SEATTLE, WA. – (KGMI.com) Alaska Airlines has announced it is making a major move to stand out among its competitors.

On Sunday, December 3rd, Alaska said they will pay $1.9 billion to acquire Hawaiian Airlines.

The combined company would maintain both airlines’ brands.

Officials from both companies said the deal would create a stronger airline to compete with the nation’s Big Four: American, Delta, Southwest and United.

Alaska CEO Ben Minicucci added that it would also create a clear leader in the lucrative Hawaiian market.

The combined airline would be based in Seattle, with Alaska’s Minicucci at its head.

The deal will also need the blessing of U.S. regulators, which have resisted more airline consolidation out of fear it could lead to higher fares.

The Biden administration is already trying to block JetBlue’s proposed $3.8 billion acquisition of Spirit Airlines.

The Justice Department also won a lawsuit that killed a partnership between JetBlue and American Airlines.