The following is an article discussing the pending acquisition (the “Transaction”) of Hawaiian
Holdings, Inc. (“Hawaiian Holdings”) by Alaska Air Group, Inc. (“Alaska”) posted to the Transaction website on December 26, 2023.
Hawaii officials react to Hawaiian, Alaska combining
By
Elizabeth ‘Ufi, December 3, 2023
khon2.com
HONOLULU (KHON2) — Following the announcement of a $1.9 billion agreement between Hawaiian and Alaska airlines, the companies said they have not
spoken with government officials yet.
The news comes as a big change for the state as Hawaiian stands as the only local airline flying to and from the
islands.
“The Attorney General and I will be monitoring the merger/acquisition very closely. Both Alaska Airlines and Hawaiian Airlines are very
high-quality companies, but ultimately, I will be watching to make sure all of our state’s needs are met and all of our workers are cared for.”—HAWAII GOV. JOSH GREEN
“I think it was inevitable at some point someone would go after Hawaiian because… they have a great route system that stretches across the Pacific
so it’s a very attractive airline to acquire,” said Peter Forman, aviation expert.
“So, like all of us it is difficult to accept that this
truly kamaaina company, such a deep part of the lives of generations of residents and visitors, may not continue as an independent and uniquely Hawaiian enterprise. But if this is going to and needs to happen to maintain Hawaiian’s
contributions to our state, Alaska Airlines is a promising partner.”—U.S. REPRESENTATIVE ED CASE
“I think it’s marvelous to have two
airlines with a tremendous track record of serving Hawaii 90 plus years combined, they are going to be able to maintain a very strong presence here, the brands are going to stay the same. And we’re going to see increase in enhance service
internationally as well to our base market, which is the West Coast. And so far, I don’t see any loss of jobs as a result of this, it could happen. But certainly that’s not what they’re saying.”—HAWAII LODGING AND TOURISM
ASSOCIATION PRESIDENT & CEO MUFI HANNEMANN
***
This article was published on khon2.com on December 3, 2023. Neither Hawaiian Holdings nor Alaska has sought or obtained permission from the publisher or
the author to reprint and distribute this article.
Additional Information and Where to Find It
Hawaiian Holdings, its directors and certain executive officers are participants in the solicitation of proxies from stockholders in connection with the
Transaction. Hawaiian Holdings plans to file a proxy statement (the “Transaction Proxy Statement”) with the SEC in connection with the solicitation of proxies to approve the Transaction.
Daniel W. Akins, Wendy A. Beck, Earl E. Fry, Lawrence S. Hershfield, C. Jayne Hrdlicka, Peter R. Ingram, Michael E. McNamara, Crystal K. Rose, Mark D.
Schneider, Craig E. Vosburg, Duane E. Woerth and Richard N. Zwern, all of whom are members of Hawaiian Holdings’ board of directors, and Shannon L. Okinaka, Hawaiian Holdings’ chief financial officer, are participants in Hawaiian
Holdings’