Virgin America
CFO Peter Hunt will be promoted to president of the carrier once it is acquired
by Alaska Air Group, and Alaska Airlines COO Ben
Minicucci will become Virgin America CEO.
David Cush is currently the president and CEO of Virgin America.
Alaska’s $2.6
billion purchase of Virgin America is expected to close early in the fourth
quarter, the company said Thursday.
Hunt will head
day-to-day operations of Virgin America until Virgin and Alaska Airlines
receive a single operating certificate, which Alaska says is expected in early
2018.
“Peter is a proven and trusted leader at Virgin America and is
well-positioned to lead the airline and its teammates through the transition,”
Brad Tilden, chairman and CEO of Alaska Air Group, said in prepared remarks. “His
understanding of the Virgin America brand, as well as its guests, will be
invaluable as we work to build on the success Virgin America has achieved in
nine short years.”
Alaska announced plans to purchase Virgin America in April. The
transaction is valued at approximately $4 billion, including Virgin’s debt and
aircraft operating leases.
Antitrust regulators at the Department of Justice must approve
the acquisition.