Father’s Day Spotlight: Keeping Aviation in the Family

‍SEATTLE — As Father’s Day approaches, two father-son duos working for Alaska Airlines (AS) and Hawaiian Airlines (HA) remind us that sometimes, the strongest career paths are paved right at home.

For Cody and Jeremy in Seattle, and Malachi and Sione in Honolulu, aviation is more than just a job — it’s a shared passion that has created lasting family legacies in the skies.

Flying High with Alaska Airlines

In Seattle, Cody and his father Jeremy are proving that the love of aviation can span both generations and military service. Jeremy, now managing director of safety at Horizon Air (QX), spent nearly 35 years in the U.S. Air Force, serving as a fighter pilot, flight instructor, and operations commander. After retiring from military service, he joined AS in 2019 and has continued to lead with a focus on safety.

Following in his father’s footsteps, Cody also served four years in the U.S. Air Force before earning his airframe and powerplant license. After working in Illinois servicing private aircraft, a visit to his father at AS inspired him to apply for a position. Today, Cody is a line maintenance inspector at AS’s Seattle maintenance hangar, already earning multiple safety honors, including two SOAR Awards.

“I know my dad is cool,” Cody shared, smiling at the nickname "Jeremy’s kid" given by coworkers. “Having served with my dad in the Air Force and now at Alaska is pretty much as good as it gets.”

Jeremy couldn’t be prouder: “It’s great to see him succeed at Alaska and even more rewarding to see him become a huge safety advocate.”

Now a father himself, Cody continues to build on his family's commitment to safety and excellence, creating a foundation his children may one day be inspired to follow.

A Hawaiian Cargo Connection

Across the Pacific in Honolulu, Malachi and his father Sione share more than a love for aviation — they share shifts. Both work as cargo agents for HA, often starting their days together at the crack of dawn at the Honolulu cargo facility.

Sione has been with HA for 18 years, spending the last nine in the cargo division. His son, Malachi, joined HA in 2018 after working on Maui, eager to return home to Oʻahu. Encouraged by his father, he transitioned into the cargo operation, where the two now work side by side.

“Working with my son is a true blessing for me,” Sione said. Malachi echoed the sentiment: “It makes the work environment even more comfortable, and if I need help, he’s there for me.”

Together, they take pride in Hawaiian Air Cargo’s role in delivering fresh food, medical supplies, pets, and other essential goods across the islands and beyond. “That collective energy makes even the busiest days more enjoyable,” Sione added.

Outside of work, family time continues. Whether dining out or visiting extended family on Molokaʻi or Maui, their bond remains strong. This Father’s Day, Malachi is leaving the dinner plans to his father, who has already chosen his favorite spot: Side Street Inn near Waikīkī. Sione has one recommendation for anyone visiting: “Try the short ribs and fried rice — and arrive hungry!”

Aviation: A Family Affair

For both families, aviation has become more than just a career — it's a shared experience that brings them closer together while helping keep the industry safe and thriving. As they celebrate Father’s Day, their stories serve as a powerful reminder of how passion, mentorship, and family traditions can take flight — and stay aloft — for generations.