ANCHORAGE, Alaska (KTUU) – The review period for the Department of Justice’s analysis of the proposed merger of Alaskan Airlines and Hawaiian Airlines has been extended, according to Alaska Airlines.

A press release from the company says the original review period set to expire Aug. 5 will be extended an additional ten days to Aug. 15.

“Our airlines have mutually agreed with the DOJ on a brief extension of the formal review period until August 15,” the press release said. “We continue to believe this combination will enable a stronger platform for growth and competition in the United States, long-term job opportunity for employees, and continued investment in local communities and environmental stewardship. We will continue to cooperate with the DOJ in this review process.”

The merger, proposed in Dec. 2023, would see the two airlines combine their assets in an acquisition valued at $1.9 billion — including the absorption of around $900 million in debt from Hawaiian Airlines.

A lawsuit filed in April attempts to block the merger, alleging it could impact Hawaii’s tourist economy.

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