The Department of Justice has given its stamp of approval to Alaska Airlines’ acquisition of Hawaiian Airlines, finding that the merger does not violate antitrust laws. This move comes after a thorough review period, during which the two airlines collaborated with the Hawaii attorney general to address any concerns.
While the DOJ has given the green light, the airlines still need to overcome other regulatory hurdles and closing conditions before finalizing the deal. One key requirement is obtaining interim approval from the Transportation Department to operate under common ownership. Additionally, Hawaiian Airlines will need final approval to transfer its international route authorities to Alaska.
As part of the merger arrangement, Alaska Airlines plans to maintain the Hawaiian Airlines brand, highlighting its significance in Hawaii. However, behind the scenes, the two carriers will operate as a merged airline, with centralized scheduling, a single loyalty program, and interchangeable aircraft. Alaska will be acquiring Hawaiian for $1.9 billion, inclusive of $900 million in debt.
Under the Biden administration, the Department of Justice has taken a more critical approach to airline mergers, as seen in its efforts to block previous acquisitions. Despite this, the Alaska-Hawaiian merger garnered support from the Hawaiian government and faced minimal competition concerns due to limited network overlap.
According to Hawaii Governor Josh Green, the merger is expected to bring substantial benefits to consumers, employees, and communities. Residents of Hawaii can look forward to increased nonstop or one-stop destinations throughout North America, while HawaiianMiles members will gain access to a wider array of global destinations, all while retaining the value of their miles.
The approval of Alaska Airlines’ acquisition of Hawaiian Airlines marks a significant milestone in the airlines’ journey towards integration. With regulatory challenges on the horizon, both carriers will need to navigate the final steps of the process to realize the full benefits of their combined operations.
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