The DOT approved the $1.9 billion merger between Alaska Airlines and Hawaiian Airlines with protective guidelines to ensure service continuity, frequent flyer protection, and competitive access, while emphasizing consumer interests.

The US government’s move to secure consumer protections from Alaska Air Group Inc. and Hawaiian Holdings Inc. before blessing their merger marks a “new chapter” in how the US Transportation Department wields its powers,

Alaska Airlines said on Wednesday it had completed its $1.9 billion acquisition of Hawaiian Airlines after reaching an agreement with the U.S. Department of Transportation. The airlines on Tuesday agreed to maintain key Hawaiian routes and adopt consumer protections under an agreement that will last six years.

Key Takeaways Alaska Airlines' acquisition of Hawaiian Airlines received the approval of the Department of Transportation (DOT) Tuesday after the airlines agreed to a number of terms designed to protect travelers.

Alaska Air Group (NYSE:ALK) announced it has completed its acquisition of Hawaiian Holdings (NASDAQ:HA). The airlines said they will now begin the work to secure a single operating certificate with the Federal Aviation Administration,