‍SEATTLE — Alaska Airlines (AS) has reached a significant post-merger milestone, receiving a Single Operating Certificate (SOC) from the U.S. Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), formally bringing AS and Hawaiian Airlines (HA) under a unified operating framework. 

While both carriers will continue to fly as distinct brands, the SOC marks a key regulatory achievement just over a year after the two airlines combined under Alaska Air Group.

The certification signifies the successful harmonization of training, policies, safety procedures, and operating manuals across both carriers—a complex, multi-phase effort that required thousands of hours of work and close coordination with the FAA and the U.S. Department of Transportation.

“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.”

What Travelers Should Expect

Despite the new SOC, Alaska and Hawaiian will continue to operate as separate brands with distinct in-flight cultures and service experiences. Here’s what passengers need to know:

• New shared call sign: Both airlines now operate under Alaska’s AS call sign for communications between pilots, dispatchers, and Air Traffic Control.
• Flight numbers changing: Hawaiian Airlines flights will continue using the HA prefix, but many flights will receive new flight numbers to prevent duplication within the combined network.
• Expanded network benefits: The combined system will offer broader global connectivity and access to Atmos™ Rewards, Alaska’s newly launched loyalty program.
• Brand experience preserved: Hawaiian Airlines will retain its iconic Pualani branding and ho‘okipa—the Hawaiian tradition of warm hospitality.

Next Step: Unified Passenger Service System

A significant integration milestone awaits next spring when Alaska and Hawaiian will transition to a single Passenger Service System (PSS) in April 2026. Once completed:

• All flights will carry the AS code for booking and operational purposes.
• Hawaiian-branded flights will remain visible and bookable under the Hawaiian brand.
• Guests will have a more seamless booking and travel experience across both networks.

Honolulu Leadership Team Announced

With the SOC now in place, Alaska Air Group has activated several Honolulu-based leadership roles to support operations across Hawai‘i:

• Diana Birkett Rakow – CEO, Hawaiian Airlines
• Jim Landers – Head of Hawai‘i Operations
• Shelly Parker – Head of Hawai‘i Guest Operations

Rakow succeeds Joe Sprague, who is retiring after a distinguished career with Alaska Air Group.