The Transportation Department said on Tuesday that it would allow Alaska Airlines to close its $1.9 billion acquisition of Hawaiian Airlines, clearing the way for the first major U.S. airline merger in nearly a decade. To receive that approval, the airlines agreed to some conditions, including maintaining the value of loyalty points and preserving service on some routes within and to Hawaii. The conditions will remain in effect for six years once the department formally allows the company to operate as a single airline, a decision federal officials said was still pending. Until that approval is received, the airline must remain independently run. “We have secured binding, enforceable, upfront protections for passengers and communities, including some new customer service guarantees that did not exist before at any airline,” the transportation secretary, Pete Buttigieg, said on a call with reporters on Tuesday. Under the agreement, points already earned with either airline won’t expire and can be transferred on a one-to-one basis, while status at either airline must be matched. The combined carrier must also maintain “robust levels” of inter-island passenger and cargo flights, and service to small and rural communities in Hawaii must be preserved, the department said in a news release. Other conditions include guaranteeing that children 13 or younger can sit next to an accompanying adult regardless of the ticket they've purchased, providing compensation for some flight delays and cancellations, and lowering costs for military members and their families. “We look forward to formally welcoming Hawaiian Airlines’ guests and employees,” Alaska’s CE, Ben Minicucci, said in a statement. The airline said it expected to close the merger “in the coming days.”<br/>
oneworld
Scandinavian Airlines (SAS) and Braathens Regional Airways AB (BRA) announce the signing of a long-term wet lease partnership aimed at securing reliable and efficient domestic air connectivity within Sweden. Under the terms of the wet lease agreement, BRA will operate several aircraft on behalf of SAS, providing capacity on key domestic routes in Sweden as well as feeding into the Copenhagen hub. The partnership will ensure SAS’s ability to meet domestic demand while optimizing operations and improving regional air services across the region, ensuring greater connectivity and more options for travelers. The wet lease partnership is an important step towards providing passengers across Sweden with reliable and efficient air travel options. Braathens Regional, known for its commitment to service excellence, will operate its fleet on behalf of SAS, allowing for seamless integration into SAS’ existing operations. Building from Arlanda Airport, this partnership strengthens Swedish infrastructure, connecting local communities to the world and fostering greater global accessibility and opportunities.<br/>
Starlux Airlines, Taiwan’s newest international carrier, has announced it would apply to join the Oneworld global airline alliance before the end of next year. In an investor conference on Monday, Starlux Airlines chief executive officer Glenn Chai said joining the alliance would help it access Taiwan. Chai said that if accepted, Starlux would work with other airlines in the alliance on flight schedules, passenger transits and frequent flyer programs. The Oneworld alliance has 13 members, including American Airlines, British Airways, Cathay Pacific and Qantas, and serves more than 900 destinations in 170 territories. Joining Oneworld would also help boost the efficiency of Starlux, Chai said. China Airlines, one of the two leading international carriers in Taiwan, is in the SkyTeam alliance, while the other, EVA Airways, is a member of Star Alliance. There is room for Starlux Airlines to expand into the global market, Chai said.<br/>