Alaska Airlines announced today that it has acquired Hawaiian Airlines. The combined airline will maintain Alaska Airlines’ and Hawaiian Airlines’ individual brands, supported by a single loyalty offering to tie the brands together.
In a statement released by Alaska Airlines, they said, “Alaska Air Group, Inc. (NYSE: ALK), and Hawaiian Holdings, Inc. (NASDAQ: HA) today announced that they have entered into a definitive agreement under which Alaska Airlines will acquire Hawaiian Airlines for $18.00 per share in cash, for a transaction value of approximately $1.9 billion, inclusive of $0.9 billion of Hawaiian Airlines net debt. The combined company will unlock more destinations for consumers and expand choice of critical air service options and access throughout the Pacific region, Continental United States and globally. The transaction is expected to enable a stronger platform for growth and competition in the U.S., as well as long-term job opportunities for employees, continued investment in local communities and environmental stewardship.”
Alaska Airlines continued, “This combination is an exciting next step in our collective journey to provide a better travel experience for our guests and expand options for West Coast and Hawai‘i travelers,” said Ben Minicucci, Alaska Airlines CEO. “We have a longstanding and deep respect for Hawaiian Airlines, for their role as a top employer in Hawai‘i, and for how their brand and people carry the warm culture of aloha around the globe. “
“Our two airlines are powered by incredible employees, with 90+ year legacies and values grounded in caring for the special places and people that we serve. I am grateful to the more than 23,000 Alaska Airlines employees who are proud to have served Hawai‘i for over 16 years, and we are fully committed to investing in the communities of Hawai‘i and maintaining robust Neighbor Island service that Hawaiian Airlines travelers have come to expect. We look forward to deepening this stewardship as our airlines come together, while providing unmatched value to customers, employees, communities and owners.”
“Since 1929, Hawaiian Airlines has been an integral part of life in Hawai‘i, and together with Alaska Airlines we will be able to deliver more for our guests, employees and the communities that we serve,” said Peter Ingram, Hawaiian Airlines President and CEO. “In Alaska Airlines, we are joining an airline that has long served Hawai‘i, and has a complementary network and a shared culture of service. With the additional scale and resources that this transaction with Alaska Airlines brings, we will be able to accelerate investments in our guest experience and technology, while maintaining the Hawaiian Airlines brand. We are also pleased to deliver significant, immediate and compelling value to our shareholders through this all-cash transaction. Together, Hawaiian Airlines and Alaska Airlines can bring our authentic brands of hospitality to more of the world while continuing to serve our valued local communities.”
About the combined airline
The combined airline currently operates the 737NG and 737-MAX along with A321NEOs, A330s (both passenger and cargo versions) and the venerable 717. Hawaiian will also begin 787 service in 2024.
Hawaiian Airlines has struggled lately, posting a loss last quarter, typically one of their most profitable quarters. They also recently noted the impact that the ongoing A321-NEO engine inspection issues would have on their schedule. One interesting note, Alaska Airlines just retired their fleet of Airbus A320s this past October. Now they are about to begin a second journey with Airbus Aircraft. Their “Proudly All Boeing” stint only lasted about a month!
The Combined Route Map of Hawaiian and Alaska
Below is the combined route map of the two airlines provided by Alaska Airlines.
Full merger website is available:
It can be found here.
