The merger between Alaska Airlines and Virgin America has reached a significant milestone: both brands are now operating under a single FAA operating certificate. Alaska acquired Virgin America in 2016 and has been progressively integrating the two airlines since then.
Among the recent changes, Virgin’s Elevate loyalty program was discontinued on Dec. 31, and member benefits were transferred into the Alaska Airlines Mileage Plan. In late April, the airlines will move to a single reservation system, streamlining bookings and customer service across the combined operation.
Alaska Airlines said that obtaining one operating certificate covers flights formerly operated under each carrier and does not create immediate differences for passengers flying with either Alaska or Virgin America. The company described the consolidation as “another significant milestone in the integration of the two airlines.”
In March, Alaska confirmed plans to retire the Virgin America brand entirely as part of the full integration. Together with regional partner Horizon Air, the combined group serves 115 destinations and operates roughly 1,200 flights per day on average, offering an expanded network and more consistent service standards for travelers.