Alaska Air Group received a single operating certificate (SOC) from the Federal Aviation Administration on October 29, 2025, allowing Alaska Airlines and Hawaiian Airlines to operate as separate brands under one regulatory certificate.
The SOC completes a year‑long integration effort that harmonized training, policies, procedures, and manuals across the two carriers, and satisfies the FAA’s regulatory requirement for the merged entity.
The certificate enables the combined organization to streamline regulatory oversight, reduce administrative overhead, and accelerate the “Alaska Accelerate” strategy, which targets significant profit growth and an EPS of at least $10 by 2027.
The integration milestone follows the Q3 2025 earnings report, in which Alaska Air Group reported GAAP net income of $73 million ($0.62 per share) and adjusted net income of $123 million ($1.05 per share), a decline from $236 million ($1.84 per share) and $289 million ($2.25 per share) in Q3 2024. The company cited elevated fuel costs, integration expenses, and a major IT outage on October 23, 2025, as key headwinds.
Leadership changes accompany the milestone: Diana Birkett Rakow was appointed CEO of Hawaiian Airlines effective October 29, 2025, and other key positions were filled to support integrated operations in Hawaii and on the mainland.
The SOC also paves the way for future integration steps, including a unified passenger service system expected in April 2026 and the launch of the Atmos Rewards loyalty program, which will combine the frequent‑flyer benefits of both airlines.
Alaska Air Group’s acquisition of Hawaiian Airlines for approximately $1.9 billion, completed on September 18, 2024, positioned the company as a larger player on the West Coast and in the Pacific region, and the SOC is a critical regulatory milestone toward realizing the full potential of the merger.
The content on BeyondSPX is for informational purposes only and should not be construed as financial or investment advice. We are not financial advisors. Consult with a qualified professional before making any investment decisions. Any actions you take based on information from this site are solely at your own risk.