This article is based on an official press release from Alaska Air Group, supplemented by aggregated industry reporting.

Hawaiian Airlines Completes Historic Transition to Alaska Airlines’ Sabre PSS

Hawaiian Airlines successfully migrated to the Sabre Passenger Service System (PSS) on April 22, 2026, aligning its backend reservation technology with parent company Alaska Airlines. This transition marks one of the most significant operational milestones since Alaska Air Group completed its $1.9 billion acquisition of Hawaiian Airlines on September 18, 2024.

According to the official company press release, the shared PSS now functions as the central nervous system for both carriers. The unified platform connects digital tools, websites, mobile applications, airport kiosks, and loyalty programs across a growing global network.

We note that this integration pioneers a new operational model in the United States aviation industry. Historically, major U.S. airline mergers have resulted in the complete absorption and retirement of one brand. Instead, Alaska Air Group is maintaining both distinct, consumer-facing brands while fully integrating their backend operations.

Technological Integration and Brand Preservation

Retiring the Historic “HA” Code

A notable change accompanying the Sabre PSS migration is the retirement of Hawaiian Airlines’ historic “HA” IATA flight code. According to reporting by One Mile at a Time, the “HA” code had been in continuous use since 1929. As of April 22, 2026, all Hawaiian Airlines flights operate under Alaska Airlines’ “AS” code.

Despite the unified flight code, the Hawaiian brand identity remains strictly intact. Flights are now clearly designated to passengers as “Operated by Alaska as Hawaiian Airlines.” The airline has deliberately preserved Hawaiian’s iconic Pualani tail logo and its signature island-inspired onboard hospitality, known as ho‘okipa.

A Unified Mobile Experience

To support the dual-brand strategy, the company has launched a unified “Alaska Hawaiian” mobile application. The app allows users to toggle seamlessly between an Alaska or Hawaiian visual theme while managing journeys for both brands in a single interface.

The integrated application features a single record locator, same-day flight changes, Apple Pay integration, boarding pass sharing, and the ability to book award flights on over 30 partner airlines.

Enhancements to the Passenger Experience

Airport Operations and Boarding

The PSS transition brings immediate, tangible changes to airport operations. The two airlines now share terminal lobbies in major hubs, including New York (JFK), Los Angeles (LAX), San Francisco (SFO), Phoenix (PHX), Portland (PDX), Las Vegas (LAS), and Seattle (SEA).

Hawaiian Airlines has transitioned to mobile and web-only check-in, introducing self-service bag tag kiosks to streamline the airport experience. Furthermore, Hawaiian has adopted Alaska’s A–F alphabetical boarding group system to ensure a consistent boarding process across both carriers.

Onboard Perks and Global Connectivity

Premium Class passengers and elite loyalty members now receive complimentary alcohol on Hawaiian transpacific flights. Additionally, First Class meal pre-ordering on Hawaiian flights is scheduled to roll out in May 2026.

Coinciding with the PSS cutover, Hawaiian Airlines officially integrated into the oneworld alliance, significantly expanding global connectivity and reciprocal benefits for its passengers.

Loyalty Program Alignment

The shared Sabre system fully connects the combined company’s loyalty initiatives. Atmos™ Rewards, which launched in September 2025 as the successor to both Alaska’s Mileage Plan and HawaiianMiles, is now fully supported by the unified PSS. This integration allows for seamless earning, status recognition, and award redemptions across both airlines and their global partners.

Additionally, the system supports Huaka‘i by Hawaiian, a specialized travel benefits program launched in late 2024 exclusively for Hawaii residents. According to details from Hawaii Business Magazine, the program offers unique perks such as a free checked bag, which notably covers surfboards and golf clubs, on Neighbor Island flights, alongside quarterly fare discounts ranging from 10% to 20%.

Executive Insights

In the official press release, Alaska Air Group CEO Ben Minicucci highlighted the unprecedented nature of the technological integration and praised the teams involved.

“We’re doing something that no other U.S. airline has done before: Operating multiple brands on a single platform,” Minicucci stated.

AirPro News analysis

We view this transition as a masterclass in post-merger integration. By migrating Hawaiian Airlines from the Amadeus Altea PSS, which it only adopted in 2023, to Sabre, Alaska Air Group has prioritized backend efficiency without sacrificing frontend brand equity. The dual-theme mobile app is a particularly novel solution to the complex problem of merging airlines without eliminating a beloved regional brand.

Furthermore, maintaining the Huaka‘i by Hawaiian program demonstrates a strategic commitment to local Hawaii residents. It ensures the airline retains its cultural and regional relevance while operating under the umbrella of a massive mainland corporation.

Frequently Asked Questions

When did Hawaiian Airlines transition to the Sabre PSS?
The official transition to the Sabre Passenger Service System took place on April 22, 2026.

What happens to the “HA” flight code?
The historic “HA” flight code was retired on April 22, 2026. All Hawaiian Airlines flights now operate under Alaska Airlines’ “AS” code, though they are marketed as “Operated by Alaska as Hawaiian Airlines.”

Will the Hawaiian Airlines brand disappear?
No. Alaska Air Group is maintaining both the Alaska and Hawaiian brands. Hawaiian’s Pualani tail logo, aircraft livery, and onboard hospitality remain fully intact.

Sources

• Alaska Air Group Press Release