Alaska Air has announced that it will acquire Hawaiian Airlines in a $1.9 billion deal, bringing an end to negotiations that took several months.
Driving the news: Both airlines will retain their brands with the merger, which is expected to take between nine and 18 months.
- The acquisition includes $900 million in Hawaiian Airlines debt.
- Alaska Airlines’ fleet size will increase from 300 to 365 planes, serving 138 destinations with 29 non-stop international flights in the Americas, Asia, Australia and the South Pacific.
- Alaska Airlines CEO Ben Minicucci will head up the merged company.
What they’re saying: “This is a fantastic deal that brings two airlines that have amazing loyalties in our regions together,” said Minicucci at a press conference.
- Hawaiian Airlines CEO and President Peter Ingram said, “In Alaska Airlines, we are joining an airline that has long served Hawaii, and has a complementary network and a shared culture of service. With the additional scale and resources that this transaction with Alaska Airlines brings, we will be able to accelerate investments in our guest experience and technology, while maintaining the Hawaiian Airlines brand.”
