Regulatory Clearance Achieved: Alaska Airlines and Hawaiian Airlines Merger Moves Forward

Alaska Airlines announced that its proposed $1.9 billion merger with Hawaiian Airlines has passed a significant hurdle after the U.S. Department of Justice ended its regulatory review. The merger, which promises expanded routes for Hawaii residents, is now pending further approval from the U.S. Department of Transportation.

Alaska Airlines stated on Monday that its proposed $1.9 billion merger with Hawaiian Airlines has successfully cleared a regulatory hurdle set by the U.S. Department of Justice. This development comes shortly after the airline agreed to extend the review period for the deal.

The airline announced on its website, 'The time period for the U.S. Department of Justice to complete its regulatory investigation of the proposed combination of Alaska Airlines and Hawaiian Airlines under the HSR Act has expired. This is a significant milestone in the process to join our airlines.' The company is now awaiting the next steps with the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT).

Alaska Airlines had revealed the merger last year and recently agreed to extend the DOJ review period. Hawaii's Governor Josh Green commented, 'Today, the proposed merger of Alaska Airlines and Hawaiian Airlines cleared an important milestone. The regulatory review period for the U.S. Department of Justice has ended. The merger will vastly expand the number of destinations throughout North America for Hawai'i residents and preserve the value of HawaiianMiles while expanding global access.'

(With inputs from agencies.)