Inaugural ‘Aviation Day’ looks to inspire future aviators

HONOLULU (HawaiiNewsNow) – A new “Aviation Day” aims to inspire local keiki to pursue a career in the airline industry.

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Hawaiian Airlines hosted its inaugural aviation event Saturday, giving over 350 people a behind-the-scenes look at what it takes to run the airline.

Students talked with over 100 employees to learn more about pathways to start an aviation career here in Hawaii.

“We are losing the middle class and these kind of opportunities will help our residents and local kids, men and women stay in Hawaii, make good-paying jobs. And you know, help us with all the things that we need to get done here in Hawaii,” said city council member Augie Tulba.

Erica Zoi is an office employee for Hawaiian and said, “This is a good opportunity for [kids] to see the different aspects of what goes on behind the scenes within the airline and possibly different career options.”

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The event also included sessions on the flight experience, airport operations, flight training, maintenance and engineering.

Tyler Parker, 16, is an aspiring pilot who is planning to go to Pacific Flight Academy in Honolulu, and said the event was a good opportunity to get involved.

“Just learning about everything I can… the work life, the things I can do they help me get a job,” he said. “It’s all just a cool day in general and it’s free… so might as well take advantage of it.”

Aviation Day was an Alaska Airlines project 21 years ago. Now, with the merger, the company is bringing the program to Hawaii to create local interest.

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