Alaska Airlines to Appoint New Tech Officer
The carrier is creating the new chief information technology officer role to lead its digital and AI strategy next month.
Updated on Oct. 20, 2026 in Air Travel
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Alaska Airlines will appoint Amaresh Siva as its first-ever chief information technology officer starting next month. The executive will report to the CEO to oversee AI strategy, cybersecurity, and digital efforts.
Why it matters
The new leadership role supports the airline's effort to return to profitability and serves as a key component of the ongoing Alaska Accelerate plan to build a diversified airline.
Amaresh Siva brings 29 years of technology leadership experience to the company. The airline previously reported a net loss of $76 million in the second quarter of 2026 and a total loss of nearly $500 million in the first half of 2026.
The players
Amaresh Siva
He is the incoming chief information technology officer who has previously held leadership roles at CVS Health, Lowe's, and Target.
Alaska Airlines
This is a major U.S. carrier headquartered in the Seattle area that is currently executing a diversification strategy to restore financial health.
The details
Siva will lead enterprise technology, data, and cybersecurity as the airline focuses on its activation phase of the Alaska Accelerate plan. He joins from previous roles at CVS Health, Lowe's, and Target to help the Seattle-based company navigate its current financial recovery.
Timeline
December 2024: The Alaska Accelerate plan was launched.
Q2 2026: The company reported a net loss of $76 million.
H1 2026: The company recorded a total loss of nearly $500 million.
September 2026: The company entered the activation phase of the Alaska Accelerate plan.
December 2026: Amaresh Siva will begin his new role at Alaska Airlines.
Travel Outlook
This appointment marks a shift in how legacy airlines are integrating digital transformation into their long-term recovery strategies. It follows the activation phase of the Alaska Accelerate plan, signaling a move toward data-driven operations to combat recent financial losses.
The changes to the airline's digital infrastructure may eventually lead to improved booking processes or more integrated digital services for travelers. Passengers should monitor the company's technology updates as the new executive begins implementing his strategy next month.
The takeaway
The appointment signals a heavy investment in technical leadership as the airline seeks to stabilize its finances through modernization. Travelers can expect the company to lean further into digital efficiency and AI-driven services in the coming months.
Further reading
For more news on the industry, visit the Air Travel section.
Source note: This article includes information reported by CIO Dive.
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