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Hawaiʻi-based leader named managing director of airport operations and customer service for Alaska and Hawaiian Airlines

HONOLULU – Alaska Airlines today announced the appointment of Monica Kobayashi to managing director of airport operations and customer service. In her new Honolulu-based role, Kobayashi will lead airport operations for Alaska and Hawaiian Airlines in Hawaiʻi and the North and South Pacific, once the carriers obtain a single operating certificate later this year.  

Monica Kobayashi

Kobayashi – who will oversee more than 1,500 airport employees across the Hawaiian Islands in addition to teams in Japan, South Korea, Australia, New Zealand, the Cook Islands, Tahiti and American Samoa – is among several Hawaiian Airlines leaders expanding their areas of responsibility to support the combined airline’s growth in Hawaiʻi and globally.

“We are delighted to have Monica lead our combined airport operations throughout Hawaiʻi, including Honolulu – our second largest hub – and at airports in Asia and Oceania as we fly our guests across our expanding network while delivering the best airport experience,” said Celley Buchanan, vice president of airport operations and customer service at Alaska Airlines.

Kobayashi has 20 years of experience with Hawaiian Airlines, most recently serving as managing director of airport operations planning, where she drove operational, financial and commercial performance at 30 airport locations. She previously held leadership roles in financial planning and analysis, general accounting, and corporate reporting. A resident of Mililani on the island of Oʻahu, Kobayashi earned her Bachelor of Science in accounting from Chaminade University in Honolulu.

About Alaska Air Group 

Alaska Airlines, Hawaiian Airlines and Horizon Air are subsidiaries of Alaska Air Group, with McGee Air Services a subsidiary of Alaska Airlines. With hubs in Seattle, Honolulu, Portland, Anchorage, Los Angeles, San Diego and San Francisco, we deliver remarkable care as we fly our guests to more than 140 destinations throughout North America, Latin America, Asia and the Pacific. Alaska is a member of the oneworld Alliance with Hawaiian scheduled to join in 2026. With oneworld and our additional global partners, guests can earn and redeem miles for travel to over 1,000 worldwide destinations. Guests can book travel at alaskaair.com and hawaiianairlines.com. Learn more about what’s happening at Alaska and Hawaiian. Alaska Air Group is traded on the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE) as “ALK.” 

Unlock Seattle to Seoul: A dream journey to remember

Summary

Bid now for a once-in-a-lifetime Seattle-to-Seoul experience, including an exclusive itinerary wrapped in luxury, culture and convenience.

Whether it’s VIP concerts, thrilling sports moments, gourmet getaways, or immersive cultural journeys, Mileage Plan™ Unlocked opens the door to unforgettable experiences.

Ready to turn your miles into memories? Alaska Airlines and Hawaiian Airlines are taking your travel game to the next level with Mileage Plan™ Unlocked — a way for Mileage Plan™ and HawaiianMiles members to access unforgettable experiences that go far beyond the gate.

From exclusive concerts and sporting events to culinary adventures and cultural deep-dives, Mileage Plan™ Unlocked is your passport to the extraordinary. Whether you’re bidding on once-in-a-lifetime events or redeeming miles for curated experiences, this is travel – reimagined.

First stop: Seoul — in style

Here’s your chance to take part in a once-in-a-lifetime trip: the inaugural flight from Seattle (SEA) to Seoul (ICN) aboard Hawaiian Airlines’ brand-new Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner.

The moment they step onboard Hawaiian’s 787-9, guests are immersed in an island-inspired design. The 34 Leihōkū (garland of stars) Suites feature lie-flat seating, an 18-inch in-flight entertainment screen, personal power outlets, wireless cell phone charging and direct aisle access. Set in a 1-2-1 configuration with doors, the suites offer privacy or a shared experience with combinable double suites, allowing couples to fall asleep while gazing at a starlit ceiling.

We’ve recently shared why autumn is the best time to visit Seoul — the mild temperatures and stunning fall foliage make it ideal for exploring the city’s famous parks and gardens.

“Mileage Plan™ Unlocked represents a new chapter in how we connect our members to the world. This program is about more than travel — it’s about creating meaningful, emotionally resonant experiences. Whether it’s the serenity of a traditional tea ceremony in Seoul or the refined comfort of a Dreamliner suite, every detail is designed to inspire and elevate.”

– Brett Catlin

Vice President of Loyalty, Alliances & Sales at Alaska Airlines

What’s included in this unmissable auction:

Round-trip Business Class flights from SEA to ICN (departing Sept. 12, returning Sept. 18)
A luxury city-view hotel stay
Private tea ceremony, guided city tours, art experiences and gourmet meals
Luxury transportation throughout your stay

This is more than a trip — it’s a cultural immersion wrapped in luxury and powered by your miles.

How to join the adventure:

The Alaska Lounge Membership program offers two options for guests to choose from:

Mileage Plan™ members: Start bidding now using your miles!
HawaiianMiles members: Simply transfer your miles to Mileage Plan™ to participate.

Auction closes July 20, 2025, at 11:50 p.m. PST — don’t miss your chance to unlock Seoul in style.

Place your bid now

Experience more with Mileage Plan™ Unlocked

This is just the beginning. With Mileage Plan™ Unlocked, your miles can take you to the front row, backstage or behind the scenes of the world’s most exciting events. Learn more about the program and start dreaming bigger.

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Day in the life: Local girls in STEM go behind the scenes at Hawaiian Airlines

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Growing up, did you ever dream of becoming a pilot, a flight attendant or an engineer? Over the weekend, Hawaiian Airlines hosted a group of rising eighth-grade girls from schools across Oʻahu to give them a behind-the-scenes look at unique and exciting career paths right in their hometown.

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In partnership with the Hawaiʻi Department of Education, 40 local students excelling in science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) studies were invited to our Honolulu headquarters to participate in the day’s events. Employee career ambassadors — including pilots, material planners and engineers — shared their stories, answered questions and led the youth through hands-on STEM activities, such as a tour of our maintenance hangar, a wire-splicing exercise with engineering and a trial flight in the Boeing 717 and 787 simulators.

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“Our goal for this event was to spark curiosity and build confidence by creating hands-on experiences and connecting them with women role models across our airline,” said Jadyne Yomono, talent acquisition outreach program manager at Alaska and Hawaiian Airlines, who also helped organize the day’s events. “The future of aviation should reflect the diversity of our communities, and it's important to give girls the chance to see themselves in careers they may not have considered.”

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Hawaiian Airlines works collaboratively with the Hawaiʻi Department of Education to welcome inquisitive youth into the heart of our operations. Together, we believe in the power of connecting with students earlier — when their interests are taking shape and confidence is growing — to encourage them to pursue careers in aviation within the state of Hawaiʻi.

“Going in the flight simulator has made my goal to be a pilot more apparent,” said Kaia B., an ʻEwa Makai Middle School student. “I also found the engineering aspect interesting, but I’m leaning more toward pilot.”

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To add to the fun and engagement, the program featured creative elements inspired by Disney’s "Lilo & Stitch" — including special signage, surprise Stitch appearances and exclusive themed swag — to further connect with the students. Our goal was to show them that with STEM skills, out-of-the-box thinking and a supportive community, the sky is the limit.

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As Hawaiʻi’s flagship carrier, we see initiatives like these are more than educational opportunities — they reflect our kuleana (responsibility) and commitment to stewarding the next generation through education, mentorship and meaningful experiences that take learning to new heights.

“For these girls, just seeing all the different opportunities out there is what’s most important,” said Christiana Bisquera, a project engineer. “Seeing what people do in fields they’re interested in really opens up a world of possibilities."

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“It's really rewarding to be a mentor. Growing up, I didn’t know I wanted to be a pilot. I didn’t see a lot of female pilots, especially of Asian background,” said Crystal Wang, an Airbus A330 first officer. “It feels good to work with these girls, knowing I was once in their shoes, and encourage them to be whoever they want to be when they grow up.”

Together we soar: Celebrating Pride with communities across our network

Summary

Alaska Airlines and Hawaiian Airlines has kicked off Pride celebrations alongside communities across our network, featuring dance parties with live DJs and special appearances by Paju Munro and Jada Slayy.

Want to join the fun? Our Pride festivities will continue throughout the year, with more vibrant opportunities to support this global celebration of unity.

At Alaska Airlines and Hawaiian Airlines, care comes in all colors! We see every interaction with our guests and the communities we serve as an opportunity to reaffirm our dedication to safety, inclusion and authenticity — and we believe that when we are together, we soar.

These shared values take on even more significance during Pride Month. As longtime supporters of Pride events across our network, our support for the LGBTQ+ community is unwavering. At this year’s Seattle and San Francisco Pride parades, hundreds of our employees sang, danced and waved flags and fans alongside our aviation-inspired floats, which featured a live DJ and drag performers Paju Munro (in San Francisco) and Jada Slayy (in Seattle).

Our employees also joined hands and showed off their colors at Pride festivities in Guadalajara (June 14) and Anchorage (June 28), inviting others to join a global celebration of unity.

Check out these colorful highlights from the 2025 Seattle Pride Parade:

Don’t miss these fabulous moments from the 2025 San Francisco Pride Parade:

We’re invested in being an airline our guests and employees love — and that begins with celebrating our values and connecting with the communities we serve. Want to join the fun? Our Pride celebrations will continue in San Diego (July 19), Portland (July 20), Boise (Sept. 7), Las Vegas (Oct. 10), Honolulu (Oct. 18), Phoenix (Oct. 19) and Palm Springs (Nov. 9).

 

See you there!

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Alaska Airlines announces two new vice presidents in key workforce roles

Summary

Joe Wonderly has been elected vice president of labor relations.

Allen Thieman has been promoted to vice president of inflight.

The Alaska Airlines board of directors has placed two leaders in vice president roles to oversee critical employee groups. These appointments place trusted leaders at the helm during a dynamic time in the integration between the Alaska Airlines and Hawaiian Airlines workforces.

The leaders and their new roles, effective July 7, are:

  • Joe Wonderly, who has been elected vice president of labor relations;
  • Allen Thieman, who will be promoted to vice president of inflight.

Joe Wonderly – Vice President of Labor Relations

As Alaska Airlines’ vice president of labor relations, Wonderly will lead the company’s labor strategy and engagement across all represented workgroups. 85% of Alaska’s employees are represented by five labor unions. 

As Alaska Airlines combines with Hawaiian Airlines, Wonderly will play a key role in ensuring that the company’s approach to labor relations remains thoughtful, transparent, and grounded in shared values. Wonderly will help oversee the joint collective bargaining process as the unions for both airlines negotiate new, shared contracts.

This appointment underscores Alaska’s commitment to investing in people and partnerships as it grows into a global carrier. Alaska’s labor relations team prioritizes conducting fair negotiations, timely implementation of collectively bargained agreements, and building trust through authentic communication and respectful collaboration.

Wonderly brings more than a decade of experience in labor and employment law, including four years at Alaska Airlines. From 2019 to 2023, he served as Senior Corporate Counsel supporting both Alaska and Horizon Air on labor and employment matters. Most recently, he was a partner at Seyfarth Shaw in Seattle, where he advised clients on collective bargaining and labor strategy. Wonderly holds a J.D. from Boston University School of Law and a B.A. in History from Seattle University.

Joe’s thoughtful approach to labor relations aligns with Alaska’s longstanding philosophy: that strong, respectful relationships with labor partners are essential to delivering a safe, caring, and reliable experience for both our people and our guests.

– Constance von Muehlen

Chief Operating Officer

Allen Thieman – Vice President of Inflight

As Alaska Airlines’ vice president of inflight and once we reach a single operating certificate (SOC), Thieman will lead strategy and operations for our combined Inflight team and Flight Attendants for Alaska and Hawaiian Airlines. Thieman will oversee a team of nearly 10,000 flight attendants – the airline’s largest workgroup – ensuring the safety, care and service guests have come to know from Alaska and Hawaiian remains industry-leading. Thieman will succeed Matt Prainito who is taking a leadership role supporting the integration of Alaska Airlines and Hawaiian Airlines.

With 20 years of airline experience, Thieman previously served as the Managing Director of Inflight Crew Scheduling and Operations in California and most recently has been leading the Hawaiian Airlines Crew Scheduling team in Honolulu.

Thieman received a Bachelor of Science in Aviation Business Administration from Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University and a Master of Science in Management from the University of Central Florida. Prior to joining Alaska, Allen held leadership roles of increasing responsibility, including director of inflight services and director of inflight planning & administration – eventually becoming the vice president of flight crew planning and administration at another carrier. There he worked closely with the flight attendant union to successfully implement the airline’s first collective bargaining agreement. Allen started his career as a gate agent and subsequently spent six years as a flight attendant prior to his time in leadership.

Allen is a career long inflight professional and has been instrumental in our on-going integration with Hawaiian Airlines. He consistently embodies the mindset of ‘See it. Own it. Change it.’ and is a trusted leader among his peers and the teams he supports. We’re excited for Allen to continue his leadership as we transform into a global carrier.

– Constance von Muehlen

Chief Operating Officer

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Hawaiian Airlines cybersecurity event

Thursday, June 26 – 1 p.m. Hawaiʻi Time / 4 p.m. Pacific Time

Hawaiian Airlines is continuing to address a cybersecurity event that has affected some of our IT systems. We continue to safely operate our full flight schedule, and guest travel is not impacted. As we navigate the ongoing event, we remain in contact with the appropriate experts and federal authorities. We will provide updates as more information is available.

Thursday, June 26 – 7:45 a.m. Hawaiʻi Time / 10:45 a.m. Pacific Time

Hawaiian Airlines is addressing a cybersecurity event that has affected some of our IT systems. Our highest priority is the safety and security of our guests and employees. We have taken steps to safeguard our operations, and our flights are operating safely and as scheduled. Upon learning of this incident, we engaged the appropriate authorities and experts to assist in our investigation and remediation efforts. We are currently working toward an orderly restoration and will provide updates as more information is available.

Stress-proof your family vacation with these premium travel tips

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Summary

Planning your family vacation? Begin your journey with Alaska Airlines and Hawaiian Airlines, where streamlined services and add-ons help you spend less time managing logistics and more on making memories.

Families traveling with us enjoy premium upgrades, family-friendly services and thoughtful planning tools to ensure smooth, low-stress travel experiences for every summer vacation.

Summer is in full swing, and those long-anticipated family getaways you’ve been planning are approaching faster than expected. Whether you’re jetting off to explore Hawaiʻi’s national parks and rich culture, reconnect with friends and relatives across the country, or finally take that dream trip to Disney, traveling with little ones can feel daunting — but it doesn’t have to.

Rest assured that Alaska Airlines and Hawaiian Airlines have you covered, no matter where you’re jetting off to this summer. Parents can set their future selves up for success by taking advantage of our premium upgrades, add-ons and exclusive offerings — ensuring a hassle-free experience that lets them focus on what truly matters: creating lifelong memories with family.

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Book smart for smoother skies ahead

A well-organized schedule and added flexibility are every busy parent’s best friend. Alaska Airlines and Hawaiian Airlines’ combined network was built to offer well-timed flight options to help every kind of traveler – even our youngest ones – enjoy more seamless connectivity.

Flying from the Bay Area to the beautiful beaches of Kīhei, Maui? There’s a direct flight for that.Heading to Orlando via Honolulu to see Mickey and Minnie? A one-stop itinerary can get you there.

Worried about seating? Children under 13 are always seated with at least one parent or adult booked on the same reservation, regardless of class of service and at no extra cost.

Need to change plans due to illness? No problem — we don’t have change fees, giving families the flexibility they need.

Embrace pre-boarding peace at our Lounges

Airport lounges can be a sanctuary amidst the hustle and bustle of the airport rush. Our Lounges offer a calm, family-inclusive environment where every kind of traveler can unwind before boarding.

Skip the airport meltdown and opt for pre-boarding peace with food and beverage bars, complimentary Wi-Fi, quiet zones and comfortable furniture – perfect for reading and coloring.

Explore Alaska Airlines Lounge locations

Visit the Hawaiian Airlines Plumeria Lounge in Honolulu

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Give the family more room to roam

The time will come when you can sit back, take a deep breath and stretch out your legs as you thank yourself for upgrading to our more legroom. Extra space, early boarding* and priority access to overhead bins are offered to those who opt for Hawaiian Airlines’ Extra Comfort and Alaska Airlines’ Premium Class – the best option for families who want an upgrade to their inflight experience while staying on budget.

If you’re ready for a more premium experience, consider First Class, where priority boarding, free checked bags and chef-driven menus give you a head start on any holiday.

* Families with children under two can board early, regardless of their seat location, giving parents extra time to get their family settled and ready for their flight.

Sidestep snack-time stress and pre-order meals

Did you know that on Alaska Airlines, you can preorder meals for the whole family before your flight? Meals can be reserved ahead of time via the Alaska Airlines app or website up to 20 hours before takeoff. Consider the Kid’s Choice Picnic Pack or the fan-favorite Jetsetter’s Jam. (Imagine smooth cashew butter and tart strawberry jam sandwiched between flaky croissant bread, paired with fresh fruit and a slice of Tillamook cheddar cheese. Yum!)

Families flying Hawaiian Airlines can contact reservations to request a kids’ meal at least 48 hours before departure. Complimentary meals are also offered on all transpacific flights.

If bellies are still rumbling, island-inspired treats are available for purchase on Hawaiian Airlines’ Pau Hana Snack Cart, as well as signature picnic packs on Alaska Airlines.

Sidestep snack-time stress and pre-order meals
Keep the kids happy and entertained

Keep the kids happy and entertained

Plug in and unwind with complimentary coloring books and inflight entertainment, featuring more than 1,000 movies and TV episodes. Enjoy over 110 titles suitable for all ages, including “Spidey and His Amazing Friends,” “CoComelon” and “Baby Shark” for little ones, and “Gremlins: Secrets of the Mogwai” and “Gravity Falls” for older kids.

We also offer internet across the majority of our combined fleet – including free high-speed Starlink Wi-Fi, available on most Hawaiian Airlines flights – so your family can stream their favorite content. Just bring each family member’s smartphone or tablet and let the kids dive in while you sit back and relax.

T-Mobile customers also enjoy free Wi-Fi on Alaska Airlines flights, depending on your plan.

Pack your bags like a pro

If packing isn’t your finest skill, we’ve got you covered. Consider packing advice from a Hawaiian Airlines employee and practical tips on how to pack a carry-on like a pro.

Traveling with a stroller or car seat? Alaska Airlines and Hawaiian Airlines will check them free of charge.

Booked your vacation with your Alaska Airlines Visa® Signature credit card? Enjoy peace of mind before you check in with one free checked bag for you and up to six guests on your reservation.

Pack your bags like a pro
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A seamless security solution – coming to an Alaska Airlines hub near you

Summary

Following launches in Atlanta (ATL) and Washington D.C. (DCA) earlier this year, Alaska is bringing the TSA PreCheck® Touchless ID program to our guests departing select hub airports, starting with Seattle on June 26, followed by Los Angeles on July 8 and Portland on July 10.

Building on our work to streamline the airport experience, Touchless ID can help guests speed through the TSA line. 

Whether you’re enjoying the beautiful terminal at Portland International Airport with our cutting-edge technology or waiting patiently for Seattle Tacoma International Airport’s new lobby to arrive, it’s no secret that Alaska Airlines is making your airport experience quicker, more seamless and just plain better.

The latest development in our digital identity journey is about to land at our hub airports thanks to our advocacy with the Transportation Security Administration (TSA). Following launches in Atlanta (ATL) and Washington D.C. (DCA) earlier this year, Alaska is bringing the TSA PreCheck® Touchless ID program to our guests departing select hub airports, starting with Seattle on June 26, followed by Los Angeles on July 8 and Portland on July 10.

Using Touchless ID is going to be a gamechanger for our guests as they navigate our hub airports. No longer needing to juggle a boarding pass and physical ID means our guests can breeze through security with just their face.”

– Charu Jain

Senior Vice President of Innovation and Merchandising, Alaska Airlines

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Streamlining the guest experience

At Alaska, we want our guests’ travel experience to be as seamless as possible, from the time they book a ticket to when they touch down at their destination. It’s why we are reimagining airport lobbies with innovative technologies like electronic bag tags and automated bag drops, and why we partnered with TSA to bring Touchless ID to Seattle, Portland and Los Angeles.

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Frequently Asked Questions

What is TSA PreCheck® Touchless ID and how do I use it?

Touchless ID is a program operated by the TSA in partnership with select airlines that allows guests to verify their identity with just their face – no physical ID needed. This technology can be used to get through airport security more easily; it will also be available at our automated bag drop for a faster lobby experience later this year.

Who is eligible?

Participation is optional, but we encourage everyone who qualifies to consider trying it out. It could add a few precious minutes to enjoy a Lounge before boarding. To be eligible, you must have a valid Known Traveler Number (KTN) from, for example, TSA PreCheck® or Global Entry – and an eligible passport saved to your profile.

How do I opt in?

Participation is optional and requires an explicit opt-in to use biometric data for identity verification. Guests who are eligible and want to opt-in must sign up using their Mileage Plan account. Once your passport number and KTN are listed in the travel documents section of your profile, you can opt-in to the TSA PreCheck® Touchless ID program.

Once you have opted in, an updated Touchless Identity icon will be added to your electronic boarding pass whenever you are traveling through an eligible airport. Airport security line monitors will look for this icon to allow you to enter the dedicated Touchless ID line. Look for the signage to the TSA PreCheck Touchless ID® security checkpoint at participating airports. 

Guests may opt out at any time. 

How does this work with REAL ID?

Touchless ID users still need to have REAL ID compliant identification on hand, in case a digital ID cannot be verified at the TSA security checkpoint, but it can remain in your pocket or bag unless you are asked to provide it.

What about the security of my information?

The safety and security of our guests is our foundational value, and it informs all our digital identity efforts. Touchless ID is a program run through the TSA, and they manage all data related to its usage. For more information about the safety of your data when participating in this program, click here.

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Aviation Day: where future aviators learn how to take wing

Summary

This weekend, Alaska Airlines and Horizon Air wrapped up their annual Aviation Day events in Seattle, Portland, and San Francisco.

With nearly 4000 participants and over 600 volunteers in attendance across the three cities, Aviation Day provides local youth with the opportunity to learn about careers in aviation, interact with our employees across the business, and get hands-on experience with aircraft.

This weekend marked the conclusion of our 17th year hosting Aviation Day events, including a strong second year in San Francisco. Each year, Aviation Day draws thousands of children and teens in Seattle, Portland, and San Francisco to explore careers at Alaska Airlines, Horizon Air and our many partners. The events provide the chance to see our aircraft up close and meet both our amazing employees and representatives from places like the FAA, local fire departments, fuel companies, and airports. Including the pilots, flight attendants, air traffic controllers, and so many others, we are grateful to the hundreds of volunteers who helped make these events possible.

“You never know how a single moment of exposure could change the trajectory of someone’s life. At its core, Aviation Day is about inspiring the next generation; whether we are helping attendees see themselves in aviators who look like them, sparking curiosity with hands-on, interactive experiences, or teaching them about the wide variety of careers in aviation. For many students, this is a transformational moment and a glimpse into careers they may not have known existed.”

– Captain Kim Gabrelcik

Director, Base Chief Pilot at San Francisco International Airport, Alaska Airlines

Here are some visual highlights from this year’s events:

Nick Vanni (second from left) credits Aviation Day as a pivotal inspiration in his path to becoming a pilot. Today, Nick works as a customer service agent for Horizon Air and is enrolled in our Ascend Pilot Development Program.

Horizon Air Captain Allen Guttormson started the airline’s flight operations virtual reality program. In addition to his work at Aviation Day, Allen is instrumental in bringing in youth groups to experience VR pilot training throughout the year.

John Beadle (pictured left), a longtime captain at Horizon Air, has been flying a helicopter to our Aviation Day in Portland for 6 years. His son, Jake, (pictured right), is currently enrolled in our Pilot Development Program, and has joined his father in helping inspire the next generation of aviators.

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Alaska Airlines ‘Gift of Travel’ helps hero donor reach his 50th state

Summary

Through Alaska Airlines ‘Gift of Travel’ and a partnership with the Blood Bank of Hawai‘i, Vinton Smith was able to complete his 50-state blood donation journey on World Blood Donor Day.

Hawaiian Airlines CEO Joe Sprague, along with 60 employees, also rolled up their sleeves to donate blood — joining the lifesaving effort at a time of year when donations typically run low.

On June 14, World Blood Donor Day, Vinton Smith completed his nearly two decade mission of donating blood in all 50 states.

Through Alaska Airlines ‘Gift of Travel,’ the Pennsylvania resident and his family flew to Hawai‘i for his final donation. Alaska provided roundtrip flights and hotel accommodations for Vinton, his wife, and their two children from Baltimore to Honolulu — turning his final stop into a meaningful family journey and a powerful reminder that one selfless act can touch an entire community.

Last summer, Alaska flew Vinton to Anchorage, where he donated blood in the 49th state at the Blood Bank of Alaska. In recognition of the critical need for blood donations, the airline also contributed $10,000 to support the organization’s vital work across the state.

Photos by Kane Andrade

Alaska also provided a hotel stay for Vinton’s mother, who first inspired him to become a blood donor as a young boy, so she could witness her son complete his extraordinary mission. On World Blood Donor Day, Vinton was proudly joined by his mother, his wife, and their two children — who also stepped forward to donate blood. It was a powerful moment of compassion and legacy, as three generations came together in support of a lifesaving cause.

 

“As a young boy, I vividly remember both of my parents donating blood. At 17, I became a donor myself, and since then, I’ve donated blood 139 times and platelets 45 times for a total of 239 units of whole blood, platelets or plasma,” said Vinton. “I’m incredibly grateful to Alaska for offering my family and me the ‘Gift of Travel,’ but also for providing me with a platform to share the powerful message of this life-saving act of kindness. Donating blood doesn’t just save lives — it brings hope and comfort to those in need and their families, reminding us of the incredible difference we can make in each other’s lives.”

“Over the past year, we’ve had the privilege of joining Vinton on this heartwarming journey and witnessing the impact he’s made—not just through his blood donations, but through the way he shares his story to inspire others to give. It’s an honor to help him reach this milestone and celebrate the generosity that defines both his mission and our values.”

– Daniel Chun

Regional Vice President of Hawai‘i, Alaska Airlines

Hawaiian Airlines CEO Joe Sprague, along with approximately 60 employees, took part in the crucial cause by giving blood. On June 12, the Blood Bank of Hawai‘i sent a donor vehicle to the Hawaiian Airlines headquarters in Honolulu. Hawaiian Airlines has a longstanding partnership with the Blood Bank of Hawai‘i — a HawaiianMiles charity organization — to ensure the timely and regular transport of blood supply across the islands.

“We are grateful for the vital role Hawaiian Airlines plays in Hawai‘i’s healthcare infrastructure, ensuring that neighbor island residents can both contribute to and rely on a stable, statewide blood supply. No other airline enables the consistent interisland transport of blood the way Hawaiian Airlines Cargo does. Mahalo to both Hawaiian Airlines and Alaska Airlines for their partnership in helping save lives across our state,” said Dr. Kim-Anh Nguyen, CEO of Blood Bank of Hawai‘i.

The Blood Bank of Hawai‘i thanked donors on World Blood Donor Day with a free t-shirt and gift card for joining Vinton on his lifesaving mission.

To help drive participation leading up to June 14, Alaska Airlines and Hawaiian Airlines partnered with the Blood Bank of Hawai‘i to offer a special incentive: anyone who donated blood at any of BBH’s fixed locations through June 8 was entered into a sweepstakes to win one of two pairs of roundtrip tickets to any Alaska or Hawaiian Airlines destination in North America or Hawai‘i. The winners were announced on World Blood Donor Day.

Longs Hawaii also rallied behind the lifesaving mission by honoring the first 100 donors at the Blood Bank of Hawai‘i’s two fixed locations with $5 gift cards. 7-Eleven Hawai‘i proudly joined the celebration, offering Slurpee® coupons, Li Hing Mango snacks and refreshing 7-Eleven Hawai‘i Green Tea and Coffee. These generous contributions reflect the spirit of aloha and the community’s united commitment to supporting those who step up to give the gift of life.

How to donate

Blood levels continue to be at critically low levels. Healthy individuals are encourage to schedule an appointment at their local blood bank. In Honolulu, you may schedule an appointment at bbh.org or by calling (808) 848-4745. The Blood Bank of Hawai‘i has several mobile locations as well as the following fixed locations:

Young Street Donor Center: 1907 Young Street Honolulu; (808) 848-4770; Open 6:30 a.m. -4:30 p.m.
Waikele Center: 94-849 Lumiaina St, Waipahu; (808) 848-4770;  Open 7 am – 3 pm
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Hawaiian Airlines presents the 31st Annual Made in Hawaii Festival

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HONOLULU, HI – Hawaiian Airlines and the Made in Hawai‘i Festival together bring you the state’s most-loved showcase of made in Hawai‘i products. This dynamic partnership promises a festival experience like never before, with one-of-a-kind shopping, entertainment, fashion, culture and community. 

“The Made in Hawai‘i Festival is more than a celebration—it’s a powerful economic engine for our local businesses and a vibrant expression of Hawai‘i’s creativity, resilience, and aloha spirit. With over 700 vendor booths and performances by numerous Nā Hōkū Hanohano award-winning musicians, this year’s festival will be our most exciting yet. We’re proud to partner with Hawaiian Airlines to elevate the experience while supporting and sustaining our local businesses and ‘ohana.” said Lauren Zirbel, President, Hawai‘i Food Industry Association

MIHF 2024-MEDIA IMAGES-PHOTO BY ANTHONY CONSILLIO-AC-97

“At Hawaiian Airlines, we are honored to continue our support of the Made in Hawai‘i Festival — a cherished celebration of our islands’ creativity, craftsmanship, and community,” said Jennifer Gee, partnerships and experiential marketing senior manager at Hawaiian Airlines. “This partnership allows us to uplift local artisans and entrepreneurs while sharing the vibrant spirit of Hawai‘i with attendees from near and far. We’re proud to help showcase the incredible talent and innovation that make our home so special.”

Hawaiian Airlines presents the 31st Annual Made in Hawai’i Festival will showcase Hawai‘i’s creativity and cultural heritage, offering attendees an opportunity to explore an impressive array of made-in-Hawai‘i products while enjoying live entertainment, chef demos, fashion shows, tastings and more. The highly anticipated three-day festival will be held once again at the Hawai‘i Convention Center, Aug. 15-17, 2025.

The Made in Hawai‘i Festival will feature hundreds of vendors showcasing thousands of products, spotlighting the state’s most talented local artisans and entrepreneurs. The festival will offer an impressive showcase of Hawaiiana, clothing, food, unique gifts, exquisite jewelry, intricate arts and crafts, and much more reflecting the diversity and creativity of the islands.

Local celebrity chefs will present cooking demonstrations, providing insight into the art of Hawai‘i’s diverse cuisine. Adding to the festive ambiance, Nā Hōkū Hanohano award-winning musicians will take the stage to entertain attendees with traditional and contemporary music of the islands. 

New This Year: Hawaiian Airlines presents the 31st Annual Made in Hawai‘i Festival is proud to incorporate some enhancements to this year’s event, following a record-breaking year in 2024.

  1. The festival, which bolsters millions of dollars into the economy via Hawai‘i small business revenue, is excited to partner with two worthy non-profits this year to assist with their mission of ending hunger in Hawai‘i. Donations can be made to both the Hawaii Foodbank and The FoodBasket DA BUX, when ticket purchasers complete the donation transaction at checkout. Last year attendees raised over $7,000 for charity and the HFIA opted to match those funds totaling $15,000 for the Hawaii Foodbank.
  2. We are proud to showcase makers from the Molokai Alliance of Native Artisans this year for the very first time. Molokai made artisans, crafters and small businesses from the Friendly Isle will converge at the festival in August bringing more diversity and impacting our reach statewide.
  3. We are pleased to introduce a new line configuration allowing attendees a more seamless entry into the festival which will run along the Ala Wai Promenade on the Waikiki side of the Hawaii Convention Center, instead of weaving through the residential area of Atkinson Drive.
  4. Our priority has always been to welcome our kupuna and allow them easy access to the festival. Once doors are open, anyone who needs assistance can always go straight to the main entrance for entry and we will always allow those with special needs advance access. In addition, we are happy to offer a brand new Kupuna Rest Station Sponsored by Humana, onsite for our guests at the Hawaii Convention Center to find respite for senior adults, persons with disabilities and caregivers seeking a resting spot.
  5. Hawaiian Airlines will showcase its collaboration with Mana Up at this year’s festival, featuring a special 95th anniversary collection created in partnership with 100% Hawai‘i-based brands. The Hawaiian Airlines booth will spotlight these locally made products. Mana Up will also debut an exclusive Hawaiian Airlines collab available only at the Made in Hawai‘i Festival.

Stay tuned as there are numerous other new items to take note of this year!

What: Hawaiian Airlines Presents the 31st Annual Made in Hawai‘i Festival

When:
Aug. 15-17, 2025
Friday, Aug. 15| 8 a.m. – 10 a.m. Buyers Hours; 10 a.m. – 8 p.m.
Public Hours
Saturday, Aug. 16| 9 a.m. – 8 p.m. 
Sunday, Aug. 17| 9 a.m. – 5 p.m.

Where:            
Hawai‘i Convention Center 
Exhibit Halls I, II & III
1801 Kalākaua Ave.
Honolulu, HI 96815     

Tickets:           
$8 for all-day access to the festival. Ticket sales for the general public launch Aug. 1, 2025, at Home – Made in Hawaii Festival

Like father, like son: Airline roots run in the family

Summary

For employees Cody and Malachi, every day feels like Father’s Day as they work alongside their dads at Alaska Airlines and Hawaiian Airlines, sharing a deep passion for safety, excellence and family.

From military service to airline careers, these father-son duos prove that the love of aviation — and putting family first — is a legacy worth carrying forward.

For some, Father’s Day means finding the perfect greeting card or firing up the grill with family. But for Cody, a line maintenance inspector in Seattle, and Malachi, a cargo agent in Honolulu, every day is Father’s Day as they work alongside their dads and share a deep love of aviation.

Meet Cody and Jeremy in Seattle

Growing up with a father who is a brigadier general in the U.S. Air Force can be intimidating, but Cody, a line maintenance inspector at Alaska Airlines’ Seattle maintenance hangar, takes it in stride. In just three years at Alaska Airlines, he has already won two SOAR Awards — a celebrated companywide safety honor — and been named employee of the quarter. Those achievements make his father, Jeremy, managing director of safety at Horizon Air, especially proud.

Jeremy served nearly 35 years in the U.S. Air Force in various roles, including fighter pilot, flight instructor and commander of operations, before retiring and joining Alaska Airlines in 2019 as director of security. He was promoted to lead Horizon’s safety program in 2021.

Cody is often called “Jeremy’s kid” at work, but he doesn’t mind. “I know my dad is cool,” he said. “It’s fun to hear it from my coworkers as well.”

Cody first followed in his father’s footsteps by joining the U.S. Air Force, where he completed four years of service. He later earned his airframe and powerplant license and moved to Illinois, where he serviced aircraft for a private firm with celebrity clientele. During a trip to Seattle to visit his father, he toured Alaska Airlines’ maintenance hangar and saw firsthand how happy his dad was in his career. Cody had long admired the company and its reputation for safety and excellence, so he applied for a job and was soon welcomed into its Maintenance and Engineering division.

A couple of months into the job, Cody was recognized with his first SOAR Award after he stopped a tow vehicle from entering an unsafe situation — even though he knew it would cause a delay. His father presented him with the award.

“It’s great to see him succeed at Alaska and even more rewarding to see him become a huge safety advocate,” Jeremy said.

Cody, who is a father himself with a young son and daughter, agrees he’s lucky to have his dad as a role model who puts family first. “Having served with my dad in the Air Force and now at Alaska is pretty much as good as it gets,” he said.

Meet Malachi and Sione in Honolulu

For Malachi, a Hawaiian Air Cargo agent on Oʻahu, working with his dad is all about sticking together as a family. After attending college in Utah and working for an airport ramp contractor in Maui, he welcomed any chance to be closer to home. With encouragement from his father, Sione, also a cargo agent, he applied to work for Hawaiian Airlines and was hired as a Honolulu ramp agent in 2018. A few years later, he transferred to Hawaiian Air Cargo.

“Working with my son is a true blessing for me,” said Sione, who has worked with Hawaiian for 18 years, nine of which have been with the Cargo division.

The father and son both work at Hawaiian’s Honolulu cargo facility, often sharing the early morning shift. They agree that their unique but complementary skills make them a strong team on the job.

“I really enjoy working with my dad,” Malachi said. “It makes the work environment even more comfortable, and if I need help with something or have questions, he’s there for me.”

Malachi and Sione take pride in Hawaiian Air Cargo’s role in serving Hawaiʻi’s local communities, transporting essential goods, such as fresh foods, dry goods, pets and medical supplies, throughout the islands, while also supporting large overseas customers. “We have a proud group of coworkers, leaders and customers. That collective energy makes every day, even the busiest ones, more enjoyable for everyone,” Sione said.

With so much time spent together, one might think Malachi and Sione would go their separate ways at the end of the workday — but that’s not the case. “Our family loves spending time together, whether it’s going out to eat or taking trips to Molokaʻi or Maui to visit more family and friends,” Sione shared.

When asked about plans for Father’s Day, Malachi shared that he has wisely surrendered the restaurant choice to his dad. “Wherever my dad wants to eat, we’ll go,” he said, knowing full well his dad would want to go to his favorite spot, Side Street Inn, which is located just outside Waikīkī.

“If you go, try the short ribs and signature fried rice,” Sione recommended without hesitation. “And arrive hungry; Side Street is known for its portions!”

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