Alaska Airlines has finalized its acquisition of Hawaiian Airlines, creating a combined carrier with an expanded network and fleet. The deal, announced Wednesday, marks a significant shift in the U.S. airline landscape.
The merged entity will maintain both the Alaska and Hawaiian brands, a first for a U.S. airline merger. Ben Minicucci, CEO of Alaska Air Group, will lead the combined organization.
“This is a historic day for Alaska Airlines as we officially join with Hawaiian Airlines,” Minicucci said. “We look forward to inviting more guests on board to experience what makes both brands unique.”
The airlines will continue to operate separately until they secure a single operating certificate from the Federal Aviation Administration. During this transition, there will be no immediate changes to operations, websites, reservation systems, or loyalty programs.
The combined airline network now includes nearly 1,500 daily flights to 141 destinations across the Americas, Asia, Australia, and the South Pacific. Honolulu will become the second-largest hub after Seattle.
The merger expands the fleet to 350 aircraft, including a mix of Boeing, Airbus, and Embraer models. The workforce now totals more than 33,000 employees.
Alaska Air Group has committed to preserving union-represented jobs in Hawaii and expanding workforce development initiatives. The company also established a Hawaii Community Advisory Board to guide its understanding of local needs.
Hawaii Governor Josh Green expressed support for the merger, stating, “I am confident that by the joining of these two airlines, a stronger company will emerge and offer more travel options for Hawaii residents and local businesses.”
The acquisition is expected to yield at least $235 million in annual synergies. Alaska Air Group projects high single-digit earnings accretion within two years and mid-teens return on invested capital by the third year.
Hawaiian Airlines’ stock will be delisted from NASDAQ, with the combined organization continuing to trade as ALK on the New York Stock Exchange.
As the integration progresses, passengers can expect gradual changes, including the ability to transfer miles between loyalty programs, book flights on either airline’s website, and eventually access a unified loyalty program.
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