The Alaska Airlines – Hawaiian airline merger has received the nod from the US Department of Justice
The $1.9 billion deal advances to a DOT review as Hawaiian Airlines shares swelled by nearly 9% on the news.
“This is a significant milestone in the process to join our airlines,” a joint statement said.
They now await the ‘next steps from the Justice Department.’
Alaska Airlines had just recently agreed to extend the airline merger review period with the DOJ.
Hawaii governor Josh Green believes it will boost air connectivity for the Hawaiian islands.
“The merger will vastly expand the number of destinations throughout North America for Hawaii residents that can be reached non-stop or one-stop from the islands.”
There was speculation this airline merger would find it difficult getting approval, especially after the DOJ blocked JetBlue’s $3.8 billion bid for low-cost carrier Spirit Airlines earlier this year.
