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 supports Juneteenth Foundation ‘because when values align, great opportunities can take flight’ 

Our values guide everything we do, and it’s the reason Alaska supports the Juneteenth Foundation. 

Last year, like many companies, we recognized Juneteenth for the first time—a significant milestone in American history that reminds us to reflect on our country’s past and consider how we can show up and build a more equitable future for all, together. 

Juneteenth is not just a Black holiday, it’s an American holiday that gives us all an opportunity to show how far we’ve come and how much more work we still have to do so everyone has the same opportunity,” said James Thomas, director of diversity, equity and inclusion. “We’re excited to partner with the Juneteenth Foundation because when values align, great opportunities can take flight.” 

This year, The Juneteenth Foundation hosted The Freedom Festival in Washington D.C., one of the largest Juneteenth week-long celebrations in America, where Alaska employees, students attending HBCUs, community leaders, celebrities and Fortune 500 brands came together to celebrate some of the world’s biggest names in Black culture, philanthropy, entertainment and music.

As the official airline partner of the Juneteenth Foundation celebration in Washington D.C, we’re honored to represent the aviation community and contribute to a great cause. We also left a special surprise under people’s seats (roundtrip tickets) and can’t wait to see them in the skies soon. 

At Alaska, we believe education is the great equalizer and a critical component on the path to equity. 

Last year, we joined the HBCU Partnership Challenge to promote greater engagement and support between private companies like ours and Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs). We know we still have work to do, but we also recognize the impact we can have when we use our voice to advance our values. 

We have a responsibility to use our platform and voice to encourage conversations around the need for greater diversity, equity and inclusion within our industry and beyond,” says CEO Ben Minicucci, who was recently elected to UNCF’s Board of Directors. “We are inspired and guided by our value to do the right thing and know we’re stronger when everyone has equal opportunity and a seat at the table.” 

We’ve been a proud partner with UNCF for over 15 years, and last year committed to donating another 10 million miles to fly students to college tours at HBCUs around the country.   

Over the weekend, at the Juneteenth celebration in Washington D.C., 25 students were awarded scholarships toward their education from the Juneteenth Foundation, Alaska Airlines and other partners. Citerra Johnson was one of several who could attend. As a nursing student going into her senior year at Coppin State University, she says she was so excited to be receiving one of the grants.  

Five of the scholarship recipients were able to attend the Juneteenth Foundation Honors ceremony.

The Juneteenth scholarship means a lot to me, I was looking for scholarships and grants through my school and saw this and decided to apply because it will really help ease some of the burden going into my last year,” Johnson said. 

Alaska Airlines is committed to DEI 

Last February, we announced our 2025 diversity, equity and inclusion goals and committed to creating a more inclusive workforce. Since then, we’ve shared updates on what’s underway to meet our goals. This work is core to our values and critical to our strategic growth plan, and we’re pleased to share we’re making progress. Learn more. 

Through career panels, events, philanthropic giving, and community partnerships, as of June 2022, we’ve created career pathways for more than 15,000 young people.

How Our Employees Are Creating Spaces for Reflection and Inclusion this Juneteenth (and Beyond)

Allyship is a crucial ingredient to the success that the Hawaiian Airlines Network for Black Employees and Allies employee resource group (NBEA ERG) has had in elevating and empowering our company’s Black teammates. This month, the NBEA leaned on its work community to host a series of impactful events focused on educating employees and honoring Juneteenth’s historical and cultural significance.

“Our Juneteenth celebrations were a potent example of the impact that strong allyship has toward creating intentional progress and more inclusive workplaces,” said Michael Harvey, senior manager of information technology and president of the group.

IMG_4268

A new pop-up space dedicated to reflection and commemoration of Juneteenth and Black culture

In April, with Juneteenth on the horizon (June 19), the group began consulting with Hawaiian Airlines’ cultural and community teams to brainstorm ways to engage other employees in meaningful experiences. The result: transforming a room in a high-traffic area in the company’s headquarters into a creative space designed for reflection and commemoration of Juneteenth.

Developed under the guidance of The Pōpolo Project, a local nonprofit that works to redefine what it means to be Black in Hawai‘i and in the world, and celebrated Black artist Nanci Amaka, the space is rich with books about Juneteenth and Black history, R&B and Soul vinyl albums with a record player, and a selection of Amaka’s thought-provoking artwork, including her poem “Rising Sun,” written in commemoration for Juneteenth at Hawaiian Airlines.

DSC03325

Amaka pictured with NBEA ERG members during the unveiling of the Juneteenth reflection space last week
DSC03359

“Rising Sun” by Nanci Amaka
Artwork

Amaka’s artwork featured inside the Juneteenth reflection space, including a gilded slave collar and a bouquet of cotton, dried flowers and peacock feathers

In addition to the room, Amaka’s photography was featured in a walkable gallery space, beckoning employees and office visitors to stop and reflect while appreciating her powerful expressions of vulnerability, mortality and metamorphosis.

Nanci Amaka’s video piece in her “Ije Eze” series, which plays on loop inside the Juneteenth reflection space

Artwork2

CREDIT: Nanci Amaka – “Ije Eze” series – www.nancimuraoka.com
A selection of Amaka’s artwork featured in the walkable gallery space at the Hawaiian Airlines headquarters

The NBEA’s Juneteenth commemoration also included a lunchtime presentation by Alphonso Braggs, president of the NAACP – Hawaiʻi chapter, held in the company’s LunchBox cafeteria. Braggs emphasized the importance of inclusivity and how every employee can play a role in advancing diversity, equity and inclusion in the workplace.

DSC03453

Michael Harvey (left) and Alphonso Braggs (right) after his presentation

“It’s important that workplaces ensure cultural recognition and encourage a greater understanding of ethnic backgrounds. I think for Black employees, it’s important they understand African Americans’ contributions to Hawai’i. There are so many things that we made historical impacts on that are unknown today,” Braggs said during his presentation.

Braggs added, “When someone doesn’t know their history or contributions, they don’t take a greater sense of pride in moving those legacies forward. When we bring and embrace cultures together, there is more awareness, acceptance and tolerance in the community and workplace.”

DSC03401

Braggs during his lunch-hour presentation

The NBEA ERG capped its events with a special pau hana (happy hour) featuring live music by Nā Hōkū Hanohano Award-Winner Kamakakehau Fernandez, complimentary food and drinks from Bourbon Street, a Black-owned restaurant and bar in downtown Honolulu, and a pop-up Hawaiian Airlines logo store that raised $2,000 for The Pōpolo Project.

“Having so many prominent Black, Hawaiʻi-based artists and leaders involved in our Juneteenth celebrations was monumental for us. We are in complete awe with their work and are inspired by their willingness to support our vision with their wisdom,” Harvey reflected.

Pau hana

Left: Nā Hōkū Hanohano Award-Winner Kamakakehau Fernandez | Right: Employees filling their plates with food from Bourbon Street Restaurant and Bar

It’s been two years since the NBEA ERG spread its wings and took flight at Hawaiian Airlines. Harvey reflected that the journey to get to where the group is today has been exciting, supportive and challenging all at once.

“Our ERG started with a blank canvas, but we felt it was important first to take some time to figure out who we were and how we would amplify our mission of empowering our Black employees,” he said. “Fast forward to 2022, and I feel we’ve done a great job at painting a colorful identity for ourselves and serving as stewards of diversity and inclusion.”

DSC03347

Officers of the NBEA ERG pictured with Amaka (center) during the unveiling of the Juneteenth reflection space

Since the group’s inception, its members have volunteered at local food banks, provided guidance on talking about allyship, Black culture in Hawaiʻi, Juneteenth and Black History Month across company channels, hosted presentations and panels with social justice figures, and built spaces for conversations around race, culture and identity via intimate book club and roundtable events.

“We are grateful for the support that we’ve received from our colleagues and leaders across the company. Their help has helped add more visibility to our work and unlock additional resources so we can get to where we want our group to be,” Harvey added.

From CSA to VP: Celley Buchanan elected vice president of airport operations and customer service at Alaska Airlines

Alaska Airlines’ board of directors has elected Celley Buchanan vice president of airport operations and customer service. In this role she is responsible for all aspects of the airline’s airport operations across its broad network, excluding Seattle. 

Buchanan is a 23-year veteran of Alaska Airlines and Horizon Air. She started her career as a customer service agent in Los Angeles (LAX) and served there for 13 years, progressing into leadership of all aspects of Alaska’s operation, including serving as LAX general manager.  

She then moved to Horizon Air as director of ground operations for two years, before moving back to Alaska as director of operations support services. She has been in her current role, managing director of airport operations support for Alaska since 2020, where she set the long term strategy for ground support equipment, business partner performance, cabin cleaning, deicing and divisional safety, among other programs.   

Celley Buchanan

Buchanan’s leadership helped to establish the airline’s Next-Level Care program at the start of the pandemic, which introduced more than 100 safety policies and procedures designed to ensure the safety of our guests and employees.  

Celley is a people leader with a deep understanding of our operation and what makes us tick,” said Wayne Newton, senior vice president of airport operations and customer service at Alaska Airlines and chairman of McGee Air Services board of directors. “Her tenacity and skill working across the organization will raise our airports teams to even higher levels of performance, safety and empowerment.” 

Buchanan is a graduate of the University of Washington’s Foster School of Business Executive MBA program. Connect with her on LinkedIn. 

Love is – quite literally – in the air at Alaska Airlines  

Photos by Ingrid Barrentine

Grab a tissue! This love story may bring tears to your eyes and definitely make your heart skip a beat. 

Yesterday, Skywest Flight Attendant Veronica flew with her girlfriend (and newly hired Alaska pilot!) Alejandra on our special Pride delight flight from San Francisco to Los Angeles. Skywest is one of Alaska’s regional airline partners in the Pacific Northwest.

They first met while flying Alaska Airlines two years ago.  

“I was just like, ‘Oh, wow, this girl, she’s perfect,’” Veronica said. 

Recently, she shared her idea for a mid-air marriage proposal with the team and how the couple has always wanted to fly on our “Fly With Pride” plane—of course, we were onboard and going to make this happen!  

On Wednesday afternoon, Veronica told Alejandra to pack her bags for a quick trip from SFO to LAX. Halfway through the flight, in true flight-attendant fashion, Veronica used the PA system to propose to Alejandra (in English and Spanish!).  

But there’s a plot twist! 

We had no idea Alejandra was also planning to propose to Veronica that same day.  

When the couple deplaned, Alejandra surprised all of us by popping the question to Veronica at the gate, and a double proposal celebration at LAX ensued! 

It’s awesome, I feel very, very loved today,” said Alejandra. “Alaska has always been my number one forever. I can definitely tell how much they care.” 

Fly with Pride on Alaska Airlines 

There are many ways you can fly with Pride this year. Whether it’s jet setting to a parade or taking a trip to visit loved ones, we have you covered to celebrate pride onboard. 

We’re also celebrating the first anniversary of our Pride aircraft in Alaska Airlines’ network. 

“I’ve always appreciated Alaska; how deeply involved they are in the LGBTQ+ community,” Veronica said. “All the love and support is just super overwhelming and amazing.” 

Food & Beverage 

Treat yourself at 30,000 feet (for those 21+) with our new INTRINSIC wine in First Class. The fruity, spicy and silky-smooth Washington State Cabernet Sauvignon is not only delicious but also proudly supports GLAAD and the LGBTQ+ community.  

Movies & TV Shows 

During your flight, don’t miss our dedicated collection of LGBTQ+ films and TV shows on board, such as RuPaul’s Drag Race, Love Simon, Transfinite, The Birdcage and more. Connect to our Wi-Fi network on your device to watch for free and visit AlaskaWiFi.com to browse our extensive library. 

Music 

Listen closely as you board our plane and you might hear songs from LGBTQ+ artists, including Torii Wolf, Sarah, the Illstrumentalist, Low Girl and more. We love setting the tone for a great flight! 

Parades 

Want to celebrate Pride with us? Alaska will be sponsoring parades throughout the year: 

  • Portland, June 19 
  • San Francisco, June 26 
  • Seattle, June 26 
  • San Diego, July 16 
  • Boise, Sept. 9-11  
  • Honolulu, Oct. 15  
  • Palm Springs, Nov. 4-6 

At Alaska, we are proudly committed to the communities we serve. We care deeply about celebrating diversity, creating a culture of inclusion and belonging, and fighting for equality in the workplace and around the globe to help create a more equitable society.  

As longtime supporters of the LGBTQ+ community through public policy advocacy and corporate giving, we continue to explore ways to foster an inclusive work environment and work closely with Alaska’s Pride Crew (formerly known as GLOBE), our LGBTQ+ business resource group and employees to create meaningful change for our colleagues, guests and partners.

Happy Pride month!  

Hello there, Cleveland! Hey, Miami! Alaska Airlines now flies to two new destinations

We’ve also added new nonstop routes that connect Boise to Idaho Falls and Las Vegas; new nonstop flight between Anchorage and Salt Lake City starts service this weekend

With the official start of summer just days away, Alaska Airlines is once again expanding our horizons with the launch of five new routes this week as many of us are eager for fun in the sun in different places.

We’re now flying to two new cities: Cleveland and Miami with daily nonstop service from our hometown hub in Seattle. Plus, we keep growing in Boise with new nonstops to both Idaho Falls and Las Vegas. And we have a new nonstop flight between Anchorage and Salt Lake City.  

Northeast Ohio, South Florida, southern Idaho – we’re flying new routes and heading to new destinations where our guests want to go,” said Brett Catlin, vice president of network and alliances at Alaska Airlines. “We’re seeing strong tickets sales for all our new nonstops. That’s another indication that so many of us are ready to get out and go places.”

Tickets for all flights are available for purchase on alaskaair.com.

We begin flying between Seattle and Cleveland today. This summer, we’re the only airline connecting the vibrant city in Northeast Ohio with nonstop service to the Pacific Northwest. Cleveland becomes the third city we’ll serve in the Buckeye State with daily nonstops to Seattle joining Columbus and Cincinnati.

“We are truly excited to welcome Alaska Airlines to the Cleveland Market,” said Robert Kennedy, Director of Airports, Cleveland Hopkins International Airport. “It’s great to see this exceptional air service to Seattle that will connect Clevelander’s to West Coast cities, Hawaii, western Canada and Alaska.”

We’re also launching today our new daily nonstop flight between Seattle and Miami. The popular South Florida vacation spot becomes our 100th nonstop destination from Seattle – a cultural hub for travelers around the world with its incredible nightlife, art, music, architecture and food. Since 2012, we’ve provided nonstop service between Seattle and Fort Lauderdale, just to the north of Miami. 

SEARCH FLIGHTS TO/FROM MIAMI

We proudly welcome Alaska Airlines back to Miami International Airport for the first time in 10 years,” said Miami-Dade County Mayor Daniella Levine Cava. “Daily flights to the Pacific Northwest and beyond will give our residents more travel options, especially to the beautiful state of Alaska. I also commend Alaska Airlines for being included in TIME Magazine’s list of the 100 Most Influential Companies of 2022 for its work in sustainability, one of my highest priorities for Miami-Dade County.”

In Boise, we keep growing with a pair of new flights we know our guests have been eager to see. Starting today, we now offer daily nonstop service to both Idaho Falls and Las Vegas from the Idaho capital city. With these additional routes, we’ll fly an average of 31 daily departures from Boise to 15 destinations – all nonstop.

Our flight between Idaho Falls and Boise will offer an easier, more convenient way to travel for business and leisure. The flight times work out well for a day trip from Idaho Falls to Boise: a mid-morning departure and then a return flight in the early evening. The added route joins our existing flights from the Spokane/Coeur d’Alene and Pullman/Moscow areas to link all key population centers across the state to Boise.

“We are thrilled this moment has become a reality for our great community,” said Idaho Falls Mayor Rebecca Casper. “Providing this nonstop flight to Boise opens up greater economic opportunities through the only intrastate commercial airline service.”

SEARCH FLIGHTS TO/FROM BOISE

Starting June 18, we’ll connect two summertime spots that are famous for outdoor adventures: Anchorage and Salt Lake City. We’ll fly nonstop every week. This summer, we’ll offer a wide variety of 22 nonstop destinations from Anchorage.

SEARCH FLIGHTS TO/FROM ANCHORAGE

Hawaiian Airlines Partners with Celebrity Dance Sensation Mark Kanemura to Launch The #RainbowRunwayChallenge

HONOLULU – In honor of National Pride Month, Hawaiian Airlines tapped Hawaiʻi-born dance celebrity Mark Kanemura to kick off its #RainbowRunwayChallenge in a vibrant celebration of inclusivity and aloha. Coinciding with the debut of the airline’s new TikTok channel, followers are encouraged to create their own #RainbowRunwayChallenge dance or walk inspired by the video for a chance to win 160,000 HawaiianMiles, a five-night stay at the Royal Hawaiian Resort and a chance to join Kanemura as the guest of honor on Hawaiian’s Rainbow Runway float at the Honolulu Pride Parade and Festival on Oct. 15.

 

@hawaiianair ✨SWEEPSTAKES✨ Celebrate #Pride and join us in our 🌈Rainbow Runway Challenge🌈. Show off your own runway walk and enter for a chance to win 160,000 HawaiianMiles, a 5-night stay at the #TheRoyalHawaiian and an opportunity to dance with Mark at the Honolulu Pride parade in October. Here’s how you can enter: 1️⃣ Follow us at HawaiianAir. 2️⃣ Add your own flair and post your runway walk, inspired by Hawai‘i-born celebrity dancer @Mark Kanemura 3️⃣ Post your video and tag us, #RainbowRunwayChallenge and #Sweepstakes in your caption. 🏳️‍🌈#PrideMonth #AlohaIsAloha NO P ♬ original sound – Hawaiian Airlines

“Dance is a universal language that can break barriers, and the #RainbowRunwayChallenge represents an opportunity for people to express themselves in a fun and prideful way. I have always believed that dance is for everyone, and I am so excited to connect with people through this challenge,” said Kanemura. “This video is all about self-expression and pride, and during the filming I was reminded how proud I am to be from this special place and to be a part of this beautiful community. I cannot wait to return in October for an even bigger celebration!”

Purple HNL airport_Horizontal

 

The video for the #RainbowRunwayChallenge takes viewers through Kanemura’s hometown to seven notable locations across Oʻahu representing a different color of the rainbow, including the Royal Hawaiian Resort, also known as the “Pink Palace” (red), Waikīkī’s Surfboard Alley (orange), Waimānalo Country Farms’ sunflower fields (yellow), Kāko'o ʻŌiwi’s taro patches (green) and the famous Waikīkī pier (blue). The video concludes with an epic dance celebration on a runway at Honolulu’s Daniel K. Inouye International Airport, backed by the airline's iconic Pualani aircraft tail (purple). Along the way, Kanemura is joined by several friends who include local LGBTQ+ influencers, keiki (kid) pop dancers, hula dancers, drag queens and members of Hawaiian’s LBGTQ+ employee resource group, Haʻaheo (pride).

The #RainbowRunwayChallenge will come full circle in October for Honolulu Pride, where the sweepstakes winner will join Kanemura as the guest of honor on the official larger-than-life Hawaiian Airlines’ Rainbow Runway float.

The 2022 Honolulu Pride Parade and Festival will kick off on Oct. 1 with events throughout the month. This year’s theme, “Rooted in Pride,” celebrates the cultural and ancestral queer roots in the Hawaiian Islands. As the official airline sponsor of Honolulu Pride, Hawaiian Airlines proudly supports The Hawaiʻi LGBT Legacy Foundation in their mission to educate, facilitate and empower LBGTQA+ people as integral members of Hawaiʻi’s diverse community.

Orange surfboard alley

 

Guests can also follow Kanemura’s footsteps and explore his favorite Oʻahu stops by checking out his new exclusive Island Guide feature.

Follow Hawaiian Airlines on TikTok (@HawaiianAir) and Instagram (@HawaiianAirlines). For more information and official rules and regulations of the #RainbowRunwayChallenge, please visit HawaiianAirlines.com/OfficialRules.

About Hawaiian Airlines

Hawaiian® has led all U.S. carriers in on-time performance for each of the past 18 years (2004-2021) as reported by the U.S. Department of Transportation and was named No. 1 U.S. airline by Condé Nast Traveler’s 2021 Readers' Choice Awards. Consumer surveys by Travel + Leisure and TripAdvisor have placed Hawaiian among the top of all domestic airlines serving Hawaiʻi.

Now in its 93rd year of continuous service, Hawaiian is Hawaiʻi's biggest and longest-serving airline. Hawaiian offers approximately 130 daily flights within the Hawaiian Islands, daily nonstop flights between Hawaiʻi and 16 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.

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) and TikTok (@HawaiianAirlines). For career postings and updates, follow Hawaiian’s LinkedIn page.

Five reasons to travel using Alaska Airlines mobile app

We can all agree getting to a destination safely is the most important thing during a travel day, but getting there in the easiest way possible is also great. Cue, Alaska’s mobile app.

Our app is the perfect travel companion from the day you start shopping for flights, all the way through to the moment you arrive at your destination. You can use it to plan your trip, skip the lines and get your digital boarding pass right at your finger tips.

Download the Alaska Airlines app for iPhone, Android, or Windows Phone before your next flight (you’ll be glad you did!). ✈️

Here are some of the reasons to go mobile next time you fly with us:

1. Hassle-free check-in

The app makes it easy to check in 1 to 24 hours prior to your scheduled departure.

Simply add your reservation using your flight confirmation number and name—and follow the steps until it says you’re checked in!

Pro tip: Move faster through airport security lines by applying for TSA PreCheck or Global Entry—simply add your known traveler number or redress number during the check-in process.

2. Mobile boarding pass

Once you’re checked in, it should take you to your mobile boarding pass—which also helps you fly more sustainably (no paper = happy trees).

Pro tip: The app allows you to scan one boarding pass for each family or for groups on the same reservation.

3. Pre-order meals

Enjoy fresh ingredients inspired by the West Coast, from snacks to freshly prepared meals, by pre-ordering your favorites ahead your flight.

Pro tip: Meal orders are open 14 days before departure. In case you missed it: Mileage Plan members can store a method of payment in their Mileage Plan account for touch-free inflight purchases, including food and beverages. Join/Sign in Mileage Plan

Learn how pre-order works

4. Prepay for bags & print tags

Using the app, you can pay for any applicable fees for checked baggage during the check-in process.

Pro tip: Baggage discounts apply for select guests, including Alaska Airlines credit card holders, Elite level Mileage Plan members, and US military personnel.

Skip the line! Print your bag tags at one of our kiosks in the lobby using your mobile boarding pass. Once the tag prints, you can tag/drop your bag at our bag drop area.

You can also print your bag tags at home, using our self-tag feature. When traveling from an eligible airport, you can print bag tags at home using self-tag online, or once you arrive at the airport at one of our self-tag kiosks. Then look for our designated baggage drop areas, and you’ll be quickly on your way.

How it self-tagging works:

  1. Book your trip on our mobile app or at alaskaair.com.
  2. Follow instructions in your pre-trip email to request a bag tag holder in advance by mail or pick up a holder in person at the airport.
  3. Check in online up to 24 hours before your flight and follow the instructions to print a bag tag at home.
  4. Insert your printed bag tag into the tag pouch.
  5. At the airport, follow signs for “Bag Drop.”
  6. Show the agent your boarding pass, identification and drop off your bags.

5. Booking tickets

Book your next flight or find the cheapest fare on the fly on our app.

The app also keeps you up to date on your flight status, gate changes and boarding notifications. Download the app today if you don’t already have it!

What the app offers you before/during your trip:

Before your trip:
– Check in and get your mobile boarding pass
– Select and change your seats
– Prepay for checked baggage

During your trip:
– Check your flight status
– Change your reservation
– Get boarding notices and other travel updates
– Print your own bag tags
– View and manage your travel receipts
– Track your Mileage Plan™ balance

Hawaiian Airlines and Par Hawaii Announce Plan to Jointly Explore Sustainable Aviation Fuel in Hawaiʻi

HA High Res Logo_mid

HONOLULU — Hawaiian Airlines, the state’s largest and longest-serving air carrier, and Par Hawaii, LLC (“Par Hawaii”) an affiliate of Par Pacific Holdings, Inc. (NYSE: PARR) that is Hawaiʻi’s largest supplier of energy products, announced plans today to join forces to study the commercial viability of locally produced sustainable aviation fuels (“SAF”) — to replace all or a percentage of traditional kerosene-based jet fuel with fuel that is made with sustainable feedstocks.   

This is a major step for both organizations to reduce carbon emissions, to address climate change and to create a more sustainable energy future for Hawaiʻi.

Based on a memorandum of understanding signed by both companies, Hawaiian Airlines and Par Hawaii will jointly evaluate the potential to convert two of the processing units at Par’s Kapolei refinery to produce renewable fuels, including sustainable aviation fuel; explore the production of locally grown, oil-yielding crops; study the feasibility of importing sustainable feedstocks to produce sustainable aviation fuel and other renewable products; and convene stakeholders to continue to support and identify federal and state policies and programs that accelerate Hawaiʻi-based production of renewable fuels.

“We have over 260 employees at our Kapolei refinery engaged in high quality manufacturing work,” said William Pate, president and CEO of Par Pacific. “We’re excited to be partnering with Hawaiian Airlines to innovate and position our business for the future. Aviation fuel represents approximately 40% of Hawaiʻi’s fuel demand, and our work with Hawaiian is an important step in addressing these emissions.”

"This is the first step in what we hope will be a long and productive relationship that reflects both parties' unwavering commitment to the environment and to these islands we call home," said Peter Ingram, president and CEO of Hawaiian Airlines. "SAF is an integral part of decarbonizing aviation, and we hope to be able to make joint investments in SAF production here in Hawaiʻi, which will benefit both the environment and our economy.”

Ingram added: “We know that it will take more than just our companies to accomplish this ambitious objective, and we look forward to engaging with partners across the community to build a more sustainable future for travel to, from and within the islands.”

In 2019, Par Pacific invested $27 million in a distillate hydrotreater at its Kapolei refinery to produce more jet fuel and ultra-low sulfur diesel. This relatively new processing unit, along with the refinery’s distillate hydrocracker – which produces high value transportation fuels by converting heavier, lower value products under high temperature and pressure – are the two primary units being considered for renewable fuels production. 

“We believe we’re headed in the right direction by collaborating with Hawaiian Airlines to explore the shift from petroleum to biofuels at our Par Hawaii refinery,” said Eric Wright, president of Par Hawaii.

About Par Pacific

Par Pacific Holdings, Inc. (NYSE: PARR), headquartered in Houston, Texas, owns and operates market-leading energy, infrastructure, and retail businesses. Par Pacific’s strategy is to acquire and develop businesses in logistically complex, niche markets. Par Pacific owns and operates one of the largest energy networks in Hawaii with 94,000 bpd of operating refining capacity, a logistics system supplying the major islands of the state and 90 retail locations. In the Pacific Northwest and the Rockies, Par Pacific owns and operates 60,000 bpd of combined refining capacity, related multimodal logistics systems, and 29 retail locations.  Par Pacific also owns 46% of Laramie Energy, LLC, a natural gas production company with operations and assets concentrated in Western Colorado. More information is available at www.parpacific.com.

About Hawaiian Airlines

Hawaiian® has led all U.S. carriers in on-time performance for each of the past 18 years (2004-2021) as reported by the U.S. Department of Transportation and was named No. 1 U.S. airline by Condé Nast Traveler’s 2021 Readers' Choice Awards. Consumer surveys by Travel + Leisure and TripAdvisor have placed Hawaiian among the top of all domestic airlines serving Hawaiʻi.

Now in its 93rd year of continuous service, Hawaiian is Hawaiʻi's biggest and longest-serving airline. Hawaiian offers approximately 130 daily flights within the Hawaiian Islands, daily nonstop flights between Hawaiʻi and 16 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.

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.

NMG Network to Produce Hawaiian Airlines Hana Hou! Magazine, Evolve In-Flight Media

HA High Res Logo_mid


HONOLULU — A new partnership between Hawaiian Airlines and Honolulu -based custom media creator NMG Network will build upon the award-winning work of Hana Hou!, the airline's in-flight magazine and video entertainment, starting in August.

Jason Cutinella, NMG Network's Founder and CEO, started the company with creative integrity and storytelling at its core. Since 2009, the company has used beautifully crafted video and print stories to showcase the best of what Hawaiʻi has to offer.

"Working with Hawaiian Airlines is beyond a privilege," Cutinella says. "We're bringing NMG Network's highly curated, omnichannel approach to the partnership. Meaningful content is foundational to our business, and what better way to showcase the culture and lifestyle of Hawaiʻi than with curated media through a local lens."

Hawaiian Airlines, Hawaii's hometown carrier for 93 years, selected NMG to advance its Hana Hou ! brand by producing rich Hawaiʻi content through print and video storytelling. NMG's first issue of Hana Hou ! will be available onboard all aircraft in August, with new original video series and expanded digital content launching this fall.

" Hana Hou ! is more than an in-flight magazine," said Avi Mannis, Chief Marketing and Communications Officer for Hawaiian Airlines. "For decades, it has been the go-to publication for compelling, insightful stories of life in Hawaii. We are pleased to entrust this legacy to NMG as we expand beyond the pages of the magazine with the same commitment to quality and authenticity."

About Hawaiian Airlines

Hawaiian® has led all U.S. carriers in on-time performance for each of the past 18 years (2004-2021) as reported by the U.S. Department of Transportation and was named No. 1 U.S. airline by Condé Nast Traveler's 2021 Readers' Choice Awards. Consumer surveys by Travel + Leisure and TripAdvisor have placed Hawaiian among the top of all domestic airlines serving Hawaiʻi.

Now in its 93rd year of continuous service, Hawaiian is Hawaiʻi's biggest and longest-serving airline. Hawaiian offers approximately 130 daily flights within the Hawaiian Islands, daily nonstop flights between Hawaiʻi and 16 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.

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.

About NMG Network

NMG Network is proudly rooted in Hawaiʻi, while growing globally. Launched from small beginnings in Honolulu in 2009, NMG has grown to become an Emmy-award winning company that creates targeted and curated networks reaching ideal customers in luxury hotels and residences, in-flight entertainment and digital experiences that share the culture of our communities. For more information, please visit www.nmgnetwork.com .

Media Contact: Caroline Sweeney
Phone Number: 612-351-8690
Email: caroline@media-minefield.com
Website: www.hawaiianairlines.com , www.nmgnetwork.com

Cision View original content: https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/nmg-network-to-produce-hawaiian-airlines-hana-hou-magazine-evolve-in-flight-media-301562200.html

SOURCE NMG Network

Alaska Airlines names new 25-year airline veteran to lead inflight team 

Alaska Airlines’ board of directors named Matt Prainito vice president of inflight, as part of the airline’s goal to bring together its frontline operation and provide a foundation for growth. Prainito will lead strategy and operations for Alaska’s flight attendants who, on every flight, every day, ensure that guests’ journeys are safe and remarkable with genuine, caring service.  

A 25-year veteran of the airline, Prainito previously served as vice president of airport and inflight operations at Horizon Air, where he helped the airline return to stability following the pandemic, restoring operations and engaging employees.   

Matt is highly regarded by those he has led for his collaborative, hands-on approach to problem solving and continuous improvement,” said Constance von Muehlen, executive vice president and chief operating officer for Alaska Airlines. “He is laser focused on our guests and the stability of our operation, while at the same time he puts employees first and is always looking for new ways to connect with them, visiting airports, on flights or on Instagram.” 

Prainito started with Alaska in 1997 as a customer service agent in Los Angeles before stepping into airport manager roles in Burbank, Ontario and LAX. He served as regional manager, director of airport operations and managing director of airport operations for the state of Alaska, Hawaii and the Pacific Northwest. He was promoted vice president at Horizon Air in 2019 and led the regional carrier through a period of great challenge during the pandemic.  

In 2012, Prainito received the Alaska Airlines Leadership Award, based on his frontline experience, unparalleled knowledge of customer service strategies, and his unwavering commitment to guests and employees. 

Prainito has a bachelor’s in business administration and management from Grand Canyon University and a private pilot’s license. Connect with Prainito on LinkedIn. 

Celebrating Flight Attendants’ 50 years in the skies for Alaska Airlines

Carole, Denise, Vicky and Linda celebrate over 50 years in the sky

Today is International Flight Attendant Day—a day where we collectively tip our hats to our flight attendants with awe and appreciation for all that you do, every flight, every day to ensure safety and care for our guests. And what better way to honor our inflight team than to celebrate four incredible women who have each spent over 50 years in the skies for Alaska Airlines. Here’s their story. 

It was 1967—the year of the mini skirt, gas was 33 cents a gallon, McDonalds introduced the Big Mac, Paul Newman was the national hunk and Carole joined the company as a flight attendant. 

Having answered an ad, Carole showed up at the Swept Wing Inn, a motel near Sea-Tac, for what at the time was the largest class ever of new flight attendants: 12. The aircraft they were training on was the Boeing 727. Alaska had just acquired it. Sleek, fast, Carole called it the “Cadillac of the skies.” 

Five years later, in 1972, three other trailblazers joined the company — Denise, Vicky and Linda. They were to begin a grand adventure, flying on dozens of different aircraft, wearing multiple new uniforms (all the latest fashion) and inaugurating hundreds of new cities during their careers at Alaska.   

It was so grand that when Carole got her 55-year pin this month, and Denise, Vicky and Linda their 50-year pins, they wondered how time had flown so fast.  Reaching over 50 years of service is something very few employees at Alaska Airlines have ever done.  Carole is the longest-serving flight attendant in company history. She’s been with the airline for over half of our 90 years. 

Carole, Denise, Vicky and Linda truly are awe inspiring. They define excellence,” said Constance von Muehlen, COO. “They set the high standards of safety and care we follow today, and we are incredibly thankful and grateful for them, as they personify the Alaska spirit.” 

Below, they share some of their favorite memories: 

Carole – 55 Year Flight Attendant  

Flight Attendant Carole, based in Seattle.

Most memorable flights: Working our Ashland charters in Elizabethan costumes, flying to Russia and offering treats for the local children and her favorite—the Fantasy Flights, bringing holiday cheer to underprivileged children.  

Staying in a trailer in Fairbanks: As a low-budget option, Carole and fellow crew members overnighted in trailers in Fairbanks.  There was a pilot trailer and a flight attendant trailer. “Sometimes the water wasn’t good, due to the permafrost, but it was cozy.”  

Leaders over the years:  Carole recalls Charlie Willis being kind-hearted but “not a very good businessman,” Bruce Kennedy and Ron Cosgrave, “saved the company.“ And Brad Tilden, who volunteered to help her collect trash on a Seahawks charter flight, as being kind. “Here we were on a VIP flight and our CEO is helping me pick up garbage.”  

Carole with then CEO Brad Tilden picking up trash

What she’s grateful for: So many of her coworkers, including those from her class that have since retired, Judy B., Joanie S., Lynn O…. the list goes on. “How lucky I have been to work with so many wonderful people.” 

Carole in her Golden Nugget era uniform

Her fav destination:  Sitka where, “it’s just magical. The people are just so incredibly friendly. It’s like stepping back in time.” 

Denise – 50 Year Flight Attendant 

Early years: She started as a customer service agent, and then moved to flight attendant.  

Fight Attendant Denise, based in Seattle.

Most vivid memory: Working the Fantasy Flights in Spokane during the holiday season. “It’s a privilege to see the unconditional love given to these children in housing transition. A blessing for sure.” 

She’s thankful for: “When I joined the Alaska Family in 1972, those who were already here were my teachers, they set the standards. Those who have joined our family since continue to teach, bring joy and memories every day. “ 

Fav place to fly: Her heart is in the state of Alaska. Fairbanks and Anchorage are her favorite places to visit. After that? The Midwest and Honolulu. 

Linda – 50 Year Flight Attendant 

What she loves about her job: The people!  

Anyone special?  Too many to name. “Alaska Airlines is the people you work with and the friends you make. It is the reason I am still doing the job after 50 years!” 

Flight Attendant Linda, based in Seattle.

Fav place to fly? Puerto Vallarta! 

Of all the uniforms over the years, her favorites? “Any of them when I was young!”  

Vicky – 50 Year Flight Attendant

Best flight ever: Being part of an Eclipse flight in conjunction with Pacific Science Center. “The views were amazing, especially from the flight deck, and I still have my can of ‘dark’ that we gave out onboard.”  

Flight Attendant Vicky, based in Seattle.

Least favorite uniform over the years: Hot pants with go-go boots. (Yes, they wore ’em!) 

Advice she’d give new flight attendants today: “If a guest is giving you a bad time, remember that the flight will be over soon. Someone has to live with that person all the time!”  

She loves: The travel benefits. “My parents were able to see the Arctic and experience the ‘Arctic Bump’ and my whole family was able to travel.” 

Alaska Airlines ‘powerful and special’ salute to fallen members of the military, son of Alaska flight attendant  

Alaska’s 12th fallen soldier cart, in honor of SPC Hunter Schmidtke, was made and delivered by our maintenance & engineering team. It will remain in our care but also be available for any airline at Kansas City International Airport transporting the remains of a fallen service members.

Tightly gripping her son’s Army beret, Julia Schmidtke, an Alaska flight attendant, recently got to see the fallen soldier cart built in honor of her son, SPC Hunter Schmidtke, at Alaska’s Maintenance Hangar in Seattle. 

Twenty-five-year-old Hunter Schmidtke, died in 2018 while serving at Fort Riley, Kansas. The special cart was delivered to Kansas City International Airport on Tuesday where it will be used to transport the remains of fallen members of the military from any plane that needs it. 

Julia says her son was just a few months shy of returning to serve in their hometown of Tacoma before his passing.

Designed and crafted by Alaska maintenance and engineering employees—some veterans, some not—the special cart is meant to honor heroes like Hunter, who gave everything for their country. 

A special plaque was installed inside the cart with a photo of Hunter, it reads: “In loving memory of SPC Hunter Schmidtke US Army Bravo Company 16 Fort Riley Kansas. Deeply loved son and brother. 18 Aug 1995 – 15 Jan 2018.”

This is an incredible thing and means so much to Gold Star families like ours,” Julia said. “In a way it’s like he’s going back to serve his country.” 

Julia and her family are part of the military’s Gold Star Program, which represents families and loved ones who have experienced a loss of an immediate family member who died as the result of military service.  

She proudly wears her Gold Star pin on her uniform when she flies. “It’s a small way I keep his memory alive, and it reminds me that he’s always with me and close to my heart,” she says. Julia has been a flight attendant with us for nine years. 

The Gold Star pin serves as a way for Julia to connect with guests who’ve experienced similar losses. “My heart breaks for anyone who’s had to experience the loss of a child,” she said. “It brings me joy being able to talk about Hunter when I can and in a way is healing.”

In 2018, Hunter’s remains were brought home on our Honoring Those Who Serve Aircraft, it was the first time a fallen soldier who was related to a family member at Alaska Airlines was flown by the special aircraft. His brother, Trevor, was so moved by the respect Alaska paid to his brother and family, he applied to be a flight attendant and currently flies with us today.  

“It was a powerful and incredibly moving experience to see everyone come together for Hunter and our family,” Julia said. 

Video in remembrance of Hunter, courtesy of the Schmidtke family.  See :59 his return home on Alaska Airlines.

At Alaska, there is one cart reserved for heroes. 

For over a decade, Alaska has had a company-wide program designed to ensure military families like the Schmidtke’s are treated with the utmost respect. 

Each unique fallen soldier cart is crafted by our Maintenance & Engineering team and is stationed at airports around the country. They’re available to honor members and veterans of all branches of the military. 

Specifically designed and dedicated to fallen service members, each cart is adorned with American flag curtains and the insignia of the five branches of the military to ensure the fallen will be surrounded with respect and honor by those who accompany them on their final journey. 

This year’s cart was assembled in Seattle and then driven to Kansas City by Alaska maintenance employees under escort by Patriot Guard Riders, who volunteer to accompany the cart throughout its entire journey. It’s also the first cart to be delivered since the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic. 

The Patriot Guard is an organization that attends the funerals of members of the U.S. military and first responders at the invitation of a decedent’s family. The group, made up of motorcycle riders and drivers, escort Alaska fallen soldier carts to their final destination.

Kevin Kruse, a line aircraft technician trainer and one of the creators of the Fallen Soldier Program notes Alaska also established protocols for airline employees to follow when a service member’s body is traveling, which has set the precedent for the industry.  

Kevin Kruse (right) with Julia at the MCI fallen soldier cart sendoff ceremony in Seattle earlier this month.

This is our way to have soldiers’ backs and provide them with the service they deserve on their final journey home, so that families like Julia’s know that people cared about what they did,” Kruse says. “You can never take away their pain, but you can always show you care.” 

In addition to Kansas City, we will deliver our 13th cart to San Jose International Airport later this year. Alaska has dedicated carts in Fairbanks, Phoenix, Anchorage, Seattle, Portland, San Diego, Los Angeles, Honolulu, Washington, D.C., Dallas and San Francisco. While the carts remain under Alaska’s care at each airport, they are available for any airline to use when transporting remains of fallen service members. 

Loading...