Alaska Airlines is celebrating military members and their families over the July 4th holiday with the introduction of a new aircraft and a special baggage cart. The Seattle based carrier has added a fourth “Honoring Those Who Serve” aircraft, N806AK, to the fleet celebrating the six branches of the U.S. military. The scheme is almost identical to the three other aircraft flying in that livery.
This scheme is fantastic and extremely easy to spot at airports across the country. According to the airline the scheme is meant to represent “all six branches of the US Armed Forces: Air Force, Army, Navy, Marine Corps, Coast Guard, and Space Force.”
The aircraft is covered with tributes and messages to the military and the airline hopes that passengers and staff “feel a sense of pride and appreciation when they see this aircraft in the air and on the tarmac.”
I’ve seen a few of these planes during my travels and they always seem to catch people’s attention. The scheme is quite unique and calls attention to the men and women that have served this country so I love the fact that Alaska has added another one to the fleet. This 737-8 MAX joins a 737-800, 737-900ER, and an Embraer E175 in carrying the colors.
In addition to a new paint scheme, Alaska has delivered its 16th Fallen Soldier Cart to Nashville International Airport (BNA). The cart can be utilized by any airline to transport the remains of a fallen soldier. According to the airline the first mission for the BNA cart was transporting the remains of US Navy Vietnam veteran, Aviation Boatswain’s Mate, Roy Campbell.
The cart is adorned with the American flag, the insignia of the six military branches, and a plaque honoring the fallen. Carlos Zendejas, Horizon VP of flight operations (Horizon is a wholly owned subsidiary of Alaska) and an Air Force veteran that attended the delivery service said this about the cart:
“This cart begins its most important duty today—doing what is on the side of our beautiful liveries—honoring those who serve, transporting our fallen heroes home to their final resting place with honor and dignity. Our hope is that this cart will also bring comfort to the family, friends and loved ones during that very difficult time.”
Carlos Zendejas, VP of Flight Operations Alaska/Horizon
To learn more about the program, click here.
Summary
Alaska Airlines has added a fourth plane in the “Honoring Those Who Serve” livery to the fleet. N806AK, a Boeing 737-8 MAX becomes the newest aircraft to wear the colors celebrating members of the military. Alaska unveiled the new paint job on Independence Day, coinciding with the delivery of a fallen soldier cart to Nashville International Airport.
(Photos courtesy Alaska Airlines)
