#United States #Seattle #Alaska Airlines #Ben Brookman #Airport Affairs

Ben Brookman Promoted to Vice President of Real Estate and Airport Affairs

Alaska Airlines has recently announced the promotion of Ben Brookman to Vice President of Real Estate and Airport Affairs, marking a significant milestone in his 17-year career within the airline industry.

In this elevated role, Brookman will be at the forefront of leading Alaska's global real estate strategy, as well as overseeing investments at airports across the airline's extensive network. This promotion aligns with the company's long-term vision, which aims to enhance the travel experience while prioritizing safety, care, and operational efficiency.

Brookman steps into the spotlight at a time when Alaska Airlines is significantly expanding its real estate portfolio. It is part of a broader strategy to connect passengers to the world through improved airport access and state-of-the-art infrastructure. The plan also involves substantial investments of over $3 billion to revolutionize hub airports and ensure a world-class experience for travelers. Alaska Airlines plans to broaden its reach with new international destinations, joining forces with Hawaiian Airlines to operate a network that spans over 140 destinations, including 29 international routes across North America, Latin America, Asia, and the Pacific. Europe will also be added to this extensive network, starting in spring 2026.

Brookman's experience with Alaska Airlines is commendable, having previously served as Managing Director of Airport Affairs since November 2021. In that capacity, he played a pivotal role in shaping Alaska's airport planning strategy and contract negotiations. His expertise extends beyond Alaska, as he has held significant Commercial and Real Estate positions at prominent airlines such as Sun Country Airlines, US Airways, and Amazon Air prior to rejoining Alaska in 2021.

Currently, Brookman reports to Shane Jones, Senior Vice President of Fleet, Revenue Products, and Real Estate, who emphasizes the importance of this transition. Jones stated, "This is a transformational moment for our airline as we add new international destinations to our route map that our guests want and elevate the experience at every step of their journey. Ben's deep aviation background and extensive negotiations and infrastructure experience make him the ideal leader for our real estate team as we expand into our global network."

As part of Alaska's efforts to cater to a global audience, flights from Seattle to five exciting new intercontinental locations will soon be bookable. These exciting destinations include:

• - Rome, Italy: Daily summer seasonal flights commencing April 28, 2026.
• - London Heathrow, United Kingdom: Daily year-round flights starting May 21, 2026.
• - Reykjavik, Iceland: Daily summer seasonal flights from May 28, 2026.
• - Tokyo Narita, Japan: Daily year-round flights currently available.
• - Seoul Incheon, South Korea: Five times weekly, year-round flights already in operation.

With these strategic developments, Alaska Airlines is committed to delivering exceptional service, ensuring a memorable journey for all guests. Furthermore, they are modernizing their fleet, particularly focusing on their A330 widebody aircraft, to enhance onboard services, matching the high standards set across their various brands.

In summary, Ben Brookman's ascent to Vice President of Real Estate and Airport Affairs marks a significant step forward for Alaska Airlines, reinforcing its commitment to connecting people globally with safety and exceptional service. As the airline prepares to expand its horizons further, Brookman's leadership will be pivotal in navigating the complexities of the evolving aviation landscape.

For travelers eager to explore Alaska Airlines' new routes and offerings, bookings are now available online through alaskaair.com, as well as through its sister brand, Hawaiian Airlines.