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,

Things are about to change for Alaska and Hawaiian Airlines customers. On Wednesday, Alaska Airlines acquired Hawaiian Airlines in a historic merger. The acquisition is the largest merger between U.S.

The airline’s chief executive, Ben Minicucci, said in an interview that closing its acquisition of Hawaiian Airlines would allow it to expand, including on international routes.