The aircraft will be the carrier’s fourth plane to wear the special commemorative design.
For more than a decade, it has been a tradition at Alaska Airlines to honor US military members, fallen soldiers, and their families. While the Seattle-based carrier has specifically done so through its Fallen Soldier Program, it more recently has featured three aircraft in a special livery dedicated to service members.
Plane spotters in Washington have spotted a fourth aircraft donning the patriotic paint scheme. The plane, which is believed to be Alaska’s second Boeing 737 MAX 8, is expected to join the carrier’s fleet “soon.”
Shiny & patriotic
The airframe, registered as N806AK, was first noticed last month at Renton Municipal Airport (RNT) with its wingtip painted in the US flag colors and its tail partially painted.
The livery comprises a red stripe and blue fuselage with the phrase “Honoring Those Who Serve” displayed above the windows. Symbolic crests near the rear of the aircraft represent the airline’s Fallen Soldier Program, while an “Alaska Airlines Salutes” medallion with six stars is featured near the aircraft’s nose. The stars, along with six stripes on the engine cowls, represent the six branches of the US Armed Forces – the US Air Force, Army, Navy, Marine Corps, Coast Guard, and Space Force.
Photo: Alaska Airlines
Earlier this month, the fully painted aircraft was seen departing from King County International Airport (BFI) on a test flight. According to data from FlightAware, the aircraft had flown 49 minutes and returned to BFI.
Last week, it performed another test flight. The 737 MAX 8 flew from BFI to Grant County International Airport (MWH) in Central Washington and then flew back to BFI later in the day.
“Soon be joining our fleet”
Alaska confirmed on Monday that N806AK would soon enter its fleet.
“Our fourth Honoring Those Who Serve aircraft, which is dedicated to members of the US military and honors those who serve today and those who served in the past, will soon be joining our fleet.”
The other three aircraft, a 737-800 (N570AS), a 737-900ER (N265AK), and an Embraer E175 (N651QX), feature the livery and are deployed throughout Alaska’s route network.
Respecting service members
The Fallen Soldier Program was established in 2011 to ensure the proper military protocols are implemented when transporting the remains of those who made the ultimate sacrifice to serve in the armed forces. The program allows the bodies to be flown to their final resting place with the highest honor.
Photo: Alaska Airlines
Alaska also honors members of the armed forces with customized baggage carts. They are stationed at 15 airports across the country to respectfully the remains of service members to and from aircraft and are available for use by all airlines.
“At Alaska, we are so very grateful for the service of active duty military and veterans and appreciate the personal sacrifices they and their families make for us all,” the airline said. “We take seriously our responsibility to care for our military guests, and we prioritize it with every flight.”
Source: Simple Flying
