Decoding OGG: The Story Behind Maui’s Kahului Airport Code
Ever found yourself asking ‘what does OGG Airport stand for’? Not only is it a common question for travelers, it’s also an intriguing tale. Unlike most airport codes that align with the city they service, Maui’s Kahului Airport sports the unusual code, OGG. But there’s historical significance behind this three-letter abbreviation. And it’s all tied to a man named Bertram J. Hogg.
Who was Bertram J Jimmy Hogg?
Delve a bit into the aviation history of Hawaii and you’ll easily come across the name Bertram J. Hogg. Better known as Jimmy Hogg, this man was an aviation pioneer in Hawaii, working with Hawaiian Airlines for a significant part of his career.
Born in 1914, Jimmy Hogg began his journey with Hawaiian Airlines in the 1940s, back when the airline had only two operating aircraft. Hogg was a jack-of-all-trades. He initiated his career as a mechanic, maintaining the engines and structures of the fledgling airline’s airplanes.
Hogg’s Contribution to Hawaiian Airlines
However, Hogg wasn’t content with just staying behind the scenes. The adventurous spirit in him led to him being trained as a pilot, and soon, he was in the pilot’s seat, maneuvering planes across the Hawaiian archipelago.
In the years leading up to his retirement, Hogg was often in the captain’s seat, piloting the Douglas DC-3 across the Hawaiian Islands. He became famous for his signature aloha spirit, always sporting a smile and offering passengers an unforgettable flying experience. Jimmy Hogg also assisted with the transition from propeller aircraft to jets, making an essential contribution to Hawaiian Airlines’ modernization.
The OGG Airport Code
So how does this all tie back to the airport code OGG? Well, in the 1950s, airports started to use three-letter codes instead of the two-letter codes that were in use earlier. These codes were often derived from the name of the city where the airport was located.
But in some cases, the International Air Transport Association (IATA) chose to name the codes in honor of famous aviation personnel. And thus, in honor of Hogg’s terrific contributions to Hawaiian aviation, the code for Kahului Airport in Maui was christened “OGG”, a nod to his surname.
OGG Airport Today
Today, OGG is Hawaii’s second busiest airport, following Daniel K. Inouye International Airport in Honolulu. It serves as the gateway to the beautiful island of Maui for millions of visitors each year.
The airport, like its honoree, has evolved significantly over the years. While it started as a modest terminal, OGG now spans 1,391 acres, hosting over five million passengers annually. It features two intersecting runways and serves many domestic airlines, with direct flights connecting Maui to the mainland and other Hawaiian Islands.
Beyond the Code: Honoring Hogg
Although the OGG airport code is a tribute in itself, Kahului Airport has gone beyond this to recognize Hogg. Inside the airport, a wall exhibit honoring Jimmy Hogg’s contributions to Hawaiian aviation can be found. This tribute vividly shares his story, from his humble beginning as an aircraft mechanic to his dynamic career as a pilot, making Hogg’s legacy an integral part of the airport’s history.
A Legacy Continues
Saying ‘OGG’ is a mouthful compared to simply saying ‘Maui’, but there’s a richness to invoking Hogg’s name each time the code is spoken. Every plane that touches down on OGG’s tarmac carries on the spirit of a man who dedicated his entire working life to aviation and the islands he loved. And as travelers around the world continue to query, ‘what does OGG airport stand for,’ Jimmy Hogg’s story retains its rightful place in Hawaiian aviation history.