In a significant development in the airline industry, Alaska Airlines has announced a $1.9 billion deal to acquire Hawaiian Airlines, including debt. The combined company, based in Seattle and led by Alaska Airlines CEO Ben Minicucci, aims to maintain both airlines’ brands and deepen connectivity with a focus on the Pacific region.
The deal, subject to shareholder and regulatory approval, brings together two carriers with a historical presence in the Pacific, promising increased connectivity for passengers across the continental United States and the Pacific. While the companies express commitment to preserving Hawaiian’s deep-rooted history and workforce in the islands, the acquisition may face scrutiny from regulators concerned about potential impacts on competition and fares.
The Biden administration’s recent efforts to block other airline mergers suggest increased scrutiny of such deals. If approved, the Alaska-Hawaiian merger is expected to close in the next 12 to 18 months, ushering in a new chapter in the aviation landscape.
