Quantcast

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

Flight tickets from Srinagar remain exorbitantly high despite aviation ministry request
RTX Q1 Earnings & Sales Beat Estimates, Increase Year Over Year
Coalition pledges to remove EV tax break two days after Dutton ruled out scrapping it – as it happened
Adani’s airport unit seeks $750 million loan from global banks
Flight made emergency landing in Denver after reported animal strike and engine fire
General Dynamics says G800 jet receives FAA, EASA certifications
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%
Qatar Airways Nears Boeing 777 Fleet-Wide Starlink Upgrade
United receives FAA approval for first Starlink-equipped planes
50 New Routes Launching In April 2025
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
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

UPS has operated one of the longest direct air cargo routes in the United States since 2018, connecting Louisville’s Muhammad Ali International Airport (SDF) in Kentucky with Dubai International Airport (DXB) in the United Arab Emirates.

Aug 2, 2025

The Boeing 737 MAX 10 is the largest version of the 737 family, designed to compete with the Airbus A321neo.

Aug 2, 2025

Russian airline Aeroflot reported significant flight disruptions on Monday, July 28, due to a failure in its information systems.

Aug 2, 2025

After more than four years, American Airlines will reintroduce its Boeing 777-200ER aircraft on the New York John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK) to Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) route starting October 6.

Aug 2, 2025

The Airbus A321XLR, which entered service in late 2024, is now the longest-range narrowbody aircraft available.

Aug 2, 2025

The Boeing 747 and Airbus A380 are the only commercial jetliners with a partial or full second passenger deck, and both have left a significant mark on aviation history.

Aug 2, 2025