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Alaska Airlines promotes Shane Jones to senior vice president of fleet, revenue products and real estate; Horizon Air names Nathan Engel as vice president of maintenance and engineering

The boards of directors of Alaska Airlines and Horizon Air announced two leadership additions today, promoting two industry veterans into important roles at each of the airlines.

Both bring forward-thinking leadership and proven abilities to execute on complex initiatives that have a direct impact on strengthening Alaska Air Group’s safety and reliability, growing our operations and financial results, and giving guests a premium experience when they fly with us.

Alaska Airlines promotes 20-year industry veteran Shane Jones to senior vice president of fleet, revenue products and real estate

Alaska Airlines has promoted 20-year industry veteran Shane Jones to senior vice president of fleet, revenue products and real estate.

Shane Jones

Jones, who joined Alaska in 2018 as vice president of real estate and development, has managed the airline’s strategy and $3 billion investments in hub airports, focused on enabling growth, enhancing the guest experience at airports, and ensuring safe, reliable and efficient operations.

Additionally, he leads the business strategy for growing ancillary revenues and guest choices through new revenue products and business partnerships.

In this expanded role, Jones also will lead the development and planning of mainline and regional aircraft and overall fleet strategy, including working with aircraft manufacturers, original equipment manufacturers, and lessors on safety and quality assurance, opportunities to improve sustainability through aircraft design and management, optimizing delivery schedules and financing.

“With the addition of fleet strategy, Shane’s new role connects our Commercial growth strategy across our hub and airport investments to the critical investments we are making in our aircraft over time,” said Alaska Airlines CEO Ben Minicucci. “At the heart of this work is the customer experience, whether it be on board our future aircraft, in our lobbies or gates, or through the new products and partnerships his team is developing.”

Jones will report to Alaska’s Executive Vice President and Chief Commercial Officer Andrew Harrison, with a dotted line reporting relationship to Executive Vice President of Finance and CFO Shane Tackett.

Prior to joining Alaska, Jones spent 13 years at Delta Air Lines, where he served as vice president of corporate real estate and airport development, responsible for Delta’s global airport and real estate assets. He also served as manager of capital markets, where he worked on restructuring and renegotiating Delta’s aircraft leases.

Horizon Air names 36-year industry veteran Nathan Engel as vice president of maintenance & engineering

Horizon Air named 36-year industry veteran Nathan Engel as vice president of maintenance and  engineering, overseeing a critically important function of the airline’s focus on safety and reliability.

Nathan Engel

In this role, he will manage the long-term strategy and financial performance of Horizon’s maintenance & engineering workgroup, leading a team of over 300 industry professionals who are deeply committed to the airline’s culture of safety. Among his responsibilities are line maintenance operations, airframe/component/engine maintenance, quality assurance, maintenance planning, engineering and reliability, fleet projects, and stores and distribution.

Engel steps into this role from a multi-decade career in maintenance and engineering leadership, with deep experience at Alaska and Horizon and broader experience from other companies.

“Nathan’s extensive background and expertise in commercial aviation maintenance and relentless focus on maintenance’s critical role in ensuring safety and reliability will be pivotal in this role,” said Horizon Air President Jason Berry. “In addition, he is a people leader, focused on driving performance and collaboration, which makes him a valued addition to our Horizon Air leadership team.”

Previously, Engel served as managing director of maintenance and operations at both Alaska Airlines and Horizon Air, responsible for strategic and operational leadership for line, heavy, and on-call maintenance, maintenance control, and quality control. He also worked for Amazon and most recently for Hawaiian Airlines as senior manager of maintenance in Seattle.

He is a veteran of the U.S. Air Force.

Honoring those who serve: Alaska Airlines salutes members of the U.S. military & their families

At Alaska, we are so very grateful for the service of active duty military and veterans and appreciate the personal sacrifices they and their families make for us all. We take seriously our responsibility to care for our military guests, and we prioritize it with every flight.  

Here are some of the ways we show our care—from booking to landing and everything in between. 

Special military fares 

We offer special military fares to active duty military and their dependents in some markets. These fares apply to service members traveling on an official excused absence, and those discharged from active duty military service in any one of the US military agencies.

Learn more 

Priority boarding 

When it’s time to fly, listen closely to the announcements at the gate. Our gate agent will offer active members of the military the opportunity to board the flight early. Stow your bags before most guests and settle into your seat to relax.

Our Boarding Process 

Check 5 bags for free 

For active duty US military personnel, and military dependents with travel orders, we’ll check your first 5 bags for free.

Learn more

Save on inflight purchases 

Members of the military and their families get a 15% discount on food purchased during a flight with us. Just show your military ID to our flight attendant, and then prepare to snack.

Browse our inflight food menu 

Lounge access 

Alaska Lounge Day Passes are complimentary for U.S. military personnel traveling on official government-sponsored travel booked through SATO and ticketed to fly on an Alaska flight departing within 3 hours. All other active duty military personnel with a valid Military ID, traveling on a paid or award ticket, may purchase a day pass at the discounted rate of $30 when traveling on Alaska. Available in all Alaska Lounge locations, subject to space availability. A valid Military ID must be presented.

Learn about day passes 

Receive a WeSalute discount 

We offer a discount on our flights for members of WeSalute. If you’re already a member, sign into your WeSalute to redeem your discount. If you’re not yet a member, enroll today to start saving on Alaska Airlines flights. 

Learn more

Fly with four-legged friends 

Trained service animals travel for free with proper documentation. Plus, we offer active military members and their dependents a pet shipping discount on Alaska Air Cargo.

Learn more.  

We’ve got your back. 

No matter what direction life takes you after your service, we’ll continue looking for ways to support you and your families, and to show you that we’re grateful for all you’ve done. 

Thank you, heroes. 

We are fortunate to work with the Honor Flight Network to provide complimentary travel and reduced fares for veterans on specially planned tours of Washington D.C., to honor them for their military service. Since 2012, we have flown nearly 5,000 veterans to the D.C. Area on over 100 Honor Flights. 

Alaska Airlines aircraft technicians created and implemented the “Fallen Soldier Program” in 2011. This process ensures that military protocols are followed when handling the remains of fallen service members being flown to their final resting place on Alaska Airlines. Watch video 

Honoring the fallen and their families. 

The conversations and dedication of a thoughtful group of employees was the catalyst for the creation of the Alaska Airlines Fallen Soldier program, which allows us to pay proper tribute to soldiers on the way home to their final resting places. Learn more about the program 

In partnership with Boeing, we are proud to unveil our specially designed “Honoring Those Who Serve” aircraft, , which pays tribute to U.S. military members, veterans, fallen soldiers and their families. The design features a new patriotic paint scheme with symbolic imagery representing all six branches of the US Armed Forces: Air Force, Army, Navy, Marine Corps, Coast Guard, and Space Force. See all our commemorative aircraft. 

Our largest (& hardest) tributes to service members. 

Between Alaska Airlines and Horizon Air, our combined fleet has four special aircraft to honor those who serve. The designs—adorned on two Alaska Boeing aircraft and a Horizon E175—feature an Alaska Airlines Salutes medallion and a fallen soldier badge, with the Battlefield Cross to honor those who have made the ultimate sacrifice. The planes also feature rings surrounding the engines, representative of the branches of the United States military, and American flag winglets. Our fallen hero carts now include the six branches of the military—The Army, Marine Corps, Navy, Air Force, Space Force and Coast Guard—and our aircraft will reflect that in the future.  

Donating miles goes a long way. 

We’ve made it simple for our guests to donate extra Mileage Plan miles to the Hero Miles program, to help injured service members and their families to stay connected during treatment.  

The Honor Flight Network’s Lone Eagle Program is our newest member of our CARE Miles program, ensuring that all veterans, regardless of their geographic location in the U.S., are able to participate in an Honor Flight trip.  The Lone Eagle Hub honors veterans of all service eras, but gives priority to those who served during WWII, the Korean War and the Vietnam Era and the time periods between these conflicts. Since 2008, Alaska Airlines has donated more than 90 million hero miles to support these initiatives. Donate miles 

Pilots, aircraft technicians, flight attendants – employees throughout Alaska and Horizon – balance full-time work schedules with service in the military reserves and National Guard. Read full story: Balancing work and duty: Stories from those at Alaska who serve in the military reserves 

Thinking about your next career? 

We’d love to help you join our team. Alaska has a long history of recruiting military talent. We work with groups like Camo2Commerce to learn how to help service members and their spouses use their military training and experience in civilian positions.  

Our Business Resource Group—Military, Veterans and Allies (MVA)—supports current and future military and veteran employees with career development, promotes education and awareness, and provides networking opportunities. Explore the possibilities 

It’s our pleasure. 

We are honored that employee-led efforts like those above, along with tributes from individual employees and our company’s work, have been recognized with the Employer Support Freedom Award from the Department of Defense. Serving and supporting service members and veterans is a privilege, and we are committed to continuing our efforts in any way we can. 

Thank you, again to all service members, past and present. 

Countdown begins for travelers to obtain REAL ID for domestic flights

The one-year countdown is officially underway to obtain your REAL ID-compliant driver’s licenses and identification cards. With the REAL ID Act, Americans must ensure they have compliant identification by May 7, 2025, to continue accessing federal facilities and boarding domestic flights per the Department of Homeland Security.

Beginning May 7, 2025, every air traveler will need to present a REAL ID-compliant driver’s license, or other acceptable form of identification, to fly within the United States.

The REAL ID Act is a federal law.

If you like to use your driver’s license as your main identification to get through TSA security checkpoints at the airport, it’s crucial to make sure it’ll be REAL ID-compliant and ready to fly starting May 7, 2025.

To get flyers ready for this significant transition, we’re providing a resource for our guests, employees and the public to get the latest information about REAL ID and its fast-approaching changes.

Learn more

Here are some key things to know:

  • Beginning May 7, 2025, your driver’s license will need to be REAL ID-compliant if you want to use it to fly within the U.S. It’s part of a law passed by Congress. If your license is not compliant, and you don’t have another acceptable form of ID, you’ll have trouble getting through airport security.

  • State licensing agencies and motor vehicle departments are expecting long lines and wait times in the months leading up to May 2025. If you want your driver’s license to be REAL ID-compliant, now’s the perfect time to make the upgrade because the rush is coming. Why not check this off your list now?

  • REAL ID-compliant driver’s licenses and the processes to get them are different state to state, which can be confusing. In most cases, you’ll need to bring additional documentation to get a REAL ID-compliant driver’s license, and you might even need to make an appointment. A few states, like Oregon, have not yet begun to distribute REAL ID-compliant licenses, so residents should refer to their state licensing agency or motor vehicle department websites for details and plan accordingly.

  • Many states identify their REAL ID-compliant driver’s licenses with a gold star in the upper right corner, which indicates they’ll be ready to use at airport security checkpoints starting May 7, 2025. But some states, such as Washington, do not use gold stars for REAL ID-compliant licenses.

  • You do have a choice. If you want to fly after May 7, 2025, with other acceptable identification – for example, your U.S. passport or a U.S. military ID – you can do that instead. Just remember to bring that ID to the airport.

Frequently Asked Questions

Congress passed the REAL ID Act in 2005 in an effort to strengthen identification rules at airports. The act established minimum security standards for state-issued driver licenses. Under the law, state driver licenses and ID cards have to be issued only to people who can prove they are legally living in the United States. If state licenses don’t meet the standards, then federal agencies – such as the TSA – will not accept them.

You’ll be turned away and not allowed to go through a TSA checkpoint if you don’t have another form of approved identification. And you’ll miss your flight.

Currently, the DHS has indicated the enforcement of the REAL ID Act starts on May 7, 2025. At that point, standard driver licenses issued by some states – such as Washington – will not be accepted by the TSA (Transportation Security Administration) at U.S. airports. TSA will accept enhanced driver licenses, since they have established your identity and U.S. citizenship.

No, it’s up to you to decide what’s best for your travel needs. You can use a current U.S. passport or a U.S. military ID at the airport to get through TSA security after May 7, 2025, just like you can right now. Just remember to bring it. Having a REAL ID-compliant driver’s license is convenient for many of us because it’s something we always carry with us. Other acceptable forms of identification is found here.

Some states, like California, mark their REAL-ID-compliant licenses with a star. Other states, like Washington, do not. (Samples provided by state motor vehicle departments)

Click on the state where you live to find out more on how to get a REAL ID-compliant driver’s license:

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Alaska Airlines launches new way for guests to join the journey to help make air travel more sustainable

Alaska is the first U.S. airline to link guest participation in sustainability to loyalty with an accelerated path to elite status.  

As part of Alaska Airlines’ longstanding journey to make air travel more sustainable, the airline will now give guests the choice to voluntarily reduce the environmental impact of their travel with sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) credits during the booking process. Guests can choose to support SAF in an amount based on 5%, 10% or 20% of their carbon impact when they book a ticket on alaskaair.com.

Building on a successful pilot in late 2023, Alaska’s Mileage Plan™ members who buy SAF credits will once again earn elite-qualifying miles (EQMs) for their contributions. Mileage Plan members will receive 500 EQMs for every $100 they spend on SAF (up to 5,000 EQMs per year), for a sustainability-linked way to accelerate the path to elite status. Alaska is the first U.S. airline to create a link between guest engagement in SAF and earning elite status.

“Alaska is on a journey to make air travel more sustainable with an ambitious goal of net zero carbon emissions by 2040. Now we are inviting our guests to join us on the journey,” said Diana Birkett Rakow, senior vice president of public affairs and sustainability, Alaska Airlines. “Today, we’ve launched new options for guests to customize their travel experience, take action on the environmental impact of their trip, and help us scale the market for SAF. SAF is a critical part of aviation’s path to a more sustainable future, and while we use it today, there is not enough SAF available. It will take all of us to grow this market. The more people who know about and support this important technology, the better we can impact efforts to make a sustainable future for air travel a reality.”  

With this new feature in the booking process, powered by climate technology company CHOOOSE, the SAF credit options will appear on the same page as other optional trip add-ons during the booking process. The SAF credit option is based on carbon emissions associated with the guest’s flight and follow the International Air Transport Association (IATA) Recommended Practice 1726 (Passenger CO2 Calculation Method). This calculation method leverage parameters including aircraft fuel consumption, flight path, seat configuration, cabin class, and load factors sourced directly from Alaska’s operational data.  For guests who want to support SAF equal to their full emissions of their flight, they can do so by visiting alaskaair.chooose.today. 

Alaska’s sustainability strategy is centered on care – caring for our guests, our employees, the communities where we live and work, and the planet we all share. Alaska is focused on immediate actions and long-term investments that are aimed to reduce carbon emissions and waste, as well as protect local ecosystems. SAF is a safe, certified fuel that, according to IATA, can lower carbon emissions by 80% or more on a lifecycle basis. It can be used in existing fuel systems and airplane engines. Since 2010, Alaska has worked with a coalition of partners to drive the growth of the SAF market.  These efforts include programs with Microsoft and other companies to offset employee business travel, partnering with universities and scientists to leverage the latest research and knowledge, and advocating for public policy to advance SAF.

To learn more about SAF and how to have a role in Alaska’s sustainability journey visit alaskaair.com/sustainability.

Alaska Airlines launches new options for guests to support sustainable travel

Alaska is the first U.S. airline to link guest participation in sustainability to loyalty with an accelerated path to elite status.   

We’re excited to share a new way you can join us on our journey toward a more sustainable aviation future.

Now, when you book your flights with Alaska Airlines, guests will have the option to reduce their environmental impacts by purchasing sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) credits right in the booking path. You can choose to support SAF in an amount based on 5%, 10%, or 20% of your emissions when you book on alaskaair.com (mobile app feature coming soon!).  

Plus, Alaska Mileage Plan™ members who buy SAF credits can earn elite-qualifying miles (EQMs) for their contributions! For every $100 spent on SAF, you’ll score 500 EQMs (up to 5,000 EQMs per year), giving you a boost on your journey to elite status. 

SAF is a critical part of aviation’s path to a more sustainable future, and while we use it today, there is not enough SAF available. It will take all of us to grow this market,” said Diana Birkett Rakow, senior vice president of public affairs and sustainability, Alaska Airlines. “The more people who know about and support this important technology, the better we can impact efforts to make a sustainable future for air travel a reality.”   

Click to enlarge

Now, when you’re booking your trip, you’ll see SAF credit options in the booking process as part of the other options, powered by climate technology company, CHOOOSE. The SAF credit option is based on carbon emissions associated with the guest’s flight and follow the International Air Transport Association (IATA) Recommended Practice 1726 (Passenger CO2 Calculation Method). This calculation method leverage parameters including  aircraft fuel consumption, flight path, seat configuration, cabin class, and load factors sourced directly from Alaska’s operational data.   

How it works:
The example above is a simplified calculation to demonstrate what you can pay to address the carbon emissions of your booked flight(s) (excluded service fees).

“Alaska is on a journey to make air travel more sustainable with an ambitious goal of net zero carbon emissions by 2040. Now we are inviting our guests to join us on the journey,” said Rakow. “We’re proud to be the first U.S. airline to make this connection between guest engagement in SAF and earning elite status.” 

Want to support SAF and cover even more of your trip?
Visit alaskaair.chooose.today to do so! 

Join Base Chief Pilot JP Wilson for a journey through Alaska Airlines’ path to net zero carbon emissions by 2040. We reflect on the impact of aviation on our planet and explore sustainable solutions for the future of air travel.

Learn more

Our EverGreen Journey 

We have prioritized immediate actions and long-term investments –being the first airline to remove plastic straws, water bottles and cups on board – aimed to reduce our carbon emissions and waste, and to protect local ecosystems. We know we can’t make this journey alone and are working closely with innovative partners across the globe to inform our sustainability work and enable new solutions for the future. 

SAF is a safe and certified fuel that, according to IATA, can slash carbon emissions by a whopping 80% or more over its lifecycle. And the best part? It can be used in all the aircraft and fuel systems we already have. Since 2010, Alaska has worked with a coalition of partners to drive the growth of the SAF market.

These efforts include programs with Microsoft and other companies to offset employee business travel. We’ve also been working with universities and scientists to stay up to date on all the latest research and knowledge when it comes to SAF. Plus, advocated for public policy to help advance SAF. 

Learn more about our Evergreen Journey

Hawaiian Airlines Corporate Kuleana Report: Growing Sustainably

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HONOLULU — Hawaiian Airlines today published its annual Corporate Kuleana (Responsibility) Report highlighting Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) initiatives to fly and grow more sustainably.

Hawaiian continues to work toward its goal of achieving net-zero carbon emissions by 2050 through investments in sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) and fleet modernization. Last month, the carrier inaugurated service with its first fuel-efficient Boeing 787-9 aircraft and received the second of its 12 787-9s on order.

In preparation for a new growth phase, Hawaiian in 2023 welcomed nearly 1,000 employees – for a year-end workforce of 7,362 people – while expanding career pipeline initiatives with schools and universities.

"I am immensely proud of our achievements in the past year, and the dedication of our employees to make us a better airline," Hawaiian Airlines President and CEO Peter Ingram said in the Kuleana Report's welcome message. "Their aloha for one another, our guests, and the communities we serve, inspires me each day, and it is what will build our continued success in the years ahead."

Protecting our Environment

Hawaiian, which has committed to replace 10% of petroleum-based jet fuel with SAF by 2030, last year announced it would source 50 million gallons of SAF from biofuel company Gevo, Inc., over 5 years starting in 2029. In parallel, Hawaiian is actively collaborating with Par Hawaii, the largest refinery in the state, to explore local SAF production.

Hawaiian joined the United Airlines Ventures' Sustainable Flight Fund to support startups focused on accelerating research, technology and production to help scale SAF, and recently became a member of the SAF Coalition, a nonpartisan nonprofit group advocating for SAF incentives and policies.

Hawaiian is on track to conserve three million gallons of jet fuel through operational initiatives through 2028, having saved approximately 800,000 gallons in 2023. Also last year, Hawaiian conducted an in-depth screening of its Scope 3 emissions to inform efforts to decarbonize its supply chain.

As part of its work to reduce waste and eliminate single-use plastics from in-flight service by 2029, Hawaiian's transpacific flights carried approximately 24% less single-use plastics per flights as of Dec. 2023 , compared to a 2021 baseline, as it diverted 355,000 plastic water bottles and introduced more sustainable catering products and onboard amenities.

Caring for our People and Communities

Hawaiian recruited 953 teammates across the company last year, with a focus on hiring pilots and mechanics to support new business ventures such as its cargo operations for Amazon and a new fleet of 787-9s.

More than 80% of Hawaiian's employees identify as racially or ethnically diverse, and Hawaiian believes its dedication to diversity, inclusion, and belonging continues to be an important driver of its recruiting and retention strategy and success. In 2023, Hawaiian again lead major U.S. airlines in having the highest percentage of women pilots at more than 9.7%, well above the 4.9% 2022 U.S. average.

To inspire the next generation of aviation professionals, Hawaiian continues to increase educational partnerships and workforce development programs while supporting its employees' continuing education. Hawaiʻi nonprofit ClimbHI recognized Hawaiian as its 2023 Outstanding Business award winner for its community outreach at college and high school campuses in Hawai'i and the Continental U.S.

As Hawaii's hometown carrier, each year Hawaiian supports island communities and cities across its network through its Team Kokua (Help) giving program and the volunteerism of employees. In 2023 Hawaiian's philanthropic activities included 187.2 million HawaiianMiles donated to 246 organizations, of which 35 million miles benefited its longtime partner, the Polynesia Voyaging Society, to support its " Moananuiakea: A Voyage for the Earth."

In all, more than 1,500 employees volunteered 8,548 hours, while Hawaiian contributed $1.8 million in cash and in-kind donations in the areas of culture, education, environment, and health and human services.

Last summer, Hawaiian also faced one of the most urgent calls to action in its 94-year history following devastating wildfires in West Maui . The airline quickly mobilized to evacuate some 17,000 displaced visitors and residents in the first three days of the disaster, while transporting first responders and life-saving supplies to Maui .

Hawaiian organized food drives, contributed a combined $150,000 to the Hawaii Foodbank, Maui Foodbank, and the Hawaii Community Foundation, and donated nearly 140 million HawaiianMiles to the American Red Cross. To support Maui's ongoing economic recovery, Hawaiian produced a series of Travel Pono (Responsibly) videos, hosted by Maui employees, on ways visitors can have a great experience on the island and support the community.

Hawaiian's Corporate Kuleana Report includes reporting aligned with the Task Force on Climate-Related Disclosures (TCFD), in addition to Sustainability Accounting Standards Board (SASB) metrics.

About Hawaiian Airlines

Now in its 95th year of continuous service, Hawaiian is Hawaiʻi's largest and longest-serving airline. Hawaiian offers approximately 150 daily flights within the Hawaiian Islands, and nonstop flights between Hawaiʻi and 15 U.S. gateway cities – more than any other airline – as well as service connecting Honolulu and American Samoa, Australia, Cook Islands, Japan, New Zealand, South Korea and Tahiti.

Consumer surveys by Condé Nast Traveler and TripAdvisor have placed Hawaiian among the top of all domestic airlines serving Hawaiʻi. The carrier was named Hawaiʻi's best employer by Forbes in 2022 and has topped Travel + Leisure's World's Best list as the No. 1 U.S. airline for the past two years. Hawaiian has also led all U.S. carriers in on-time performance for 18 consecutive years (2004-2021) as reported by the U.S. Department of Transportation.

The airline is committed to connecting people with aloha by offering complimentary meals for all guests on transpacific routes and the convenience of no change fees on Main Cabin and Premium Cabin seats. HawaiianMiles members also enjoy flexibility with miles that never expire. As Hawai'i's hometown airline, Hawaiian encourages guests to Travel Pono and experience the islands safely and respectfully.

Hawaiian Airlines, Inc. is a subsidiary of Hawaiian Holdings, Inc. (NASDAQ: HA). Additional information is available at HawaiianAirlines.com . Follow Hawaiian's Twitter updates ( @HawaiianAir ), become a fan on Facebook  ( Hawaiian Airlines ), and follow us on Instagram ( hawaiianairlines ). For career postings and updates, follow Hawaiian's LinkedIn page.

For media inquiries, please visit Hawaiian Airlines' online newsroom .

 

Cision View original content to download multimedia: https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/hawaiian-airlines-corporate-kuleana-report-growing-sustainably-302135296.html

Parting gifts from Guatemala: Alaska employees go above & beyond to delight guests

When was the last time you received a handwritten note? Perhaps it was a quick memo from a coworker, a reminder left on the counter to take out the trash or a card on your birthday. Maybe you don’t even remember. What was once a common courtesy and necessity has slowly faded away in favor of instantaneous, digital communications.

However, there is a small but mighty team in Central America who still believes in the power of putting pen to paper.

Last year, Alaska made history by adding Guatemala City (GUA) to the list of destinations we serve non-stop daily from the West Coast. Daily service between Los Angeles (LAX) and Guatemala City (GUA) has not only been closing the distance between cities, but also connecting the people and cultures that call the two places home.

Customer service agents (CSAs) have played a big role in that.

For many, there are a lot of aspects of traveling that can feel monotonous. But thanks to a few employees, the boarding process in Guatemala City has been reinvigorated with the hospitality and warmth the country has to offer.

Prior to each departure from Guatemala City, control and boarding agents find time in their busy schedules to handwrite notes for every First Class and MVP guest. When guests arrive at their seats, they’re greeted with a short, personalized note that speaks to a much greater message; it sets a tone of value and positivity for their entire journey. As part of our values, this tone is echoed in everything we stand for as a brand: being remarkable means being welcoming and hospitable to everybody who boards one of our aircraft.

The process is as heartfelt as the gesture itself. Customer service agents, in the midst of their bustling tasks, find moments of quiet to write these notes,” says Krystal C., director station operations Latin America. “Each message is a reflection of the individuality of the recipient, whether it’s a warm welcome, a wish for a pleasant journey, or a note of appreciation. This task, though simple, is imbued with the team’s genuine desire to create an unforgettable & premium experience for our guests.”

“It spoke of a bygone era of travel, where every journey was an occasion, and every passenger, a guest of honor,” said Fernando C., GUA station operations manager.

While times have changed, our commitment to delivering a premium experience for every guest remains the same. For the GUA team, travel is truly a labor of love.

This initiative was completely homegrown and is one of the reasons why people choose to fly with us,” said Rick H., managing director of operations. “The GUA team saw an opportunity to connect and appreciate some of our most valued guests. The initiative continues today, and guests have taken notice of it. I’m incredibly proud of each member of the GUA team!”

Did you know? With the additions of Guatemala and the Bahamas in December, we now serve six countries from the West Coast. 💙✈️

Book your next flight to Guatemala!

Hawaiian Airlines Launches Month-Long Lei Day Celebration Featuring Global Sweepstakes and Interactive Pop-Up Events

HONOLULU – Hawaiian Airlines this morning surprised guests at Honolulu and Kona airports with 1,500 fresh flower lei – giving them a taste of the carrier’s monthlong Lei Day celebration that kicked off today.

Hawaiʻi's hometown airline is extending its traditional May Day festivities to all 31 days of the month to honor the legacies of May Day as celebrated in Hawaii and Hawaiian Airlines – both of which date back 95 years to 1929.

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Throughout the month, Hawaiian will share the act of giving lei at pop-up lei stands in Los Angeles, Salt Lake City and Tokyo, via a global sweepstakes awarding four million HawaiianMiles, and in a video series featuring Hawaiian Airlines employees, among other special surprises.

"31 Days of Lei is our love letter to Hawaiʻi’s tradition of giving lei – it’s a chance to celebrate this enduring symbol of aloha," said Rob Sorensen, vice president of marketing and e-commerce at Hawaiian Airlines. “Extending the celebration for the whole month is a way to share the beloved gesture of sharing lei with a global audience.”

Following today's airport lei surprise and the annual Hawaiian Airlines May Day concert at Bishop Museum in Honolulu, Hawaiian will embark on a series of pop-up events at The Atrium at Westfield Century City in Los Angeles on May 11, City Creek Center in Salt Lake City on May 18 and Ebisu Garden Place in Tokyo on May 31. Each event will feature a lei stand experience with a photo backdrop. Visitors will receive orchids to pin in their hair, flower lei, exclusive campaign merchandise and POG (passion orange guava) flavored cotton candy. Live music and hula will also be provided by the Hawaiian Airlines Serenaders.
 

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Each week in May, Hawaiian will give away 200,000 HawaiianMiles to five winners located within its major markets including Australia, Japan, New Zealand, South Korea and the U.S. In total, 20 winners will receive a combined four million HawaiianMiles through the 31 Days of Lei global sweepstakes, which will be open to attendees of the carrier’s pop-up events and available to enter online at HawaiianAirlines.com/31DaysofLeiSweepstakes.

Hawaiian has also produced a video series showcasing its employees and their love for making, sharing and wearing lei. Each video story will dive deeper into their connection to lei and the significance of Lei Day in their lives.

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For more information on Hawaiian Airlines’ 31 Days of Lei and Official Rules with eligibility, please visit HawaiianAirlines.com/31DaysofLei. No purchase necessary. Open to legal residents of 50 U.S./D.C., AU (excluding SA), KR, JP, and NZ (“Eligibility Area”) who are at least 18 and age of majority. Void outside Eligibility Area & where prohibited.

About Hawaiian Airlines

Now in its 95th year of continuous service, Hawaiian is Hawaiʻi's largest and longest-serving airline. Hawaiian offers approximately 150 daily flights within the Hawaiian Islands, and nonstop flights between Hawaiʻi and 15 U.S. gateway cities – more than any other airline – as well as service connecting Honolulu and American Samoa, Australia, Cook Islands, Japan, New Zealand, South Korea and Tahiti.

Consumer surveys by Condé Nast Traveler and TripAdvisor have placed Hawaiian among the top of all domestic airlines serving Hawaiʻi. The carrier was named Hawaiʻi's best employer by Forbes in 2022 and has topped Travel + Leisure’s World’s Best list as the No. 1 U.S. airline for the past two years. Hawaiian has also led all U.S. carriers in on-time performance for 18 consecutive years (2004-2021) as reported by the U.S. Department of Transportation.

The airline is committed to connecting people with aloha by offering complimentary meals for all guests on transpacific routes and the convenience of no change fees on Main Cabin and Premium Cabin seats. HawaiianMiles members also enjoy flexibility with miles that never expire. As Hawai‘i’s hometown airline, Hawaiian encourages guests to Travel Pono and experience the islands safely and respectfully.

Hawaiian Airlines, Inc. is a subsidiary of Hawaiian Holdings, Inc. (NASDAQ: HA). Additional information is available at HawaiianAirlines.com. Follow Hawaiian’s Twitter updates (@HawaiianAir), become a fan on Facebook  (Hawaiian Airlines), and follow us on Instagram (hawaiianairlines). For career postings and updates, follow Hawaiian’s LinkedIn page.

For media inquiries, please visit Hawaiian Airlines’ online newsroom.

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Chart your flight path: Insider tips from aspiring and legendary pilots at Alaska Airlines

Video by Karina Matias & Ingrid Barrentine

Mohammed Hakeem always had a deep passion for aviation.  

As a child, he would often make the trek from Los Angeles to Fiji aboard a Boeing 747-400. Those trips with his family led him to fall in love with flying, and he quickly knew it was something he wanted to do for the rest of his life.  

In 2017, Mohammed took his first step into the realm of air travel and joined Alaska Airlines as a customer service agent (CSA) at San Francisco International Airport. Following a quick promotion, he became a lead CSA across the bay in Oakland, then eventually transitioned to a flight attendant in 2019.  

But even after attaining two different roles in the airline industry, he still dreamed of becoming a pilot. He wanted to recognize his parents’ sacrifices and make them proud by achieving his ambition. 

As a Fijian American, he also recognized the importance of seeing skilled individuals who looked like him in the captain’s chair and wanted to be a part of that change.

I have always dreamt of becoming a pilot. Growing up, I was told by adults that my dream was too ambitious and that it wasn’t practical. But I held onto that dream, and it eventually became a reality for me,” said Mohammed. “Being a part of the industry which I’ve loved all my life helped me realize that my dream was indeed attainable.” 

Following some research and a push from a friend, in early 2023, Mohammed applied to Alaska Airlines’ Ascend Academy, a multi-year program with Hillsboro Aero Academy in Hillsboro, Oregon, that takes prospective pilots from zero experience to commercial flight. He is now working toward graduation, where he will transition into working as a pilot for Horizon Air.  

“Trust the process, move at your own pace, and always believe in yourself! You will make mistakes, but you will learn and grow from them. Trusting the process can be grueling especially when we compare our progress amongst our peers. It is not a race but a journey–one we cannot complete if we do not truly believe in ourselves the entire way.”  

– Mohammed Hakeem

Meet some of our legendary pilots 

Last year, Alaska Air Group recognized the careers of some pilots, naming them “Alaska Legends” and “Horizon Air Pathfinders,” an honor for those who always look up, push higher, put others first, and have been doing so for over a decade.  

Captain Julie Thiele was an art major before switching to aviation and had to overcome severe motion sickness in her journey to becoming a pilot. Today, she is the director base chief pilot at Anchorage International Airport. 

Captain Julie Thiele | Photos by Joe Nicholson

Captain Geoff Nelson’s first flight was in Juneau, Alaska for a glacier tour. He immediately knew he was hooked. With a tenure of more than 20 years, he has worn multiple hats including flying guests, teaching in the classroom, and performing duties as a technical pilot. 

Captain Geoff Nelson | Photos by Joe Nicholson

Captain Rich Loudon came to the airline following a full Navy career; in addition to his role in the flight deck, he has built essential training courses for Alaska pilots and is a revered expert in the industry for his work on Human Factors.  

Captain Rich Loudon | Photos by Joe Nicholson

You literally have the best office in the world, with ever-changing breath-taking view. Feeling the exhilaration of climbing away from the earth on every takeoff has never failed to keep me smiling. What a privilege. In addition to that, the aviation career is filled with high performing people that make it safe, fun and highly rewarding.” 

– Captain Rich Loudon

Along with the rest of their cohort, these individuals exemplify the care and expertise our pilots aspire to. As Rich celebrates 32 years as an Alaska pilot and Mohammed is just starting his journey to the flight deck, it remains as important as ever to provide and recognize expertise, hire pilots from various backgrounds, and ensure that our employees have opportunities to pursue their dreams.  

Pathways to a pilot career 

Interested in becoming a pilot yourself? While we participate in recruitment events at select universities, military bases, and industry events, we also have designed a pipeline to carry prospective pilots from their first step to the first officer’s chair at Horizon Air and Alaska Airlines. Here are some of the ways you could end up at Alaska Air Group: 

Ascend Pilot Academy  

 If you have no experience as a pilot or have some flight experience but have yet to obtain your private pilot license, check out Alaska’s Ascend Pilot Academy. Over the course of 13-18 months, students in the program train to become commercial pilots and flight instructors, obtaining private pilot licenses, instrument ratings, commercial pilot licenses, and eventually certified flight instructor certificates and CFIIs. Over the following two years, they log hours toward the FAA’s 1500-hour requirement to fly for Horizon Air.  

Ascend Pilot Academy
Horizon Air Pilot Development Program 

If you already have a private pilot license, the Horizon Air Pilot Development Program is another way to pursue your career goals. We recognize that when you’re a student pilot, finding the right support and guidance for your job can be challenging. By enrolling in our Pilot Development Program, you can receive a $12,500 stipend, get mentoring from a professional pilot, and join special events. After completing the program and meeting all qualifications, graduates are assigned a class date with Horizon Air.  

Horizon Air Pilot Development Program
True North 

True North is a recruitment program aimed at hiring BIPOC pilots at Horizon Air. The program includes reimbursement for up to 80% of all flight lab fees, ongoing mentorship, and apprenticeship or direct hire placement into an entry-level position. Like Ascend and Pilot Development Program, True North places hires on the fastest path to employment at Alaska Airlines. 

True North
The Alaska Airlines Pilot Pathways Program 

While Ascend, the Pilot Development Program and True North each seek to prepare prospective pilots for work at Horizon, the Alaska Airlines Pilot Pathways Program aims to provide the most direct flight path for Horizon pilots seeking to become pilots for Alaska Airlines. Horizon and Alaska Airlines share a goal to create a rewarding career at the Air Group family of airlines and to make the move from regional to a major airline, if desired, as simple as possible. Following a successful Pilot Pathways Program interview, Horizon pilots are placed onto the “Pathways List” in order of their Horizon seniority number and are then in line to be directly hired to Alaska Airlines.  

Alaska Airlines Pilot Pathways Program

Join our talent community to stay updated on application dates and job openings. 

Alaska Airlines expands presence in Southern California with new routes and increased service to popular West Coast destinations

Starting this fall, we’re adding nonstop routes from San Diego and Los Angeles, as well as offering our largest Southern California schedule in recent years  

Alaska Airlines is expanding service at two of its major hubs in Southern California with new routes and additional capacity to popular West Coast destinations as part of the carrier’s ongoing commitment to growth in the state. 

Starting this fall, we’re adding our 39th nonstop destination from San Diego with service to Las Vegas. We’re also starting new service between Los Angeles and Pasco, as well as bringing back guest favorite Los Angeles to Reno. Guests can now book these new, nonstop routes on alaskaair.com with service beginning Oct. 1, 2024.

We’re also proud to announce we’re adding more flights to destinations we already serve out of Los Angeles International Airport, increasing capacity by more than 25%, including to Boise, Medford, Portland, San Jose, Santa Rosa and Seattle.

As the only airline based on the West Coast, we’re committed to growth in Southern California, and I’m excited that we will offer our largest schedule out of the region in recent years; with our new services from Los Angeles to both Reno and Pasco as well as increased options to the destinations our guests visit most frequently. This new schedule also solidifies our title as the airline serving the most nonstop destinations from San Diego with our new service to Las Vegas,” said Neil Thwaites, regional vice president of California at Alaska Airlines.

“We are pleased to see Alaska Airlines continue to grow at San Diego International Airport and offer new routes to destinations across the country,” said Kimberly Becker, president and CEO of San Diego County Regional Airport Authority. “This new nonstop route to Las Vegas will offer yet another option for Southern Californians to travel to this city of lights and entertainment while providing Nevadans easy access to our beaches and sunshine in San Diego.”

In Los Angeles, we’ll start to fly our expanded schedule on Oct. 1, 2024 when we’ll offer the most daily flights to West Coast destinations of any airline from LAX. 

“LAX looks forward to new routes and expanded services from Alaska Airlines, adding to their existing robust portfolio of flight offerings to and from our airport,” said Doug Webster, interim chief operations and maintenance officer at Los Angeles World Airports. “We are grateful for the opportunity to continue to grow our partnership with Alaska Airlines and are pleased to see their commitment to offer our guests a variety of travel options to meet their needs.”

All our guests across our expanding network can take advantage of a premium travel experience on their next Alaska flight. We are the West Coast’s premier airline offering our flyers the most legroom in First Class* and Premium Class; no change fees; multiple fare offerings; the most generous loyalty program with Mileage Plan with the fastest path to elite status; 30 global partners; and West Coast food and beverage on board. We’re also making it easier for our guests to buy tickets with our domestic and global partners directly at alaskair.com.

* Out of any U.S. airline excluding lie-flat seats   

Cultivating community and giving back: Alaska Airlines’ commitment to care for Hawaiʻi 

On a warm, overcast morning, a group of volunteers from Alaska Airlines came together on the lush grounds of Ka Papa Loʻi ʻO Punaluʻu to celebrate Earth Day by tending taro patches. More than 20 Hawaiʻi-based Alaska team members and their families gathered in the spirit of mālama ʻāina – caring for and honoring the land – at the three-acre agricultural site nestled in a rural community on Oʻahu’s windward coast. 

“It’s really exciting,” said Ashlyn Onaga, Honolulu Station Supervisor. “It’s my first time here—I’ve wanted to do something like this for a while to give back to the community and help our ʻāina (land).” 

The taro plant, known as kalo in the Hawaiian language, holds special significance in Native Hawaiian culture. Kalo was brought to Hawaiʻi by the first voyagers to reach the islands. In ancient moʻolelo (storytelling), kalo was part of the creation story, nourishing all Hawaiians. Tending to the plants and the loʻi (patches) they grow in is part of a reciprocal relationship between land and people. 

In observance of Earth Day, a group of Alaska Airlines team members and their families tended taro patches at Ka Papa Lo‘i ʻO Punaluʻu

 

Shannon Cheng and Ashlyn Onaga shape mounds of soil protecting young kalo plants. 

The University of Hawaiʻi, in partnership with Kamehameha Schools, maintains Ka Papa Lo‘i ʻO Punaluʻu. Dozens of plants grow in irrigated wetland patches, connected by a flowing stream. The restoration of the loʻi and streamflow also led to the return of native birds and other plants and animals. Ka Papa Lo‘i ʻO Punaluʻu welcomes volunteers several weekends a month to help clear invasive plants, maintain the streamflow, and care for the growing kalo.  

Joshua Mateo clears debris from the streambed, which helps to maintain water flow to the kalo patches.
The Padilla ‘ohana remove weeds growing around kalo plants 

Having volunteers working with the loʻi and the kalo is really important to normalize these experiences,” said Ryse Akiu, who helps to manage Ka Papa Loʻi ʻO Punaluʻu. “It gives people an opportunity to build pilina (connection) and relationships, not only with Punaluʻu and all the things that exist here but also with each other.” 

“Laulima is a word that we use, meaning cooperation and teamwork, and that’s what we do through loʻi work,” Akiu continued. “We have to work together to accomplish some of these huge tasks.” 

This spirit of laulima is also at the heart of Alaska Airlines’ ongoing partnership with Kanu Hawaii. This nonprofit organization  started Volunteer Month Hawai‘i, which is observed throughout April.  

“‘Kanu’ in Hawaiian means ‘to plant,’” said Keone Kealoha, Executive Director of Kanu Hawaii. “Our aim is to plant seeds of responsibility and community today to foster positive change for tomorrow.”  

Founded by 40 individuals concerned about preserving the community spirit and ‘aloha’ they grew up with, Kanu Hawaii has evolved into a vast network, hosting the largest volunteer opportunity platform in the state.  

“Alaska Airlines gave us our first sponsorship, our first major donation, and they continue to innovate,” said Kealoha. He added that Alaska’s work with Kanu is, “not just a hat tip or nod to a good idea. It’s a gateway to a deeper commitment and promise to our kids and our place.” 

In 2018, Alaska was the first major business in the visitor industry to sign on as a sponsor of what was then Volunteer Week Hawai‘i, a local celebration of National Volunteer Week. Today, the partnership continues with Alaska helping to promote the ‘Pledge To Our Keiki’, inspired by similar global commitments, to advocate for a sustainable and inclusive future for Hawai‘i’s children.  

SIGN THE PLEDGE TO OUR KEIKI

Since its launch, thousands of people have signed the pledge, which Alaska promotes via pre-trip materials and digital platforms.  

“The pledge is a statement – it’s about awareness,” said Kealoha. “But we want to make it easy for people to actionize the pledge, so we’ve connected it to volunteer activities, in person, virtually, or remotely.” 

For visitors to Hawai‘i who want to take action in support of the pledge, Kanu Hawaii recently collaborated with the Hawai‘i Tourism Authority to launch the Mālama Hawai‘i Volunteer Dashboard. This online tool allows visitors to search for local volunteer opportunities tailored to their interests and the location and dates of their trip. 

SEARCH FOR VISITOR VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES

For our team working at Ka Papa Lo‘i ʻO Punaluʻu, the experience was an opportunity to connect with each other and strengthen their ties to the community.  

Volunteers link arms and drag their feet through the rich loʻi soil to propel water flow
David Beyer, Director of Risk Management, and his son Chandler 

It’s important to take care of our planet,” said sixth-grader Chandler Beyer, son of David Beyer, director of risk management at Alaska. “We can help preserve our planet and preserve everything we have for future generations to come.” 

A Behind-The-Scenes Look at Hawaiian’s New Safety Video

Hawaiian Airlines’ iconic safety video, which, for nearly a decade, transported guests to destinations across the islands while employees relayed important safety information, has taken on a refreshed look.

In the new, seven-minute video that launched last week, 57 new and original cast members – including teenagers or adults who were keiki (children) in the 2015 spot – are shown in different locations doing their favorite things, from a father and son fishing in Hilo Bay to ʻohana (family) gathering for a backyard pāʻina (party).

The production team spent three months planning for seven days of filming. Their efforts resulted in a tropical, community-inspired storyboard that is engaging, educational and celebratory of Hawaiianʻs people and the places they call home. 

Here are some behind-the-scenes fun facts about Hawaiian’s newest safety video, now available on its new Boeing 787 Dreamliner fleet (and coming soon to its Airbus A330).

A trip around the Hawaiian Islands

The video takes viewers to all four major Hawaiian islands – Oʻahu, Maui, Hawaiʻi Island and Kauaʻi. Featured locations include:

  • The cabin of Hawaiian’s Boeing 787 Dreamliner
  • Kualoa Ranch’s Secret Island on Windward Oʻahu
  • Paepae o He‘eia on Windward Oʻahu
  • Kako‘o ‘Ōiwi on Windward Oʻahu
  • Kula Lavender Farm in Upcountry Maui
  • Makapu‘u Lighthouse Trail on Windward Oʻahu
  • Hilo Bay on Hawaiʻi Island
  • Hilo Farmer’s Market on Hawaiʻi Island
  • Kipu Ranch Adventures on Kauaʻi
  • Pilalimai‘a Farm on Windward Oʻahu
  • The Nā Pali Coast on Kauaʻi
  • An employee's backyard in Mākaha on Leeward Oʻahu
safety screenshot 2

The aircraft illustration placed among loʻi kalo (taro patches) at Kako‘o ‘Ōiwi on Windward Oʻahu

Keiki, all grown up

In continuing the theme of ʻohana, keiki from the 2015 video were assigned the same lines. Here’s where you can find them:

  • Safety briefing card scene (3:52-4:12): Flight Attendant Mapuana and her daughter Hilina‘i, who are in the original shave ice scene, are featured in the new Hilo Farmer’s Market scene with Flight Attendant Maria and her daughters.
  • Emergency path lights scene (1:56-2:04): Two daughters of Flight Attendant Kanoe, Teahi and Lilinoe, who are in the original flower aisle scene at Kualoa Ranch, are now featured in the new lavender farm scene with Flight Attendant Kiakona.
  • Storing electronics scene (5:24-5:55): The Perry siblings, Brandy, Maka‘ala and Helemalieikealapono, who are in the original Waimea canyon scene, are now featured in the new Nā Pali Coast scene.

Aloha in everything we do

Did you know the production team scattered hidden placements of “aloha” throughout the video, including on clothing and physical items? Some are tricky to spot, so here’s the complete list:

  • Black and white aloha sticker on the SUP fin: 35-:37
  • Aloha Collection white hip pack: 1:18
  • Aloha Modern bag while at the lavender farm: 1:59
  • Aloha luggage tag in overhead bin: 2:27
  • Aloha on yellow shirt: 2:38-2:41 & 2:44-2:50, 2:57
  • Blue aloha hat on chair at Hilo Bay: 3:49-3:51
  • Aloha bracelet at the Hilo Farmers Market: 3:55
  • Orange aloha sticker on the ATV: 4:17-4:20
  • Aloha on a hat at imu (inground oven): 4:48
  • Aloha surfboard sticker: 5:16-5:17
  • Chopstick holder at pā'ina: 5:59
Aloha spot

One of the hidden alohas placed throughout Hawaiian's new safety video

 

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