Skift Take
In a surprising twist, Alaska wants to buy Hawaiian.
Alaska Air Group reached a deal to buy struggling Hawaiian Airlines in the latest round of U.S. airline consolidation.
The deal would have the Seattle-based group buy Hawaiian for $18 per share in an all-cash transaction valued at $1.9 billion including Hawaiian's debt. Alaska Air Group, which owns Alaska Airlines and regional Horizon Air, will continue to operate Hawaiian as an independent brand and airline within the group. It will remain based in Seattle and led by CEO Ben Minicucci.
"This combination is an exciting next step in our collective journey to provide a bette