After months of deliberation, the US Department of Transportation (DOT) has finally given its approval to the proposed merger between Alaska Airlines and Hawaiian Airlines. The decision paves the way for the two carriers to begin an integration process that will see each retain their own identity but also benefit from a wide range of synergies across their respective operations. 

Now that the merger has been given the regulatory green light, the companies are expected to pursue that integration process as quickly as possible, given the potential savings possible. The deal is also likely to result in far more coordination of operations and schedules at the two carriers’ main bases – Seattle and Honolulu.    

Although cleared for regulatory takeoff, the approval comes with a set of conditions that the airlines need to agree to and put in place before full integration begins. These conditions have been put in place primarily to protect the consumer in the US marketplace so that there is no detriment to the competitive landscape as a result of the merger.    

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