Earlier this week, the US Transportation Department signed off on Alaska Airlines’ $1.9 billion acquisition of Hawaiian Airlines. This will see the US’s fifth-largest domestic airline merge with its 10th-largest carrier.

After closing the deal on Wednesday, Alaska Airlines shared a press release confirming “Hawaiian Airlines has officially joined Alaska Airlines, marking the beginning of a partnership that will reshape the travel industry for years to come.”

For now, there will be no immediate changes to operations, guest experience, or booking processes but the pair will start to secure a single operation certificate with the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) to being operating with an integrated passenger service system.

Sharing key information on the merger, Alaska teased that passengers will feel the benefits of this acquisition “very soon.”

In a message to loyalty members the airline assured Mileage Plan and HawaiianMiles will retain their full value and passengers who have accrued points flying on Hawaiian will enjoy “new benefits.” Later in the month, passengers will be able to seamlessly transfer miles between Mileage Plan and HawaiianMiles at a 1:1 ratio.

In the future, there will be a unified loyalty programme but details will not be shared until mid-2025. For more insight into the merger, read here.

Speaking on the merger, Ben Minicucci, CEO of Alaska Air Group said:

“This is a historic day for Alaska Airlines as we officially join with Hawaiian Airlines. Alaska and Hawaiian share tremendous pride in connecting communities with award-winning service, and we look forward to inviting more guests on board to experience what makes both brands unique […]  I know we will become stronger together – providing the excellent operation guests have come to expect, expanding options to seamlessly travel nearly anywhere in the world, and securing the financial stability and value that inspires investment.”

Alaska Airlines’ SVP Merchandising and Innovation, Head of Corporate Development and Sustainability, and Director of Innovation will be speaking at World Aviation Festival next month – book your ticket now! 

 

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