Hawaiian Airlines retires ‘HA’ callsign after 95 years as Alaska merger takes effect

Emotional farewell marks the end of a historic chapter in Hawaiian aviation

Hawaiian Airlines has officially retired its iconic “HA” callsign after 95 years, marking the end of an era as the carrier transitions under Alaska Airlines’ “AS” callsign following their nearly $2 billion merger.

The final flight under Hawaiian’s code, HA866 from Pago Pago to Honolulu (Airbus A330-200 reg. N388HA), landed Wednesday morning to a warm hula welcome, closing a chapter that began in 1929. Crews and passengers marked the moment with emotion and pride.

“This flight is especially meaningful—it’s our final Hawaiian Airlines flight under the HA callsign before we officially transition to Alaska Airlines,” a flight attendant announced aboard HA808 from Honolulu to Las Vegas.

Hawaiian’s long-serving employees reflected on the moment. “It’s hitting hard for a lot of us right now,” said Kela Chong, vice president of the airline’s flight attendants’ union. “The HA callsign became an identity.”

The transition completes Alaska Airlines’ acquisition of Hawaiian, a move credited with saving the Honolulu-based carrier from bankruptcy. While both airlines will continue operating distinct brands for now, new flight numbers and signage reflecting the Alaska integration are already being introduced.

A poignant final radio exchange between HA866’s pilot and Honolulu air traffic control captured the sentiment of the day:

“This will be our final transmission under the HA callsign as we join Alaska’s family,” the pilot said. “Mahalo for your partnership over the years — we’ll continue to share our aloha.”

“The operating callsign may be ending, but it’s the people that make Hawaiian what it is. Aloha,” the controller replied.

“A hui hou,” came the pilot’s final words — until we meet again.