Hawaiian Pilots Will Switch to the Alaska Name to Close Out October

For the first time in nearly a century, the “Hawaiian” callsign will soon go silent. Beginning October 29, pilots of Hawaiian Airlines flights will start identifying themselves as “Alaska,” marking one of the first visible milestones yet after they were acquired by Alaska Airlines late last year.

The transition will reportedly occur at 00:11 HST on October 29, when Hawaiian flight 866 becomes the final service to use the historic callsign. The first flight to use “Alaska” will be HA2604, departing shortly after. According to the implementation plan, any Hawaiian flight delayed by less than 89 minutes will still use “Hawaiian,” but those delayed by 90 minutes or more will switch to “Alaska.” The adjustment effectively ends a 96-year legacy dating back to 1929, when Inter-Island Airways, Hawaiian’s original name, first took to the skies.

The change comes as the two carriers continue progressing toward a Single Operating Certificate, consolidating operations under one regulatory and operational umbrella. Another step in this process is revising Hawaiian’s flight numbering system. Beginning October 26, 2025, all Hawaiian flights will shift into new number ranges between 800 and 1299 to avoid duplication with Alaska’s existing network. Long-haul international flights will adopt 8XX series numbers, while U.S. mainland services will generally use 9XX. Inter-island flights within Hawaii will occupy the 1000–1299 range.

Then, on April 22, 2026, Hawaiian Airlines’ long-standing “HA” code will officially disappear to be replaced by Alaska’s “AS.” The renumbering ensures a smooth transition once all Hawaiian flights are listed under Alaska’s system.

For many in the industry, the move symbolizes the end of an era. Hawaiian’s distinct identity has endured wars, statehood, and countless airline mergers, surviving as one of the oldest US carriers. While Alaska has pledged to keep both brands visible, including leaving separate liveries on most aircraft, the merging of flight operations means the two will begin to function as one airline.

FMI: www.alaskaair.com