Alaska Airlines Takes Over Hawaiian’s Code as Merger Progresses

Alaska Airlines is set to replace Hawaiian Airlines’ IATA code as part of the ongoing integration following their merger, finalized in September 2024. Effective April 22, 2026, Hawaiian’s long-standing code, HA, will be retired after 96 years, transitioning to AS as the two airlines streamline their operations.

The integration has gained momentum this summer, receiving approval from the US Department of Transportation (DOT) for Alaska Airlines and its parent company, Alaska Air Group, to take over Hawaiian Airlines’ operating certificates, international services, and codeshare agreements. This transition marks a significant move towards unifying the two carriers under one operational umbrella.

Details of the Code Transition

The changeover from HA to AS will occur in stages, beginning with a temporary flight numbering system. Starting October 26, 2025, Hawaiian’s flights will adopt the HA800–1299 range, transitioning to a new numbering format for international routes, including a shift from HA449/450 to HA849/850 for the Honolulu–Osaka Kansai service. Domestic flights will transition to numbers in the 8XX to 9XX range, while inter-island services will shift to 1000–1299. This strategic adjustment aims to align schedules and eliminate potential overlaps in flight operations.

As the flight numbers are reassigned, Hawaiian Airlines will fully integrate its internal systems—spanning ticketing, reservations, crew scheduling, and maintenance—into Alaska’s operations. This step reflects a familiar pattern of airline mergers, where the original carrier’s identity gradually fades. A similar process was observed when Virgin America merged with Alaska Airlines in 2018, resulting in the retirement of the VX code.

Progress Toward a Unified Operating Certificate

In conjunction with the IATA code transition, Hawaiian Airlines and Alaska Airlines are moving closer to obtaining a single operating certificate (SOC). This milestone follows DOT approval for Alaska Air Group to assume Hawaiian’s operating certificates and other economic authorities, including codeshare agreements. The approval, granted in July 2025, allows for the transfer and amendment of existing authorizations held by both airlines.

Hawaiian Airlines currently maintains codeshare partnerships with several international airlines, including Japan Airlines, Air China, and Korean Air. In contrast, Alaska Airlines holds agreements with partner airlines such as Air Tahiti Nui and Icelandair. Recently, however, Alaska Airlines ended codeshare partnerships with Singapore Airlines and LATAM, focusing its strategy on more streamlined operations.

The upcoming phase of integration includes the launch of Atmos Rewards, a shared loyalty program for both airlines. Leadership structures will align, and product offerings, as well as ticketing systems, will be harmonized. This integration aims to enhance customer experiences when booking and flying with either carrier.

The merger also opens new avenues for Alaska Airlines in the realm of long-haul international service. This transition began with the launch of Seattle–Tokyo flights operated by Hawaiian Airlines aircraft. Looking ahead, Alaska Airlines plans to expand its international offerings, with anticipated flights to London Heathrow (LHR) and Rome Fiumicino (FCO) set to commence next year.

As the merger progresses, both airlines aim to create a more cohesive travel experience for their customers, signaling a new chapter in their operational history.