The Department of Transportation issued an order granting an exemption allowing transfer of international route authorities for the Alaska Airlines and Hawaiian Airlines merge. “We look forward to formally welcoming Hawaiian Airlines’ guests and employees into Alaska Air Group.

Together, this is a powerful combination that will unlock growth and benefits for everyone who depends on us,” Alaska CEO and President Ben Minicucci said.

Alaska Airlines closed its $1 billion purchase of Hawaiian Airlines on Wednesday, a day after the federal government removed the last major regulatory obstacle to the deal. Alaska will also assume about $900 million in Hawaiian debt.

The Biden administration is letting Alaska Airlines complete its $1 billion purchase of Hawaiian Airlines after the carriers agreed to certain conditions, including maintaining current service on routes between Hawaii and the mainland U.

The merger between Alaska Airlines and Hawaiian Airlines cleared its last regulatory hurdle Tuesday, and when it finalizes will become the first major U.S. airline combination since 2016 when federal regulators allowed Alaska to merge with Virgin America.

Alaska Airlines announced on Wednesday that it has completed its $1.9 billion purchase of Hawaiian Airlines, giving it access to 29 international markets over 141 new destinations.

Alaska Airlines acquired Hawaiian Airlines in a historic merger. The acquisition is the largest merger between U.S. carriers in eight years. “This is a historic day for Alaska Airlines as we officially join with Hawaiian Airlines,