Alaska Air Group has achieved a major milestone in its integration of Hawaiian Airlines, securing a Single Operating Certificate (SOC) from the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA). The certification, announced on October 29, 2025, formally unifies the operational procedures of both airlines under one regulatory framework, a critical step following their merger.
While this marks a significant behind-the-scenes alignment, travelers will continue to see two distinct brands in the sky. Both Alaska Airlines and Hawaiian Airlines will maintain their unique identities, liveries, and in-flight service cultures, ensuring the passenger experience remains familiar for loyal customers of each carrier.
Key Takeaways
- Alaska and Hawaiian Airlines now operate under a single FAA certificate, harmonizing safety and operational procedures.
- Both airlines will continue to fly as separate, distinct brands with their own unique in-flight experiences.
- Hawaiian Airlines flights will adopt new flight numbers to avoid duplication, though they will still use the 'HA' prefix for now.
- A unified passenger booking system is the next major step, planned for completion by April 2026.
- New executive leadership has been appointed in Honolulu to oversee Hawaiian operations.
A Unified Operational Framework
The Single Operating Certificate is the culmination of more than a year of intensive work following the combination of the two airlines under Alaska Air Group. Achieving this certification required the meticulous harmonization of company policies, employee training programs, safety protocols, and operational manuals.
This complex process involved thousands of hours of collaboration between the airlines and required close oversight from both the FAA and the U.S. Department of Transportation. The result is a single, streamlined set of procedures that governs every aspect of flight operations for the combined entity.
“Congratulations to everyone at Alaska Airlines and Hawaiian Airlines for getting us to a single operating certificate,” said Ben Minicucci, President and CEO of Alaska Air Group. “This is an important step in our journey as a combined organization, and I’m excited about our future together. Safety remains at the heart of everything we do, and this milestone reflects our shared commitment.”
With the SOC in place, all flights operated by either Alaska or Hawaiian will now use the Alaska Airlines call sign, AS, for communications between pilots and air traffic control. This change simplifies air traffic management and is a standard procedure when airlines merge their operational certificates.
Changes for Travelers and What to Expect
For passengers, the most immediate changes will be subtle, but they pave the way for a more integrated travel experience in the future. While the brands remain separate, the operational merger introduces a few key adjustments.
Flight Number Adjustments
To prevent conflicts within the newly combined network scheduling system, many Hawaiian Airlines flights will be assigned new flight numbers. However, the airline will continue to use its familiar HA code for booking and identification purposes. Travelers should pay close attention to their itineraries to note any updated flight numbers for upcoming travel.
Brand Identity Remains a Priority
Despite the operational merger, Alaska Air Group has emphasized its commitment to preserving the distinct identities that define both airlines. Hawaiian Airlines will retain its iconic Pualani tail logo and its celebrated ho‘okipa, the Hawaiian tradition of warm hospitality that has been a hallmark of its service for decades.
This dual-brand strategy allows the company to leverage the strong brand loyalty and regional recognition each airline has cultivated over many years. Passengers flying with Hawaiian will still experience the unique culture and service they expect, while the backend operations become more efficient.
The Path to a Seamless Customer Experience
The next major integration milestone is scheduled for the spring of 2026. In April of that year, the two airlines plan to transition to a single Passenger Service System (PSS). This is the technology platform that handles all customer-facing interactions, from booking tickets to managing loyalty accounts.
Once the PSS integration is complete, travelers will benefit from a much more seamless experience across the entire network. The key advantages will include:
- Unified Booking: All flights will be bookable under the AS code, simplifying the process of creating itineraries that include travel on both airlines.
- Consistent Experience: Managing reservations, checking in, and tracking flights will be done through a single, unified system.
- Loyalty Program Access: Members of Alaska's newly launched Atmos™ Rewards program will enjoy expanded benefits and earning opportunities across the combined global network.
Even after the PSS transition, Hawaiian-branded flights will remain clearly identifiable and bookable, ensuring customers can continue to choose the airline experience they prefer.
New Leadership in Honolulu
To support the integrated operations and reinforce its commitment to Hawai‘i, Alaska Air Group has established a new leadership team based in Honolulu. The appointments are effective immediately following the SOC approval.
- Diana Birkett Rakow – CEO, Hawaiian Airlines
- Jim Landers – Head of Hawai‘i Operations
- Shelly Parker – Head of Hawai‘i Guest Operations
Diana Birkett Rakow takes over from Joe Sprague, who is retiring from his role at Alaska Air Group.
The establishment of this leadership team on the ground in Hawai‘i signals a strategic focus on maintaining a strong local presence and ensuring that the unique operational needs of the islands are met. This move is designed to support employees and customers throughout the state as the two airlines move forward as a combined operational entity.
