Alaska Air to Acquire Hawaiian Airlines: Alaska Air (ALK) made headlines on Sunday as it unveiled plans to acquire its rival, Hawaiian Airlines (HA), in a substantial deal valued at $1.9 billion. The acquisition follows several months of negotiations and includes the assumption of $900 million in Hawaiian Airlines debt.
The announcement was mment of two airlines with strong regional loyalties. Minicucci highlighted the potential benefits for cusade by Alaska Airlines CEO Ben Minicucci, who described the deal as “fantastic” and emphasized the aligntomers in both states, anticipating expanded domestic and international choices.
The merger, expected to take between nine and 18 months to complete, comes with an unusual decision to keep both brands intact. According to Minicucci and Hawaiian Airlines CEO and President Peter Ingram, this decision was made out of respect for the nearly 100-year legacy of the two airlines and the communities they serve.
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Both Alaska and Hawaiian Airlines serve states that are heavily reliant on air travel, with many cities not connected by roads. The merger is set to shape Honolulu into the second-largest hub for the combined company, enhancing international connectivity for West Coast travelers through one-stop service in Hawaii.
As part of the deal, Alaska Airlines’ fleet will grow from around 300 to 365 planes, serving a total of 138 destinations, including non-stop service to 29 top international destinations. The move is seen as a strategic effort to compete more robustly with industry giants such as United, Delta, Southwest, and American Airlines, which currently dominate 80% of the domestic market share.
The acquisition could face scrutiny from antitrust authorities, a concern heightened by a recent antitrust lawsuit involving JetBlue Airways’ proposed acquisition of Spirit Airlines. Alaska Air’s Minicucci addressed potential legal challenges, stating, “We’ll let the lawyers deal with that issue.”
The merger represents a significant development in the airline industry, promising enhanced benefits for customers and increased competition on both domestic and international fronts.
Our Reader’s Queries
Will Alaska buy Hawaiian Airlines?
Alaska Air Group, the parent company of Alaska Airlines, recently announced its acquisition of Hawaiian Airlines in a $1.9 billion deal. The news conference was a joyous occasion, with both companies referring to the merger as a union of two families. However, despite Hawaiian Airlines continuing to operate under its own brand, I can’t help but feel a tinge of sadness.
Is Alaska Airlines partners with Hawaiian Airlines?
Hawaiian Airlines and its partner airline are set to merge their networks and loyalty programs, with the former also joining the Oneworld alliance. As a seasoned freelance reporter, Sean Cudahy has a wealth of experience covering the airline industry, travel, loyalty programs, and public policy.
Who will buy Hawaiian Airlines?
Alaska Airlines and Hawaiian Airlines have come together in a joint press release on Dec. 4 to announce that Alaska Air Group, Inc. will be acquiring Hawaiian Holdings, Inc. for a whopping $1.9 billion. This is a significant move for both airlines and is sure to bring about exciting changes in the industry. Stay tuned for more updates on this exciting development.
What airline did Alaska buy?
In a $1.9 billion deal, Alaska Air Group has agreed to acquire Hawaiian Airlines, its rival. This move sets up a potential regulatory battle, as it marks the second proposed airline merger in less than two years.