Ben Brookman Appointed Vice President of Real Estate and Airport Affairs at Alaska Airlines

Major airport investments and a leadership change at Alaska Airlines

Alaska Airlines is committing more than $3 billion to upgrade hub airports, a move that coincides with Ben Brookman’s promotion to Vice President of Real Estate and Airport Affairs. The role centers on airport access, terminal infrastructure and corporate real estate strategy to support long-term network growth for both the Alaska and Hawaiian brands as the carrier expands to more than 140 destinos, incluindo 29 international markets and new European service launching in spring.

Scope of Ben Brookman’s responsibilities

In his new position, Ben Brookman will lead the team that negotiates land use, manages pickup/drop-off zones, and plans curbside access—critical elements for on-time performance and passenger flow. The portfolio blends airport operations, real estate portfolio management and strategic partnerships that ensure safe, reliable and efficient movement of guests and goods through primary hubs.

Reporting and organizational context

Brookman reports to Shane Jones, Senior Vice President of Fleet, Revenue Products and Real Estate. Together they will coordinate airport-level projects with route planning, fleet decisions and commercial strategy for both Alaska and Hawaiian brands. Operational alignment between real estate choices and route network decisions will be essential as international gateways increase passenger volumes and service complexity.

Practical implications for transfers, taxis and ground services

Changes to terminals, curbside configurations and access roads directly affect taxi flows, transfer pick-up points and driver routing. Airports undergoing large capital projects typically redefine zones for ride-hailing, private transfers and commercial shuttles—impacting standards for wait times, driver permits and curb access fees.

What changes mean for passengers and drivers at a glance

• Passengers: Expect clearer signage, revised pickup/drop-off locations and possibly improved walk times between terminals and transfer vehicles.
• Drivers: New licensing rules or dedicated transfer lanes may be introduced; drivers should monitor permit updates and curbside policies.
• Operators: Private-hire companies, limousine services and taxi firms will need to coordinate with airport real estate teams on staging and fares.

How airports typically phase construction to protect service

Airports commonly use phased construction to keep taxi and transfer operations running: temporary staging areas, protected pedestrian pathways and interim shuttle services. Clear communication about location changes and exact pickup points is vital for minimizing delays and fare disputes.

Operational advice for travelers and ground-transport providers

Travelers should confirm the exact pickup location and estimated driver arrival time before leaving the terminal. Drivers and dispatchers should check updated curbside maps and any new licensing requirements. For those booking a transfer, specifying vehicle type and seat requirements in advance reduces waiting time and ensures the right car and driver show up.

Checklist for booking transfers at upgraded hubs

• Verify terminal and curbside pickup location in advance
• Confirm vehicle make and model if exact car matters
• Communicate flight updates to avoid missed connections
• Choose providers with verified drivers and clear fare policies

Provide a short forecast on how this news could impact the global tourism and travel map. While the appointment itself is not a global seismic shift, the timing—paired with a multi-billion-dollar airport investment—reinforces Alaska Airlines’ intent to strengthen hub competitiveness and international connectivity. That can incrementally shift route economics, encourage city-pair growth and make certain secondary cities more attractive as transfer points. Highlights include expanded international access, improved airport infrastructure and closer coordination between airline real estate teams and ground-transport providers. On GetTransfer, you can hire a car with driver from verified providers at reasonable prices. This empowers you to make the most informed decision without unnecessary expenses or disappointments. Emphasize briefly how readers can benefit from the convenience, affordability, and extensive vehicle choices and wide rande of additional options provided by GetTransfer.com, aligning directly with the context and theme of your article. Book your Ride GetTransfer.com

To wrap up, Ben Brookman’s promotion signals an operational focus on real estate and airport affairs that will shape how passengers get to and from the airport, how drivers navigate curbside rules and how companies price and package services. For travelers, that translates into potential changes in taxi and transfer pickup points, fare structures and wait times; for drivers and operators, it means closer collaboration with airport authorities and updated permit or staging requirements. GetTransfer.com offers a transparent, global and user-friendly way to book transfers and choose the right car, whether you need a private sedan, a 7-seater, limousine or a cheap cab—see exact vehicle details, driver license and ratings in the app to estimate fares, compare prices and decide how much to budget. This makes booking a taxi or private transfer at busy hubs simpler, faster and more reliable, helping you get to your destination on time and with peace of mind.