Alaska Airlines, Hawaiian Airlines, and the United States Department of Justice (DOJ) have agreed on a brief extension to the formal review period of the proposed merger of the two airlines, until 0001L (0401Z) on August 15, the carriers announced in regulatory filings to the US Securities and Exchange Commission on July 30.
The airlines said they would continue to cooperate with the DOJ in this review period and that they had previously agreed to extend the time the DOJ had to review the proposed transaction to August 5. They added that they would not consummate the merger within 90 days of the date on which they certify "substantial compliance" with the review period unless receiving written notice from the DOJ.
On December 2, 2023, Hawaiian Holdings entered into a merger agreement with Alaska Air Group. The deal is valued at USD1.9 billion and would see Alaska Air Group assuming USD900 million of Hawaiian’s debt. Following the transaction, both companies will continue to operate separately until they can be merged under a single operating certificate. However, even after being under a single FAA certificate, the merged airlines will keep their separate brands as they look to retain consumer choice while offering integrated and seamless loyalty benefits and customer service, they said earlier this month.