The Alaska Airlines purchase of Hawaiian Airlines could see further delays because United Airlines expressed its concern about the merger in a letter to the Department of Transportation. However, in 2002, United Airlines filed for bankruptcy protection and resumed operations in 2006.
The United Airlines and Continental merger resulted from the need for both airlines to save money and grow as an airline. United Airlines sought a merger with Continental to save money and grow. The United Airlines and Continental Airlines merger happened in 2012.
Fast-forward to 2024. Hawaiian Airlines wants to merge with Alaska Airlines to keep the Hawaiian Airlines brand name alive. With Alaska Airlines purchasing Hawaiian Airlines, the two airlines would exist separately but under one management: Alaska Airlines.
United Airlines’ recent letter about Alaska Airlines’ purchase of Hawaiian Airlines threatens their agreements with Hawaiian Airlines. However, United Airlines is concerned because it may lose revenue and its partnership with Hawaiian Airlines rewards mileage sharing.