How You Can Help Save Alaska’s Salmon-Thirty-Salmon
After 18 years, the Alaska Airlines “Salmon-Thirty-Salmon” livery will disappear, company officials said Monday.
The story behind the design stems from an unusual incident in the Alaskan panhandle nearly 36 years ago.
On 30 March 1987, an Alaska Airlines flight departed Juneau International Airport (JNU) when a bald eagle dropped a fish from its talons, hitting the windshield of the Boeing 737-200 as it passed through 400 feet.
Aside from some grease and scales on the windshield, the incident did not cause any damage to the aircraft. However, it left a lasting impression on the crew (pilot Bill Morin reportedly said, “Did we just hit what I think we hit?”), and sparked an idea that would eventually become the Seattle-based carrier’s iconic Salmon-Thirty-Salmon.
How the Salmon-Thirty-Salmon Came to Be
The Salmon-Thirty-Salmon livery took flight for the first time in 2005. It was part of a marketing campaign and partnership between Alaska Airlines and the Alaska Seafood Marketing Institute (ASMI) to promote Alaska’s abundant wild and sustainable seafood stock. The livery featured a 120-foot-long Alaska king salmon on a Boeing 737-400 (registration N792AS). The aircraft also featured the Alaska Airlines logo and the slogan” Wild Alaska Seafood” on the fuselage.
When the Salmon-Thirty-Salmon debuted in 2005, it was an instant hit with passengers and aviation enthusiasts alike. The aircraft quickly became one of the most recognizable symbols of Alaska Airlines and was featured in countless advertisements, promotional materials, and social media campaigns. The Salmon-Thirty-Salmon became so popular that it spawned a series of merchandise, including t-shirts, hats, and even plush toys.
In 2011, the carrier painted over the fish and replaced it with Alaska’s traditional Eskimo livery.
An Updated Salmon-Thirty-Salmon Livery Debuted in 2012
However, the livery proved so popular that in 2012, the company debuted an updated “Salmon-Thirty-Salmon II” livery on a newer Boeing 737-800 (registration N559AS).
The design process for the 129-foot-long Salmon-Thirty-Salmon II was a collaborative effort between the airline’s marketing team and the aircraft painting company Associated Painters, Inc. The team spent nearly a month refining the design and ensuring that every detail was perfect, including the color of the salmon’s 3,500 scales, the size of its fins, and the placement of its eyes. The design was the brainchild of Seattle artist Mark Boyle.
The Livery is Set to Disappear in April
Sadly, the days of Alaska’s giant flying salmon may be coming to an end. Rumors circulating last month were confirmed on Monday when Alaska Airlines announced the livery’s final flight would take place on 17 April.
N559AS will operate Flight 65, one of the carrier’s infamous “Milk Runs.” Unique to Alaska Airlines, these flights serve as a lifeline to communities that may not otherwise have access to the outside world. Flight 65 departs from Seattle-Tacoma International Airport (SEA) and serves the Alaskan panhandle communities of Ketchikan (KTN), Wrangell (WRG), Petersburg (PSG), and Juneau (JNU) before ending in Anchorage (ANC).
The company has yet to say what will replace the fishy livery other than confirming that it would not be a third salmon.
Here is Your Chance to Save this One-of-a-Kind Livery
Of course, AvGeeks will not let this beautifully unique livery simply fly into the proverbial sunset. An online petition has been launched for those hoping the airline will reconsider replacing the iconic livery. The change.org petition has received more than 1,100 signatures at the time of this writing.
The story of the Salmon-Thirty-Salmon is more than just a marketing gimmick. It is a symbol of Alaska Airlines’ commitment to its customers, its community, and the environment. The airline has a long history of serving Alaska and the Pacific Northwest region. The Salmon-Thirty-Salmon is just one example of how the airline has tried to connect with its customers and celebrate the region’s natural resources.
Further, it is a testament to the power of creativity and innovation in marketing. The campaign’s success and the push to save this bit of aviation history reflect Alaska Airlines’ commitment to its customers, communities, and the environment.
And all because a bald eagle wanted some dinner.
