Ben Brookman has been promoted to Vice President of Real Estate and Airport Affairs at Alaska Airlines, a strategic move tied to the carrier's $3 billion infrastructure push.
Summary: Ben Brookman has been appointed Vice President of Real Estate and Airport Affairs at Alaska Airlines, a strategic hire as the carrier advances a $3 billion airport infrastructure programme and expands international routes.
Alaska Airlines has elevated Ben Brookman to the role of Vice President of Real Estate and Airport Affairs as the carrier accelerates investments in airport infrastructure and global connectivity. Ben Brookman will lead the airline’s airport relations and real estate strategy while Alaska advances a $3 billion plan to modernize terminals and build new facilities.
A Strategic Leadership Move
Brookman’s promotion places him at the centre of Alaska Airlines’ effort to align airport operations with the carrier’s broader growth objectives. His responsibilities will include guiding airport infrastructure projects, strengthening airport partnerships, and overseeing real estate investments across the airline’s network as it pursues a larger international footprint.
Experience That Matches the Ambition
Since 2021 Ben Brookman has served as Managing Director of Airport Affairs at Alaska Airlines. In that role he managed key infrastructure initiatives, cultivated strategic airport partnerships and led the integration of Hawaiian Airlines’ network following its acquisition. Prior to joining Alaska, Brookman held leadership positions at Sun Country Airlines, US Airways and Amazon Air, where he contributed to infrastructure and expansion strategies.
- Managed airport affairs for Alaska Airlines since 2021
- Led integration of Hawaiian Airlines’ network after acquisition
- Previous roles at Sun Country Airlines, US Airways and Amazon Air
Alaska’s leadership views Brookman’s background as a strong fit for the carrier’s next phase, which combines operational upgrades at key domestic hubs with expansion into new international markets.
Overseeing a $3 Billion Infrastructure Programme
A key element of Brookman’s remit will be to implement Alaska’s $3 billion programme to modernize airport infrastructure. That work includes renovating existing terminals, developing new facilities and making sure physical assets support the airline’s planned route growth and passenger experience improvements.
- Terminal renovations and new facility development
- Strategic real estate acquisitions and portfolio management
- Negotiating airport contracts and strengthening hub operations
Linking Infrastructure to International Growth
Alaska has signalled ambitions to broaden its global network, announcing new route targets that include Tokyo, London and Reykjavik, and a longer-term aim to serve more than 140 destinations worldwide. Brookman’s role will be to ensure airport relationships and real estate choices enable those international services while maintaining strong domestic hub performance in cities like Seattle and Portland.
By uniting airport affairs with real estate strategy, Alaska expects to improve operational efficiency and passenger experience as it scales. Brookman will oversee both the physical upgrades and the commercial deals that underpin the airline’s expansion.
Why this matters: For travellers and industry partners, Brookman’s appointment signals Alaska Airlines’ commitment to synchronising on-the-ground infrastructure with its route ambitions. Improved terminals, smoother check-ins and upgraded gates are practical outcomes passengers can expect as the airline rolls out its $3 billion programme — while airports and commercial partners can anticipate closer coordination on property and operational planning.
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