The latest came from Alaska Airlines in a surprise Sunday announcement that it intended to acquire and merge with Hawaiian Airlines. The deal, valued at nearly $2 billion, would create a Pacific juggernaut that would preserve each carrier’s brand.
But one big question remains: Will the government allow it?
Just ask JetBlue how important that question is. The carrier has its own merger plans that would have it take over Spirit Airlines, but the Department of Justice sued to block that deal. The trial deciding the deal’s fate just ended yesterday when TPG was in the courthouse to hear the final arguments. Now JetBlue (and Spirit) must sit and wait for the judge’s ruling — which could take weeks.
Back to the latest from Alaska and Hawaiian: What will it mean for travelers?
David Slotnick breaks down what we know, including plans for a combined frequent flyer program, which alliance the carrier would align with and how Hawaiian’s Honolulu hub fits into the mix. Zach Griff explores how frequent flyers might be affected by the deal.
For now, it will be business as usual for the airlines until the merger gets the green light — or it doesn’t.
Stay tuned …
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