Alaska Airlines and Hawaiian Airlines are one step closer to merging after the Justice Department gave its approval for the merger to move forward. The two airlines announced their plans to merge earlier this year in a deal that would create one of the largest carriers in the Pacific region.
The Justice Department’s approval of the merger is a significant milestone for the two airlines, as it clears one of the major hurdles in the merger process. The merger still needs to be approved by the Department of Transportation (DOT), which will make a final decision on whether the merger is in the best interest of consumers and competition.
The merger between Alaska Airlines and Hawaiian Airlines has been met with some skepticism from consumer advocacy groups and competitors who argue that the merger could lead to higher fares and reduced competition in the Pacific region. However, both airlines have maintained that the merger will benefit consumers by providing more options and better service.
Alaska Airlines and Hawaiian Airlines have also committed to certain conditions to address concerns about the potential impact of the merger on competition. These conditions include divesting certain assets and slots at key airports to ensure that competition is not harmed.
If the merger is approved by the DOT, the combined airline would operate under the Alaska Airlines brand and would be headquartered in Seattle. The merger would also expand Alaska Airlines’ reach in the Pacific region, allowing it to better compete with other major carriers in the area.
Overall, the merger between Alaska Airlines and Hawaiian Airlines has the potential to create a stronger, more competitive airline that can better serve customers in the Pacific region. The approval from the Justice Department is a positive development for the merger, and now all eyes are on the DOT as it considers whether to give its final approval for the deal.