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On April 27, 2021, Alaska Airlines, in partnership with UNCF for more than 15 years, unveiled a special aircraft as a symbol of their support of UNCF’s mission and the airlines commitment to education and advancing racial equality. The special aircraft made its inaugural flight from Seattle to Washington, DC.

“As a company, we know we are not yet where we need to be when it comes to diversity, but we are inspired and guided by our value to do the right thing. With this aircraft, we are doing the right thing by amplifying the conversation around education, equity and belonging and taking it to the skies,” said Ben Minicucci, Alaska Airlines CEO. “This aircraft will continue to be an inspiration for us on the journey.”

The custom-painted Boeing 737-900 ER features artistic renderings of 14 students connected to Alaska Airlines employees, along with quotes from legendary activists, Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. and former South African President Nelson Mandela.

Alaska Airlines employees inspired the aircraft following conversations with Alaska Air Group Black Employees, Allies & Advocates following last summer’s civil unrest.

The aircraft flies throughout Alaska’s network, inspiring conversation, raising awareness and spreading the word about UNCF, an organization dedicated to enabling under-represented students to become highly qualified college graduates. 

In 2017, UNCF became one of Alaska Airlines LIFT Miles partners, enabling guests to contribute airline miles to ensure travel does not hold young people back from pursuing their college dreams. More than 13.4 million Alaska Airlines miles to fly students to HBCUs for college tours, career development events and other UNCF programs.

This partnership with Alaska Airlines takes education and equity to the skies as we help students achieve their dreams of a better future.