SEATTLE- Alaska Airlines (AS) has finalized its full integration plan with Hawaiian Airlines (HA), marking a historic shift in US aviation. The long standing “HA” IATA code, in use since 1929, is set to retire in 2026 following the Alaska-Hawaiian Airlines merger completion.
Honolulu (HNL) will continue as a key hub under the Hawaiian brand, but with a unified operational structure. This move aligns both airlines under one air operator certificate (AOC), while maintaining distinct branding for their respective route networks.
Hawaiian Airlines’ HA Code Retires
Airlines use two letter IATA codes to identify their flight numbers. Currently, Alaska Airlines operates under the AS code, while Hawaiian uses HA.
According to OMAAT, the transition from HA to AS will unfold in two deliberate stages to ensure a smooth operational merger without overlapping flight numbers.
Beginning October 26, 2025, all Hawaiian flights will be renumbered into the HA800–HA1299 range, coinciding with the IATA winter schedule.
The pattern is systematic, for example, HA10 becomes HA810, and HA451 becomes HA851, signaling preparation for a larger integration.
The second phase arrives on April 22, 2026, when Hawaiian’s “HA” code will officially be retired. All flights will then operate under Alaska’s AS code, marking the complete transition of Hawaiian operations into Alaska’s air operator framework.
Purpose of Unified Air Operator Certificate
Despite the loss of the HA code, Alaska Air Group emphasizes that both brands will remain active.
Flights touching Hawaii will carry Hawaiian branding, while domestic and continental US operations will reflect Alaska branding.
This integration under a single Air Operator Certificate (AOC) enables fleet flexibility, unified maintenance and labor contracts, and optimized scheduling.
It also supports Alaska’s long-term strategy to expand its Seattle (SEA) hub, particularly with the arrival of Boeing 787 Dreamliners and Hawaiian’s potential future inclusion in the oneworld alliance.
Historic Change for Hawaiian Airlines
The retirement of the HA code ends a nearly a century long legacy that began in 1929. For many loyal travelers and employees, this marks a sentimental close to a proud chapter in Hawaiian aviation.
Yet, this evolution reflects the broader industry trend toward operational efficiency through consolidation.
While planes will still feature Hawaiian’s iconic livery and cultural identity, all flight identifiers and air traffic communications will now reflect Alaska’s system.
This symbolic shift represents not the end of Hawaiian Airlines, but its integration into a stronger, unified network under Alaska Air Group.
Bottom Line
Starting October 2025, Hawaiian flights will shift to new number ranges under the HA code. By April 2026, the HA designator will be fully replaced by AS, aligning both carriers under a single certificate while preserving their unique brands.
This structured approach reflects Alaska’s commitment to modernization and seamless brand coexistence.
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