alk tail logo

Alaska Airlines

Alaska

HA tail logo

Hawaiian Airlines

Hawaiian

Q
magnifying glass with dark circle in the middle.
Sign up for news

News hub

Alaska Airlines pulls out all the stops for 100-year-old’s birthday

When a frequent flyer wrote in that his mother-in-law was turning 100 and wanted to celebrate on Alaska Airlines — you know, we broke out the party hats and pulled out all the stops.  

Velma is a spry 100-year old woman who lives in assisted living and still drives. She attributes her good health to a shot of Crown Royal Whiskey with water every evening.  

She loves being with her family, who live in Florida, but doesn’t travel often, according to her son-in-law. But that changed five years ago when he surprised her with a trip to Orlando on Alaska for her 95th birthday. During the flight, Velma confessed that she found flying Alaska quite enjoyable and said if she reached the age of 100, she’d do it again. 

And Velma kept her word. On Oct. 6, she boarded Alaska Airlines Flight 340 to fly to Orlando, on her 100th birthday.  

“We had so much fun,” said Flight Attendant Wendy, who along with Flight Attendants Jena, Darshan and Emily made sure Velma felt like a birthday girl.  

Before boarding, Velma got a special meet and greet with our pilots. Our agents led guests in a round of “Happy Birthday.” Once on board, the celebration continued.  

Using supplies they had on hand and crafting chops that would make Martha Stewart jealous, they fashioned empty silver coffee bags into a crown, strung pretzel and Biscoff packages into a sash and crafted paper streamers.  

And, of course, they poured her favorite adult beverage, with a splash of water (even though Crown Royale isn’t a regular item on our beverage carts).  Upon landing employees in Orlando greeted Velma with a “Happy Birthday” sign.  

Velma’s return trip the following week was equally enjoyable, with special attention from our crew on board.   

Velma and her family with the crew on her return flight. 

“It was such an honor,” said Wendy, who noted that Velma also got a nice tote of Alaska logo goodies, provided by the company. 

Now back home, Velma has the crown, sash and the sign on display in her assisted living apartment — all reminders of her birthday trip.  But it doesn’t appear that her suitcase will be gathering dust anytime soon — as she just signed up for our Mileage Plan 😊.  

 I want to thank all of the employees who made Velma’s birthday trip flights so very special,” said her son-in-law Michael who is an Alaska Million Miler. “I have flown a lot of miles on Alaska, and other carriers as well, and I know that no other airline would have done anything remotely like this to make our 100-year-old mom so happy. You have the best employees, and they really care about your passengers. This is why I continue to fly Alaska.” 

Alaska Airlines debuts new ‘Mickey’s Toontown’-themed airplane featuring Mickey Mouse and his pals at Disneyland Resort

Alaska Airlines celebrates the return of Mickey Mouse in its fleet with latest special edition aircraft

Alaska Airlines’ newest, uniquely themed aircraft will be soaring through the skies today with a touch of magic from everyone’s favorite pal, Mickey Mouse. After the big reveal of this specially themed plane at a gate ceremony in Seattle, passengers will board the inaugural flight to Orange County, Calif., to visit “The Happiest Place on Earth” at Disneyland Resort in Anaheim. Named “Mickey’s Toontown Express,” the celebrated plane is now flying on routes across Alaska’s network.

Adorned with playful images of Mickey Mouse and Minnie Mouse, along with their pals Goofy, Pluto, Donald Duck and Daisy Duck in Mickey’s Toontown at Disneyland Park, the Boeing 737-800, tail number 565AS, is Alaska Airlines’ eighth livery in collaboration with Disneyland Resort. For the unique design – which even includes Chip ‘n’ Dale on the boarding doors and winglets – it took artists over 400 hours and 20 days to hand-paint the brightly colored aircraft exterior from nose to tail.

“It’s heartening how much our Disneyland Resort-themed airplanes spark joy in our guests — young and young at heart. What makes this even more special is the return of Mickey Mouse on an Alaska Airlines plane since he made his debut on our fleet eight years ago,” said Sangita Woerner, Alaska’s senior vice-president of marketing and guest experience. “Alaska’s long-standing relationship with the Disneyland Resort has helped to create unforgettable experiences for our guests and employees. As a family-friendly airline, it speaks to the care we strive to show everyday with these special touches.” 

Knowing the joy the Disneyland Resort-themed planes can bring to families, Alaska Airlines and Disney sent several families and special guests on the inaugural flight to experience Alaska’s everyday level of care before heading off to Orange County, including priority boarding for families with children under two, family seating at no additional charge, coloring books and the popular Kids’ Choice Picnic Pack and Jetsetter’s Jam Sandwich for guests flying in our Premium and Main Cabins. The “Mickey’s Toontown Express” plane will offer activity books and snack packs onboard with designs that feature Mickey Mouse and his pals, while supplies last.

“Our relationship with Alaska Airlines is more than 25 years strong and truly celebrates the magic of Disney,” said Sybil Crum, vice president of marketing and commercial strategy at Disneyland Resort. “The plane’s artwork marks Alaska Airlines’ eighth transformation of an aircraft featuring Disney artistry and exhibits the excitement and playfulness of the re-imagined Mickey’s Toontown. We’re so delighted for the opportunity to create even more memorable experiences for our guests together.”

The plane’s exterior artwork is inspired by Mickey’s Toontown in Disneyland Park, a whimsical and newly reimagined, animated neighborhood where families can explore, play, discover and unwind together while enjoying new interactive experiences, familiar favorites and the new attraction, Mickey & Minnie’s Runaway Railway. 

Guests will be able to fly Alaska’s “Mickey’s Toontown Express” livery for the next several years before it reaches the end of its normal rotation.

Alaska Airlines’ other Disneyland Resort-themed liveries include “Friendship and Beyond at the Disneyland Resort,” which portrays larger-than-life versions of Disney and Pixar’s “Toy Story” friends Woody, Buzz Lightyear and Jessie at Pixar Pier at Disney California Adventure Park, and the “Star Wars Transport to the Disneyland Resort,” a space-black livery that celebrates Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge, a 14-acre land of adventure at Disneyland Park. The space-black 737-800 boasts the iconic Millennium Falcon on the tail chased by TIE fighters.

Guests can always book their next trips to Southern California (or more than 120 other destinations) at alaskaair.com. And once there, it’s always a perfect time to visit Disneyland Resort and all the destination has to offer.

FOR MEDIA:

Download high-res images and related b-roll from our media kit.

Media Kit

Hawaiian’s Mālama Maui Desk Helps Deliver Nearly 19,000 Pounds of Donations to West Maui, Answers Hundreds of Calls for Kōkua

Since the tragic Aug. 8 wildfires in Lāhainā, Hawaiian Airlines has been steadfast in supporting the West Maui community's recovery needs. The carrier’s Mālama Maui Desk has been a pillar in Hawaiian’s ongoing response, helping manage a consistent stream of calls for kōkua (help).

Hawaiian established the Mālama Maui Desk on Aug. 15 as part of its second phase of support for Maui, alongside significant volunteer commitments and donations for local nonprofits. Since its inception, the program has assisted over 230 individuals and organizations with urgent, high-impact requests for support related to travel, cargo shipping, baggage waivers, volunteers, sponsorships and more.

napili noho

Image credit: Nāpili Noho | www.napilinoho.com
A Kona resident asked the Mālama Maui Desk for help flying to Kahului to volunteer with Nāpili Park’s Nāpili Noho, a community hub for impacted residents and those without internet access after the West Maui wildfires. Hawaiian Airlines granted him HawaiianMiles to join the community in building a school for displaced children.

 

Hawaiian has fielded requests from across its network in the past two months, and Alisa Onishi, the carrier’s senior director of brand and community, said the demand and impact surpassed expectations.

“A lot of people saw the devastation of the wildfires and immediately sprung to action, doing what they could do to help Maui in its greatest time of need. As the hometown carrier, people naturally looked to us and we knew in those first days that our biggest responsibility was to respond in the most significant and timely fashion,” said Onishi.

“In the immediate aftermath, employees from all over the company were receiving separate requests for help to get supplies and personnel to Maui, and it became clear we had to create a dedicated submission process and set up a team to manage it,” Onishi said.

The over 230 requests granted were evenly split between cargo shipping or baggage waivers and passenger transportation. 

St Joseph School

Image credit: St. Joseph High School
St. Joseph High School, a private Catholic school in Hilo on the Island of Hawaiʻi, collected over a thousand items, including female hygiene goods, diapers, clothes, toys, stationary, blankets and bibles that were shipped to Kahului with support from Hawaiian's program.

 

Erin S. had a trip to Kahului from Sacramento and requested baggage waivers for luggage filled with donations. She was able to hand-deliver the donations to Nāpili Park’s Nāpili Noho, a community hub for impacted residents and those without internet access after the West Maui wildfires. 

In a mahalo email, Erin wrote, "Mahalo nui loa for the waiver of the baggage fees on the large donation suitcase. When we delivered it to the Nāpili Hub this afternoon, in addition to some additional items at Costco once we landed in Kahului, the volunteers were so very grateful. I'm not sure I've ever had a more genuine hug than the one I received when the lead volunteer saw the donation!  Mahalo for being a part of today's little aloha!"

Another request was submitted by a Hawaiian Airlines Kahului Airport ramp agent, who responded to a social media post for help for two separate women impacted by the wildfires who needed to relocate, one to Kona and the other to Līhuʻe. Their act of kindness was supported by the Mālama Maui Desk and the women received flight support and baggage waivers.

Quilts

Image credit: Heartway International
The Mālama Maui Desk helped Heartway International transport over 400 quilts from Portland, Oregon, to The Maui Quilt Shop, which has distributed blankets to hundreds of West Maui residents since the fires.

 

Hawaiian Air Cargo has shipped nearly 19,000 pounds of donations to Kahului, facilitated by the Mālama Maui Desk team. Items have included meals and poi, personal electronic devices, school supplies and backpacks, handmade quilts, first-aid and hygiene products, wheelchairs and walkers, Halloween costumes, toys, sporting goods, pet crates and food containers.

“Whenever disaster strikes, one of the biggest needs is getting supplies into the impacted area. I’m proud to say Hawaiian Air Cargo played a big role in our company and state’s relief efforts,” said Dana Knight, director of commercial cargo at Hawaiian Air Cargo.

“Our employees personally welcomed donors and cared for their donation shipments until they got into the right hands in Kahului. It’s been an honor to serve our state in this important way, and these months have given us a number of incredible experiences of aloha that many of us will never forget," Knight said.

Requests for West Maui relief assistance will now be accepted through Hawaiian’s Team Kōkua Giving Program. For more information on Hawaiian’s West Maui relief efforts, visit www.HawaiianAirlines.com/MalamaMaui.  

Meet an Alaska Airlines leader with a disability who says he is doing what he was meant to do  

On social, Steve says he is a “dad, husband, Seattle sports fan and employment attorney” who is “funny once a year. Twice in leap years.” 

Funny and employment attorney are not terms you typically see together, but Steve, director of  Employee Relations, Mediation, and Investigations (ERMI), has made a name for himself at Alaska as a leader who cares and doesn’t take himself too seriously.  He’s also a leader with a visible disability.  

“My story in a nutshell is that I’m profoundly deaf,” Steve said. He lost most of his hearing during infancy, which affected his speech development at an early age. It’s been a life-long disability. “I don’t remember life before hearing loss, as it’s all I’ve known,” he said.  

Steve hears with cochlear implants (surgical devices near his ears, which help with sound perception). “I rely on lipreading to supplement my hearing. I also lean heavily on closed captioning in video calls,” he said. 

Steve leads a team of Employee Relations professionals at Alaska who investigate violations of our People Policy. It’s pretty heavy stuff, but something Steve believes he was meant to do.  

“I strongly believe my life experiences with deafness have led to a major part of my (and my team’s) philosophy, which is helping employees feel heard and validated through what can be a very traumatic process,” he said.  

Steve, far right, on a fun outing with his team members from Employee Relations, Mediation, and Investigations (ERMI). 

He speaks from experience, having seen bias as a kid growing up as teachers didn’t know how to accommodate his learning.  He overcame those odds, graduating from high school, getting a law degree, and passing the bar exam. 

“There’s still a stigma about disability today, but it’s less overt than it was when I was a kid,” he said.  It’s why today, he regularly reaches out as an advocate for people with disabilities on social media. He wrote a series of articles on LinkedIn titled “Flying while disabled: what works well, and what airlines can improve.” Steve is also part of ACCESS, a Business Resource Group (BRG) focused on disability advocacy for our business and encourages employees with disabilities to pursue leadership opportunities. 

I don’t normally like to toot my own horn, but when it comes to disability advocacy, that’s a different thing. I think it’s really important for employees to see that, yes, you can have a significant disability and be a leader too.” 

He says of the 250+ directors and above at Alaska, he doesn’t know of many with a disability. “That’s not a knock on Alaska,” he said. “But rather, it’s a reflection of the reality that disabled folks are significantly underrepresented in employment in general, and those numbers drop even more as you get higher into the leadership ranks.” 

Alaska has taken several measures in the last year to do better, including being the first airline to set up a Disability Office to coordinate on all areas of disability advocacy for employees and guests, achieving our goal of 7% for representation of employees who self-identify as having a disability and creating more accessible employee spaces for corporate and airport employees. 

Steve fully recommends Alaska as an employer that is doing the right thing to help employees with a hearing disability feel whole at work.  Things like having people turn their cameras on in meetings so he can read their lips and closed captioning for live meetings are game changers for employees with hearing loss. 

He regularly tells his training classes about his disability, addressing it with his signature humor. “Talking about it upfront helps people unfamiliar with a significant hearing loss like mine to see me as a fuller person and not just as “the guy with those big hearing aids.” 

Hawaiian Holdings Reports 2023 Third Quarter Financial Results: Delivering for the Future With Launch of Freighter Service and Dreamliner Ticket Sales

HA High Res Logo_mid

HONOLULU /PRNewswire/ — Hawaiian Holdings, Inc. (NASDAQ: HA) (the "Company"), parent company of Hawaiian Airlines, Inc. ("Hawaiian"), today reported its financial results for the third quarter of 2023.

"I am immensely proud of our team's continued focus on moving our company forward, particularly in a quarter affected by the tragic wildfires in Maui," said Hawaiian Airlines President and CEO Peter Ingram. "Underlying demand remains resilient, our brand and business model are core strengths and the major investments we are making now will create substantial value in 2024 and beyond."

Third Quarter 2023- Key Financial Metrics and Results

   

GAAP

 

YoY Change

 

Adjusted (a)

 

YoY Change

Net Loss

 

($48.7M)

 

($39.5M)

 

($54.9M)

 

($47.2M)

Diluted EPS

 

($0.94)

 

($0.76)

 

($1.06)

 

($0.91)

Pre-tax Margin

 

(8.3) %

 

(6.8) pts.

 

(9.5) %

 

(8.2) pts.

EBITDA

 

($3.2M)

 

($49.9M)

 

($11.7M)

 

($59.6M)

Operating Cost per ASM
(CASM)

 

15.14¢

 

0.9 %

 

11.27¢

 

9.2 %

Operating Revenue per
ASM (RASM)

 

14.08¢

 

(5.7) %

 

N/A

 

N/A

 

(a) See Table 4 for a reconciliation of adjusted net loss, adjusted diluted EPS, adjusted pre-tax margin, adjusted EBITDA, and adjusted operating cost per ASM (CASM excluding fuel and non-recurring items) to each of their respective most directly comparable GAAP financial measure.

Statistical data, as well as a reconciliation of the reported non-GAAP financial measures, can be found in the accompanying tables.

Liquidity and Capital Resources

As of September 30, 2023, the Company had:

  • Unrestricted cash, cash equivalents and short-term investments of $1.13 billion
  • $1.39 billion in liquidity, including its undrawn $235 million revolving credit facility
  • Outstanding debt and finance lease obligations of $1.65 billion

 

Revenue Environment

The Company reported that third quarter revenue was trending positively in July, but the devastating wildfires in Lahaina in West Maui on August 8, 2023 caused a sharp decrease in traffic to Maui . With most areas of the island unaffected by the fires and portions of West Maui reopening to tourism on October 8, 2023 , demand for travel to Maui is recovering, but remains below historical levels. Hawaiian's third quarter schedule was negatively impacted by the July 25, 2023 announcement from RTX, parent company of Pratt & Whitney, of anticipated accelerated removals and inspections of a significant portion of the PW1100G-JM engine fleet, which powers Hawaiian's A321neo aircraft. This unanticipated time out of service resulted in, among other things, lower-than-expected capacity growth in the quarter.

Operating revenue was down 1.8% from the third quarter of 2022 on 4.1% higher capacity across Hawaiian's network. Passenger traffic remained strong on Hawaiian's Japan routes in the third quarter of 2023. International revenue increased 90.9% from the third quarter of 2022 on a 43.6% increase in capacity.

Maui Wildfires Relief

In the immediate aftermath of the tragic wildfires that devastated the town of Lahaina in West Maui , Hawaiian increased its schedule to evacuate more than 17,000 displaced visitors and residents within the first 72 hours and to transport vital supplies and first responders. Within the first week of the disaster, Hawaiian carried 54,000 tons of emergency supplies. Hawaiian and its HawaiianMiles members donated millions of miles to the American Red Cross of Hawai'i, providing the nonprofit with the equivalent of 18,000 free seats to carry volunteers and personnel to and from Maui . Hawaiian also donated $150,000 in cash to charities including the Hawai'i Foodbank, the Maui Food Bank and the Hawaii Community Foundation's Maui Strong Fund. And as travel to Maui resumed, Hawaiian led the way with Travel Pono Maui, a video series sharing with visitors what they can expect traveling to Maui now.

Today Hawaiian continues to support ongoing relief efforts through its Malama Maui Desk, which was established to more efficiently help people and organizations seeking flight, cargo or other assistance in the aftermath of the wildfires. Hawaiian has received over 200 individual requests from Hawai'i and across its network to transport donated food and various goods to affected residents as well as passengers providing West Maui support services.

Third Quarter 2023 Highlights

Operations

  • Commenced service of its A330-300F contract freighter business on October 2, 2023

 

Routes and Network

  • Announced the resumption of service between Tokyo Haneda Airport, Japan and Kona, Hawai'i, starting on October 29, 2023
  • Began ticket sales on September 6, 2023 for flights on the Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner, which is expected to enter service on select West Coast routes commencing on April 15, 2024

 

Guest Experience

  • Designed new in-flight amenity kits in partnership with Noho Home , which are focused on sustainability and rooted in aloha, available starting November 6, 2023

 

Environmental, Social and Corporate Governance

  • Endowed a scholarship for students studying Information Technology at the University of Hawai'i

 

Fourth Quarter 2023 Outlook

The table below summarizes the Company's expectations for the quarter ending December 31, 2023 expressed as an expected percentage change compared to the results for the quarter ended December 31, 2022 . Figures include the impacts of the Company's freighter operation, which are not yet material.

Item

 

GAAP Fourth Quarter
2023 Guidance

 

Non-GAAP Equivalent

 

Non-GAAP Fourth Quarter
2023 Guidance

Available Seat Miles (ASMs)

 

Up 1.5% to up 4.5%

       

Operating Revenue per ASM
(RASM)

 

Down 10.0% to down
13.0%

       

Costs per ASM (CASM)

 

Up 2.0% to up 4.1%

 

CASM excluding fuel and
non-recurring items (a)

 

Up 6.5% to up 9.5%

Gallons of Jet Fuel Consumed

 

Up 5.0% to up 8.0%

       

Average fuel price per gallon,
including taxes and delivery (b)

 

$3.09

 

Economic Fuel Price per
Gallon (a)(b)

 

$3.12

Effective Tax Rate

 

~21%

       

Full Year 2023 Outlook

The table below summarizes the Company's updated expectations for the full year ending December 31, 2023 expressed as an expected percentage change compared to the results for the year ended December 31, 2022 . Figures include the impacts of the Company's freighter operation, which are not yet material.

Item

 

Prior GAAP
Full Year 2023
Guidance

 

Updated GAAP Full
Year 2023
Guidance

 

Non-GAAP
Equivalent

 

Prior Non-GAAP
Full Year 2023
Guidance

 

Updated Non-
GAAP Full Year
2023 Guidance

Available Seat
Miles (ASMs)

 

Up 8.0% to up
10.0%

 

Up 7.5% to 8.5%

           

Costs per ASM

 

Down 2.1% to
down 3.5%

 

Down 0.8% to down
1.9%

 

CASM excluding
fuel and
non-recurring items (a)

 

Up 3.0% to up 5.0%

 

Up 4.0% to up 5.5%

Gallons of Jet
Fuel Consumed

 

Up 12.5% to up
14.5%

 

Up 11.5% to up
13.0%

           

Average fuel
price per gallon,
including taxes
and delivery (b)

 

$2.78

 

$2.89

 

Economic Fuel
Price per Gallon
(a)(b)

 

$2.81

 

$2.93

Capital
Expenditures

 

$265M to
$295M

 

No change

           
 

(a) See Table 3 and Table 4 for a reconciliation of CASM excluding fuel and non-recurring items and economic fuel price per gallon to each of their respective most directly comparable GAAP financial measures.

(b) Fuel Price per Gallon estimates are based on the October 13, 2023 fuel forward curve.

Statistical information, as well as a reconciliation of certain non-GAAP financial measures, can be found in the accompanying tables.

Investor Conference Call

Hawaiian Holdings' quarterly results conference call is scheduled to begin today, October 24, 2023 , at 4:30 p.m. Eastern Time ( USA ). The conference call will be broadcast live over the Internet. Investors may access and listen to the live audio webcast on the investor relations section of the Company's website at HawaiianAirlines.com . For those who are not available for the live webcast, a replay of the webcast will be archived for 90 days on the investor relations section of the Company's website.

About Hawaiian Airlines

Now in its 94th year of continuous service, Hawaiian is Hawaiʻi's biggest 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.

Forward-Looking Statements

This press release contains "forward-looking statements" within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995 that reflect the Company's current views with respect to certain current and future events and financial performance.  Such forward-looking statements include, without limitation, the Company's timing and expectations related to network and route recovery; expectations for the resumption of service between Tokyo, Japan and Kona, Hawai'i; expectations for when customers will receive Noho Home in-flight amenity kits; expectations relating to the timing of aircraft, such as the Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner, entry into service; future domestic and international demand for air travel; the Company's outlook for the quarter ending December 31, 2023 and twelve-months ending December 31, 2023 ; statements regarding the Company's future performance; and statements as to other matters that do not relate strictly to historical facts or statements of assumptions underlying any of the foregoing.  Words such as "expects," "anticipates," "projects," "intends," "plans," "believes," "estimates," variations of such words, and similar expressions are also intended to identify such forward-looking statements.  These forward-looking statements are and will be subject to many risks, uncertainties and assumptions relating to the Company's operations and business environment, all of which may cause the Company's actual results to be materially different from any future results, expressed or implied, in these forward-looking statements.

The Company is subject to risks, uncertainties and assumptions that could cause the Company's results to differ materially from the results expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements, including the risks, uncertainties and assumptions discussed from time to time in the Company's public filings and public announcements, including the Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K and the Company's Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q, as well as other documents that may be filed by the Company from time to time with the Securities and Exchange Commission.  All forward-looking statements included in this document are based on information available to the Company on the date hereof.  The Company does not undertake to publicly update or revise any forward-looking statements to reflect events or circumstances that may arise after the date hereof even if experience or future changes make it clear that any projected results expressed or implied herein will not be realized.

 

Table 1.

Hawaiian Holdings, Inc.

Consolidated Statements of Operations (unaudited)

 
   

Three Months Ended September 30,

 

Nine months ended September 30,

   

2023

 

2022

 

% Change

 

2023

 

2022

 

% Change

   

(in thousands, except per share data)

Operating Revenue:

                       

Passenger

 

$   664,866

 

$   663,107

 

0.3 %

 

$  1,858,384

 

$  1,684,599

 

10.3 %

Other

 

62,813

 

78,047

 

(19.5) %

 

188,826

 

225,634

 

(16.3) %

Total

 

727,679

 

741,154

 

(1.8) %

 

2,047,210

 

1,910,233

 

7.2 %

Operating Expenses:

                       

Wages and benefits

 

248,899

 

206,306

 

20.6 %

 

728,512

 

615,091

 

18.4 %

Aircraft fuel, including taxes and delivery

 

200,069

 

225,999

 

(11.5) %

 

564,075

 

603,873

 

(6.6) %

Maintenance, materials and repairs

 

65,057

 

59,317

 

9.7 %

 

169,000

 

170,934

 

(1.1) %

Aircraft and passenger servicing

 

46,225

 

41,044

 

12.6 %

 

131,883

 

110,490

 

19.4 %

Depreciation and amortization

 

34,760

 

34,347

 

1.2 %

 

100,775

 

102,435

 

(1.6) %

Commissions and other selling

 

29,695

 

32,505

 

(8.6) %

 

86,324

 

81,767

 

5.6 %

Aircraft rent

 

26,497

 

25,921

 

2.2 %

 

80,827

 

77,987

 

3.6 %

Other rentals and landing fees

 

46,366

 

38,370

 

20.8 %

 

126,574

 

110,022

 

15.0 %

Purchased services

 

36,568

 

31,269

 

16.9 %

 

108,821

 

95,713

 

13.7 %

Special items

 

—

 

6,303

 

(100.0) %

 

—

 

6,303

 

(100.0) %

Other

 

48,460

 

43,145

 

12.3 %

 

132,344

 

112,884

 

17.2 %

Total

 

782,596

 

744,526

 

5.1 %

 

2,229,135

 

2,087,499

 

6.8 %

Operating Loss

 

(54,917)

 

(3,372)

 

1,528.6 %

 

(181,925)

 

(177,266)

 

2.6 %

Nonoperating Income (Expense):

                       

Interest expense and amortization of debt
discounts and issuance costs

 

(22,597)

 

(23,206)

     

(68,182)

 

(72,760)

   

Interest income

 

13,685

 

9,287

     

43,689

 

20,283

   

Capitalized interest

 

2,306

 

1,061

     

5,709

 

3,173

   

Gains (losses) on fuel derivatives

 

3,097

 

(1,063)

     

(5,627)

 

(1,063)

   

Loss on extinguishment of debt

 

—

 

—

     

—

 

(8,568)

   

Other components of net periodic benefit
cost

 

(1,707)

 

1,252

     

(4,907)

 

3,812

   

Losses on investments, net

 

(4,054)

 

(4,028)

     

(6,906)

 

(38,519)

   

Gains on foreign debt

 

4,311

 

9,978

     

18,745

 

42,295

   

Other, net

 

(644)

 

(688)

     

(1,408)

 

(2,318)

   

Total

 

(5,603)

 

(7,407)

     

(18,887)

 

(53,665)

   

Loss Before Income Taxes

 

(60,520)

 

(10,779)

     

(200,812)

 

(230,931)

   

Income tax benefit

 

(11,800)

 

(1,510)

     

(41,500)

 

(41,010)

   

Net Loss

 

$    (48,720)

 

$      (9,269)

     

$  (159,312)

 

$  (189,921)

   

Net Loss Per Share

                       

Basic

 

$        (0.94)

 

$        (0.18)

     

$        (3.09)

 

$        (3.70)

   

Diluted

 

$        (0.94)

 

$        (0.18)

     

$        (3.09)

 

$        (3.70)

   

Weighted Average Number of Common
Stock Shares Outstanding:

                       

Basic

 

51,632

 

51,388

     

51,576

 

51,344

   

Diluted

 

51,632

 

51,388

     

51,576

 

51,344

   

 

Hawaiian Holdings, Inc.

Consolidated Balance Sheet (unaudited)

 
   

September 30, 2023
(unaudited)

 

December 31, 2022

   

(in thousands, except shares)

ASSETS

       

Current Assets:

       

Cash and cash equivalents

 

$                110,671

 

$               229,122

Restricted cash

 

17,250

 

17,498

Short-term investments

 

1,023,534

 

1,147,193

Accounts receivable, net

 

97,283

 

113,862

Income taxes receivable

 

1,660

 

70,204

Spare parts and supplies, net

 

53,817

 

36,875

Prepaid expenses and other

 

91,754

 

63,553

Total

 

1,395,969

 

1,678,307

Property and equipment, less accumulated depreciation and amortization of
$1,143,934 and $1,135,262 as of September 30, 2023 and December 31, 2022,
respectively

 

1,969,556

 

1,874,352

Other Assets:

       

Assets held-for-sale

 

2,813

 

14,019

Operating lease right-of-use assets

 

423,706

 

459,128

Long-term prepayments and other

 

117,716

 

100,317

Intangible assets, net

 

13,500

 

13,500

Total Assets

 

$             3,923,260

 

$            4,139,623

LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY

       

Current Liabilities:

       

Accounts payable

 

$                198,007

 

$               196,009

Air traffic liability and current frequent flyer deferred revenue

 

699,085

 

590,796

Other accrued liabilities

 

175,992

 

182,036

Current maturities of long-term debt, less discount

 

42,364

 

47,836

Current maturities of finance lease obligations

 

9,998

 

25,789

Current maturities of operating leases

 

85,214

 

77,858

Total

 

1,210,660

 

1,120,324

Long-Term Debt

 

1,534,877

 

1,583,889

Other Liabilities and Deferred Credits:

       

Noncurrent finance lease obligations

 

62,768

 

75,221

Noncurrent operating leases

 

311,647

 

347,726

Accumulated pension and other post-retirement benefit obligations

 

143,058

 

135,775

Other liabilities and deferred credits

 

71,967

 

94,654

Noncurrent frequent flyer deferred revenue

 

320,657

 

318,369

Deferred tax liability, net

 

88,868

 

130,400

Total

 

998,965

 

1,102,145

Commitments and Contingencies

       

Shareholders' Equity:

       

Special preferred stock, $0.01 par value per share, three shares issued and
outstanding as of September 30, 2023 and December 31, 2022

 

—

 

—

Common stock, $0.01 par value per share, 51,633,094 and 51,450,904 shares
outstanding as of September 30, 2023 and December 31, 2022, respectively

 

516

 

514

Capital in excess of par value

 

292,335

 

287,161

Accumulated income (loss)

 

(18,556)

 

140,756

Accumulated other comprehensive loss, net

 

(95,537)

 

(95,166)

Total

 

178,758

 

333,265

Total Liabilities and Shareholders' Equity

 

$             3,923,260

 

$            4,139,623

 

Hawaiian Holdings, Inc.

Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows (unaudited)

 
   

Nine months ended September 30,

   

2023

 

2022

   

(in thousands)

Net cash provided by (used in) Operating Activities

 

$                     2,072

 

$                 (24,050)

Cash flows from Investing Activities:

       

Additions to property and equipment, including pre-delivery payments

 

(213,152)

 

(29,717)

Proceeds from the disposition of aircraft and aircraft related equipment

 

19,911

 

10,743

Purchases of investments

 

(320,628)

 

(751,509)

Proceeds from sales and maturities of investments

 

452,913

 

756,561

Net cash used in investing activities

 

(60,956)

 

(13,922)

Cash flows from Financing Activities:

       

Repayments of long-term debt and finance lease obligations

 

(58,681)

 

(173,298)

Debt issuance costs and discounts

 

—

 

(2,236)

Payment for taxes withheld for stock compensation

 

(1,134)

 

(1,842)

Net cash used in financing activities

 

(59,815)

 

(177,376)

Net decrease in cash and cash equivalents

 

(118,699)

 

(215,348)

Cash, cash equivalents, and restricted cash – Beginning of Period

 

246,620

 

507,828

Cash, cash equivalents, and restricted cash – End of Period

 

$                127,921

 

$                292,480

 

Table 2.

Hawaiian Holdings, Inc.

Selected Consolidated Statistical Data (unaudited)

 
   

Three months ended September 30,

 

Nine months ended September 30,

   

2023

 

2022

 

% Change

 

2023

 

2022

 

% Change

   

(in thousands, except as otherwise indicated)

Scheduled Operations:

                       

Revenue passengers flown

 

2,828

 

2,738

 

3.3 %

 

8,221

 

7,345

 

11.9 %

Revenue passenger miles (RPM)

 

4,450,305

 

4,113,172

 

8.2 %

 

12,641,181

 

10,950,031

 

15.4 %

Available seat miles (ASM)

 

5,166,464

 

4,957,011

 

4.2 %

 

15,095,334

 

13,704,779

 

10.1 %

Passenger revenue per RPM (Yield)

 

14.94  ¢

 

16.12  ¢

 

(7.3) %

 

14.70  ¢

 

15.38  ¢

 

(4.4) %

Passenger load factor (RPM/ASM)

 

86.1 %

 

83.0 %

 

3.1   pts.

 

83.7 %

 

79.9 %

 

3.8   pts.

Passenger revenue per ASM (PRASM)

 

12.87  ¢

 

13.38  ¢

 

(3.8) %

 

12.31  ¢

 

12.29  ¢

 

0.2 %

Total Operations:

                       

Revenue passengers flown

 

2,828

 

2,741

 

3.2 %

 

8,223

 

7,361

 

11.7 %

Revenue passenger miles (RPM)

 

4,451,484

 

4,117,551

 

8.1 %

 

12,644,415

 

10,975,703

 

15.2 %

Available seat miles (ASM)

 

5,168,883

 

4,964,785

 

4.1 %

 

15,100,831

 

13,744,129

 

9.9 %

Operating revenue per ASM (RASM)

 

14.08  ¢

 

14.93  ¢

 

(5.7) %

 

13.56  ¢

 

13.90  ¢

 

(2.4) %

Operating cost per ASM (CASM)

 

15.14  ¢

 

15.00  ¢

 

0.9 %

 

14.76  ¢

 

15.19  ¢

 

(2.8) %

CASM excluding aircraft fuel and non-
recurring items (a)

 

11.27   ¢

 

10.32  ¢

 

9.2 %

 

11.13   ¢

 

10.73  ¢

 

3.7 %

Aircraft fuel expense per ASM (b)

 

3.87  ¢

 

4.55  ¢

 

(14.9) %

 

3.74  ¢

 

4.40  ¢

 

(15.0) %

Revenue block hours operated

 

53,183

 

51,284

 

3.7 %

 

158,058

 

143,646

 

10.0 %

Gallons of jet fuel consumed

 

68,521

 

63,834

 

7.3 %

 

199,735

 

174,744

 

14.3 %

Average cost per gallon of jet fuel (actual) (b)

 

$2.92

 

$3.54

 

(17.5) %

 

$2.82

 

$3.46

 

(18.5) %

   

(a)

See Table 4 for a reconciliation of GAAP operating expenses to operating expenses excluding aircraft fuel and non-recurring items.

(b)

Includes applicable taxes and fees.

Table 3.
Hawaiian Holdings, Inc.
Economic Fuel Expense (unaudited)

The Company believes that economic fuel expense is a good measure of the effect of fuel prices on its business as it most closely approximates the net cash outflow associated with the purchase of fuel for its operations in a period. The Company defines economic fuel expense as GAAP fuel expense plus losses/(gains) realized through actual cash (receipts)/payments received from or paid to hedge counterparties for fuel hedge derivative contracts settled during the period.

   

Three months ended September 30,

 

Nine months ended September 30,

   

2023

 

2022

 

% Change

 

2023

 

2022

 

% Change

   

(in thousands, except per-gallon amounts)

Aircraft fuel expense, including taxes and
delivery

 

$   200,069

 

$   225,999

 

(11.5) %

 

$    564,075

 

$    603,873

 

(6.6) %

Realized losses on settlement of fuel
derivative contracts

 

3,867

 

—

 

100.0 %

 

8,175

 

—

 

100.0 %

Economic fuel expense

 

$   203,936

 

$   225,999

 

(9.8) %

 

$    572,250

 

$    603,873

 

(5.2) %

Fuel gallons consumed

 

68,521

 

63,834

 

7.3 %

 

199,735

 

174,744

 

14.3 %

Economic fuel price per gallon

 

$          2.98

 

$          3.54

 

(15.8) %

 

$           2.87

 

$           3.46

 

(17.1) %

 

   

Estimated three months ending
December 31, 2023

 

Estimated full year ending
December 31, 2023

   

(in thousands, except per-gallon amounts)

Aircraft fuel expense, including taxes and
delivery

 

$           209,236

–

$           215,215

 

$           771,452

–

$           781,830

Realized losses on settlement of fuel
derivative contracts

 

1,977

–

1,977

 

10,151

–

10,151

Economic fuel expense

 

$           211,213

–

$           217,192

 

$           781,603

–

$           791,981

Fuel gallons consumed

 

67,710

–

69,644

 

266,742

–

270,331

Economic fuel price per gallon

 

$                  3.12

–

$                  3.12

 

$                  2.93

–

$                  2.93

Table 4.
Hawaiian Holdings, Inc.
Non-GAAP Financial Reconciliation (unaudited)

The Company evaluates its financial performance utilizing various GAAP and non-GAAP financial measures, including adjusted net loss, adjusted diluted EPS, adjusted pre-tax margin, adjusted EBITDA, and adjusted operating cost per ASM (CASM excluding fuel and non-recurring items).  Pursuant to Regulation G, the Company has included the following reconciliation of reported non-GAAP financial measures to comparable financial measures reported on a GAAP basis.  The adjustments are described below:

  • CBA related expense .
    • In February 2023 , pilots represented by the Air Line Pilots Association (ALPA) ratified a new four-year CBA, which included, amongst other things, a signing bonus, pay scale increases across all fleet types, improved health benefits and cost sharing, and enhancements to the Company's postretirement and disability plans. In connection with the ratification, the Company recorded a signing bonus and vacation liability true-up of $17.7 million which were recorded in wages and benefits during the quarter ended March 31, 2023 .
    • In February 2022 , the Company received notice from International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers (IAM) that the agreement was ratified by its members. The new CBA included a signing bonus of $2.1 million , which was recorded in wages and benefits. During the second quarter of 2022, the Company and the IAM also completed a separation program under the CBA and recognized an additional $2.6 million one-time expense, which was recorded in wages and benefits.
  • Contract termination amortization . In December 2022 , the Company entered into a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with one of its third-party service providers to early terminate its Amended and Restated Complete Fleet Services Agreement (Amended CFS) covering A330-200 aircraft. The Amended CFS was originally scheduled to run through December 2027 , and will now terminate in April 2023 . Upon execution of the MOU, the Company recognized in fiscal year 2022 $12.5 million in termination fees. As of December 31, 2022 , the Company had approximately $24.1 million in deferred liabilities to be recognized into earnings over the remaining contract term as contra-maintenance materials and repairs expense. During the three and nine months ended September 30, 2023 , the Company recognized approximately $0.0 million and $24.1 million , respectively, in amortization within Maintenance, materials and repairs in the Consolidated Statements of Operations.
  • Special items . During the third quarter of 2022, we estimated the fair value of our remaining ATR-42 and ATR-72 aircraft, which resulted in the recognition of a $6.3 million impairment charge recorded as a Special item in the consolidated statements of operations.
  • Loss (gain) on sale of aircraft . During the second quarter of 2023, the Company completed the sale of one ATR-42 aircraft and recognized a loss of approximately $0.4 million on such sale. During the three months ended June 30, 2022 , the Company sold three ATR-72 aircraft and recorded a $2.6 million gain on sale of aircraft, which was recorded in other operating expense.
  • Gain on sale of commercial real estate . In February 2023 , the Company entered into an agreement for the sale of its commercial real estate and recognized a gain on sale of $10.2 million , which was recorded in Other operating expense in the Consolidated Statements of Operations.
  • Interest income on federal tax refund . In March 2023 , the Company received $4.7 million in interest income related to a refund received on the Company's income tax return. The interest income received was recorded in Interest income in the Consolidated Statements of Operations.
  • Changes in fair value of fuel derivative contracts . Changes in fair value of fuel derivative contracts, net of tax, are based on market prices for open contracts as of the end of the reporting period and include the unrealized amounts of fuel derivatives (not designated as hedges) that will settle in future periods and the reversal of prior period unrealized amounts.
  • Loss on extinguishment of debt . During the three and six months ended June 30, 2022 , the Company recognized a $8.6 million loss on the extinguishment of its remaining outstanding Series 2020-1A and Series 2020- 1B Equipment Notes. Loss on extinguishment of debt is excluded to allow investors to better analyze the Company's core operational performance and more readily compare its results to other airlines in the periods presented below.
  • Unrealized gain on foreign debt . Unrealized gain on foreign debt is based on fluctuation in exchange rates and the measurement of foreign-denominated debt to the Company's functional currency.
  • Unrealized loss on equity securities . Unrealized loss on equity securities is driven by changes in market prices and currency fluctuations, which is recorded in Other nonoperating expense in the Consolidated Statements of Operations.

The Company believes that adjusting for the impact of the changes in fair value of equity securities and fuel derivative contracts, fluctuations in exchange rates on debt instruments denominated in foreign currency, and non-recurring expenses and income/gains (including CBA-related, contract termination amortization, interest income on tax refund, gain or loss on sale of aircraft, gain on sale of commercial real estate, and loss on extinguishment of debt), helps investors better analyze the Company's operational performance and compare its results to other airlines in the periods presented.

   

Three months ended September 30,

 

Nine months ended September 30,

   

2023

 

2022

 

2023

 

2022

   

Total

 

Diluted
Net Loss
Per Share

 

Total

 

Diluted
Net Loss
Per Share

 

Total

 

Diluted
Net Loss
Per Share

 

Total

 

Diluted
Net Loss
Per Share

   

(in thousands, except per share data)

Net Loss, as reported

 

$  (48,720)

 

$      (0.94)

 

$    (9,269)

 

$      (0.18)

 

$  (159,312)

 

$      (3.09)

 

$  (189,921)

 

$      (3.70)

Adjusted for:

                               

CBA related expense

 

—

 

—

 

—

 

—

 

17,727

 

0.34

 

4,678

 

0.09

Contract termination
amortization

 

—

 

—

 

—

 

—

 

(24,085)

 

(0.47)

 

—

 

—

Special items

 

—

 

—

 

6,303

 

0.12

 

—

 

—

 

6,303

 

0.12

Loss (gain) on sale of
aircraft

 

—

 

—

 

—

 

—

 

392

 

0.01

 

(2,578)

 

(0.05)

Gain on sale of
commercial real estate

 

—

 

—

 

—

 

—

 

(10,179)

 

(0.20)

 

—

 

—

Interest income on
federal tax refund

 

—

 

—

 

—

 

—

 

(4,672)

 

(0.09)

 

—

 

—

Changes in fair value of
fuel derivative contracts

 

(6,964)

 

(0.13)

 

1,063

 

0.02

 

(2,548)

 

(0.05)

 

1,063

 

0.02

Loss on extinguishment
of debt

 

—

 

—

 

—

 

—

 

—

 

—

 

8,568

 

0.17

Unrealized gain on
foreign debt

 

(4,196)

 

(0.08)

 

(9,734)

 

(0.19)

 

(18,791)

 

(0.36)

 

(41,697)

 

(0.81)

Unrealized loss on
equity securities

 

2,607

 

0.05

 

3,445

 

0.07

 

3,149

 

0.06

 

22,839

 

0.44

Tax effect of
adjustments

 

2,344

 

0.04

 

497

 

0.01

 

7,445

 

0.15

 

4,969

 

0.10

Adjusted net loss

 

$  (54,929)

 

$      (1.06)

 

$    (7,695)

 

$      (0.15)

 

$  (190,874)

 

$      (3.70)

 

$  (185,776)

 

$      (3.62)

Adjusted EBITDA

The Company believes that adjusting earnings for interest, taxes, depreciation and amortization, non-recurring operating expenses (such as changes in unrealized gains and losses on financial instruments) and one-time charges helps investors better analyze the Company's financial performance by allowing for company-to-company and period-over-period comparisons that are unaffected by company-specific or one-time occurrences.

   

Three months ended September 30,

 

Nine months ended September 30,

   

2023

 

2022

 

2023

 

2022

   

(in thousands)

Net Loss

 

$            (48,720)

 

$              (9,269)

 

$          (159,312)

 

(189,921)

Income tax benefit

 

(11,800)

 

(1,510)

 

(41,500)

 

(41,010)

Depreciation and amortization

 

34,760

 

34,347

 

100,775

 

102,435

Interest expense and amortization of debt discounts
and issuance costs

 

22,597

 

23,206

 

68,182

 

72,760

EBITDA, as reported

 

(3,163)

 

46,774

 

(31,855)

 

(55,736)

Adjusted for:

               

CBA related expense

 

—

 

—

 

17,727

 

4,678

Contract termination amortization

 

—

 

—

 

(24,085)

 

—

Special items

 

—

 

6,303

 

—

 

6,303

Gain on sale of commercial real estate

 

—

 

—

 

(10,179)

 

—

Interest income on tax refund

 

—

 

—

 

(4,672)

 

—

Loss on extinguishment of debt

 

—

 

—

 

—

 

8,568

Changes in fair value of fuel derivative instruments

 

(6,964)

 

1,063

 

(2,548)

 

1,063

Unrealized gain on foreign debt

 

(4,196)

 

(9,734)

 

(18,791)

 

(41,697)

Loss (gain) on sale of aircraft

 

—

 

—

 

392

 

(2,578)

Unrealized loss on equity securities

 

2,607

 

3,445

 

3,149

 

22,839

Adjusted EBITDA

 

$            (11,716)

 

$              47,851

 

$            (70,862)

 

$            (56,560)

Operating Costs per Available Seat Mile (CASM)

The Company has separately listed in the table below its fuel costs per ASM and non-GAAP unit costs, excluding fuel and non-recurring items.  These amounts are included in CASM, but for internal purposes the Company consistently uses cost metrics that exclude fuel and non-recurring items (if applicable) to measure and monitor its costs.

   

Three months ended September 30,

 

Nine months ended September 30,

   

2023

 

2022

 

2023

 

2022

   

(in thousands, except CASM data)

GAAP Operating Expenses

 

$         782,596

 

$         744,526

 

$      2,229,135

 

$      2,087,499

Adjusted for:

               

CBA related expense

 

—

 

—

 

(17,727)

 

(4,678)

Contract termination amortization

 

—

 

—

 

24,085

 

—

Special items

 

—

 

(6,303)

 

—

 

(6,303)

Gain (loss) on sale of aircraft

 

—

 

—

 

(392)

 

2,578

Gain on sale of commercial real estate

 

—

 

—

 

10,179

 

—

Operating Expenses excluding non-recurring items

 

$         782,596

 

$         738,223

 

$      2,245,280

 

$      2,079,096

Aircraft fuel, including taxes and delivery

 

(200,069)

 

(225,999)

 

(564,075)

 

(603,873)

Operating Expenses excluding fuel and non-recurring
items

 

$         582,527

 

$         512,224

 

$      1,681,205

 

$      1,475,223

Available Seat Miles

 

5,168,883

 

4,964,785

 

15,100,831

 

13,744,129

CASM – GAAP

 

15.14 ¢

 

15.00 ¢

 

14.76 ¢

 

15.19 ¢

Aircraft fuel, including taxes and delivery

 

(3.87)

 

(4.55)

 

(3.74)

 

(4.40)

CBA related expense

 

—

 

—

 

(0.12)

 

(0.03)

Contract termination amortization

 

—

 

—

 

0.16

 

—

Special items

 

—

 

(0.13)

 

—

 

(0.05)

Gain (loss) on sale of aircraft

 

—

 

—

 

—

 

0.02

Gain on sale of commercial real estate

 

—

 

—

 

0.07

 

—

CASM excluding fuel and non-recurring items

 

11.27 ¢

 

10.32 ¢

 

11.13 ¢

 

10.73 ¢

 

   

Estimated three months ending December 31, 2023

 

Estimated year ending December 31, 2023

   

(in thousands, except CASM data)

 

(in thousands, except CASM data)

GAAP operating expenses

 

$              792,946

–

$              833,045

 

$           3,016,324

–

$           3,080,544

Aircraft fuel, including taxes and
delivery

 

(209,236)

–

(215,215)

 

(771,452)

–

(781,830)

Less: non recurring items

 

—

–

—

 

16,145

–

16,145

Adjusted operating expenses

 

$              583,710

–

$              617,830

 

$           2,261,017

–

$           2,314,859

Available seat miles

 

5,014,621

–

5,162,837

 

20,085,990

–

20,272,836

CASM – GAAP

 

15.81 ¢

–

16.14 ¢

 

15.02 ¢

–

15.20 ¢

Aircraft fuel, including taxes and
delivery

 

(4.17)

–

(4.17)

 

(3.84)

–

(3.86)

Less: non recurring items

 

—

–

—

 

0.08

–

0.08

CASM excluding fuel and non-recurring
items

 

11.64 ¢

–

11.97 ¢

 

11.26 ¢

–

11.42 ¢

Pre-tax margin

The Company excludes changes in fair value of equity securities and fuel derivative contracts, fluctuations and exchange rates on debt instruments denominated in foreign currency, and non-recurring items from pre-tax margin for the same reasons as described above.

   

Three months ended September 30,

 

Nine months ended September 30,

   

2023

 

2022

 

2023

 

2022

Pre-Tax Margin, as reported

 

(8.3) %

 

(1.5) %

 

(9.8) %

 

(12.1) %

CBA ratification bonus

 

—

 

—

 

0.9

 

0.2

Contract termination amortization

 

—

 

—

 

(1.2)

 

—

Special items

 

—

 

0.9

 

—

 

0.3

Loss (gain) on sale of aircraft

 

—

 

—

 

—

 

(0.1)

Gain on sale of commercial real estate

 

—

 

—

 

(0.5)

 

—

Interest income on federal tax refund

 

—

 

—

 

(0.2)

 

—

Changes in fair value of fuel derivative contracts

 

(1.0)

 

0.1

 

(0.1)

 

0.1

Loss on extinguishment of debt

 

—

 

—

 

—

 

0.5

Unrealized gain on foreign debt

 

(0.6)

 

(1.3)

 

(0.9)

 

(2.2)

Unrealized loss on equity securities

 

0.4

 

0.5

 

0.1

 

1.2

Adjusted Pre-Tax Margin

 

(9.5) %

 

(1.3) %

 

(11.7) %

 

(12.1) %

 

Cision View original content to download multimedia: https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/hawaiian-holdings-reports-2023-third-quarter-financial-results-delivering-for-the-future-with-launch-of-freighter-service-and-dreamliner-ticket-sales-301966418.html

SOURCE Hawaiian Holdings, Inc.

Our statement on Alaska Airlines Flight 2059, operated by Horizon Air

12 p.m. Pacific, Oct. 24

Alaska Airlines is committed to sharing as much information as we can while respecting the ongoing federal and state criminal investigations and court proceedings. We have reviewed the U.S. Department of Justice’s (DOJ) Criminal Complaint pertaining to Captain Joseph Emerson and, like many, are deeply disturbed by what we have learned.  

On Oct. 22, Emerson approached Horizon Air Gate Agents overseeing the boarding process for Flight 2059. Following well-established, FAA-mandated practices to authorize a jump-seat passenger, our Gate Agent confirmed that Emerson was an off-duty pilot for Alaska Airlines. He was approved to join the flight as a passenger and was seated in the flight deck jump seat. All Gate Agents and Flight Attendants are trained to identify signs and symptoms of impairment.  

At no time during the check-in or boarding process did our Gate Agents or flight crew observe any signs of impairment that would have led them to prevent Emerson from flying on Flight 2059.  

The details in the DOJ affidavit describing the actions of our flight crew are consistent with our understanding of what occurred based on debriefings with each member of the flight crew. Upon exiting the flight deck, both Flight Attendants confirmed that Emerson was escorted by a Flight Attendant to the rear of the aircraft where Emerson was placed in wrist restraints and belted into the aft jump seat. Our crew also confirmed that Emerson attempted to grab the handle of the emergency exit during the aircraft’s descent before being stopped by a Flight Attendant.      

The U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) has a mandatory drug testing program for on-duty crew members that is administered by all airlines, including Alaska and Horizon consistent with our zero-tolerance policy for any substance abuse. This can include random testing before or after a flight, as well as reasonable suspicion testing of on-duty Pilots and Flight Attendants.    

On Oct. 22, Emerson was removed from service indefinitely, relieved from all duties and is no longer employed at Alaska Airlines. Consistent with our pilots’ collective bargaining agreement, we are consulting with our partners in labor regarding his employment status.  

We are deeply proud of our Horizon flight crew and their quick actions both in the flight deck and in the rear of the aircraft. Working together, consistent with their training, they performed their critical roles exceptionally well, representing the best of their profession.  

6 p.m. Pacific, Oct. 23

On Oct. 22, Alaska Airlines Flight 2059 operated by Horizon Air from Everett, WA (PAE) to San Francisco, CA (SFO) reported a credible security threat related to an off-duty Alaska Airlines pilot, identified as Captain Joseph Emerson, who was traveling in the flight deck jump seat. Captain Emerson unsuccessfully attempted to disrupt the operation of the engines. The Horizon Captain and First Officer quickly responded, and the crew secured the aircraft without incident.  

Engine power was not lost despite the off-duty pilot’s attempt to shut down the engines by engaging the Engine Fire Handle, also known as the fire suppression system. The fire suppression system consists of a T-handle for each engine. If the T-handle is fully deployed, a valve in the wing closes to shut off fuel to the engine. In this case, the quick reaction of our crew to reset the T-handles ensured engine power was not lost. Our crew responded without hesitation to a difficult and highly unusual situation, and we are incredibly proud and grateful for their skillful actions.  

Following appropriate FAA procedures and guidance from Air Traffic Control, the flight was safely diverted to Portland International Airport (PDX). Captain Emerson is currently in custody and the event is being investigated by law enforcement authorities, which includes the FBI and the Port of Portland Police Department. 

All passengers on board were able to complete their journey with a new crew and aircraft. We are grateful for the patience of our guests throughout this event and are reaching out to each of them individually to discuss their experience and check-in on their well-being.  

Captain Emerson joined Alaska Air Group as a Horizon First Officer in August 2001. In June 2012, Emerson left Horizon to join Virgin America as a pilot.  Emerson became an Alaska Airlines First Officer following Alaska’s acquisition of Virgin America in 2016. He became an Alaska Airlines Captain in 2019. Throughout his career, Emerson completed his mandated FAA medical certifications in accordance with regulatory requirements, and at no point were his certifications denied, suspended or revoked.  

10 a.m. Pacific, Oct. 23

On Oct. 22, Alaska Airlines Flight 2059 operated by Horizon Air from Everett, WA (PAE) to San Francisco, CA (SFO) reported a credible security threat related to an off-duty Alaska Airlines pilot who was traveling in the flight deck jump seat. The jump seat occupant unsuccessfully attempted to disrupt the operation of the engines. The Horizon Captain and First Officer quickly responded, engine power was not lost and the crew secured the aircraft without incident.

Following appropriate FAA procedures and guidance from Air Traffic Control, the flight was safely diverted to Portland International Airport. The jump seat occupant is currently in custody and the event is being investigated by law enforcement authorities, which includes the FBI and the Port of Portland Police Department.

All passengers on board were able to travel on a later flight. We are grateful for the professional handling of the situation by the Horizon flight crew and appreciate our guests’ calm and patience throughout this event.

Alaska Airlines adds new nonstops from Anchorage to New York City and San Diego

We’ll offer the only nonstop service between New York JFK and Alaska for summertime adventures; we’ll have the most nonstop destinations ever this summer from Anchorage

Alaska Airlines is connecting Anchorage to both New York City and San Diego with seasonal nonstop service this summer. Daily flights to New York JFK begin June 13, 2024, and weekly flights to San Diego start May 18, 2024. Flights are available for purchase now at alaskaair.com.

Our new nonstop between the Big Apple and the Last Frontier offers New Yorkers an easier option to get away and enjoy the wilds of Alaska with its countless outdoor adventures, rich Alaska Native culture, wild Alaska seafood, jaw-dropping scenery and history-filled towns. It will be the only nonstop service between New York JFK and Anchorage. 

Our Anchorage-New York JFK route — at 3,386 miles — will become the longest flight in our network. We’ll serve the route with our new 737-8 aircraft. It will have the longest range of any plane in our fleet — allowing us to add new nonstop destinations that we couldn’t before.

We’re eager to welcome guests to our great state from the city that never sleeps to the land of the midnight sun on Alaska’s new nonstop flight,” said Jillian Simpson, president and CEO of the Alaska Travel Industry Association (ATIA). “Summer is an incredible time to visit Alaska with our warm, long days. There’s so much to do in Anchorage and in the smaller towns nearby, mapping out your itinerary might be the toughest thing you do before heading west.”

Alaskans like to get out. Sometimes that might mean hitting all the must-sees in New York City or taking surf lessons in SoCal. We’ll make it more convenient for our guests to get there from Anchorage, as well as lots of other places: We’ll serve the most nonstop destinations ever this summer from our hub in Alaska.

With these new routes, we’ll fly to 14 nonstop destinations to and from Anchorage in the summer to the Lower 48 and Hawaii. We’ll serve all of these cities by mid-June from Anchorage: Chicago, Denver, Honolulu, Los Angeles, Las Vegas, Minneapolis, New York JFK, Phoenix, Portland, Salt Lake City, San Diego, San Francisco, Seattle and Seattle/Everett (Paine Field).

New Anchorage routes for Summer 2024

RouteStart DateEnd DateDepartsArrivesFrequencyAircraft
Anchorage – San DiegoMay 18Aug. 172:50 p.m.9:10 p.m.Saturday737
San Diego –AnchorageMay 18Aug. 179:00 a.m.1:45 p.m.Saturday737
Anchorage –New York JFKJune 13Aug. 198:00 p.m.7:05 a.m.Daily737-8
New York JFK –AnchorageJune 13Aug. 199:45 a.m.1:30 p.m.Daily737-8
All times local

“Alaskans love nonstop flights to and from the state. We like having great travel options and adding places such as New York and San Diego definitely fit the bill,” said Marilyn Romano, regional vice president for Alaska Airlines. “During our peak summer days, we’ll have a robust flight schedule of 63 departures a day from Anchorage.”

Alaska Air Group reports third quarter 2023 results 

Led the industry in completion rate in the third quarter

Delivered adjusted pretax margin of 11.4%, among the best in the industry despite West Coast fuel price headwinds

Flew final Airbus operating flight, completing Alaska’s transition to an all-Boeing fleet

Alaska Air Group (NYSE: ALK) today reported financial results for the third quarter ending September 30, 2023, and provided outlook for the fourth quarter ending December 31, 2023.

I am grateful to our people for delivering industry-leading operational performance and strong cost discipline this quarter,” said CEO Ben Minicucci. “Our 11.4% adjusted pretax margin is among the best in the industry despite external headwinds. Our investments in our all-Boeing fleet, premium seating on 100% of our aircraft and access for our loyalty members to a global alliance provide our guests with a premium domestic product that rivals any in the industry.”

Financial Highlights:

  • Reported net income for the third quarter of 2023 under Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP) of $139 million, or $1.08 per share, compared to a net income of $40 million, or $0.31 per share, for the third quarter of 2022.

  • Reported net income for the third quarter of 2023, excluding special items and mark-to-market fuel hedge accounting adjustments, of $237 million, or $1.83 per share, compared to $325 million, or $2.53 per share, for the third quarter of 2022.

  • Recorded $2.8 billion in operating revenue.

  • Reduced CASM excluding fuel and special items by 5% compared to the third quarter of 2022.

  • Repurchased 248,988 shares of common stock for approximately $13 million, bringing total repurchases to $70 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2023.

  • Generated $271 million in operating cash flow for the third quarter of 2023.

  • Held $2.5 billion in unrestricted cash and marketable securities as of September 30, 2023.

  • Ended the quarter with a debt-to-capitalization ratio of 48%, within the target range of 40% to 50%.

Operational Updates:

  • Finished the third quarter with an industry-leading completion rate of 99.7%.

  • Completed Alaska’s transition to an all-Boeing fleet with the retirement of its A321neo aircraft in September, and reached an agreement to sell the ten A321neos to American Airlines, with aircraft sales beginning in the fourth quarter of 2023.

  • Received five 737-9 aircraft and two E175 aircraft during the quarter, bringing the totals in the Alaska and Horizon fleets to 56 and 41.

  • Provided support and relief to the Maui community following the devastating August wildfires, bringing aid to the island and donating nearly 30 million miles to assist with ongoing efforts.

  • Announced new nonstop daily service between San Diego and Atlanta, which will be the 37th nonstop destination from San Diego and the most of any airline serving the airport.

  • Launched the Mobile Verify program, providing guests with the ability to securely verify their passports before arriving to the airport for international travel.

  • Announced establishment of the Airline Venture Lab with UP.Labs, a partnership designed to build startups aimed at solving strategic challenges facing the airline industry.

  • Through Alaska Star Ventures, invested in Assaia, whose aim is to utilize artificial intelligence to optimize aircraft turn times and improve on-time performance.

  • Launched a new partnership with Portland-based Stumptown Coffee Roasters to create a custom coffee blend which will be introduced on all flights by the end of 2023.

Awards and Recognition:

  • Named for the third year in a row to Newsweek’s list of America’s Best Customer Service.

  • Recognized by Forbes as one of America’s Best Employers for Women.

Tune in:

A conference call regarding the second quarter results will be streamed online at 8:30 a.m. PDT on July 25, 2023. It can be accessed at www.alaskaair.com/investors. For those unable to listen to the live broadcast, a replay will be available after the conclusion of the call.

Full earnings financial data:

Statistical data, reconciliations of the reported non-GAAP financial measures, further details regarding results and a glossary of financial terms can be found in our Earnings Release as filed with the SEC.

View full earnings financial data

Getaway Goals: score 32% off Alaska flights when the Seattle Kraken score big

The Kraken are back for another season of hockey excitement, and Seattle’s hometown airline and official sponsor of the team is getting in on the fun.

Getaway Goals

Starting with the first Kraken home game on October 17, Kraken fans can score a discount of 32% off Alaska flights when the team scores 5 goals or more in a home game. Each game unlocks a different mystery location, so follow along all season long to fill your travel calendar.

When you see the Kraken score 5 goals, head over to the Kraken social media accounts to find out where the discount code will take you and how to use it. Discounts will only be available for 24 hours, so act fast.

Priority Boarding

Just like last season, wearing your Kraken pride on your sleeve will get you priority boarding whenever you’re departing Seattle-Tacoma International Airport (SEA) or Seattle-Everett International Airport (PAE).

What does priority boarding mean exactly?  Guests sporting a Kraken hockey jersey will skate their way to the fast lane, following group C. Just be sure to listen closely to your gate agent’s announcements!

Alaska Airlines and Stumptown Coffee serve up new coffee blend fit for the skies 

Summary

In partnership with Stumptown Coffee Roasters, we’re introducing a custom coffee blend designed to taste amazing at 30,000 feet, available on all flights this fall.

Because altitude affects how food and drinks taste, Stumptown’s experts crafted a well-balanced, smooth blend to ensure every cup is deliciously enjoyable in the air.

Something new is brewing at Alaska! Together, with Stumptown Coffee Roasters, a third-wave coffee pioneer, we’re serving up a new custom coffee blend that’s specially crafted to be enjoyed up in the air — brewing this fall on all Alaska flights.

For those who don’t know, your taste buds react differently at 30,000 feet due to altitude, which can cause food and drinks to taste different from how they do on the ground. So, we flew in the experts at Stumptown to craft a custom coffee blend that ensures a well-balanced, complex flavor profile that delivers a remarkably smooth and enjoyable cup for our guests every time you fly with us.

Third wave coffee roasters like Stumptown treat coffee as a culinary art and put the focus on the coffee rather than the roasts, bringing sweetness and clarity to their cups and broadening peoples’ expectations of what coffee can be.

Having flown millions of miles fueled by countless cups of coffee, Stumptown stands out as first class. Like travel, coffee has a remarkable way of bringing people together. I can’t wait for our guests and employees to enjoy a cup of Stumptown when they fly with us.”

– Ben Minicucci

Alaska Airlines CEO

Our Custom Coffee Blend

Our journey together began with a sip of Stumptown’s Holler Mountain, its best-selling, certified organic coffee. Alaska’s medium-dark blend uses the same clean and sweet base as Holler Mountain, but with a primary focus on a roast that mellows acidity and introduces just enough toastiness to please a wide range of palates.

It’s exceptionally smooth and balanced, with aromatic notes of toasted marshmallows, browned butter and toffee with delicate hints of citrus and cherry. Additionally, Stumptown dialed in this roast to be delicious when served black or with the addition of creamer or oat milk (also coming to Alaska flights Dec. 1).

Our custom roast will be available exclusively on all Alaska flights starting this fall and will be on every flight by Dec. 1, 2023. Plus, guests can sip Stumptown in our Portland and JFK Lounges where we’ll be proudly serving Stumptown’s Holler Mountain for our brewed coffee and Hair Bender in our hand-crafted espresso beverages. Trapper Creek will also be available as a decaf option.

We wanted a crowd pleaser—something that would delight folks who enjoy milder coffees and also speak to guests who enjoy medium-bodied roasts.”

– Laura Szeliga

Stumptown President

“I hope our guests fall in love with our new custom roast as much as I did when I first tried it,” said Roman, a flight attendant in Portland, who joined employees for a tasting tour of Stumptown’s Roastery at their headquarters in Portland, Oregon. “It’s a bit lighter with an organic, cleaner finish that I think will be well received.”

Roman says after being a flight attendant for 30 years, this is a very thoughtful step for an airline to take to boost the overall guest experience.

“So many of our guests ask for a cup of coffee on board, and our roast is bound to exceed expectations,” he said. “It’s remarkable how even the smallest thing — like coffee — can brighten someone’s day.”

 

Before she became a first officer based out of Boise with Horizon Air, Alaska’s regional carrier, Sophie used to be a barista and says it was one of her favorite jobs.

 

“I enjoyed recognizing customers and remembering their coffee orders. It was refreshing to meet new people and get to know their stories just as they got to know mine,” she said. “I could probably still tell you their coffee orders today.”

 Sophie has always been intrigued by Stumptown.

“My first impression of the company was cool, edgy, and very Portland,” said Sophie. “I hope our guests will appreciate this change and know how much work went into our roast. I learned on our tour about the countless tests it took to get the blend just right for 30,000 feet. To me, that shows care, attention to detail, and quality. All the things I think our guests will appreciate.”

 

The sky-high taste test

After selecting our signature coffee, we conducted extensive brewing tests both on the ground and in the air. We did this to 1) understand how it tasted both in the air and on the ground; and 2) ensure our roast worked with all types of brewing machines on Alaska and Horizon aircraft.

More than 200 pots of coffee were brewed for the development of this project.
We tested over 20 variables, including changes in grind, dose, filter paper and filter-pack dimensions to make sure the inflight experience will wow our guests.
Multiple flight tests and blind customer surveys were conducted to ensure the taste tests met what you’d expect from a cup of Stumptown coffee on the ground.
We even taste-tested the coffee with Alaska’s inflight milk and Biscoff cookie to ensure both paired beautifully with the coffee we landed on.
As the #1 airline on the West Coast, Stumptown joins Alaska’s portfolio of leading West Coast brands including Tillamook, Beecher’s Cheese, Salt & Straw, Seattle Chocolates, Fremont Brewing, Evergreens and Straightaway Cocktails.

“I think the Alaska custom roast will be a real crowd pleaser. It’s super approachable, full bodied and subtly sweet. I was very excited to be invited to the tasting at Stumptown and see the roasting process and all their equipment. Those guys are the real deal! This is a big come up for all of us, and I think our guests will be excited to get a fresh cup of coffee from a great PNW brand.”

– Sara

Alaska Airlines First Officer

A West Coast Pairing

More than two decades ago, Portland, Oregon’s beloved Stumptown led the third wave — a craft movement in coffee sourcing and roasting emphasizing quality and sustainability — in the Pacific Northwest and beyond through its uncompromising commitment to craft and unwavering dedication to its top-tier roasting methods, partners and the planet.

As a Certified B Corporation and global brand with cafes in Portland, Los Angeles, New York and Kyoto, Japan, Stumptown is committed to sustainability in its cafes, breweries, roasting and manufacturing facilities. The company is rolling out plans to reduce energy, water consumption and achieve zero landfill-bound waste in the manufacturing operations by 2025, which aligns with Alaska’s goal to be carbon net zero by 2040.

As the premier West Coast airline, Alaska shares an appreciation for craftsmanship and a commitment to innovation and sustainability. We were the first airline to implement an inflight recycling program; the first to eliminate plastic cups, straws and stir sticks on board; and the first to offer guests the ability to pre-order meals and snacks. We feature dozens of West Coast-based food and beverage brands on board and have a long history of collaborating with partners who share our commitment to the planet, our communities and to providing caring service.

For Media:

Looking for stills, b-roll, logos of our partnership with Stumptown? Look no further!

Press Kit
Explore alaskaair.com

About Alaska Airlines
Alaska Airlines, the premier West Coast airline, and our regional partners serve more than 120 destinations across the United States, Belize, Canada, Costa Rica and Mexico. We strive to be the most caring airline with award-winning customer service and an industry-leading loyalty program. As a member of the oneworld alliance, and with our additional global partners, our guests can travel to more than 1,000 destinations on more than 25 airlines while earning and redeeming miles on flights to locations around the world. Learn more about Alaska at news.alaskaair.com and follow @alaskaairnews for news and stories. Alaska Airlines and Horizon Air are subsidiaries of Alaska Air Group. 

About Stumptown
Founded in Portland, Oregon in 1999, Stumptown Coffee Roasters is a pioneer of the Third Wave coffee movement and direct-trade sourcing and is credited with the creation of the cold brew coffee category. A Certified B Corporation and global brand with cafes in Portland, Los Angeles, New York and Kyoto, Stumptown coffee and cold brew can be found in thousands of grocery stores and wholesale partners across the U.S. Connect with Stumptown on social media: Instagram, Facebook, Twitter, YouTube, TikTok. 

Related News & Stories

View all

Hawaiian Holdings Announces 2023 Third Quarter Conference Call

HA High Res Logo_mid

HONOLULU , Oct. 10, 2023 /PRNewswire/ — Hawaiian Holdings, Inc. (NASDAQ: HA), parent company of Hawaiian Airlines, Inc. ("Hawaiian"), plans to report its third quarter 2023 financial results after the market closes on Tuesday, October 24, 2023 . An investor conference call is scheduled for 4:30 p.m. EDT ( 10:30 a.m. HST ) that day.

The call will be open to all interested investors through a live audio webcast accessible in the Investor Relations section of Hawaiian's website at HawaiianAirlines.com . For those who are not able to listen to the live webcast, the call will be archived for 90 days on Hawaiian's website.

About Hawaiian Airlines

Now in its 94th year of continuous service, Hawaiian is Hawaiʻi's biggest 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-holdings-announces-2023-third-quarter-conference-call-301950422.html

SOURCE Hawaiian Holdings, Inc.

‘If you can see it, you can be it’: How one flight inspired this employee’s career

Julio spent every summer with his sister in Mexico to visit family. On one of his flights, the flight attendant asked if he wanted to say hi to the pilots. He said yes, and up they went to the flight deck. The pilots gave Julio a pair of wings, asked him his name and let him press a button. And in that moment, an aviator was born.

“Even though I was only up there for a minute I thought – ‘Oh my gosh, this is what I want to do with my life,”’ said Julio.

That moment also subconsciously conveyed a message that would shape his future. Julio saw possibilities for himself, even if he couldn’t fully comprehend it as a child. “The crew all looked like me because we [my sister and I] were flying a Mexican airline. I didn’t know it at the time, but I thought, well, I could do this,” he said.

Navigating the dualities of two worlds growing up

Julio is the proud child of immigrants – his parents, seeking a brighter future, arrived in the US in the late 80s during the Reagan era. They navigated the complexities of immigration and were granted amnesty which helped guide their process to becoming citizens.

Julio was the first in his family to be born in the US and grew up in a diverse neighborhood in Southern California. In his early years, Julio shied away from speaking Spanish, his first language, both at school and in everyday interactions.

He longed to fit in and not stand out, but he also struggled to find his place among the Latino kids at school who conversed in Spanish. “I just wanted to be like everyone else, so I only spoke English,” said Julio.

Like generations of immigrants before them, children of immigrants often become “language brokers” – those who linguistically translate for family members who do not fluently speak the language of the country they live in. This additional responsibility was no different for Julio and his sister. 

“My sister is four years older than me, and we just had to figure things out on our own. I remember any time we had a parent-teacher conference, or we had to go to the doctor, or anywhere, I felt like we had to be the adults because we had to translate everything for them,” said Julio

A young Julio waits in line at Disneyland for the Haunted Mansion.

Chasing his aviation dreams

With dreams of becoming a pilot, Julio was uncertain how to begin. His parents consistently encouraged him to do well and stay in school, but being unfamiliar with the American higher education system, it was up to Julio to chart his own path.

“I didn’t know any pilots, so in my junior year of high school everyone’s asking, ‘oh where are you going to go to college?,’ and honestly, I just started Googling ‘aviation’ and ‘how do you become a pilot?’,” Julio laughed as he shared this. In his searches, one school always popped up – Embry-Riddle – and he talked to his counselor, applied in his senior year and was accepted.   

Julio flew to Daytona Beach to tour the campus and had his schedule. The final step was securing finances to pay for it. “I remember thinking, wow, this is so expensive I can’t afford this, and I would never want to put my parents in a situation where they’d have to sign a house mortgage for me to go to school,” said Julio.

His counselor suggested he take Embry-Riddle’s online course, which he did for two years, but financial constraints still kept him from affording flying lessons. So, it was on to plan b. On the brink of turning 21, Julio applied to be a flight attendant. It was also during this time that he began to embrace his Mexican heritage openly.

“I was hired as a bilingual flight attendant and flew all over. I’d help people fill out their immigration forms or ask them about their connections and help them get through the customs process,” said Julio. “In that moment, I really embraced being proud to speak Spanish because I knew that’s what my parents went through [having someone translate for them]. I thought to myself – this is who I am, and it’s cool that I’m bilingual and Mexican, instead of hiding it.”

On layovers with crew he shared with the pilots he’d always wanted to fly planes. They consistently urged Julio to chase his dream and that propelled him to go back to college and finish his last two years. After six years, he left his career as a flight attendant to dedicate himself to pilot training full-time. He got his ratings and then became an instructor before moving to a regional airline. Today, he’s a first officer for Alaska.

Julio’s journey to becoming a pilot was different from the typical route, but his serves as an inspiring reminder of the power of perseverance and believing in one’s dreams. His parents were also a big inspiration – watching them work so hard their whole life, and never giving up.

Julio smiles as he celebrates his graduation from Kennesaw State University.

“I wouldn’t really share this with a lot of people, but after my first experience meeting those pilots that summer, every candle I blew out on a birthday cake, every penny thrown in a fountain, anytime 11:11 was on a clock, or whenever I saw a shooting star, I always wished to be a pilot. My whole life – please let me be a pilot one day,” shared Julio.

His words of wisdom: “If you have a goal, just do whatever it takes to make it happen. Because one day, your dream will come true.”

September 5 was Julio’s check ride (basically a final exam) and in late September, he flew his first flight at Alaska.
Loading...