For the last 20 years, Ahuimanu Elementary School teachers, including Matthew Duarte, have facilitated a “trip to Europe” activity for third-grade students. The goal: teach children about the world of aviation and the importance of travel experiences.

"Our kids are learning about different countries. Each student researches a specific country and later presents their findings to the rest of the class. That day, we also pretend we are on the airplane going to their country. We have passports that the kids get stamped and set up the chairs so it's like they're boarding an aircraft for an international trip," Duarte explained.

Having an understanding of what an air travel experience is like provides an even richer learning experience, Duarte explained. However, many of his students have never stepped into an aircraft before. That's where Hawaiian Airlines came in.

Today, 30 keiki (children) from Duarte's classroom and four chaperones traded the Windward O‘ahu public school campus for a special "trip abroad" in Hawaiian's in-flight training facility at its Honolulu headquarters. Students boarded mock Boeing 717 and Airbus A321neo cabins and were instructed to properly stow their carry-ons, take their seats and fasten their seatbelts. They observed the in-flight safety demonstration for each aircraft and some students recreated the demo to teach their peers. 

After a simulated take-off, they enjoyed meal and beverage service as though they were flying as real Hawaiian Airlines guests.

"We wanted every student to have the opportunity to be able to recall and reflect on what they learned here at Hawaiian Airlines when it's time for them to present," Duarte explained. "Learning about travel and aviation will open their minds and help them think about maybe one day going abroad, learning about other cultures and sharing those experiences with their family and friends."

 

Once students "arrived at their destination," they deplaned and were invited to test out the features of the carrier's newest Boeing 787-9 Leihōkū Suite — including its lie-flat functionality and luxurious amenities.

 

Afterward, the class climbed aboard a fully inflated life raft used by flight attendants during training, and instructors shared where the rafts are stored and when they are used.

 

"Our trainers were super excited about this opportunity," shared Hawaiian Airlines In-Flight Instructor Ryan Casco. "Many of them are parents and have watched their children grow up in this industry and felt it was special to share these experiences with keiki in our community. We hope this visit inspires them to travel or join this industry one day."

 

For b-roll from today's Ahuimanu Elementary School visit, click here.

Since Hawaiian Airlines became the first to take scheduled cargo service to the skies in 1942, its business – and employee demographic – continuously evolved to meet the needs of the time. As women’s entry into the workforce increased over the decades, their presence in aviation eventually took flight, also expanding to the air freight industry. What began as a mostly male sector has neared equilibrium in representation.

At Hawaiian Air Cargo, the freight arm of Hawaiian Airlines, that balance has been struck: wāhine (women) now make up 50% of all cargo employees, a 12-percentage point increase across the operation over the past decade. Within that group, 48% are cargo agents with an average tenure of 17.5 years.

“Hawaiian Air Cargo is the tight-knit community it is today because each employee is intent on making sure everyone feels included and supported in their role,” said Dana Knight, director of commercial cargo at Hawaiian Airlines. “Cargo can be a very physical job; it requires workers to lift heavy objects, operate forklifts, be on their feet all day, etc. But regardless of the task or someone's gender identity, expectations are the same and there are no assumptions that one person could do it better than the other.”

In honor of Womenʻs History Month, the Hawaiian Air Cargo wāhine shared what they love most about their jobs.  

 

Delrie “Kuʻuipo" Anderson, cargo capacity supervisor, Daniel K. Inouye International Airport (Honolulu)

Tenure: 13 years 

One of the many things I love about my job is the meaningful impact Hawaiian Air Cargo has on Hawai’i and beyond. Every day, we are moving fresh foods, dry goods, pets and more, directly supporting the communities we serve. I was honored to be part of the Hawaiian Airlines Mālama Maui team helping to get needed goods and supplies to Maui after the Lāhaina wildfire. Hawaiian Airlines offers me the chance to make a positive difference every day and Iʻm proud to work for our hometown carrier.  

Tennille “Moani” Eckart, cargo agent, Hilo International Airport

Tenure: 10 years

I enjoy performing tasks within cargo that others might find repetitive; the consistency helps me maintain a steady workflow. I also love building relationships with customers because it allows me to communicate with them on a first-name basis and forge more positive connections in my life. I particularly enjoy handling dog shipments (with a special fondness for poodles)! 

Leina‘ala Fa‘avea, cargo agent, Kahului Airport

Tenure: Five years

I like the challenges that we face in cargo and that every day is different. I also love the family vibe; my team is a great team to work with and very easygoing. It doesn’t matter what life throws at us in cargo; we always have each other, and we can do anything together. We make the best of what we have, and that shared mentality makes it easier to work. I also like the relationships we build with our customers and each other.

Kim Nagata, cargo agent, Kahului Airport

Tenure: Seven years 

Working in cargo means everything to me, especially being around different Hawaiian Airlines aircraft. Not too many people get that opportunity. 

I also came from the ramp where it is mostly men. Over time, I developed a camaraderie with the guys, and they all became my friends, but now I come into cargo and I’m like, “Yay! Women are at the helm now.” But, you know, everyone who works here is awesome. Everyone is always helping each other. We all work hard, and we all have each other’s backs. 

Leanne Nishimoto-Liu, cargo agent, Līhuʻe Airport

Tenure: 20 years 

I enjoy working with others in our team… and that makes work not feel like work – especially when working alongside the "Mama Hens."  I feel like we get to know our customers on a different level, like learning where they work and what they do. They are a big part of our everyday job and they help make cargo, cargo!

Tiaina “Tia” Taala, cargo agent, Ellison Onizuka Kona International Airport

Tenure: Eight years

This role offers a balanced lifestyle that has allowed me to focus on starting a family. The joyful news of expecting my second child has recently underscored this commitment to balance, and I appreciate my supportive work network at cargo. My kids get to enjoy more aunties and my daughter gets to experience more Mana Wahine (power women) who will influence her work ethic as she grows.

 

Hawaiian continues to make progress in welcoming more qualified veterans, wāhine and other historically underrepresented groups to its 'ohana. For example, wāhine make up 9.5% of its entire pilot group — well above the 4.9% national average (2022) and 5.8% global average (2021).

Knight added, “Across our airline, there’s this shared acknowledgment of equal capability and understanding that at the end of the day, we need to take care of each other so that we can then pass that mālama (care) down to our customers and guests.”