Alaska Airlines Acquires Virgin Airlines Update: What This Means For Customers, Plane Tickets Pricing, and More

Alaska Airlines and Virgin America
Alaska Airlines and Virgin America announced their merger on April 4, 2016.

After days of speculations, Alaska confirms its plan to acquire Virgin America in a deal valued at approximately $2.6 billion.  The merger is set to make Alaska Air as the biggest carrier on the West Coast and the fifth largest in the US based on the market share.

The New York Times reported the deal is expected to control 5.5% of all domestic passengers, beating JetBlue that currently holds 4.2%. It is reported that Jetblue had shown interest to buy Virgin America, but a huge bid placed by Alaska Air pushed the company out of the deal.

The combined Alaska Airlines and Virgin America will operate approximately some 1,200 flights per day from hubs in Seattle, San Francisco, Los Angeles, Anchorage and Portland, Ore.  By comparison, American Airlines Group, the world's largest carrier, has about 3,400 daily flights.

Currently, Alaska Air has more than 200 aircraft, and most of the company's fleet is comprised of Boeing 737s. For Virgin America, it only owns about 60 aircraft.

Some customers ask what will happen to the frequent flyer programs of both companies. Alaska's Mileage Plan has great partnerships with international carriers like British Airways, Air France/KLM, Emirates, Korean Air, Cathay Pacific, Qantas and LAN.  On the other hand, Virgin America's Elevate program has only five partners.

"We are still determining how we will combine the programs," Ann Zaninovich, Alaska Airlines spokesperson, told in Forbes. The deal is said to happen in the first quarter of 2017. For now, the two programs will continue to operate separately.

So, how will customers react to deal? Industry experts say only time will tell. If Alaska Air decided to continue the excellent customer service of Virgin Airlines, the deal should be just fine. It is also worth mentioning that Alaska Air is outstanding when it comes to flight punctuality and customer service.

Virgin Airline is known for its entertainment systems, trendy mood lightning, delicious meals and friendly crews. For Alaska Air, they might be affordable but it is not known for being trendy to young passengers.

It is expected the merger deal between these two airline firms would bring better flight programs. The two are known for being leaders in customer service programs, and the Alaska Air needs the Virgin's trendy reputation to become the choice of next-generation travelers.

    Most Popular
  • Is 'The Last Supper' worth watching? Audience and critics weigh in

    Is 'The Last Supper' worth watching? Audience and critics weigh in

    Faith-based films often receive mixed reactions, and The Last Supper is no exception. The movie attempts to bring a fresh perspective to one of the most iconic moments in Christian history, but does it succeed? Some reviews from critics and audiences provide insight into its strengths and shortcomings.

  • ‘The Chosen’ Season 5: The darkest season yet—What to know before watching

    The wait is over—The Chosen is back with its fifth season, and this time, things are getting intense. The new episodes dive straight into the final days of Jesus’ life, covering some of the most emotional and dramatic moments in the Bible. If you’ve been following the series, you already know that The Chosen isn’t just about retelling familiar stories—it’s about bringing them to life in a way that feels real.

  • Massacres in Syria: Over 1,000 dead, including Christians and Alawites

    Syria’s coastal regions have been devastated by a series of massacres, with reports indicating that over 1,000 people—many from Christian and Alawite communities—have been killed in brutal attacks. Entire families have been wiped out, and survivors are fleeing in search of safety as sectarian violence escalates.

  • Kim Sae-ron and Wheesung: The tragic irony of Korean society and the principles of happiness

    Not long ago, the media was in an uproar over actress Kim Sae-ron’s passing. Just months before, the same people who had relentlessly criticized her for her DUI incident were now expressing sympathy, saying, "The world was too harsh on her." The irony is impossible to ignore.

  • Newsboys move forward as a quartet after Michael Tait’s departure

    After more than a decade as the lead singer of the Newsboys, Michael Tait has officially parted ways with the band, marking a significant shift in the Christian rock group’s lineup. The remaining members—Jeff Frankenstein, Jody Davis, Duncan Phillips, and Adam Agee—have assured fans that they will continue forward, embracing a new season of music and ministry.