Alaska Airlines has introduced a striking new livery on its Boeing 737-800, marking the first time a U.S. carrier features an aircraft name in an Alaska Native language. This pioneering move also represents the inaugural use of a non-English language on the main entrance of any Alaska Airlines jet.
The Xáat Kwáani (Salmon People) livery pays homage to the deep-rooted connection between the Indigenous peoples of Alaska and the salmon that sustain both their culture and environment. The design is rendered in the distinctive Northwest Coast formline style, a visual tradition revered for its elegance and symbolism.
This bespoke livery was envisioned by renowned Alaska Native artist Crystal Kaakeeyáa Rose Demientieff Worl. Her work brings the Tlingit language and heritage to the skies, celebrating the enduring legacy of the Salmon People and their guardianship of regional ecosystems.
Xáat Kwáani, which translates to "Salmon People" in Tlingit, embodies the spiritual and ecological relationship between Alaska’s Native communities and the iconic fish. Worl’s vision was to infuse the aircraft with vibrant imagery that honors this connection, making Indigenous culture visible and celebrated in aviation.
"Whenever I saw an Alaska jet, I imagined how powerful it would be to see salmon depicted in formline art across its fuselage," Worl shares. "My hope is that this project inspires wider recognition and appreciation for Indigenous values and traditions." Through her distinctive artwork, she seeks to foster cultural understanding and inspire younger generations to embrace their heritage. The use of traditional Northwest Coast formline—an art form dating back millennia—makes this livery a unique tribute to both artistry and ancestral knowledge.
Following its reveal, the aircraft commenced service with a ceremonial flight from Anchorage, traversing Southeast Alaska. The journey included a meaningful stop in Juneau—Worl’s hometown and the state’s capital—before continuing to Sitka, Ketchikan, and Seattle, connecting communities linked by salmon and heritage.
Key Details of the Xáat Kwáani (Salmon People) Livery:
- The painting process required 117 gallons (532 liters) of paint.
- Four signature colors—Midnight Blue, Atlas Blue, White, and Pink—were meticulously applied.
- The entire livery transformation was completed in just 12 days, from prep to final touches.
- Advanced clear-coat technology ensures the vibrant design remains pristine for years, with the livery expected to grace the skies throughout this decade.
- For a behind-the-scenes look at the painting process, watch the official timelapse below.
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