Hawaiian Airlines today announced the appointment of Lokesh Amaranayaka as vice president of airport operations, effective April 1.
Amaranayaka will oversee all passenger, ramp and contract service operations at airports across Hawaiian’s global network. He will be responsible for safety, performance and reliability, including on-time arrivals and departures, baggage handling and guest service and satisfaction.
“Lokesh’s people-oriented approach aligns with our company’s values, and his depth of airport knowledge will enable Hawaiian to continue offering the best Hawaiʻi travel experience to our guests worldwide,” said Jon Snook, chief operating officer at Hawaiian Airlines.
Amaranayaka joins Hawaiian after a 24-year career at American Airlines, where he started as a reservations agent and held numerous airport roles before leading the carrier’s expansive operations at Los Angeles International Airport. During his tenure, he also managed front-line operations at American’s Dallas headquarters and major airports, including John F. Kennedy International Airport, Dallas Fort Worth International Airport and Miami International Airport.
Amaranayaka is a McKinsey & Company’s Black Executive Leadership Program graduate and an alumnus of the Management Leadership for Tomorrow Career Advancement Program.