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community ties, and commitment to its core
values. From the very beginning, this airline
was more than its planes or the places they
journeyed. It was about the people who
played a crucial role in sustaining the airline
and creating an experience that went beyond
travel. Whether through a simple act of
kindness, a life-changing flight, or a secret
daring mission, Alaska Airlines proves that
every action, no matter how small, can leave a
lasting mark. They are an airline that embraces
the future with a dedication to excellence.
From its bold beginnings to its boundless
future, Alaska Airlines continues to forge
ahead— rooted in a rich history of adventure,
driven by innovation and ascending toward
new horizons, ensuring a brighter, connected
world for generations to come. This is more
generosity by providing matching grants for and to depict salmon as an Alaska Native Art than an airline; this is A Soaring Legacy.
donations made to local nonprofits, amplifying form on the outside of the plane. The aircraft, This article is based on interviews with
their impact within the community. Alaska named Xáat Kwáani (“Salmon People”), was Alaska Airlines and The Alaska Jewish
Airlines also encourages employees to give designed by Alaska Native artist Crystal Museum. References also include archived
back by allowing them to log their volunteer Worl, who is Tlingit, Athabascan, and Filipino. interviews of James Wooten at JDC.org, AIPAC.
hours, which the company then converts into Featuring Northwest Coast formline art—an org: “Operation Magic Carpet: 70 Years On”,
financial support for their chosen nonprofit. artistic tradition dating back thousands of yesterdaysairlines.com: “Alaska to the World:
For every hour an employee volunteers, the years—the design’s flowing lines elegantly Alaska Postwar Adventure”, history.state.gov:
company donates a set dollar amount for portrays the migration of salmon. Wherever “Milestones in the History of U.S. Foreign
them to give to a designated organization, this plane flies in the U.S., it carries tribute to Relations”, aish.com: “Alaska Airlines and the
maximizing the impact of their time and the ancestral importance and culture identity Jews of Yeman”, newsnetwork.org: “Pacific
dedication. This initiative not only strengthens of a people and the deep connection to the NW Pilots will fly a special plane in D-day and
local communities but also reinforces the state of Alaska. Berlin Airlift Commemorations”, berlinairlift75.
company’s commitment to kindness and An Airline for the Future org, the Alaska Aviation Museum and “Alaska
service beyond the skies. Alaska Airlines built its legacy not just over Israel” by Darragh Metzger, available to
The company entirely funds the Alaska on its flights but on employee dedication, purchase on Amazon.
Airlines 501(c)(3) Foundation, established Alaska Jewish Museum
in 1999, which is dedicated to making a This small Jewish museum, located in
meaningful impact in the communities they Anchorage, offers a rich cultural experience,
serve. The foundation annually commits at with thoughtfully curated exhibits that
least 5% of its funds to grants supporting youth bring history and heritage to life in a deeply
engagement and workforce development personal way. Highlighting Jewish history
initiatives in the states of Alaska, California, and the significant Jewish contributions to
Hawaii, Oregon and Washington. Focusing the state of Alaska and the greater United
on underserved areas, the airline partners States, the museum is a gathering place that
with programs that mentor and inspire young builds cultural bridges and promotes diversity
people such as Covenant House Alaska, which and tolerance. Although Anchorage offers
not only provides homeless youth with a safe many sights and activities, this museum is
place to stay, but equips them with essential exceptionally well-designed and is a must-
life skills to help them achieve independent see!
living. Since needs vary by state, regional For more information, visit:
areas have the flexibility to support nonprofits akaskajewishmuseum.com
that will create a lasting change in their
communities. From supporting robotic teams Alaska Aviation Museum
to a youth aviation mechanical school, these With multiple hangars of exhibitions,
programs inspire young people to imagine the hands-on activities for children and many
possibilities. vintage planes, this museum has something
Alaska Airlines pioneered several industry for the whole family. Don’t miss the Seybert
firsts, including in-flight movies, online Tower where you can view seaplanes from
ticket sales and check-in and the ability for the flight deck and hear the Ted Stevens
customers to print their boarding passes. They International Airport live radio feed.
are also the first domestic airline to have an For more information, visit:
aircraft named in an Alaska Native language alaskaairmuseum.org

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