Hawaiian Airlines and Alaska Airlines employees came together in San Francisco to celebrate Chinese New Year for 2025. The festivities commemorated the year of the snake, and onlookers witnessed the celebrations with excitement.
How the Celebrations Panned Out
It was a historic moment for both airlines, as their employees came together for the first time to celebrate this event. A parade marched through the streets of San Francisco, and the sounds of gongs and cheers were heard across the city.
A team of dancers accompanied a snake float as it filtered its way through the city, displaying a terrific performance for the crowds. This formed part of the overall display of the airline’s appreciation for the Chinese, Korean, and Taiwanese communities.
Mary Roe, the Accounts Payable Supervisor for Alaska Airlines, commented on her appreciation of the festivities:
“I am half Taiwanese and as a kid my mom always made sure we celebrated Chinese New Year. It was so important to her that we were able to take part and understand our culture. We would sit and make dumplings, prepare noodles, fish, and pass out hongbao (red envelopes). As my mother got older it became my responsibility, as the eldest daughter, to take over those traditions and I am proud to pass those traditions on to my son. It was so incredible to get to participate in the Lunar New Year festivities and to be surrounded by so many people who wanted to celebrate and honour our Asian traditions.”
Other Celebrations Which Took Place
While the celebrations in San Francisco were the main event, another celebration was occurring in Seattle. Air Group Pan Asian (AGPA) members hosted festivities at Seattle’s AGPA headquarters, which included a dancing lion, providing joy to those witnessing the celebration.
No matter where these celebrations occurred, it is clear that the continued collaboration between Hawaiian and Alaska Airlines will bring further unions and excitement. These airlines will also be sure to raise connections with people from all cultures serving with them.
Were you in San Francisco watching these airlines celebrate together? Let us know what you think in the comments below.
