Alaska Airlines, UNCF Celebrate Education and Equity with Special Aircraft

In partnership with UNCF, Alaska Airlines’ special aircraft is a symbol of their commitment to education and advancing racial equity at Alaska Airlines, and the company hopes it inspires others as well.

One of the airline’s diversity, equity and inclusion commitments is to help create career pathways for young people by supporting programs like UNCF, the nation’s largest and most effective minority education organization, who they been working with for more than 15 years. On April 26, the airline revealed a special aircraft that symbolizes their support for education and equity – called “Our Commitment.” We know there is much more to do, and this airplane is a flying reminder of the journey. Revenue service for the aircraft begins on April 27, with an inaugural flight from Seattle to Washington D.C.

The custom-painted Boeing 737-900 ER features artistic renderings of 14 students connected to Alaska’s employees, along with quotes from legendary social activists, Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. and former South African President Nelson Mandela, whose leadership and words continue to drive their commitment.

Alaska employees inspired the aircraft following conversations with Alaska’s Black business resource group known as ABEA or Alaska Air Group Black Employees, Allies & Advocates, around last summer’s civil unrest.

This aircraft will fly 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. Click here to read more and see images.