Ben Brookman Takes Charge of Alaska Airlines’ Airport Access and Real Estate Strategy

Alaska Airlines is investing more than $3 billion in hub airports while expanding its network to over 140 destinations, and Ben Brookman has been promoted to lead strategy for airport access, infrastructure and corporate real estate as vice president of real estate and airport affairs.

At a glance: Key responsibilities and network scale

Brookman will direct the team shaping airport access and facility investments that support both the Alaska and Hawaiian brands, ensuring operations remain safe, reliable and efficient as the combined network grows and adds international destinations.

Scope of the role

Reporting to Shane Jones, senior vice president of fleet, revenue products and real estate, Brookman will coordinate airport-access strategy, terminal and apron infrastructure, and corporate real estate decisions that affect long-term network growth for both brands.

Core areas of focus

• Airport access planning and ground-side connectivity
• Terminal and gate infrastructure to support service frequency
• Corporate real estate optimization for operational resilience
• Coordination with airport authorities and local planners

Why leadership matters for operations

Leadership in real estate and airport affairs directly influences gate availability, curbside design, and intermodal connectivity—factors that determine on-time performance and passenger flow from airport arrival to aircraft boarding. Decisions in this portfolio ripple across scheduling, hub capacity and even how easy it is to secure a timely taxi or transfer.

Impact on passengers and ground transport

Investment in hubs and a focused airport-access strategy typically yield shorter transfer times, clearer curbside logistics and improved wayfinding—practical benefits for travelers who rely on taxis, ride-hailing and private transfers. To have a mind to book a seamless transfer, passengers will notice:

• better curb allocation and protected pick-up zones
• reduced congestion at arrivals that speeds up taxi and shuttle boarding
• more clearly marked zones for private transfers and limousine services

Practical effects for taxi and transfer services

When airports allocate space efficiently, drivers spend less time idling and more time serving passengers; fares and turnaround times can improve as a result. For operators and platforms offering airport transfers, clarity on curb rules, licensing and designated lanes reduces disputes and improves the predictability of pick-up times.

Operational indicators to watch

• Gate and apron utilization — influences aircraft turnaround and passenger connection times
• Curbside design — affects taxi, limousine and private transfer queuing
• Airport access policies — determine driver permissions, access pricing and licensing

What travelers can expect

With Alaska and Hawaiian brands operating together, passengers should expect expanded route options and upgraded hub experiences over time, particularly at major connecting airports. Improved infrastructure often translates to clearer pick-up points and faster transfers from the plane to a waiting car.

Checklist for travelers

• Confirm exact pick-up location and allowed curb zone before arrival.
• Allow extra time during initial rollouts of new terminal layouts.
• Consider pre-booking private transfers if traveling with large groups or extra luggage.

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While this appointment is not likely to reshape the global tourism map overnight, it is relevant to travelers and ground-transport companies as hub investments and airport-access policies affect how quickly and cheaply people can get from city centers to their flight. For your next trip, consider the convenience and reliability of pre-arranged transfers; they reduce uncertainty when gate or curb changes come into effect. Book your Ride LocalsRide.com

In summary, Ben Brookman’s promotion aligns airport-access strategy with a major investment program that supports more than 140 destinations and 29 international markets. For passengers and drivers alike, upgrades to hub infrastructure mean clearer curb rules, faster taxi and transfer turnaround, and more predictable fares and pick-up times. Platforms that surface exact vehicle details, pricing and driver credentials make it easier to plan: whether you need a cheap cab, a private limousine, a seater for a group, or the best app to book a ride, transparency on services and prices helps you decide how much to pay and where to book. LocalsRide.com complements these changes by offering a global, user-friendly solution for booking personalized transfers, trips and deliveries with clear vehicle and driver information, competitive fares and convenient booking across locations.