Leadership changes at Alaska Air Group reflect its plan for the future

Alaska Air Group has announced several leadership changes that reflect the organization’s commitment to operational excellence and a people-first culture.

After nearly 15 years of dedicated service to Alaska Airlines, Chief Operating Officer Constance von Muehlen will retire.

Over the last year, Alaska Airlines and Hawaiʻi Airlines teams have worked together to build and execute the plan to become a single mainline operating carrier under a single operating certificate from the Federal Aviation Administration, which is anticipated later this fall.

Von Muehlen joined Alaska in 2011 and became chief operating officer in 2021, where she led the airline through a period of significant growth and transformation. Her leadership has been instrumental in advancing safety, reliability, and innovation across the airline’s operations.

“It has been an absolute privilege to lead Alaska’s frontline teams these past five years — out of the pandemic, into an integration, and always putting safety and excellence at the forefront,” said von Muehlen. “Every day, I get to see how Alaska regularly leads the industry in care and performance, and it’s because of the dedication of thousands of technicians, flight attendants, pilots, customer service agents, dispatchers, and everyone in between. I know they will continue this excellence with Jason at the helm.”

Jason Berry, a 30-year industry veteran currently serving as president of Horizon Air and executive vice president of cargo for Alaska Air Group, will be succeeding von Muehlen on Nov. 3.

Berry brings operational expertise and leadership experience that spans cargo, ground services, and regional operations, including roles at Air Canada, Cargolux, and McGee Air Services.

Von Muehlen plans to stay on until February 2026 in an advisory capacity to support a seamless transition.

“This is an incredibly exciting time at Alaska and Hawaiʻi Airlines. As we move toward the next integration milestone, a single operating certificate, we’re bringing together incredible frontline teams who will continue to lead the industry in safety, remarkable customer service, and operational excellence,” Berry said. “I am so honored to be taking on this new role as we build on the great foundation Constance and her team have established and know that Horizon is in great hands with Andy as CEO and president.”

With Berry stepping into the chief operating officer role at Alaska Airlines, Andy Schneider will be named chief executive officer and president of Horizon Air. Schneider currently serves as senior vice president of people at Alaska Airlines and has played a pivotal role in shaping the company’s culture and talent strategy.

Over her more than 35 years with Air Group, Schneider has held various operations roles, including as Alaska’s vice president of inflight and call center services and senior vice president of people and customer services at Horizon. Her leadership will guide Horizon Air into its next chapter, continuing its legacy of exceptional regional service.

“I am so humbled and honored to return to Horizon after more than 14 years,” said Schneider. “What makes Horizon special are the incredible people who work here and the important role they play as a lifeline for the communities we serve. I’m so excited for this next chapter as we build on the rich legacy the Horizon team has established.”

For Ben Miniccuci, President and Chief Executive Officer of Alaska Air Group, the transitions in leadership are coming naturally as the Alaska Air Group achieves the milestone of a single operating certificate and evolves into a “global premium airline.”

“I am deeply grateful for Constance’s remarkable contributions during an exceptionally dynamic time for our company and industry, and I am thrilled to welcome Jason and Andy into their new roles,” Miniccuci said. “Their leadership will help us continue to deliver on our commitment to connect guests to the world through a remarkable experience rooted in safety, care and performance.”

To learn more about the leadership at the Alaska Air Group, visit https://news.alaskaair.com/.