Airlines

US DOT Approves Merger: Alaska Airlines & Hawaiian Airlines Finalize Deal

In a significant development for the aviation industry, the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) has issued an order granting an exemption for the transfer of international route authorities in the merger of Alaska Airlines and Hawaiian Airlines.

The merger, which is expected to be completed in the coming days, represents a major consolidation in the airline sector. Under the terms of the exemption, Alaska Airlines and Hawaiian Airlines are required to adhere to several key public-interest protections.

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These stipulations are aimed at preserving service quality and consumer benefits as the merger progresses. Specifically, the airlines must protect the value of rewards, maintain existing service levels on crucial Hawaiian routes to the continental U.S. and inter-island routes, and support rural services.

Additionally, they are required to ensure competitive access at the Honolulu hub airport, offer fee-free family seating, provide alternative compensation for controllable disruptions, and lower costs for military families.

This proactive approach by the DOT marks a new phase in the Department’s merger review process. For the first time, airlines are required to agree to binding, enforceable public-interest protections as a condition for closing their merger.

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This move highlights the DOT’s commitment to safeguarding public interests and ensuring that mergers do not undermine service quality or competition. As part of the merger agreement, Alaska Airlines will assume approximately $900 million in Hawaiian Airlines’ debt.

Despite this substantial financial responsibility, Alaska plans to retain Hawaiian as a separate brand, which will negate the need for repainting aircraft. To secure approval from the DOT, the airlines agreed to maintain current service levels on key routes where competition is limited.

The exemption granted by the DOT allows Alaska and Hawaiian to finalize their merger while remaining separate and independently operated until the Department completes its review of the transfer application. If the transfer is approved, the public-interest protections will remain in effect for six years.

Airlines

IndiGo Partners with Marigold Aviation to Elevate Cadet Pilot Training

In a significant move for aviation in India, indigo, the country’s leading airline, has announced a new partnership with Marigold Aviation for its esteemed Cadet Pilot Program.

This collaboration marks IndiGo’s ninth alliance within the program, further emphasizing its dedication to developing the next generation of pilots and supporting its ambitious growth strategy.

About Marigold Aviation

Marigold Aviation is renowned for its top-tier commercial airline flight training facilities, backed by a team of aviation and flight training experts. Their wealth of expertise allows them to offer a uniquely tailored indigo cadet Pilot Program that upholds the highest standards of quality and safety.

The program guides aspiring pilots through essential stages, including preparation for the DGCA exams, acquiring the Commercial Pilot License Multi-Engine Instrument Rating (CPL-MEIR), and achieving Airbus A320 type rating.

Program Structure

The IndiGo-Marigold Aviation Cadet Pilot Program spans 21 months and is divided into three comprehensive phases:

Phase 1 (15 months):
- Ground School,
- DGCA & Commercial Pilot License Multi-Engine Instrument Rating (CPL-MEIR) Training, and
- Licensing at Marigold Aviation’s world-class facilities.
Phase 2 (4 months):
- Foreign License Conversion.
Phase 3 (2 months):
- Airbus A320 Type Rating.

To help aspiring pilots better understand the program, indigo airlines and Marigold Aviation will host a series of informational seminars in key cities across India, including Delhi NCR, Mumbai, and Bengaluru, in November. These roadshows will provide detailed insights into the program’s structure, financing options, and career opportunities available through IndiGo’s Cadet Pilot Program.

Commitment to Future Aviators

This partnership signifies indigo atr ongoing commitment to shaping the future of aviation in India by offering a clear and supportive pathway for the country’s next generation of pilots. By expanding its cadet pilot programme indigo, aims to ensure that aspiring aviators are well-prepared for successful careers in aviation, thus contributing to the growth of the industry as a whole.