We support our Publishers and Content Creators. You can view this story on their website by CLICKING HERE.

The Transportation Department said Tuesday that it would allow Alaska Airlines to close its $1.9 billion acquisition of Hawaiian Airlines, clearing the way for the first major U.S. airline merger in nearly a decade. To receive that approval, the airlines agreed to some conditions, including maintaining the value of loyalty points and preserving service on some routes within and to Hawaii. The conditions will remain in effect for six years once the department formally allows the company to operate as a single airline, a decision federal officials said was still…