Alaska Air Group (ALK.US) said on Monday that its merger plan with Hawaiian Holdings (HA.US) had cleared regulatory hurdles with the U.S. Justice Department. Days earlier, Alaska Air agreed to extend the antitrust review period for the $1.9 billion deal. "The antitrust waiting period for the proposed merger of Alaska Airlines and Hawaiian Holdings has expired under the Hart-Scott-Rodino Act," the airline said in a statement on its website. "This is an important milestone in the process of joining our airline." The company added that it was awaiting the next move from the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT).
The airline agreed last week to extend the antitrust review period for its proposed acquisition of Hawaiian Holdings. "Today, the proposed merger of Alaska Airlines and Hawaiian Holdings has cleared a significant milestone," said Hawaii Governor Josh Green. "The antitrust waiting period has expired with the U.S. Justice Department. This merger will significantly increase the number of North American destinations available to Hawaii residents, with one-stop or direct flights from the Hawaiian Holdings' carriers, while maintaining the value of their miles and adding more destinations worldwide."
Aviation mergers have faced strict scrutiny from regulators. Earlier this year, a federal judge blocked Jetblue Airways' (JBLU.US) new plan to buy Spirit Airlines (SAVE.US) for $3.8 billion.