Photo of the Week: Celebration of Salmon
Alaska Airlines honors indigenous people through special livery
By BlueSkyStaff
Published December 11, 2023
Read Time: 2 mins
Alaska is a state known for its vast land, advantageous views of the Northern Lights and abundance of salmon. In its newest livery, Alaska Airlines puts some of state’s rich culture on display for the rest of the world.
Matthew Slafka was lucky enough to spot the airlines’ new “X̱áat Ḵwáani Salmon Livery” in all its glory recently at John Wayne Orange County Airport in California. The livery was designed by Indigenous artist Crystal Worl to represent the culture, language and, of course, salmon, in the state.
Just behind the nose of the aircraft, you can spot the words “X̱áat Ḵwáani” — Alaskan Tlingit for “Salmon People.” This marks the first aircraft in a U.S. airline fleet to have the plane’s name in an Alaskan Native language.
The aircraft Slafka spotted is a Boeing 737-890, but it isn’t the first of Alaska’s salmon-themed aircraft. Earlier this year, Alaska’s Boeing 737-800, or “Salmon Thirty Salmon II,” took its last journey.
Although the newest aircraft has yet to make its way to PIT, Alaska Airlines flies to Seattle from Pittsburgh daily, so there’s always a chance for this unique livery to stop by our airport, too.
Meanwhile, Nicole Banks shared this photo of a sunset over St. Petersburg, Florida, which she took on her flight from Las Vegas. Allegiant’s colorful wing shines against the pink cotton candy sky. In fact, you might even call it salmon colored.
Thanks Matthew and Nicole!
Our readers continue to pass along shots of unique aircraft, international airports, historical events, gorgeous views and even family vacation photos for this feature. We love them! Keep them coming—you can click here for submission guidelines.
![](https://b3735278.smushcdn.com/3735278/wp-content/uploads/2023/12/Nicole-Banks-St-Pete-Florida-Usd-600x800.jpg?lossy=1&strip=0&webp=1)
An Allegiant Air flight descends into St. Petersburg, Fla. (Photo submitted by Nicole Banks)
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