of 737-700’s, and obtain more lucrative mainland and international routes. These choices, which had been ruining their business over a period of years, were only exacerbated by competition and fuel costs. The more recent investment of $100M by Ron Burkle was just too little, too late. This is very sad for the nearly 2K loyal Aloha employees and their families.
Sad also for the $500 spent on intra-island airfare. Time to call my bank and have them reverse it. I knew buying with CC would pay off vs. cash, just like all the experts say.