Alaska Air Group, Inc announced it has completed its acquisition of Hawaiian Holdings, Inc., a combination that expands guests’ access to domestic and international destinations, including through the oneworld Alliance and a vast network of global partners, and offers a remarkable guest experience through two strong brands with deep legacies serving local communities.

The Seattle-based company, parent to Alaska Airlines, said on 18 September it had closed the deal, paying $1.9bn in all-stock acquisition to acquire Honolulu-based Hawaiian.

“This is a historic day for Alaska Airlines as we officially join with Hawaiian Airlines,” says Alaska Air chief executive Ben Minicucci.

The two cargo businesses will initially continue to operate as two separate operations and will integrated gradually over the weeks and months ahead. Customers will be notified about changes to the operation as they are implemented.

“Our combined fleet of narrow and widebody aircraft will fly to 130-plus destinations – offering more capacity and new opportunities for seamless shipping across a global network,” the companies said.

The companies on September 17 had received approval of their merger from the US Department of Transportation. The US Department of Justice did not sue to stop the deal despite having done so successfully to stop JetBlue Airways from acquiring Spirit Airlines.

Alaska Airlines and Hawaiian Airlines will continue operating under separate operating certificates and brands, though Alaska Air is working to bring them under a single operating ticket.

“Alaska Airlines and Hawaiian Airlines now begin the work to secure a single operating certificate with the Federal Aviation Administration, which will allow the two airlines to operate as a single carrier with an integrated passenger service system,” Alaska Air said.

“In the interim, the airlines will continue to operate as separate carriers with no immediate changes to operations and will maintain separate websites, reservation systems and loyalty programs until later in the integration process.”

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