Alaska-Hawaiian Deal Moves Forward Without DOJ Intervention

The $1.9 billion merger cleared its largest regulatory hurdle to date.

Alaska and Hawaiian aircraft in Maui (Photo: Shutterstock / EQRoy)

[ Top Story ]August 20, 2024 9:23 am ET

By Ryan Ewing

The Department of Justice (DOJ)’s deadline to review the proposed merger between Alaska Airlines and Hawaiian Airlines expired early Tuesday morning, allowing the acquisition to move forward. The deal, valued at approximately $1.9 billion, will combine two of the largest airlines serving the West Coast and Hawaii.

Under the terms of the merger, Alaska will acquire Hawaiian, with both airlines continuing to operate under their respective brands. According to the companies, the combined airlines will offer expanded service options for passengers traveling to and from Hawaii, as well as enhanced connectivity to the mainland United States.

The proposed merger was first announced in December 2023. “This is a significant milestone in the process to join our airlines,” Alaska said in a statement.

The deal is expected to close in the coming months, subject to the satisfaction of other closing conditions and regulatory reviews. The Department of Transportation (DOT) is also expected to review the planned merger.

Last week, a federal judge dismissed a consumer lawsuit regarding the merger, citing the plaintiffs’ lack of standing.

“Alaska worked closely with the Hawai‘i Attorney General to reinforce and expand upon our commitments for the future of Hawaiian Airlines and to Hawai‘i consumers. These include plans to maintain the Hawaiian Airlines brand and local jobs and continue providing strong service between, to, and from the Islands,” the airline added in its statement.

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Ryan Ewing

Ryan founded AirlineGeeks.com back in February 2013 and has amassed considerable experience in the aviation sector. His work has been featured in several publications and news outlets, including CNN, WJLA, CNET, and Business Insider. During his time in the industry, he's worked in roles pertaining to airport/airline operations while holding a B.S. in Air Transportation Management from Arizona State University along with an MBA. Ryan has experience in several facets of the industry from behind the yoke of a Cessna 172 to interviewing airline industry executives. Ryan works for AirlineGeeks' owner FLYING Media, spearheading coverage in the commercial aviation space.

Follow Ryan

Author

Ryan Ewing

Ryan founded AirlineGeeks.com back in February 2013 and has amassed considerable experience in the aviation sector. His work has been featured in several publications and news outlets, including CNN, WJLA, CNET, and Business Insider. During his time in the industry, he's worked in roles pertaining to airport/airline operations while holding a B.S. in Air Transportation Management from Arizona State University along with an MBA. Ryan has experience in several facets of the industry from behind the yoke of a Cessna 172 to interviewing airline industry executives. Ryan works for AirlineGeeks' owner FLYING Media, spearheading coverage in the commercial aviation space.
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