Maui Airport's Name: Honouring A Pioneer And Aviator

Maui Airport is called OGG because of aviation trailblazer Bertram J. Jimmy Hogg, a Kauai native who worked for what is now Hawaiian Airlines. Hogg was an important figure in Hawaii's flight history, starting as an airline mechanic helper in 1930 and quickly ascending through the ranks to become a pilot pioneering inter-island mail flights by 1934. In 1946, Hogg became the Chief Pilot for the airline and was responsible for many of the test flights when the VOR was installed at Kahului.

The airport code OGG is named after aviation pioneer Bertram J. Jimmy Hogg

Maui's Kahului Airport is assigned the code OGG, named after aviation pioneer Bertram J. "Jimmy" Hogg. A Kauai native, Hogg was a Hawaiian Airlines pilot who played a crucial role in the history of aviation in Hawaii.

Hogg began his career in 1930 as an airline mechanic helper with the airline that would eventually become Hawaiian Airlines. By 1934, he was piloting inter-island mail flights and training future aviators. Throughout his career, Hogg flew a range of aircraft, from eight-passenger Sikorsky S-38 amphibians to Douglas DC-3s and DC-9s. He also served as Chief Pilot for Hawaiian Airlines in 1946 and led Flight Operations. Notably, he bravely ferried essential military personnel between islands during World War II, despite the challenges of a navigation aid blackout.

In recognition of his contributions to aviation in Hawaii, the Maui Navigation Facility, also known as the Maui VOR, was named after Hogg. When the VOR was installed at Kahului, Hogg flew numerous test flights, solidifying his association with the facility. The airport code "OGG" was chosen as a tribute to Hogg, with the letters representing the last three letters of his surname.

Today, an exhibit dedicated to Hogg is proudly displayed at Gate 19 of the Maui Kahului Airport, honouring his remarkable career and his significant contributions to the development of aviation in Hawaii.

Hogg was a Kauai native and Hawaiian Airlines pilot

Maui's Kahului Airport, also known as OGG, is named after Kauai native and aviation pioneer, Captain Jimmy Hogg.

In 1946, Hogg became the Chief Pilot for Hawaiian Airlines. When the VOR was installed at Kahului, Hogg flew so many of the test flights that it was decided to name the Maui Navigation Facility after him. He chose the name OGG, rather than HOG.

OGG is a tribute to Hogg's significant contributions to Hawaiian aviation history. His career spanned from the early days of aviation in Hawaii, when larger aircraft like the Sikorsky S-43s were first introduced, to the modern era of jet aviation. Today, OGG is Maui's principal air hub, serving as a gateway to the island's breathtaking natural beauty and offering a unique semi-outdoor structure that allows travellers to immerse themselves in their surroundings immediately upon arrival.

He was Chief Pilot for Hawaiian Airlines in 1946

Maui's Kahului Airport, also known as OGG, is named after aviation pioneer and Kauai native Bertram J. "Jimmy" Hogg. At the time of the airport's naming in 1947, Hogg was a pilot for Hawaiian Airlines, and he would go on to become Chief Pilot for the airline in 1946.

Hogg's career in aviation began when he was just 16 years old. After graduating from Kailua High School, he instructed at Cessna Pilot Center and Hawaii Air Academy while attending the University of Hawaii at Manoa. He then went on to work for Air Molokai, OK Air, and Royal Hawaiian Air Service before joining Hawaiian Airlines in 1946.

During his time at Hawaiian Airlines, Hogg flew a range of aircraft, from eight-passenger Sikorsky S-38 amphibians to Douglas DC-3s and DC-9s, until the late 1960s. As Chief Pilot, he was responsible for the selection, training, management, and supervision of all pilots, as well as consulting and coordinating with fleet captains on technical, procedural, and operational matters.

Kahului Airport, located east of Kahului, has been the main airport of Maui since it began commercial operations in 1952. The airport is known for its heavy traffic, with the Honolulu-Kahului corridor ranking 13th in 2004 with 1,632,000 passengers. Today, it continues to serve as a vital transportation hub for Maui, offering both overseas and interisland flights.

Hogg flew many test flights when the VOR was installed at Kahului

Kahului Airport (IATA: OGG, ICAO: PHOG, FAA LID: OGG) is the main airport on the island of Maui, Hawaii. It has been fully operational since 1952, and is known for its unique semi-outdoor structure, which offers travellers a glimpse of Maui's natural beauty upon arrival.

The airport's code, OGG, is named after aviation pioneer Bertram J. "Jimmy" Hogg, a Kauai native who flew for Hawaiian Airlines. Hogg was instrumental in setting up and testing Hawaii's radio navigation system, and when the VOR was installed at Kahului, he flew many of the test flights. As a tribute to his contributions, it was decided to name the Maui Navigation Facility after him. Hogg chose the identifier OGG, rather than HOG, which would have been the obvious choice. This decision was likely influenced by the desire to avoid confusion with Dick Ogg, a Pan Am Captain who successfully ditched a Boeing Stratocruiser in 1946.

Hogg's career with Hawaiian Airlines began in 1930, when he started as an airline mechanic helper. He quickly rose through the ranks, piloting inter-island mail flights by 1934 and later commanding DC-9 jets. During World War II, he demonstrated his bravery by ferrying key military personnel island-to-island amid a navigation aid blackout. Hogg's expertise and dedication to aviation in Hawaii were instrumental in the development of the industry in the region, and his legacy is honoured through the OGG designation at Kahului Airport.

The Maui airport is officially called Kahului Airport

Kahului Airport is known for its unique semi-outdoor structure, allowing travellers to experience Maui's natural beauty upon arrival. The airport has received accolades for its design, layout, and exceptional service, with some visitors dubbing it "the world's friendliest airport." The airport covers 1,391 acres of land and offers various amenities, including shops, food outlets, ATMs, and snack wagons. It also provides accessible facilities for travellers with disabilities.

The airport code "OGG" has an interesting history. While it is commonly associated with aviation pioneer Bertram J. "Jimmy" Hogg, a Kauai native and Hawaiian Airlines pilot, the true origin of the code is linked to another pilot, Richard Ogg. In 1946, Captain Richard Ogg successfully ditched a Boeing Stratocruiser between Honolulu and San Francisco due to an engine failure. Everyone on board Pan Am Flight 6 survived, and the incident brought Captain Ogg overnight fame. When the Maui VOR was commissioned in 1947, it was named after Captain Ogg to honour his heroic actions.

Kahului Airport plays a crucial role in connecting Maui to the world, offering flights to various domestic and international destinations. It is a bustling hub, welcoming thousands of travellers each day and providing a gateway to the beauty and attractions of the island of Maui.

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