When it comes to inclusion and diversity Alaska Airlines is making sure that they are doing their part to represent.
The airlines, which have an ongoing relationship with the United Negro Fund, unveiled their new aircraft as “a promise to create a place where everyone sees themselves and belongs.”
The aircraft took its first flight on April 27th from Seattle to Washington D.C. and it was created by Alaska Air’s Black employee resource group.
According to Essence, the aircraft was created to “illustrate the airline’s belief in education as the great equalizer and as a critical component of creating sustainable racial equity.”
Ade Hogue, a Chicago-based artist created the artwork for the plan who says that he was inspired by the Civil Rights Movement-era imagery.
Ben Minicucci, the CEO of Alaska Airlines released a statement about the aircraft. “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.”
He continued, “This aircraft will continue to be an inspiration for us on the journey.” Check out Alaska Airlines’ tweet about the partnership below.
In partnership w/@uncf, we're proud to introduce our newest aircraft. Inspired by & designed with Alaska’s employees, allies & @uncf, the aircraft features profiles of the next generation of leaders, the families and mentees of @alaskaair employees. https://t.co/7xhhRzoErI pic.twitter.com/YuqRxpDV3X
— Alaska Airlines (@AlaskaAir) April 26, 2021
Dr. Michael L. Lomax, the president, and CEO of UNCF stated, “While small in number, our HBCUs are landmarks to our past and keys to our future. They enable us to keep a legacy—by their very existence. HBCUs are much more than schools.”
The airline will also donate one million miles yearly to support students who are attending HBCUs through a scholarship fund launch through UNCF.
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