DoJ Clears Alaska-Hawaiian Airlines Merger: What’s Next?

Alaska Airlines’ proposed $1.9 billion acquisition of Hawaiian Airlines has successfully navigated a major regulatory checkpoint. The U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) has completed its antitrust review of the merger without filing a lawsuit to block the transaction, marking a significant milestone in the approval process.

The merger, which was first announced on December 3, 2023, now awaits final approval from the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT). According to Alaska Airlines, the deal remains subject to customary closing conditions, including an interim exemption application that must be approved by the DOT. Industry analysts anticipate that this approval will follow the DOJ’s clearance.

In a statement on August 19, Alaska Airlines expressed optimism about the merger’s progress: “This is a significant milestone in the process to join our airlines. We continue to move forward with the proposed combination, which is still subject to other standard closing conditions, including DOT approval.”

The merger, which aims to maintain Hawaiian Airlines as a wholly owned subsidiary under the Alaska Airlines brand, commenced in January 2024. The DOJ’s review process has seen several

Sources: AirGuide Business airguide.info, bing.com, aviationweek.com