Alaska Air Group names new Horizon CEO amid leadership transitions

Alaska Air Group has announced a series of leadership changes that will see Andy Schneider become Chief Executive Officer and President of Horizon Air. The change at the helm of Alaska Air’s wholly owned regional subsidiary, announced on September 26, 2025, follows a wave of senior appointments across Alaska Airlines and its subsidiaries.

Schneider, a veteran of Alaska Air Group with more than 35 years at the company, will take over leadership of Horizon Air from Jason Berry, who has been named Chief Operating Officer of Alaska Airlines. Schneider most recently served as Senior Vice President of People at Alaska Airlines, overseeing the carrier’s talent and culture strategy. She previously held operational roles at both Alaska and Horizon, including vice president of inflight and call center services and senior vice president of people and customer services at Horizon.

“I am so humbled and honored to be returning to Horizon after more than 14 years,” Schneider said. “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.”

Berry, who led Horizon Air as president, will assume his new role as Alaska Airlines’ Chief Operating Officer on November 3, 2025. He succeeds Constance von Muehlen, who will retire after nearly 15 years with Alaska. Von Muehlen joined Alaska in 2011 and became COO in 2021, steering the airline through a period of growth and change. She will remain in an advisory role until February 2026 to assist with the transition, Alaska Air Group said.

Berry, a 30-year aviation industry veteran, has held leadership positions in cargo, ground services, and regional operations. His previous experience includes roles at Air Canada, Cargolux, and McGee Air Services.

“This is an incredibly exciting time at Alaska and Hawaiian Airlines,” Berry said. “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.”

Alaska Air Group Chief Executive Ben Minicucci praised von Muehlen’s leadership and highlighted the importance of the transitions as the company works toward securing an operating certificate with Hawaiian Airlines. “These transitions mark an exciting moment for Alaska Air Group, and the milestone of a single operating certificate is a natural time to evolve our leadership team as we grow into a global premium airline,” Minicucci said.

The changes at Alaska Air Group follow other high-profile leadership shifts this year. In July 2025, Alaska Airlines announced that Aaron Alter, who had served as the company’s chief legal officer, was promoted to President of Alaska Airlines. Earlier in 2025, Hawaiian Airlines also named a new chief executive as part of its integration with Alaska, appointing airline veteran Jon Snook to the role. Earlier this month, Alaska Air Group also named Diana Birkett Rakow as the new Chief Executive Officer of Hawaiian Airlines, making her the first woman to lead the carrier.

For Horizon Air, Schneider’s appointment brings a leader who should be able to maintain continuity and who has deep institutional experience. The regional airline plays a key role in Alaska Air Group’s network, linking communities across the Pacific Northwest and beyond with larger hubs. As Alaska Air Group integrates Hawaiian and expands internationally, Horizon is expected to continue its focus on regional service.

Horizon’s fleet reflects that mission. The airline today operates an all-Embraer 175 jet fleet after retiring its Bombardier Q400 turboprops in 2023. The 76-seat Embraer jets allow Horizon to serve both short-haul and longer regional routes. With about 40 E175s in service, the fleet is flown by Horizon pilots under the Alaska Airlines brand and colors. The post Alaska Air Group names new Horizon CEO amid leadership transitions appeared first on AeroTime.

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