In December 2023, Alaska Airlines made waves by announcing its intention to acquire Hawaiian Airlines, a move that was finalized on September 18, 2024, for a cool $1.9 billion. This merger has propelled the Alaska Air Group into the ranks of America’s largest airlines. While some Hawaiian Airlines loyalists worry about the future of the Hawaiian brand, Alaska Airlines has reassured everyone that there are no immediate plans to retire the iconic name. This comes as Alaska Airlines is still dealing with the aftermath of a $160 million trademark dispute with Virgin Aviation, which includes a hefty $8 million annual royalty payment until 2039.
The merger is set to transform travel between Hawaii and the U.S. mainland, as well as along the West Coast. By combining forces, the airlines will no longer rely solely on narrowbody aircraft, thanks to Hawaiian Airlines’ fleet of Airbus A330s and Boeing 787s. The acquisition, which included nearly a billion dollars in debt, was a lifeline for Hawaiian Airlines, which had been hit hard by the COVID-19 pandemic. Together, the airlines will now operate about 40% of all flights between Hawaii and the contiguous U.S., according to AP News.
Looking ahead, Hawaiian Airlines is poised to join the oneworld alliance alongside Alaska Airlines. By October 2025, the two airlines will also merge their frequent flyer programs, converting all HawaiianMiles members to the Alaska Airlines Mileage Plan. This strategic move aims to enhance their network and offer more benefits to travelers.
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Originally reported by Simple Flying Read More
