Alaska Airlines announced Sunday it will acquire Hawaiian Airlines for $1.9 billion, expanding the fifth-largest airline in the U.S., putting it on track for a potential clash with the Biden administration.

The company said it would keep the Alaska Airlines and Hawaiian Airlines brands “while integrating into a single operating platform” to offer passengers access to more flights and destinations across the Americas, Asia, Australia, and the South Pacific.

“This combination is an exciting next step in our collective journey to provide a better travel experience for our guests and expand options for West Coast and Hawaii travelers,” said Ben Minicucci, Alaska Airlines CEO, in the announcement on Sunday.

Hawaii residents can expect to see triple the number of destinations they can reach from the islands with nonstop or flights with one connection, the release said. The robust air service between the Hawaiian islands will be maintained.

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