After the proposed merger did not receive friction from either the Justice Department or the Transportation Department, the Seattle-based airline announced the closure of their merger with Hawaiian Airlines, beginning the process of bringing the carriers together with a unified air operating certificate and booking system.
Combined Airlines Serve 141 Destinations, Including 29 International Destinations
The merger was originally announced in December 2023, valued at $1.9 billion in cash and assumed debt. After the Justice Department let a deadline pass to provide feedback on the merger in August 2024, it opened the door for the two to close the deal in under a year.
“This is a historic day for Alaska Airlines as we officially join with Hawaiian Airlines,” Alaska Airlines CEO Ben Minicucci said in a statement. “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.”
The combined carrier will now serve 141 destinations across 1,500 flights, including 29 international cities across the Americas, Asia, Australia, and the South Pacific. Honolulu’s Daniel K. Inouye International Airport (HNL) will become the combined airline’s second largest hub, behind Seattle-Tacoma International Airport (SEA). The fleet will add 42 Airbus airframes (24 Airbus A330s and 17 A321neos) to Alaska’s fleet, marking only the second time the airline has operated aircraft from the French company.
Effective immediately, the company promises that Mileage Plan miles and HawaiianMiles will continue to retain their full value for flights, while Alaska flyers who are traveling aboard Hawaiian can now get access to Alaska Lounge locations. In the coming months, the airline will allow travelers to transfer miles between their Alaska Mileage Plan and Hawaiian HawaiianMiles accounts at a 1:1 ratio for no charge, and book flights aboard both carriers using their loyalty currency of choice. A new universal loyalty program will be introduced for both airlines by mid-2025.
The company will also introduce a special loyalty program for those who live in Hawaii. Called “Huaka‘i by Hawaiian,” the program will offer benefits for those who travel interisland by air, including discounts on one interisland booking and free checked baggage.
As the merger continues, leaders for the airlines say they will continue to operate as two different brands even though they will share an air operator certificate and booking system. In the meantime, the airlines say flyers can expect no major changes: Flights will continue to operate as normal, and travelers can book their next trips on either airline’s website.
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Source: frugal travel guy