First MAX 8, delivered December 27, 2023, in service January 23, 2024 SEA-LAX
Copyright Photo: Alaska Airlines Boeing 737-8 MAX 8 N801AK (msn 67802) LAX (Michael B. Ing). Image: 962321.
Alaska Airlines is celebrating more aloha with new nonstop service between Everett, WA and Honolulu starting this fall – Alaska’s first flight connecting Paine Field-Snohomish County Airport and the Hawaiian Islands. The daily, year-round flight begins on Nov. 17, just in time for travel during the holiday season.
The initial seven weeks of the flight schedule for the Thanksgiving and winter holidays varies from the winter schedule that starts on Jan. 8, 2024:
Alaska flies to nine destinations from Everett’s Paine Field: Anchorage, Los Angeles, Las Vegas, Orange County, Palm Springs (seasonal), Phoenix, San Diego, San Francisco and Tucson (seasonal).
Most of the flights serving Everett are on Embraer E175 regional jets flown by sister carrier Horizon Air.
In February 2022, Alaska started mainline service on select flights to Las Vegas and Phoenix on Boeing 737 aircraft.
Baseball is back! And we’re stoked to add Seattle Mariners’ Center Fielder Julio Rodriguez (aka J-Rod) to our roster as his official airline. Not only will T-Mobile Park’s center field be a “No Fly Zone” this season because of Julio, but fans can also score Alaska flights whenever he hits a home run. Learn more below.
Baseball fans who use the Alaska Airlines Visa Signature card can earn 2X miles for purchases during Mariners’ Friday home games at T-Mobile Park. And if a Mariner hits a home run during the fourth inning of each home game, one lucky fan will win 100,000 Alaska Airlines miles.
Ready for Flights With #44? Starting this season, each time Julio launches a ball over the fence for a home run, number 44 is sending 44 fans to the Alaska Airlines destination of their choice with a round trip flight. Wherever Julio’s home run lands, 44 fans sitting in that section will win. Belize? Hawaii? You name it and Julio could help get you there.
“We’re so excited to be teaming up with Julio,” said Eric Edge, MD of marketing & advertising. “He represents a new era in baseball and has already inspired so many people in the Seattle community. He’s a great partner for the Alaska brand!”
We talked to Julio about how he prefers to travel, and his answers might inspire your next trip to a tropical destination or the ballpark.
✈ Window, middle or aisle seat?
Window!
🎧 What is something you always make sure to pack when you travel?
An iPad and always headphones.
📺 What are your favorite movies or shows to watch on board?
When I’m not watching film preparing for our next game, I’m watching anime (Naruto is my favorite).
🌴 What is your favorite Alaska destination to fly to?
Florida! I train there in the offseason and the weather is always nice and warm.
J.D. Power issued their latest survey on airline satisfaction:
A combination of soaring demand, limited supply and surging airfares have helped airlines book record revenues during the past two quarters, but this golden age of enhanced revenues is coming at the expense of customer satisfaction. According to the J.D. Power 2023 North America Airline Satisfaction Study,SM released today, customer satisfaction with major airlines is down significantly for a second consecutive year, introducing the risk of possible brand damage if the current pattern of price hikes, staffing shortages and reduced routes continues.
“If yield management were the only metric airlines needed to be successful in the long term, this would be a banner year for the industry because they are operating at peak economic efficiency,” said Michael Taylor, travel intelligence lead at J.D. Power. “From the customer perspective, however, that means planes are crowded, tickets are expensive and flight availability is constrained. While these drawbacks have not yet put a dent in leisure travel demand, if this trend continues, travelers will reach a breaking point and some airline brands may be damaged.”
Following are some of the key findings of the 2023 study:
Southwest Airlines ranks highest in customer satisfaction in the economy/basic economy segment for a second consecutive year, with a score of 827. Delta Air Lines (801) ranks second and JetBlue Airways (800) ranks third.
The North America Airline Satisfaction Study measures passenger satisfaction with airline carriers in North America based on performance in eight factors (in alphabetical order): aircraft; baggage; boarding; check- in; cost and fees; flight crew; in-flight services; and reservation. The study measures passenger satisfaction in three segments—first/business, premium economy and economy/basic economy—and is based on responses from 7,774 passengers. Passengers needed to have flown on a major North America airline within the past month of completing a survey. The study was fielded from March 2022 through March 2023.
Here is the official announcement by Alaska Airlines on the new livery on N559AS:
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.
Video:
“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,” says Crystal.
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.”
Crystal’s expressive designs purposefully blend the old and new. Her work, whether it’s printmaking, painting or public art, recreates and modernizes her ancestors’ stories and explores the relationships and bonds that her people, the land and the animals share with Alaska so that generations learn its importance through traditional formline design, which dates back thousands of years. She says this aircraft will serve as a gateway to represent Alaska Natives, and she’s incredibly proud.
Her grandmother, Rosita Worl, remembers how even as a young toddler, Crystal couldn’t sit still, “The only thing that would slow her down were bright, bold, contrasting colors or patterns. I knew then she was going to be an artist,” she said.
“When people look at my art, I hope they feel inspired, they feel motivated, but I also want them to know, it’s not easy, it’s challenging,” says Crystal. “There’s a lot of things people don’t see … they see the end piece, which is the outcome of a lot of hard work … a lot of sweat, blood. Every piece I’ve done, that gets bigger and bigger, my life has been building up to it. And I’ve been working really hard to get there.”
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
During the design process, Crystal worked with people close to her and we shared the design with employees from our Native Employee Network (NEN) business resource group, and multiple community leaders in Alaska, the Pacific Northwest and the West Coast.
Crystal even redesigned the NEN logo with a fresh take on formline art, featuring the beloved salmon. Her mother, Beverly Demientieff, who is Deg Hit’an Athabascan from Holy Cross, Alaska, was actually one of the founding members of Alaska’s NEN group when she was a customer service agent in Fairbanks, Alaska. “Everything about this project has come together in a really beautiful, connected way,” she said.
“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.”
Talk about kismet: In 2020, Crystal and her friends tagged @alaskaair on Instagram with the caption: “Are you ready for me @alaskaair?? I’m ready for you.” She says she’s been manifesting the idea to create a plane for Alaska … and three years later, here it is.
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.”
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 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.”
Watch timelapse video of the aircraft being painted:
“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
“For me, this plane is confirmation that the art, language and culture that our Ancestors practiced and hoped to pass on to future generations is not only alive and well but is thriving. It is a statement for all Indigenous people that we are still here.”– Dawn Smith, Tsimshian, clan is wolf. Co-Chair, Native Employee Network Alaska Airlines
“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.
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.
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.
Alaska Airlines’ Boeing 737-890 N559AS was previously painted in the famous and previously well known “Wild Alaska Seafood – Salmon-Thirty-Salmon 2” special livery.
That livery, as previously reported, was retired by the airline. After being repainted at Amarillo, N559AS was ferried to Anchorage. N559AS now wears this stunning “Salmon People” special livery.
Photos: BU767.
Alaska Airlines issued this statement:
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.
Top Copyright Photo: Alaska Airlines Boeing 737-9 MAX 9 N973AK (msn 43346) BUR (Michael B. Ing). Image: 960473.
Alaska Airlines aircraft photo gallery:
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’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.
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.
Alaska currently offers 28 daily flights in Everett – 14 arrivals and 14 departures a day – to seven destinations; on April 17, our seasonal flight to Palm Springs is replaced by daily service to Los Angeles:
Horizon Air provides most of our service at Paine Field with the Embraer 175 jet, with 737 service on select flights operated by Alaska.
Alaska Airlines 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 StateGovernor 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.
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.
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.
HyperCore Motor
The 1.8MW motor configuration demonstrated 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.
Alaska Airlines is celebrating its newest global airline partner: STARLUX Airlines, a Taipei-based premium carrier, which on April 26 launched its inaugural transpacific service between Taipei and Los Angeles. Alaska is STARLUX’s first airline partner.
From Southern California, STARLUX opens a new international gateway through its main hub in Taipei for connections to 16 destinations across Asia, including Bangkok, Thailand; Hanoi, Vietnam; Penang, Malaysia; Manila, Philippines; Singapore; Macau and Sapporo, Japan. Los Angeles (LAX) is one of Alaska’s hubs along the West Coast allowing for convenient connectivity to STARLUX flights for our guests.
STARLUX operates the transpacific route with its new-generation Airbus A350-900 aircraft configured in a four-class layout: First, business, premium economy and economy. Travelers in first and business classes enjoy a private space with a sliding door and seats with full-flat and Zero G mode for full relaxation. The extra-legroom premium economy section features a 40-inch Recaro seat with a leg rest and footrest bar. Economy class seats are equipped with leather headrests and a wide seat pitch.
Inflight service on STARLUX includes Taiwanese signature dishes and amenities prepared for passengers in all classes. STARLUX will be offering first and business guests a selection of the best top chef’s creations and local Taiwanese delicacies. The popular STARLUX signature dish yakiniku donburi is served on board. And to bring greater individuality to their air travel experience, all passengers can pre-order meals online so they can enjoy the meal they want.
| Alaska Air Group today reported financial results for the first quarter ending March 31, 2023, and provided outlook for the second quarter ending June 30, 2023. “This quarter we returned to pre-pandemic levels of flying and our roadmap to profitable growth is on track,” said Alaska CEO Ben Minicucci. “As we progress through the year, we have taken deliberate steps to build momentum and we are well prepared for peak summer flying. Thank you to our 23,000 employees who are the backbone of our success – I’m proud of their work to deliver operational excellence and show care for the people who fly with us each day. We are well-positioned to deliver on our full-year financial targets, including a 9% to 12% adjusted pretax margin.” |
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| Financial Highlights: Reported net loss for the first quarter of 2023 under Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP) of $142 million, or $1.11 per share, compared to a net loss of $143 million, or $1.14 per share, for the first quarter of 2022. Reported net loss for the first quarter of 2023, excluding special items and mark-to-market fuel hedge accounting adjustments, of $79 million, or $0.62 per share, compared to a net loss, excluding special items and mark-to-market fuel hedge accounting adjustments, of $167 million, or $1.33 per share, for the first quarter of 2022. Resumed the share repurchase program, purchasing a total of 413,554 shares of common stock for approximately $18 million in the first quarter. The company continues to expect share repurchases of at least $100 million in 2023. Held $2.4 billion in unrestricted cash and marketable securities as of March 31, 2023. Ended the quarter with a debt-to-capitalization ratio of 48%, within the target range of 40% to 50%. Operational Updates: Ratified a two-year contract extension with more than 2,300 McGee Air Services employees represented by the IAM. Received six 737-9 aircraft during the quarter, bringing the 737-9 fleet count to 43. Activated new benefits for Alaska Visa Signature® cardholders, including priority boarding, lounge membership discounts, new ways to earn bonus miles and other perks. New benefits and program changes drove cash remuneration under the co-brand credit card agreement up 17% on a year-over-year basis. Announced plans to elevate guests’ regional flying experience with streaming-fast satellite Wi-Fi on E175 regional jets. Announced three new daily nonstop flights from San Diego to Washington, D.C., Tampa and Eugene, beginning service later in 2023. Doubled pilot training throughput compared to the same period in 2022, aided by a 75% increase in qualified flight instructors and an investment in two 737 full-flight simulators. Three additional 737 full-flight simulator deliveries are expected later this year. Began lobby transformation projects to provide guests a more seamless travel experience; expect to roll out new bag tag stations and bag drop technology in key airports throughout 2023 and 2024. Created a virtual reality 737 flight deck, in partnership with VRPilot, to better prepare pilots for their training experience. Environmental, Social and Governance Updates: Announced an agreement with Shell Aviation to advance sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) technology and infrastructure throughout the West Coast; Shell Aviation will also supply Alaska with up to 10 million gallons of SAF in Los Angeles. Launched a partnership with the Surfrider Foundation, an organization focused on protecting coastal habitats and reducing waste across the West Coast and throughout the Hawaiian Islands. Awards and Recognition: Alaska’s Mileage Plan named Best Airline Rewards Program by NerdWallet for its customer-friendly policies, rewards and fee structures. Alaska and Horizon earned the Diamond Award of Excellence from the Federal Aviation Administration, recognizing the airlines’ aircraft technicians for their dedication to training. Tune in:A conference call regarding the first quarter results will be streamed online at 8:30 a.m. PDT on April 20, 2023. It can be accessed at www.alaskaair.com/investors. For those unable to listen to the live broadcast, a replay will be available after the conclusion of the call.Full earnings financial data:Statistical data, reconciliations of the reported non-GAAP financial measures, further details regarding results and a glossary of financial terms can be found in our Earnings Release as filed with the SEC. |
Alaska Airlines is retiring its special “SalmonThirtySalmon II” livery on the pictured Boeing 737-890 N559AS. The special livery is in support of Wild Alaska Seafood.
N559AS was the second AS aircraft to wear this iconic livery. Boeing 737-490 N792AS was the first. N559AS replaced N792AS when it was retired.
Sporting an image of a wild 129 foot long Alaska king salmon, the aircraft’s livery also features fish scales on the winglets and a salmon-pink colored “Alaska” script across the fuselage. The 2012 design is among the world’s most intricately painted commercial airplanes and was produced in partnership with Alaska Seafood Marketing Institute, which promotes wild, natural and sustainable Alaska seafood.
Top Copyright Photo: Alaska Airlines Boeing 737-890 SSWL N559AS (msn 35178) “Salmon-Thirty-Salmon” (Wild Alaska Seafood) SNA (Michael B. Ing). Image: 960422.
Alaska Airlines aircraft photo gallery:
Alaska Airlines and the Surfrider Foundation announced today a national partnership focused on protecting coastal habitats through efforts such as reducing plastic waste and engaging employees and communities in beach cleanups across the West Coast and throughout the Hawaiian Islands. Alaska and Surfrider, both West Coast-based organizations with broad national reach, will collaborate to help protect our coastlines, expand education and awareness of the challenges that threaten our ocean, beaches and marine environments, and grow participation in beach cleanup and habitat restoration activities along the coasts.
Launching this Earth Month, Alaska and Surfrider will organize a series of events to invite Alaska employees and members of our West Coast communities, including California, Hawaii and the Pacific Northwest, to clean up beaches through Surfrider’s extensive network of grassroots leaders and volunteers. They will also work together on ongoing cleanup and restoration projects and collaborate on education and advocacy to support the reduction of single-use plastics.
Alaska Airlines announced an agreement with Shell Aviation to expand the sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) market beyond a standard fuel supply agreement. The innovative cross-industry collaboration brings together a world-class fuel supply chain and the fifth-largest domestic carrier to procure and use sustainable fuel, while working together to define and tackle what it will take to advance SAF technology, development, infrastructure and investment.
Details of the agreement include commitments to deepen understanding of the technology, infrastructure, carbon accounting systems and public policy support needed to bring SAF to more markets, in greater quantities and at a more sustainable long-term cost. The companies will put particular focus on enabling supply to the West Coast and alleviating fueling infrastructure challenges in the Pacific Northwest. Shell Aviation will also supply up to 10 million gallons of neat SAF to Alaska Airlines at their hub in Los Angeles.
Details of the agreement include commitments to deepen understanding of the technology, infrastructure, carbon accounting systems and public policy support needed to bring SAF to more markets, in greater quantities and at a more sustainable long-term cost. The companies will put particular focus on enabling supply to the West Coast and alleviating fueling infrastructure challenges in the Pacific Northwest. Shell Aviation will also supply up to 10 million gallons of neat SAF to Alaska Airlines at their hub in Los Angeles.
In celebration of more than 15 years of service in the Hawaiian Islands, Alaska Airlines is partnering with Hawaiʻi-based illustrator, Shar Tuiʻasoa of Punky Aloha Studio to design our second special-edition painted aircraft in honor of the Aloha State. The artwork for the new aircraft will reflect Hawaiʻi’s Pledge To Our Keiki and will be revealed later this year.
Tuiʻasoa is an acclaimed illustrator and author known for her bold, colorful, and strikingly modern graphic style that showcases Polynesian heritage. Punky Aloha Studio is Tui’asoa’s illustration studio where she creates illustrations for murals, books, magazines, and product packaging. The Hawai’i-born artist has worked with Amazon, Disney, Target, AT&T, Sephora, The New York Times and many other recognized companies.
“I’m excited to partner with Alaska Airlines to design a powerful message in a unique way to a global audience,” said Tui’asoa. “I’m honored to draw inspiration from our keiki (children) who have pledged their commitment to mālama ‘āina (care for the land) and hope that the end result will motivate others to do the same.”
The desire to work with Tuiʻasoa has been on the minds of employees for a while now, with Alaska’s employee-led Pacific Islander Alliance (one of the company’s 12 Business Resource Groups) having passionately advocated for her work as a skilled artist proudly representing Hawaiʻi and Pacific Islander culture.
“With the recent retirement of our first Hawaiʻi-themed livery, we are thrilled to work with another local artist to honor our connection to the Islands,” said Daniel Chun, Alaska Airlines’ Hawaiʻi director of sales, community, and public relations. “We love Shar’s work, and we share many of the same values and commitment to Hawaiʻi. It’s our goal to not just paint an airplane, but to carry the message about being a mindful traveler and invite our guests to join us in caring for Hawai’i and the many places we live and fly.”
Last year, Alaska partnered with Hawaiʻi non-profit, Kanu Hawaiʻi and signed the Pledge To Our Keiki – an invitation for residents and visitors to give back during their time in the Islands. Students from schools across the state created the Pledge as a commitment to respect and care for the island places they call home so that future generations can continue to enjoy all that Hawai’i has to offer. This week, Alaska joined Kanu Hawai’i, Hawai’i Governor Josh Green, Superintendent of Education Keith Hayashi and other partners in a conference to support the launch of the Pledge To Our Keiki throughout Hawaiʻi’s public schools.
In 2013, Alaska painted our first Hawaiʻi-themed airplane after hosting a statewide “Paint-the-Plane” contest for local students, in partnership with the Hawaiʻi State Department of Education and Hawaiʻi Association of Independent Schools. Dubbed the “Spirit of the Islands,” the unique paint theme depicted Hawaiʻi’s cultural diversity and was designed by a local artist and Honolulu high school junior Aaron Nee. Nee’s design was selected from among more than 2,700 submissions by students across the Hawaiian Islands. After nearly a decade of flying throughout Alaska’sroute network, the Spirit of the Islands was ready for a repaint and the livery was recently retired.
Alaska Airlines has unveiled a new San Francisco Giants logo jet as spring training starts.
This time the special livery is painted on the pictured Boeing 737-9 MAX 9 N936AK (msn 43379).
The special design even has markings on the underside and the cabin.
All photos by Alaska Airlines.
Alaska Airlines is planning to repaint its special “Wild Alaska Seafood – Salmon-Thirty-Salmon 2” livery on the pictured Boeing 737-890 N559AS (msn 35178) according to an Alaska Airlines internal employee site according to Brandon Farris.
N559AS will be operated in this livery for the last time on April 17, 2023.
The special scheme will be replaced with a new salute to the State of Alaska that reflects the history and culture of the 49th state.
Top Copyright Photo: Going soon: Alaska Airlines Boeing 737-890 SSWL N559AS (msn 35178) “Salmon-Thirty-Salmon II” (Wild Alaska Seafood) SEA (Michael B. Ing). Image: 960103.
Alaska Airlines aircraft photo gallery (Boeing):
From Mentour Pilot:
Top Copyright Photo: Alaska Airlines Boeing 737-9 MAX 9 N941AK (msn 44101) LAX (Michael B. Ing). Image: 960101.
Alaska Airlines aircraft photo gallery:
Alaska Airlines continues to move towards an all-Boeing mainline fleet again.
After the retirement of the last 12 Airbus A320s and the Horizon Air Q400s, the airline operated the following aircraft:
The 10 Airbus A321neo aircraft will be retired this year.
The airline will add its first Boeing 737-800F freighter this year.
The carrier will also add its first Boeing 737-8 MAX 8 in 2023.
By the end of 2023, Alaska expects to have:
Boeing 737-700F freighters – 3
Boeing 737-800F freighter – 1
Boeing 737-700 – 11
Boeing 737-800 – 59
Boeing 737-900 – 12
Boeing 737-900ER – 79
Boeing 737-8 MAX 8 – 3
Boeing 737-9 MAX 9 – 71
Embraer E175 operated by Horizon Air – 41
Embraer E175 operated by SkyWest Airlines – 42
Top Copyright Photo: Alaska Airlines Airbus A321-253N WL N929VA (msn 8819) SEA (Brian Worthington). Image: 96071.
Alaska Airlines aircraft photo gallery (Airbus):
