Quantcast

Alaska Airlines helps hero donor complete 50-state blood donation journey

Flight made emergency landing in Denver after reported animal strike and engine fire
United Airlines doubles down on Chicago roots with new O'Hare billboards
Gatwick airport strikes, Easter 2025: will my flight be cancelled?
Boarding passes and check-in could be scrapped in air travel shake-up
European air traffic warning means summer delays for holidaymakers
The EU rule change that could affect millions of Brits when their flight is delayed or cancelled
Delta Earnings Land Soon. Why They’re Key for Airline Stocks and the Economy.
Avelo Airlines to Operate Deportation Flights, Hiring Flight Attendants
Travel chaos 2025: all the strikes and disruption expected across Europe
Qatar Airways accelerates Starlink wifi implementation
Southwest Airlines extends flight schedule through early April 2025
Cathay Pacific reaches 3,400 pilots this year, with low resignation rate of 2.9%
United receives FAA approval for first Starlink-equipped planes
Qantas launches mammoth Asia flight sale including Bali and Japan
New Update from Air Canada, WestJet, American Airlines, Delta, United, Southwest, Alaska, JetBlue Airways, and Sunwing: Airline Capacity Between Canada and US Slashed as Bookings Plummet Seventy Per Cent
Delta Cuts Two Domestic Routes
United Airlines Technicians Reject ‘Dead on Arrival’ Contract Proposal, Teamsters Say
The State of the Asia Pacific Airline Industry
Spirit Airlines to add Detroit nonstop flight out of Bradley International Airport
Major airline to launch new direct flights from Scotland to North America
Ryanair launches new ‘prime’ membership which saves passengers more than £400 a year
Judge Orders Boeing to Trial on 737 MAX Case
Qantas’ free international Wi-Fi to switch on from next week
The real reason Southwest is charging for bags now
Air France-KLM in ongoing talks with Air Europa on potential stake, CEO says
Frontier Savagely Shades Southwest After They Eliminated Longstanding Free Bag Policy, Sparking Backlash
Frontier Wants You to 'Divorce Your Old Airline' After Southwest Changes
Delta named one of Fast Company's Most Innovative Companies for sustainability initiatives
Passengers escape fiery American Airlines jet in Denver
Delta, American Dive On Slashed Outlooks; But Two Airlines Rally
Alaska Airlines helps hero donor complete 50-state blood donation journey
Airports
Webp tx8yjxzuwgxlfmvsyjjapmregioc
Max Tidwell Vice President, Safety and Security, Alaska Airlines | Alaska Airlines

Alaska Airlines is providing Vinton Smith with the 'Gift of Travel' to Hawaii, allowing him to complete his mission of donating blood in all 50 states. This journey began over a decade ago on World Blood Donor Day, June 14. Smith will make his final donation in Honolulu, accompanied by his family, turning this event into a significant personal and communal milestone.

Last summer, Alaska Airlines flew Smith to Anchorage for his 49th state donation at the Blood Bank of Alaska. The airline also contributed $10,000 to support the organization's essential services. Smith's mother, who inspired him to become a donor, will join him in Honolulu as he concludes his mission. His children will also participate by donating blood.

Smith shared his gratitude: “As a young boy, I vividly remember both of my parents donating blood. At 17, I became a donor myself... I’m incredibly grateful to Alaska for offering my family and me the ‘Gift of Travel,’ but also for providing me with a platform to share the powerful message of this life-saving act of kindness."

Get the Newsletter
Sign-up to receive weekly round up of news from Sky Industry News
By submitting, you agree to our Privacy Policy and Terms of Service. By providing your phone number you are opting in and consenting to receive recurring SMS/MMS messages, including automated texts, to that number from our short code. Msg & data rates may apply. Reply HELP for help, STOP to end. SMS opt-in will not be sold, rented, or shared.

Daniel Chun from Alaska Airlines expressed admiration for Smith's journey: “Over the past year, we’ve had the privilege of joining Vinton on this heartwarming journey... It’s an honor to help him reach this milestone.”

Hawaiian Airlines employees will contribute by donating blood on June 12 when the Blood Bank of Hawai‘i sends a donor vehicle to their headquarters in Honolulu. Hawaiian Airlines has partnered with the Blood Bank of Hawai‘i to ensure regular transport of blood supplies across islands.

Dr. Kim-Anh Nguyen from the Blood Bank of Hawai‘i acknowledged Hawaiian Airlines' role: “We are grateful for the vital role Hawaiian Airlines plays in Hawai‘i’s healthcare infrastructure... Mahalo to both Hawaiian Airlines and Alaska Airlines for their partnership in helping save lives across our state.”

On World Blood Donor Day, June 14, individuals can donate at two fixed locations in Hawaii and receive thank-you gifts while supplies last. To encourage donations leading up to this day, Alaska and Hawaiian Airlines are offering sweepstakes entries for roundtrip tickets as an incentive.

Organizations Included in this History
More News

Lufthansa has announced the introduction of unlimited free chatting on its long-haul flights.

Jun 3, 2025

The International Air Transport Association (IATA) has announced the integration of its CO2 Connect tool into the Amadeus Travel Platform.

Jun 3, 2025

Emirates and Air China have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to explore an enhanced partnership.

Jun 3, 2025

Air New Zealand is set to expand its fleet with the arrival of two new A321neo aircraft, each covering a distance of 19,342 kilometers from the Airbus facility in Hamburg to Auckland.

Jun 3, 2025

GOL and TAP Air Portugal have adopted the International Air Transport Association's (IATA) FuelIS platform to enhance their fuel management strategies.

Jun 3, 2025

Alaska Airlines has announced a new nonstop service connecting Seattle and Rome, marking the first time these two cities will be directly linked by air.

Jun 3, 2025