Consolidation resumed in the United States with the announcement on Sunday 3 December of the acquisition of Hawaiian Airlines by the carrier Alaska Airlines. The Honolulu-based carrier will therefore be acquired by Alaska Airlines for approximately $1.9 billion, including the purchase of Hawaiian's net debt ($0.9 billion).
However, there is a difference with previous acquisitions. The Hawaiian Airlines brand will be preservedbecause of the deep-rooted attachment of the local people to this name.
"This merger is an exciting new step in our drive to offer our customers the best possible service. a better travel experience for our customers and expand options for travellers on the West Coast and in Hawaii", said Ben Minicucci, President and CEO of Alaska Airlines. "We have long had a deep respect for Hawaiian Airlines. Not least in the way the brand and its staff convey the culture of 'aloha' around the world.. We are fully committed to investing in Hawaii's communities and maintaining the inter-island flights Hawaiian Airlines travelers have come to expect."
"Since 1929, Hawaiian Airlines has been an integral part of life in Hawaii. said Peter Ingram, President and CEO of Hawaiian Airlines. "With Alaska Airlines, we are joining an airline that has been serving Hawaii for a long time, with a network that complements ours and a shared culture of service. Thanks to the additional resources provided by this transaction, we will be able to accelerate investment in passenger experience and technologywhile retaining the Hawaiian Airlines brand".
54.7 million passengers and 138 destinations
The merger will offer more destinations to the 54.7 million passengers of the two airlines. It will also transfer options between the Pacific, the continental United States and the rest of the world. Lhe combined network of the two airlines will include 138 destinations. This also includes 29 international destinations in the Americas, Asia, Australia and the South Pacific. In addition, with the oneworld alliance, Alaska/Hawaiian will offer access to over 1,200 destinations.
The new airline entity confirms that it will retain the Alaska Airlines and Hawaiian Airlines brandswhile integrating them into a single operating platform.
The two carriers are also committed to improving their product offering in all classes and price ranges. Hawaiian's Honolulu hub will be strengthened, particularly for international travel, and the two frequent flyer programmes will be merged.
