The U.S. Department of Transportation has granted approval for Alaska Airlines to acquire Hawaiian Airlines for $1.9 billion. This marks the first major U.S. airline merger in nearly a decade but comes with a series of stringent conditions to protect consumers and preserve air services in Hawaii. These conditions include maintaining loyalty points, preserving existing routes, and ensuring various customer service protections. Both airlines will continue to operate independently until they are formally allowed to merge operations. Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg emphasized the significance of the consumer safeguards included in the agreement. Alaska Airlines’ CEO, Ben Minicucci, expressed enthusiasm for the merger and highlighted the support from both companies’ employees and labor unions.
Airline Industry, Transportation Regulation,United States, Hawaii
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