Alaska Airlines agrees to acquire Hawaiian Airlines for $1.9 billion

The airline US Alaska Airlines agreed to acquire its rival, Hawaiian Airlines, for US$ 1.9 billion, both companies announced in a statement.

Alaska Airlines will pay US$18 in cash for each share of Hawaiian Airlines and will assume the debt of US$ 900 million accumulated by the Hawaiian airline.

“This action represents an exciting step forward in our joint journey to offer a better experience to our guests and expand options for travelers on the US West Coast and Hawaii”said the CEO of Alaska Airlines, Ben Minicucci, according to the statement.

The agreement, which is expected to be completed within a period of between 9 and 18 months, will allow each company to maintain its brand, a decision that has been made because of the legacy they have in the communities they serve, the note detailed. press.

Both companies anticipate the transaction will open new routes for consumers in the United States, the Asia-Pacific region and globally.

Specifically, Alaska Airlines’ fleet will go from approximately 300 to 365 aircraft, reaching a total of 138 destinations, including “direct service to 29 international destinations in AmericaAsia, Australia and the South Pacificthe companies indicated in their statement.

The new entity resulting from the merger of both airlines will be based in Seattle and will be led by Minicucci, while Honolulu will become a nerve center for air traffic to Asia.