Hawaiian Airlines retires iconic HA callsign after 96 years

Hawaiian Airlines is closing a defining chapter in its 96-year history today as it retires its “HA” callsign and flight designator, which have long been recognized by pilots, controllers and travelers worldwide.

The final flight from Ellison Onizuka Kona International Airport under the HA callsign is flight HA1117 that departs at 4:10 p.m. on Oct. 29, and is scheduled to arrive at 5 p.m. at Daniel K. Inouye International Airport in Honolulu.

From Hilo International Airport, the last flight is HA1081 that is scheduled to depart this afternoon at 5:26 p.m. and is scheduled to arrive in Honolulu at 6:22 p.m., marking the end of the airline’s independent operational identity.

The change comes as Hawaiian Airlines completes its merger transition under Alaska Air Group, which will now operate the combined network using the “Alaska” callsign and AS/ASA flight numbers.

Officials said the move ensures a unified certification and flight tracking system.

While travelers won’t notice major changes to booking or service, the shift carries emotional weight for longtime employees and island residents who view the HA callsign as a symbol of local pride and the aloha spirit that defined the carrier’s legacy.

Upon hearing the news, Hawaiian Airlines passengers took to Facebook to share their discontent and shared memories as an era comes to an end.

One comment read: “First, the language. Then the occasions like may day is lei day, now earth day. HA two letters, great meaning…. Breath… gone.”

Another read: “So sad. I enjoyed a few flights on Hawaiian Airlines, all very enjoyable.

Another commenter wrote: “This is so sad! I hope they keep the feeling of Aloha! That’s what Hawaiian Airlines is known for.”