Alaska Airlines’ proposed $1.9 billion acquisition of Hawaiian Airlines has cleared a significant hurdle as the deadline for completing the U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) regulatory investigation has passed.
The merger now requires approval of a preliminary exemption application by the US Department of Transportation (DOT).
The big win came after a US judge dismissed a consumer lawsuit seeking to prevent the merger.
“The deadline for the U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) to complete its regulatory investigation of the proposed merger of Alaska Airlines and Hawaiian Airlines under the HSR Act has passed. This is an important milestone in the process of merging our airlines,” Alaska said in a statement.
“During the Department of Justice’s review, Alaska worked closely with the Hawaii Attorney General to reaffirm and expand our commitments to the future of Hawaiian Airlines and Hawaiian consumers. This includes plans to maintain the Hawaiian Airlines brand and local jobs and to continue to provide strong service between, to and from the islands.”
“The proposed merger is subject to customary closing conditions, including approval of a request for a temporary waiver by the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT),” the airline said. “After this step, we will complete work to close the transaction and move forward with the integration of the two companies, bringing Hawaiian Airlines guests and employees into the Alaska Air Group and expanding benefits and choices for consumers throughout Hawaii, the Asia-Pacific region, the continental United States and around the world.”
Flight with Hawaiian Airlines. (Photo via Hawaiian Airlines)
In a statement released Monday, Hawaii Governor Josh Green said he looks forward to the merger process.
“The merger will significantly increase the number of destinations across North America that Hawaii residents can reach nonstop or with a stopover from the islands. HawaiianMiles members will retain the value of their miles while gaining access to more destinations around the world,” Green said.
“I am confident that the combination of these two airlines will create a stronger company that will provide more travel options for Hawaii residents and local businesses – and increase competition throughout the U.S. airline industry.”
This milestone in the Alaska-Hawaiian merger attempts came just seven months after the U.S. Department of Justice successfully blocked a $3.8 billion merger between JetBlue and Spirit Airlines.
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