Alaska News

Could Alaska Air merge with American Airlines?

Alaska Air Group may be glowing neon on the merger radar of AMR, American Airlines' bankrupt parent company.

The News Tribune reports that AMR Corp. is looking at Alaska Airlines as one of five potential merger partners. Such a merger could be great news for Alaskans who travel internationally, as American currently serves four continents, including North and South America, Europe and Asia/Pacific, and over 100 international destinations.

Additionally, if Alaska Airlines were to partner with American, out-of-state vacation destinations would grow exponentially; no longer would it feel limited to Hawaii and Washington (no offense to either of those lovely destinations). American Airlines flies in and out of five major national hubs, and serves over 170 U.S. destinations.

It's true that Alaska Airlines has heard its fair share of merger rumors over the years, often to the company's financial advantage, so perhaps it's safe to say only time will tell if this one actually comes to fruition. However, should AMR/American choose someone else with which to partner, Alaska Airlines likely won't be heartbroken.

Alaska Air group commented, "As a publicly traded company, we don't comment on specific merger or acquisition proposals involving Alaska Air Group. However, we have said for many years that our preference is to remain a strong, vibrant, independent company."

Craig Medred

Craig Medred is a former writer for the Anchorage Daily News, Alaska Dispatch and Alaska Dispatch News. He left the ADN in 2015.

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