Hawaiian Airlines Unveils Boeing 787 Dreamliner Cabin Design; Introduces Leihōkū Suites

May 15, 2023
releases
Hawaiian Airlines
6 min read

HONOLULU – Hawaiian Airlines, Hawaiʻi’s hometown carrier since 1929, today introduced an elevated standard of leisure travel, inspired by early Polynesian voyages, with the unveiling of its Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner interior and new class of premium service – the Leihōkū Suites. Guests onboard Hawaiian’s 787 – entering service beginning early next year on select routes – will be immersed in cabin design elements that evoke Hawaiʻi’s rich natural world through bold textures, island-inspired sunrise and sunset lighting and sinuous ocean and wind patterns.

The Leihōkū Suites, Hawaiian Airlines' Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner Premium Cabin.

“The combination of our evocative cabin design and unparalleled service will make our 787 the most relaxing and enjoyable choice for travel to and from Hawaiʻi,” said Avi Mannis, chief marketing and communications officer at Hawaiian Airlines. “We take pride in sharing our home with our guests, and the design and details of this product truly reflect what it means to be the flagship carrier of the Hawaiian Islands.”

Hawaiian’s 300-seat 787 features its newest premium product, Leihōkū (garland of stars): 34 suites that envelop guests in a tranquil, elegant space with fully lie-flat seating, an 18-inch in-flight entertainment screen, personal outlets, wireless charging and direct aisle access. Set in a 1-2-1 configuration with doors, the suites can offer privacy or a shared experience, with combined double seats allowing couples to fall asleep while gazing at a starlit ceiling.

Leihōkū has 34 suites with fully lie-flat seating, an 18-inch in-flight entertainment screen, personal outlets, wireless charging and direct aisle access.

In developing its Leihōkū Suite, Hawaiian became the first airline to partner with Adient Aerospace – a joint venture between the Boeing Company and Adient, a world leader in automotive seats.

“It was evident from the beginning that Hawaiian Airlines is very passionate about its culture and branding, and making sure that this came through in the design language and in the passenger experience,” said Adient Aerospace CEO Tony Guy. “It is so rewarding to bring this vision collaboratively to life and see it realized in the delivered product.”

In Hawaiianʻs 787 Dreamliner Main Cabin, consisting of 266 Collins Aerospace Aspire seats with ergonomically contoured back and arm rests, guests will enjoy a lightweight, modern design that maximizes seat space, offers more shoulder and hip room, and features a 12-inch seatback monitor with USB-A and USB-C charging ports.

Extra Comfort and Main Cabin seats in Hawaiian's Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner.

Seventy-nine Extra Comfort seats offer more legroom and access to AC outlets.

Each design element of Hawaiian’s 787 thoughtfully celebrates Polynesian navigators who sailed the Pacific by observing the stars, sun, winds, waves and wildlife. The airline worked with design consultant Teague to realize Hawaiian’s vision of honoring Pacific navigation in a modern aircraft.

“Working alongside such an iconic brand in Hawaiian Airlines, we were able to create an experience that is true and authentic to what is Hawai’i,” said Loreto Julian, interior design and surface textile design manager at Teague. “Along the journey, guests will be able to appreciate the culture of Hawai’i and be surprised with discoverable moments.”

Air-to-air shot of Hawaiian's Boeing 787 Dreamliner.

Smooth, high-tech sailing

The 787 offers enhanced cabin air filtration, and its carbon-fiber composite airframe permits travel at a lower cabin altitude, resulting in a more comfortable flight. Guests will also notice a quiet cabin thanks to acoustic-treated engine inlets, as well as extra-large, dimmable windows, spacious overhead bins and lavatory toilets and faucets with touchless activation.

Wind and waves: The wind and waves that have shaped the Hawaiian archipelago are expressed through curved forms throughout the entryway and cabin. Accents of deep aqua grace the carpets and privacy dividers in the Leihōkū Suites.

The carpets and fabric of the Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner were inspired by the natural elements of the Hawaiian Islands.

Advanced, sustainable navigation

Hawaiian’s 787 will be the most fuel efficient widebody aircraft in its fleet due to its light-weight build, innovative aerodynamics and modern General Electric GEnx engines. The 787 is significantly more fuel efficient than prior-generation, similarly sized aircraft.

Stars and sky: Hawaiian’s 787 will have a simulated cabin sky, depicting soft daylight, soothing sunrises and sunsets, or dramatic starry evening skies. Guests in Leihōkū Suites will gaze up at a luminous star compass ceiling evoking the constellations that guided Polynesian voyagers at night.

Hawaiian's Leihōkū Premium Cabin with its star-lit ceiling.

A Hawaiian voyage

Every detail of the interior pays homage to Hawaiʻi’s pristine environment, from wall panels depicting native wood grains to the lavatory floor inspired by shimmering black volcanic sand. 'Ōlelo Hawaiʻi (Hawaiian language) is also integrated into seat row numbers and other placards to guide guests through the cabin as they embark on their journey. Laminates and fabrics reflect the forms of native plants throughout the cabin.

Hawaiian is scheduled to receive the first of 12 Boeing 787-9 Dreamliners in November, with remaining deliveries planned through 2027. For more information, please visit www.HawaiianAirlines.com/B787.

For a full gallery of Hawaiian Airlines' Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner b-roll and images, click here.

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, 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. In 2022, the carrier topped Travel + Leisure’s 2022 World’s Best list as the No. 1 U.S. airline and was named Hawaiʻi's best employer by Forbes. Hawaiian^® 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.

Native artist Crystal Worl designs Alaska Airlines aircraft taking Indigenous language and art to the skies

May 11, 2023
Community
Ali Garbino
27 min read

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Growing up near the shores of Juneau, Crystal Kaakeeyáa Rose Demientieff Worl was used to seeing Alaska Airlines fly over the mountains into her hometown. She says she dreamed of having her artwork displayed on a plane for years — and today, that dream became a reality.

Photos by Ingrid Barrentine

Today, we’re honored to reveal Crystal’s latest masterpiece: Xáat Kwáani (Salmon People). It’s the first aircraft in the history of any domestic airline to be named in an Alaska Native language and to depict the ancestral importance through Northwest Coast formline art.

“My heart is so full and warm,” says Crystal. “Every time I create something big or small, it’s the same feeling of just fulfilling this need and wanting to create something and share my story, to stimulate something that’s in me that feels connected. It feels good to say that I live in Juneau and fish and hunt here and eat off this land. My family’s been here for a long time, and I can say my ancestors are from here, and I’m eating the same food in the same place that they once were, and that’s really special to be able to share that and say that and feel that—and to create and retell their stories through my eyes. It’s powerful.”

Alaska Airlines has always had a profound connection to the state of Alaska—after all, it’s the foundation for becoming the premier West Coast airline we are today. In 1932, we took our first flight between Anchorage and Bristol Bay, home of the world’s most extensive sockeye salmon run.

Our support in the state of Alaska encompasses everything from transporting critical medical supplies/cargo and investing in airport infrastructure to working with Alaska Native-owned businesses and organizations, as well as partnerships with universities to increase access to education and aviation careers.

The Alaska Airlines Boeing 737-800 will fly in our fleet for many years throughout our network and enter passenger service on May 12, 2023, with an inaugural flight from Anchorage through Southeast Alaska. The first stop of Flight 62, will be through Crystal’s hometown of Juneau, then it will continue through Sitka, Ketchikan and Seattle.

Rosita Worl (top left) serves as the president of Sealaska Heritage Institute (SHI). Crystal and her family recently honored their clan’s origins at SHI’s celebration ceremony of 12 new totem poles along Juneau’s waterfront for its Kootéeyaa Deiyí, or Totem Pole Trail.

A tribute to strength and resilience

As a tribute to salmon and its ancestral importance, this aircraft is the first in the country to be named in an Alaska Native language and the first time Alaska Airlines has featured a language besides English on the main door of an aircraft.

“This will be significant to have Indigenous language on an airplane,” says Crystal. “People will see it, they’ll read it, they’ll try to say ‘Xáat Kwáani’ (Salmon People), and they’ll want to know more and be curious to learn about it and want to feel connected to it. I think that’s significant in terms of the relationship we need to make between our languages that need speakers. So, I’m excited to be part of this.”

Learn to pronounce Xáat Kwáani

Having read about Crystal, seen her murals in Juneau and Anchorage and knowing her love of monumental art, she came to mind when we had the opportunity to paint a very large canvas— a 737-800,” said Marilyn Romano, regional vice president in Alaska. “Only this time, instead of remaining stationary and having viewers come to the art, we will take the art everywhere this plane flies, inviting guests to learn more about Alaska Native and Native American history, art, culture and language.

- Marilyn Romano

Regional Vice President in Alaska

At a family gathering recently, her uncle, Marcelo Quinto, shared the significance of Crystal’s latest work, “She is part of us, she is part of the state of Alaska — her art is something that belongs to all of us here in Alaska, and it’s just fitting that it’s going on Alaska Airlines so that it gets to go through the whole state of Alaska. So, I hope everybody congratulates her and will enjoy knowing this is all a part of us.”

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Crystal Worl (@crystalworl)

lo sharing a proud moment with Crystal at a family gathering.

Crystal has high hopes that this aircraft will encourage people to learn and embrace Indigenous culture, values — and to do our part to make the world a better place for the salmon.

Salmon has a special meaning and significance in the State of Alaska and the West Coast. For Alaska Natives and Native American cultures of this region, the salmon is part of a spiritual and cultural identity.

“Salmon are perhaps probably the strongest beings on earth,” she said. “We have a great amount of respect for salmon because they’re feeding my family, clan members, community members, and Alaskans. The nutrients in their bodies feed our people, this community. It’s how our Tongass rainforest is so lush and how our animals are so big and strong. Their muscles feed our muscles and stimulate so many facets of our existence and have for thousands of years — I just hope that will remain for the next generations.”

Crystal standing in front of her 60-foot by 25-foot mural of Tlingit activist Elizabeth Peratrovich on Juneau’s downtown library building, which is designed in a modernized version of the Lukaax̱.ádix̱ clan crest, the Sockeye Salmon along with Peratrovich’s moiety, the Raven in formline design.

We are honored to share the vibrant art of Northwest Coast formline with Alaska Airlines and the world. We see the ‘Salmon People’ design symbolizing the Tlingit, Haida and Tsimshian cultural value of Wooch. Yax, Gu dlúu, Ama Mackshm: social and spiritual balance. Our Indigenous artists continue to utilize and evolve formline art, honoring our ancestors and inspiring future generations.
– Sealaska and Sealaska Heritage Institute

Alaska has always been, and will always be, a Native place with deep, rich cultural heritages. For too long, Alaska has been viewed primarily through a geographical lens, when it is the many Indigenous cultures and peoples that truly make our state unique. We honor and appreciate Alaska Airlines’ commitment to ensuring that from the moment someone sets foot on this airplane, they will have an opportunity to learn about Alaska’s First Peoples, who have inhabited Alaska since time immemorial
– Emily Edenshaw President and CEO, Alaska Native Heritage Center.

Crystal Kaakeeyáa Rose Demientieff Worl is Tlingit Athabascan from Raven moiety, Lukaax.̱ádi Sockeye Clan, from the Raven House and is Deg Hit’an Athabascan from Fairbanks, Alaska, and Filipino.

Crystal has created several public art installations in Alaska including a design on the side of a Juneau’s Capitol City Fire Rescue ambulance, a steel cut medallion installed in downtown Juneau, and last year, painted a mural 125- foot by 48-foot in Anchorage.

In March, Crystal designed “The Art of Skateboarding” stamps for the U.S. Postal Service that laud the sport of skateboarding — and what Indigenous groups have brought to the skating culture.

Today, Crystal lives in Juneau, Alaska, as a co-owner and co-designer of Trickster Company with her brother Rico Worl. Trickster Company promotes innovative Indigenous design focused on the Northwest Coast art and exploring themes and issues in Native culture.

Alaska Airlines unveils salmon livery designed by Alaska Native artist to celebrate Indigenous culture & language

May 11, 2023
Community
Alaska Airlines
4 min read

As a tribute to Xáat Kwáani (Salmon People), this special Alaska Airlines aircraft is the first of any domestic airline fleet to be named in an Alaska Native language and to depict the ancestral importance of salmon through Northwest Coast formline art.

Alaska Airlines unveiled its newest aircraft paint theme today – Xáat Kwáani – designed by the talented Alaska Native artist Crystal Kaakeeyáa Rose Demientieff Worl. Xáat Kwáani means “Salmon People” in the Alaskan Tlingit language and refers to the spiritual link between the people who interact with the beloved salmon and all of us who benefit from their stewardship of the environment.

Using Northwest Coast formline art, the salmon design by Worl is a one-of-a-kind work that honors salmon, culture, artistic expression, and language. Traditional formline art dates back thousands of years and is a two-dimensional design style of the Northwest Coast.

“Every time I looked at an Alaska plane, I couldn’t help but visualize the salmon being in formline, or having some sort of design that represents identity. I can’t help but look at things and see how to Indigenize them,” said Worl. “I have high hopes this project will encourage people to learn and embrace Indigenous culture and values.”

Through her art, Worl aims to bring attention to Indigenous culture and to pass on ancestral values to a new generation.

Crystal Worl has a love of monumental art — most recently murals gracing the sides of buildings in Juneau and Anchorage for locals and visitors to enjoy. And we had a large blank canvas — a 737-800,” said Marilyn Romano, regional vice president, Alaska Airlines. “During our first conversation, Crystal shared her desire to paint an Alaska Airlines plane — she has flown with us most of her life. Salmon as a focus was intentional and Crystal shares the relationship between salmon and Native people through storytelling and artistic design.”

Salmon has a special meaning and significance in the state of Alaska, the Pacific Northwest and along the West Coast. Some travel as far as 600 miles each way, each uniquely adapted to its particular river system, ocean and watershed environment.

Learn more about how Worl’s design came to life at https://bit.ly/3MhaZ6G.

The Alaska Airlines Boeing 737-800 is the first livery of a U.S. airline fleet to have the name of the plane in an Alaska Native language and the first time Alaska Airlines has featured a language besides English on the main door of an aircraft.

“This will be significant to have Indigenous language on an airplane,” said Worl. “People will see it, they’ll read it, they’ll try to say ‘Xáat Kwáani’ (Salmon People), and they’ll want to know more and be curious to learn about it and want to feel connected to it. I’m excited to be part of this.”

The aircraft will begin flying on May 12, 2023, with an inaugural flight from Anchorage through Southeast Alaska. First stop of Alaska Airlines flight 62 will be through Crystal’s hometown of Juneau, the state’s capital, before it continues through Sitka, Ketchikan and Seattle.

Xáat Kwáani (Salmon People) paint facts:

It took 117 gallons of paint to complete the livery.
Four main colors were used to create the livery: Midnight Blue, Atlas Blue, White and Pink.
From landing to take-off, it took just 12 days to paint.
The specially painted livery will fly for a number of years through a paint system that applies a protective clear coat over the base coats. This protective coating will keep the livery looking fresh for many years.
Down a timelapse video of the painting of the plane.

Learn more about Worl, download photos and the full Xáat Kwáani media kit at https://bit.ly/3LW4PHI.

Download Media Kit

More choices at 30,000 feet! Alaska Airlines adds bigger variety of food & beverage options

May 10, 2023
Guest Experience
Alaska Airlines
6 min read

Along with new meal selections in First Class and the main cabin, we’re introducing our take on a classic sandwich for all ages that’s infused with West Coast flavors

If variety is the spice of life, it’s also a great thing to have when selecting something to eat on your next flight on Alaska Airlines. Our guests told us they enjoy our fresh food options but were eager for more to choose from. That’s why, beginning today, we’ve increased the variety of our food offerings, from doubling the number of pre-order options in the main cabin to giving our First Class guests up to five different entrees to pick up on their flights.

We’ve also added a new, family-friendly sandwich to our onboard menu in the main cabin – great for young travelers and even those who are young at heart. Named by one of our employees, Jetsetter’s Jam is our take on the classic peanut butter and jelly sandwich – that’s peanut free. It’s made instead with toasted cashew and oat butter and a homemade strawberry compote on a sweet croissant bread, paired with fresh fruit and a slice of Tillamook cheese.

We’re always looking to spark joy with great food and drink on board our flights, delivering a delicious meal or craft beverage with care as part of our award-winning service,” said Todd Traynor-Corey, managing director of guest products at Alaska Airlines. “What our guests have to say is important, and they told us that more food and beverage variety would be great, so we set out to make that happen. We’ve worked hard to give our guests of all ages a wider selection of food, from classic comfort food to more healthful options all while representing the vibrant flavors of the West Coast.

Alaska continues to offer freshly-prepared meals in First Class on our flights as short as 550 miles. Other U.S. airlines don’t offer fresh food items on flights unless they’re longer than 900 miles. Our guests in First Class also have more vegan and gluten-free options available to reserve before their flight by using our industry-leading pre-order feature on our mobile app or website. Fresh food in the main cabin is available only by pre-ordering it, so making a selection before you fly is the way to go.

A sampling of what’s new in First Class

Guests have a choice of up to five different entrees on coast-to-coast and Hawaii flights, and four options on most other flights
Breakfast features menu options like our Beecher’s Mushroom Omelet, Chicken Sausage Breakfast Bowl and Lemon Blueberry Pancakes
Lunch options include a Wedge Salad with Applewood Bacon, Korean Barbeque Chicken Sandwich and Caramelized Onion Angus Burger
We have new dinner options on long-haul flights including Chimichurri Flat Iron Steak, Herb Roasted Chicken, Lemon Fennel Manicotti and Ginger Beef Stir-Fry Noodles
We’ve added Beecher’s Flagship Mac and Cheese as a comfort classic on certain flights
For a little spice, Alicia’s Pork Carnitas Tamale – handcrafted with organic ingredients in the Bay Area – is now available on select flights departing the Bay Area
Vegan options are available for pre-order on all meal service flights including items such as a Harissa and Chorizo Frittata made with plant-based JUST Egg, a Spicy Tofu Wrap and a White Bean Chili with Grilled Polenta
As we continue to elevate our guest experience, glassware is returning on our regional E175 flights and printed menus return on our coast-to-coast and Hawaii flights

What’s new in the main cabin

We’ve more than doubled the number of pre-order options that our guests can purchase in the Main Cabin, with a wider variety of selections for breakfast, lunch and dinner by offering different choices for outbound and inbound trips.

Breakfast options will include a Turkey, Bacon & Tomato Bagel Sandwich and Smoked Salmon Bagel Sandwich

Lunch and dinner options include two new salad choices designed in partnership with Evergreens Salad: Stand Banh Mi and Strawberry Fields for Chevre

There are also two new wraps to enjoy: Mediterranean Chicken Shawarma and Chicken Mango
On flights to and from Hawaii, we’re bringing back hot food with the return of our famous Tillamook cheeseburger with more hot food choices planned for the future
Our famous Signature Fruit and Cheese Platter and Fresh Start Protein Platters remain available in addition to more variety of sandwiches and salads

The new Jetsetter’s Jam sandwich is available for purchase by pre-order in the main cabin on flights over 775 miles. We made the decision years ago to be a peanut-free airline. The development of this new sandwich was created with safety in mind for guests with nut allergies. To prevent any reactions to food items we serve, allergens are listed on all guest-facing pre-order platforms as well as on the meals themselves. We’re also offering the Kid’s Choice Picnic Pack which is completely nut free and available on all flights over 670 miles. 

For beverages, First Class guests can enjoy wines from Ste. Chapelle – the oldest winery in Idaho led by a female winemaker – and we now serve Fat Tire Amber Ale from New Belgium, which is the first-ever completely carbon-neutral beer. In July, Sierra Nevada Hazy Little Thing Hazy IPA will join the mix along with a Schilling Hard Cider.

We know convenience matters. That’s why we emphasize our pre-order program for meal selections. It’s easy for our guests to order their favorites up to two weeks before their flight and up to 20 hours prior to departure in all cabins. Picnic Packs do not require pre-ordering and they’re available on board most flights longer than two hours.

See our full food and drink menu on alaskaair.com.

Alaska Airlines names a new vice president of strategy, analytics and transformation

May 9, 2023
Other News
Alaska Airlines
2 min read

Alaska Airlines has promoted Tiffany DeHaan to vice president of strategy, analytics and transformation. DeHaan assumes the role currently held by Sandy Stelling, who will retire from Alaska Airlines in July after 23 years.

DeHaan will oversee the execution of company strategy, development of all strategic initiatives and overall project execution for Alaska. She is responsible for Alaska’s data strategy to drive improved decision-making and value creation, while also providing leadership across the enterprise through successful collaboration and disciplined execution to deliver results for guests, employees and the airline.

“Tiffany is a big-picture strategic thinker who knows how to drive results and get things done,” said CEO Ben Minicucci. “We are well positioned to execute on our strategic growth and we are fortunate to have someone with Tiffany’s expertise and skills lead this work.”

DeHaan joined Alaska in 2018 as managing director of culture, learning and inclusion. In that role, she provided strategic and operational leadership for diversity, equity and inclusion, employee engagement, recognition and events, people communications, and leadership and organizational development to elevate Alaska’s culture and enhance the employee experience across Alaska Airlines and Horizon Air. She launched Alaska’s 2025 DEI Commitments, developed a vision and strategy for the Leader Academy to equip leaders to effectively lead in alignment with the company’s values and expectations of their role, redesigned the talent management strategy, and launched employee engagement programs including Leader Immersion and Flight Path.

Prior to joining Alaska, DeHaan spent 12 years at Point B, a global business consulting firm, leading the strategic execution of critical initiatives for major organizations.

DeHaan earned a bachelor’s degree in business administration with an emphasis in management information systems from Oregon State University. She and her family reside in Sammamish, Washington. Connect with her on LinkedIn.

New Washington Law Incentivizes Local Sustainable Aviation Fuel Production

May 4, 2023
On The Record
Alaska Airlines
1 min read

Alaska Airlines applauds Washington state Governor Jay Inslee, and bill sponsor, State Senator Andy Billig, for the signing of new legislation to help drive growth in the market for Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) in Washington state.

Investing in SAF has multilayered benefits, including the creation of family wage manufacturing jobs. Using SAF is also the most significant way we can reduce the greenhouse gas emissions of aviation over the next several decades. This legislation will help ensure that SAF is more available at a cost and scale that enables its use and continues to position Washington State as a leader on climate action.

This is a step in the right direction, and we look forward to working with public and private partners to realize its full potential.

Hawaiian Airlines 2023 Corporate Kuleana Report Highlights Path to Net-Zero Carbon Emissions by 2050

May 1, 2023
releases
Hawaiian Airlines
4 min read

HONOLULU – Hawaiian Airlines today published its 2023 Corporate Kuleana (Responsibility) Report describing the carrier’s progress on Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) priorities. In the past year, Hawaiʻi’s hometown airline has advanced its sustainability goals to achieve net-zero greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions by 2050, reduce single-use plastics from cabin service and offer more locally sourced food onboard.

Hawaiian’s decarbonization roadmap includes interim targets to lower GHG emissions and focuses heavily on replacing petroleum jet fuel with sustainable aviation fuel (SAF). Hawaiian is purchasing 50 million gallons of SAF from biofuel company Gevo, Inc., starting in 2029. Among its near-term commitments, the airline is seeking to decrease life-cycle jet fuel emissions per revenue ton mile by 45% by 2035 and replace 10% of conventional jet fuel with SAF by 2030.

“These targets, particularly those within the next decade, are a rallying cry for our organization to act urgently to address our carbon emissions,” Hawaiian Airlines President and CEO Peter Ingram said in the Corporate Kuleana Report’s welcome note. “We must also continue to partner with fuel producers and the airline industry, as well as states and the federal government to help accelerate SAF production and distribution at commercially viable prices.”

Hawaiian, which is working to phase out single-use plastics from in-flight service by 2029, carried 7% less single-use plastic per transpacific flight last year compared to 2021. It also increased locally produced food and beverage items served on flights departing from Hawaiʻi to 32% of its budget – up from 29% in 2021 and closer to its 2025 40% spending target.

As it continues to rebuild from the pandemic, Hawaiʻi’s largest and longest-serving airline last year welcomed 1,371 new teammates – approximately 20% of its year-end workforce of 7,108 people. None of its union contracts are currently amendable after Hawaiian successfully completed negotiations with all labor groups, providing significant improvements to wages. In planning for future recruiting needs, Hawaiian has established a number of school-to-career pipeline partnerships that encourage students to pursue aviation and technology careers, and broaden the carrier’s access to talent, especially in Hawaiʻi.

“Our commitment to diversity, inclusion and belonging remains an important driver of our recruitment and retention strategy. We continue to expand our searches for qualified veterans, women and other historically underrepresented groups,” Hawaiian noted in its report, which showed that 80% of employees identify as racially or ethnically diverse, and 48% as female. “In 2022, we were proud to once again lead major U.S. airlines in having the highest percentage of women pilots at more than 9.5%, well above the 5.8% 2021 global average.”

Hawaiian continues to play an outsized role supporting the economy of its home state. In 2022, it stimulated $10.2 billion in economic activity in Hawaiʻi and generated more than $600 million in Hawaiʻi state tax revenue, according to an economic impact study commissioned by Hawaiian.

For the second consecutive year, Hawaiian’s Corporate Kuleana Report includes reporting aligned with the Task Force on Climate-Related Disclosures (TCFD), in addition to Sustainability Accounting Standards Board (SASB) metrics it has provided since 2020.

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, 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. In 2022, the carrier topped Travel + Leisure’s 2022 World’s Best list as the No. 1 U.S. airline and was named Hawaiʻi's best employer by Forbes. Hawaiian® led all U.S. carriers in on-time performance for 18 consecutive years (2004-2021) as reported by the U.S. Department of Transportation.

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

Getaway Goals: when the Seattle Kraken score, fans can win a getaway on Alaska Airlines

May 1, 2023
Community
Alaska Airlines
3 min read

To celebrate our home team’s run through the playoffs, we’re offering deals, chances to win and priority boarding

This story was updated on May 8, 2023

As the Kraken make hockey history, we couldn’t be prouder to be the team’s official airline. We’re so proud, we’re getting our guests in on all the fun.

Getaway goals

When the Kraken score, you win round trip tickets!

Starting with Round 2 Game 3, the first player to score a goal unlocks the chance to win round trip flights. How many? The number on his jersey! For example, Jordan Eberle (#7) scored the first goal in Game 3, so we gave away 7 round trip tickets to 7 lucky winners.

Who will score first in Game 4? Tell us for a chance to win the next getaway!

Fans can enter by following @alaskaair on Twitter, Instagram and Facebook, replying with the player you think will score first and using the hashtag #AlaskaAirGoals. Entry opens 24 hours before and ends at puck drop for each game, and we’ll keep playing as long as the Kraken do.*

$99 flights to away games

We’re slashing ticket prices so hockey fans can cheer on the Kraken when they’re playing in enemy territory. As we’re playing the Dallas Stars in round 2 of the Stanley Cup Playoffs, fares between Seattle and Dallas (both DAL and DFW) are only $99. Restrictions apply, see terms and conditions at alaskaair.com/sale.

Score a Deep Discount

We are so proud of everything the Kraken have accomplished so far this season, and now we want to fill the rink in Dallas with as many Kraken fans as we can,” says Alaska CEO Ben Minicucci.

Priority boarding

As always during hockey season, guests sporting Kraken gear can board early on all Alaska flights departing from the Seattle-Tacoma International Airport (SEA), following group B.

American Hockey League fans of the Coachella Valley Firebirds, Palm Springs’ (PSP) new professional ice hockey expansion team of the Seattle Kraken, can also board early if they’re wearing Firebird gear.

*Terms and Conditions apply. Read more here.

Alaska Airlines

Alaska Airlines 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.

Alaska Airlines and ZeroAvia begin developing world’s largest zero-emission aircraft

May 1, 2023
Sustainability
Alaska Airlines
7 min read

Washington Gov. Jay Inslee, U.S. Rep. Suzan DelBene and Snohomish County Executive Dave Somers join CEOs from Alaska and ZeroAvia to launch retrofitting of aircraft

ZeroAvia unveils world’s most advanced electric motor technology for aviation, paving way for hydrogen-electric engines for Dash 8 and similar airframes

Alaska Airlines today presented a Bombardier Q400 regional turboprop to ZeroAvia that will be retrofitted with a hydrogen-electric propulsion system in an effort to expand the reach and applicability of zero emissions flight technology.

At an event, held at ZeroAvia’s Paine Field research and development site, the companies were joined by high school students from Raisbeck Aviation High School, Washington State Governor Jay Inslee, Congresswoman Suzan DelBene and Snohomish County Executive Dave Somers to participate in the formal handover of the 76-seat Q400 aircraft that will be developed by ZeroAvia, the U.S.-headquartered leader in designing and building zero-emission, hydrogen-electric aircraft propulsion systems for aircraft.

When Alaska Airlines’ regional carrier Horizon Air retired its Q400 fleet, it reserved one of the aircraft for research and development purposes to further advance zero emissions technology for the aviation industry. The aircraft was repainted with a special livery to highlight the innovative mission of this partnership.

ZeroAvia also debuted its breakthrough multi-megawatt modular electric motor system in a 1.8MW prototype configuration at the event – demonstrated with a propeller spin aboard the ZeroAvia’s 15-ton HyperTruck ground-test rig. Combined with higher temperature PEM fuel cells and advanced power electronics – both technologies that ZeroAvia is developing in-house – the leading-edge electric motor technology is one of three key building blocks for enabling commercially-relevant hydrogen fuel cell engines for larger aircraft.

This is a great step forward in aviation innovation, to help create a new future of flight – right here at home,” said Alaska Airlines CEO Ben Minicucci. “Alaska Airlines has defined a five-part journey to achieve net zero carbon emissions long-term, but we can’t get there alone. New technologies are required to make that future possible, and we’re thrilled to partner with industry leader ZeroAvia to make new zero emissions options a reality.”

Aligning ZeroAvia’s powertrain with the Dash 8-400 airframe will represent a commercially viable zero-emission aircraft with fuel cell engine technology around five times more powerful than what has been demonstrated anywhere to date.

“Demonstrating this size of aircraft in flight, powered entirely by novel propulsion, would have been unthinkable a few years ago,” said Val Miftakhov, founder and CEO of ZeroAvia. “Launching this program puts us on track for a test flight next year, and accelerates our progress toward the future of zero-emission flight for Alaska Airlines and for the world at large.”

ZeroAvia’s recent advancements clear the way for a potential flight of the Q400, also recognized as the Dash 8-400, but also demonstrate rapid progress toward certification of the ZA2000 propulsion system. ZeroAvia has already demonstrated a track-record of world-first flight testing. In January, ZeroAvia flew a retrofitted 19-seat aircraft with its prototype 600kW hydrogen-electric engine (ZA600). This followed the demonstration flight of a 250kW system in 2020, which at the time of flight was the world’s largest aircraft flown using a novel zero-emission power source.

ZeroAvia’s hydrogen-electric engine uses fuel cells to generate electricity from hydrogen fuel, before using that electricity to power electric motors which turn the aircraft propellers. The certifiable ZA2000 system will include ZeroAvia’s High Temperature PEM fuel cells and liquid hydrogen fuel storage, integral to delivering the necessary energy density for commercial operations of large regional turboprops. The company has already established an engineering partnership with De Havilland of Canada, the original manufacturer of the Dash 8 family of aircraft to enable exchange of data and expertise with the airframe.

In 2021, Alaska Airlines launched a partnership and invested in ZeroAvia to support the development of zero emissions propulsion technology for regional aircraft. As the fifth largest U.S. airline with a large regional network, Alaska has a unique opportunity to support the development of zero-emissions propulsion technology for regional aircraft. By establishing the viability of regional-sized aircraft, both companies will help advance zero-emissions technology across the industry.

“Our state has a rich history of leadership in aerospace and we’re proud to be at the center of a technological revolution in zero-emission flight. Through innovation and partnerships like the one demonstrated today, we can help write the next chapter of aviation history right here in Washington State.”
Washington State Governor Jay Inslee

Congresswoman Suzan DelBene (WA-01) said: “As we work to meet our emissions reduction goals, we must prioritize decarbonizing the commercial transportation sector. Washington state is leading the nation in developing and deploying clean energy technologies and the Alaska Airlines-ZeroAvia partnership is a prime example. This collaboration could revolutionize the aviation industry to make our planes greener and our skies cleaner.”

Snohomish County Executive Dave Somers said: “As a leader in supporting innovative industries, and as the center of aerospace manufacturing in Washington state, Snohomish County is proud to support this partnership and the development of the next generation of aviation technology, driving both job growth and environmental sustainability.”

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HyperCore Motor

The 1.8MW motor configuration demonstrated today consists of two “HyperCore” motor modules, each a high-power, high-speed 900kW permanent magnet radial flux machine which operates at 20,000 rpm, matching the typical turbine engine power turbine speeds, providing an unprecedented 15kW/kg motor power density. Crucially, HyperCore’s modular design enables the technology to address applications ranging from 900kW up to 5.4MW, meeting a number of regional turbo-prop and regional jet requirements. The HyperCores were successfully integrated with the stock Dash 8-400 engine gearbox and propeller, which dramatically simplifies integration into the aircraft as a replacement for a stock turbine engine.

The development and testing program will enable the understanding and measurement of system dynamics, calibration of physical and electrical models, and validation of thermal management systems. The company is concurrently developing world-class silicone-carbide power electronics and the matching hydrogen fuel cell systems, which convert hydrogen to electricity, powering the electric propulsion system. These systems will be brought together to create the full hydrogen-electric propulsion system, tested on the ground and then in the air.

About ZeroAvia

ZeroAvia is a leader in zero-emission aviation, focused on hydrogen-electric aviation as the initially targeting a 300-mile range in 9–19 seat aircraft by 2025, and up to 700-mile range in 40–80 seat aircraft by 2027. Based in the US and the UK, ZeroAvia has already secured experimental certificates for its three prototype aircraft from the CAA and FAA, passed significant flight test milestones, secured a number of key partnerships with major aircraft OEMs, secured $10B in pre-orders from a number of the major global airlines, and is on track for commercial operations in 2025. The company’s expanding UK operations are supported by grants from UK’s Aerospace Technology Institute and Innovate UK, and ZeroAvia is part of the UK Government’s Jet Zero Council. For more, please visit ZeroAvia.com, follow @ZeroAvia on Twitter, Instagram, and LinkedIn.

About Alaska Airlines

PNW island time! Alaska Airlines partners with Kenmore Air for connecting flights through Paine Field in Everett to San Juan Islands

May 1, 2023
Destinations
Alaska Airlines
3 min read

Don’t you love it when getting away to a getaway gets easier?

Alaska Airlines, in partnership with Kenmore Air, is ready to take you to one of Western Washington’s iconic vacation spots: the San Juan Islands, located north of Seattle.

You can book connecting flights now on alaskaair.com from destinations along the West Coast to the San Juans. You’ll fly on Alaska through Paine Field-Snohomish County Airport in Everett and connect on Kenmore Air’s modern fleet of Cessna Caravan aircraft to Friday Harbor on San Juan Island or Eastsound on Orcas Island.

It gets better! Mileage Plan members earn miles on the Kenmore flights when they purchase their tickets directly on alaskaair.com.

Learn more about Kenmore Air

Investing in our operations and the community in Everett remains important to us, and this partnership with Kenmore Air allows us to take our guests to more amazing places,” said Brett Catlin, vice president of loyalty, alliances and sales for Alaska Airlines. “Our guests can fly with us from destinations across the West such as Anchorage, San Francisco and Las Vegas to Everett, and then hop on a convenient flight with Kenmore Air to enjoy all the San Juans have to offer – and earn Mileage Plan miles along the way.”

We’ve been serving guests at Paine Field in Everett since regularly scheduled commercial service began there in March 2019. In the past four years, we’ve flown more than 1.6 million guests to and from Everett.

“As hometown airline favorites, Kenmore Air and Alaska Airlines share a pioneering history in aviation as well as a passion for service and the celebration of the joy of aviation in everything that we do,” said Todd Banks, president/CEO of Kenmore Air. “Kenmore Air is proud to bring its 77 years of experience serving the San Juans and British Columbia to the award-winning Alaska Airlines Mileage Plan, allowing for seamless booking between Alaska Airlines’ destinations and the San Juan Islands and the opportunity to earn miles.”   

Alaska currently offers 28 daily flights in Everett — 14 arrivals and 14 departures a day — to seven destinations.

Destination	# of Departures
Anchorage	1 daily flight
Las Vegas	2 daily flights
Los Angeles	1 daily flight
Orange County	2 daily flights
Phoenix	2 daily flights
San Diego	1 daily flight
San Francisco	5 daily flights

Our sister carrier Horizon Air provides most of our service at Paine Field with the Embraer 175 jet, with 737 service on select flights operated by Alaska. The E175 features First Class and Premium Class, and only window and aisle seating — there are no middle seats. Guests can enjoy hundreds of free movies and TV shows available for viewing on personal devices, free texting on most flights and Wi-Fi connectivity for purchase.

Don’t forget: Alaska is a member of the oneworld global alliance. With oneworld and our additional airline partners, our guests can earn and redeem miles with our highly acclaimed Mileage Plan program to fly on more than 25 oneworld and partner airlines all around the globe. 

Mele and Maile: Hawaiian Celebrates Lei Day by Sharing Aloha Through Music

April 29, 2023
blog
Hawaiian Airlines
3 min read

"Nothing feels like aloha does," sings Hawaiian actress and singer Auliʻi Cravahlo in the closing line of a new "May Day is Lei Day in Hawaiʻi" remix, written and produced exclusively for Hawaiian Airlines by Na Hoku Hanohano Award winner Paula Fuga.

Sharing aloha was the inspiration behind the catchy song – a fun, modern rendition of the 1929 original tune by Ruth and Leonard ‘Red” Hawk. In the same year of the famous track’s debut, Hawaiian Airlines launched its first scheduled flight from Honolulu to Hilo, stopping at Maui, using two Sikorsky S-38 amphibian planes that carried eight passengers and two crewmembers.

“We celebrate Lei Day in Hawaiʻi through mele (music), hula and sharing lei or acts of kindness. This melodic remake is our gift to the world that we hope will inspire our followers to spread aloha this May Day in their own special way,” explained Jeremy Althof, director of global advertising at Hawaiian Airlines.

"Auliʻi and Paula are local girls who grew up celebrating Lei Day. What they came up with is inspired by their personal memories and remixes a classic so that newer generations can pay homage, sing along, and share with others in the same way we share lei here in the islands," he added.

@hawaiianair If you can’t share a lei 🌺 on #LeiDay, why not share a mele? 🎵 @auliicravahloofficial and Paula Fuga are helping us spread the aloha spirit this #LeiDayRemix. #HawaiianAirlines @mastercard #DuetWithUs ♬ original sound – Hawaiian Airlines

The musical celebrations continue with the annual Lei Day concert by Robert Cazimero and Keauhou, who return to headline the Hawaiian Airlines May Day 2023 presented by Kilohana.

This year, Debbie Nakanelua-Richard, Hawaiian’s director of community and cultural relations, joins Hawaiʻi entertainer Billy V. in co-hosting the live broadcast event.

“Connecting people with aloha begins with honoring the traditions of our island home, and we’re excited to set the stage for a celebration of one of our most cherished holidays by showcasing several of Hawaii’s greatest musicians,” said Nakanelua-Richards.

The annual May Day concert by Robert Cazimero and Keahou

The concert, a production of nonprofit Kāhuli Leo Leʻa, will feature performances of mele, hula, and moʻolelo (stories) that serve to entertain and educate. Producer and Kāhuli Leo Leʻa Executive Director Zachary Lum explains that the theme of this year’s show is centered around the ‘kilohana,’ a cultural symbol of celebrated excellence and representation.

“The show will feature three legendary ‘kilohana’: Robert Cazimero, Nina Kealiʻiwahamana and Jerry Santos. Their melodies have become the soundtracks of generations, the anthems of movements, the familiar voice that brings us together. Their songs remain at the highest standard of Hawaiʻi's music, and as such, they continue to exemplify excellence in representing Hawaiʻi,” shared Lum.

The May Day concert features performances of mele, hula, and moʻolelo (stories)

Hawaiian Airlines May Day 2023 presented by Kilohana will kick off from the Great Lawn at Bishop Museum tonight at 7 p.m. HST. To stream the live event online, visit www.mele.com.

The concert will also be held for the first time in Japan on May 28, with performances by Keauhou Robert Cazimero, Nina Kealiʻiwahamana, Kuana Torres-Kahele, Miss Aloha Hula 2010 Mahealani Mika and the Hawaiian Airlines Serenaders.

Tickets for the live Japan concert can be purchased here.

Wind in the Sails for Polynesian Voyaging, Hawaiian Airlines Donates 34 Million Miles for Latest Hōkūleʻa Odyssey

April 27, 2023
blog
Hawaiian Airlines
5 min read

Scores of well-wishers gathered at the Marine Education & Training Center on Honolulu’s Sand Island earlier this month to bid aloha to Hōkūleʻa as her crew prepared to transport the iconic Polynesian voyaging canoe to the Pacific Northwest.

Supporters brought hoʻokupu (gifts) and draped lei on the hulls of the 64-foot canoe; they talked story with crew members and took photos from the deck. It was Hōkūleʻa’s last full day in Hawaiʻi before being loaded onto a cargo ship bound for Tacoma, Washington. She’ll journey to Yukatat, Alaska, for a “Heritage Sail” before making her way to Juneau, the launch point for a 47-month journey circumnavigating the Pacific.

This is Hōkūleʻa’s 15th major voyage in her 50-year history, and the trek is epic, not only in scope but in purpose: to ignite a movement of 10 million “plenary navigators” to pursue and lead efforts for the betterment of the planet.

“Moananuiākea: A Voyage for Earth” is an ambitious and demanding sail. From Juneau, Hōkūleʻa heads to British Columbia and Seattle, where she’ll meet sister canoe Hikianalia in August. The canoes will travel along the U.S. West Coast to Central and South America before sailing east to Aotearoa (New Zealand), Melanesia and Micronesia. The voyage is scheduled to end in Japan in the fall of 2026.

Image credit: Polynesian Voyaging Society

In all, the canoes will sail 43,000 nautical miles, and visit 36 countries and archipelagoes, nearly 100 indigenous territories and 345 ports. The expansive journey is an immense undertaking for the 400 crewmembers and the Polynesian Voyaging Society (PVS) – but with the future of the planet at stake, there’s an urgency to act.

“How does the earth work? You cannot protect what you don't understand,” Nainoa Thompson, master navigator and CEO of PVS, told well-wishers at the community sendoff for Hōkūlea.

Thompson recalled the Mālama Honua Worldwide Voyage (2013-2019), which took Hōkūlea and Hikianalia to more than 100 ports in 27 countries where crewmembers engaged with communities on ocean conservation and climate change issues. In sharing its message of environmental stewardship and sustainability, Hōkūlea raised awareness of the need for global cooperation and collective action to address environmental challenges.

Photo credit: Polynesian Voyaging Society

Hōkūleʻa sailing alongside the Statue of Liberty in 2016 during the Mālama Honua Worldwide Voyage.

“We came home from the worldwide voyage and we learned so much. Infinite amounts. Every day was a story. Every day was a lesson. There were teachers across the planet that we never even knew existed,” remembered Thompson.

PVS plans to turn those lessons into action with Moananuiākea, which will tap into the power of indigenous knowledge to encourage mālama (care) and kuleana (responsibility) for the Earth.

Hawaiian Airlines understands mālama and kuleana well. Along with the pride that comes with being Hawaiʻi’s airline comes a responsibility to care for the well-being of our environment, culture and communities. The company outlines its commitments and progress in these areas in its annual Corporate Kuleana report.

A Team Kōkua employee volunteer helping replant and restore native forests in O‘ahu’s Ko‘olau Mountains.

When Hawaiian was approached to support Moananuiākea, the company didn’t hesitate and signed on as the official airline sponsor, donating 34 million air miles for crew travel and committing to transporting cargo associated with the voyage around the Pacific. Hawaiian was given the title of Moa’e Kū sponsor, named for the predictable, steady and reliable wind that navigators depend on.

“Crewmembers will have the arduous task of keeping Hōkūle‘a and Hikianalia on course. We will help keep you on track from a logistical perspective, transporting your crew and cargo throughout our Asia-Pacific and North America network,” said Peter Ingram, president and CEO of Hawaiian Airlines, in announcing the donation.

Nainoa Thompson, master navigator and CEO of PVS (left), and Peter Ingram, president and CEO of Hawaiian Airlines, at the press conference announcing “Moananuiākea: A Voyage for Earth” and Hawaiian's donation of 34 million miles.

Hawaiian’s support of PVS goes back decades, and as the voyaging organization has broadened its mission, it has helped the airline better understand global efforts to protect natural resources. Hawaiian was the lead sponsor of the Mālama Honua voyage, whose lessons helped shape and inform our own thinking and actions.

“We’ve taken steps to be kinder to the planet and to care for this beautiful place that we are so lucky to call home,” said Ingram. “The vessels we navigate are different, but we both connect people to each other and to places that hold meaning for them.”