Alaska Airlines and Hawaiian Airlines Reach Major Integration Milestone: a Single Operating Certificate

Alaska Airlines and Hawaiian Airlines Reach Major Integration Milestone: A Single Operating Certificate

Alaska Air Group, a global airline with hubs in Seattle, Honolulu, Portland, Anchorage, Los Angeles, San Diego, and San Francisco, has achieved a significant milestone. The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has issued a single operating certificate (SOC) to Alaska Airlines, allowing the company to operate alongside Hawaiian Airlines under distinct brand identities.

This marks a crucial step in the integration process of two major U.S. airlines that combined their operations just over a year ago. Ben Minicucci, President and CEO of Alaska Air Group, stated:

“Congratulations to everyone at Alaska Airlines and Hawaiian Airlines for getting us to a single operating certificate.

This was a year-long, multi-phase effort involving multiple departments and thousands of hours of work.”

The SOC is a critical regulatory requirement that enables the two airlines to operate as separate brands while sharing essential systems and processes. While Alaska Airlines and Hawaiian Airlines now fly under the same call sign (AS) for internal communications with air traffic control, passengers will continue to experience their distinct brand experiences.

Operational Changes and Leadership Adjustments

With the SOC in place, several Honolulu-based leadership positions have taken effect. Diana Birkett Rakow, executive vice president of public affairs and sustainability at Alaska Airlines, has been appointed as CEO of Hawaiian Airlines, succeeding Joe Sprague, who is retiring after a distinguished career with Alaska Air Group.

“We are excited about the future of our combined organization,” said Minicucci. “This single operating certificate paves the way for further integration initiatives and improved guest experiences.”

In addition to Birkett Rakow, Jim Landers has assumed the role of head of Hawaii operations at Hawaiian Airlines from his previous position as senior vice president for technical operations. Shelly Parker, Horizon Air’s vice president of station operations and inflight, now serves as head of Hawaii guest operations.

Future Integration Initiatives

The SOC lays the groundwork for upcoming integration efforts, including combining scheduling and passenger service systems to enhance the travel experience for guests across both brands. The airlines plan to transition to a single passenger service system (PSS) in April next year, which will streamline operations and allow travelers to book flights using the AS code.

While this change may result in some flight number alterations, Alaska Air Group reassures frequent flyers that new numbers will maintain similarity where practical. The company also highlights the continued presence of distinct brand experiences for passengers, with Hawaiian Airlines flights clearly branded across digital channels and maintaining their HA designator.

Industry Context

The integration of Alaska Airlines and Hawaiian Airlines represents a significant move in the aviation industry, particularly within the oneworld alliance. Both companies are subsidiaries of Alaska Air Group, which has hubs in key U.S. cities and offers flights to over 140 destinations throughout North America, Latin America, Asia, and the Pacific.

With the SOC, the combined organization is poised for further growth, including the addition of European routes beginning in spring 2026. The integration aims to leverage shared resources while maintaining brand distinctiveness, creating a more cohesive travel experience for passengers.

As Alaska Air Group continues its journey towards full operational and organizational integration, stakeholders are encouraged to stay informed through official news releases and updates on the company’s website.

About Alaska Air Group: Alaska Airlines, Hawaiian Airlines, and Horizon Air operate as subsidiaries of Alaska Air Group. The group is listed on the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE) under ticker symbol “ALK.” For more information, visit alaskaair.com.

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For the latest updates and news, visit news.alaskaair.com.