The U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) has now given the green light for the merger of Alaska Airlines and Hawaiian Airlines.
The U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) has given its green light to the merger of Alaska Airlines and Hawaiian Airlines, marking a significant milestone in the history of both airlines.
The two carriers are expected to finalize the merger in the coming weeks, ushering in a new era for Hawaiian Airlines.
In connection with the DOT’s issuance of the order, the two airlines and the DOT agreed to certain commitments.
These commitments align with the plans Alaska announced at the time it signed the transaction, according to the carrier. Overall, the merger is expected to enhance competition and offer consumers more choices for air travel.
Ben Minicucci, CEO of Alaska Air Group gave comment, welcoming the new stablemate. “We are thrilled to welcome Hawaiian Airlines’ guests and employees into the Alaska Air Group family.”
“We sincerely appreciate the exceptional care and service that employees of both companies have continued to show for one another. And also for our guests throughout this process, and the support of both airlines’ labor unions.”
The Move to a Single AOC
Now that final clearance has been received from regulators, Alaska Airlines can close the transaction. The focus will then shift to obtaining a single operating certificate from the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA).
Until that time, Alaska Airlines and Hawaiian Airlines will operate as one organization with two separate airline operations, under two individual operating certificates. An interim Honolulu leadership team will oversee the Hawaiian Airlines operation during this period.
Joe Sprague to Become Interim Hawaiian CEO
Joe Sprague, Alaska Airlines’ regional president for Hawai’i/Pacific, will become CEO of Hawaiian Airlines, overseeing operations until the FAA issues a single operating certificate.
Sprague brings a wealth of experience in the airline industry and a deep understanding of the Hawaiian market.
“We have a unique, once-in-a-generation opportunity to combine two incredible companies with aligned values and 90+ year legacies of serving and connecting local communities,” said Joe Sprague.
“I am deeply honored to work alongside these strong leaders from Hawaiian Airlines to lead the airline’s people, operations, and brand through this transition while sustaining our commitments to safety and service.”
In addition to Joe Sprague, several senior executives from Hawaiian Airlines will comprise the interim Honolulu leadership team. These leaders, who collectively have nearly 65 years of experience with Hawaiian Airlines, include:
EVP, Administration – Shannon Okinaka
SVP, Human Resources – Robin Kobayashi
SVP, Tech Ops (Maintenance & Engineering, Flight Ops and System Operations Control Center) – Jim Landers
VP, Airport Operations and In-Flight – Lokesh Amaranayaka
MD, Safety – Terry Hill
Director, Brand and Culture – Alisa Onishi
The merger of Alaska Airlines and Hawaiian Airlines is expected to create significant synergies for both companies.
By combining their networks, the airlines will be able to offer more nonstop flights to popular destinations, both domestically and internationally. Additionally, the merger will allow the airlines to share resources and reduce costs, ultimately benefiting consumers.
The merger also presents an opportunity for Hawaiian Airlines to expand its reach and grow its customer base.
As part of the Alaska Air Group, Hawaiian Airlines will have access to a larger network and a more diverse customer demographic. This could lead to increased revenue and profitability for the airline.
This article originally appeared on AviationSource News
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