 On April 4 , 2016 , Alaska Air Group announced it will acquire Virgin America for $ 57 per share . The acquisition is expected to be completed by January 1 , 2017 . The total price for the acquisition will be approximately $ 2 @.@ 6 billion . Alaska Air Group will continue to honor the Loyalty programs of both groups with no foreseen changes . Virgin America 's founder Richard Branson is " sad " and disappointed with the merger . Virgin America shareholders have voted to approve the merger . 
