Earlier this week, Alaska Airlines unveiled its very latest special livery jet that has been designed by talented Alaska native artist Crystal Kaakeeyáa Rose Demientieff Worl. Xáat Kwáani means “Salmon People” in the Alaskan Tlingit language and refers to the spiritual link between the people who interact with the beloved salmon and all of us who benefit from their stewardship of the environment.
Using Northwest Coast formline art, the salmon design by Worl is a one-of-a-kind work that honours salmon, culture, artistic expression, and language. Traditional formline art dates back thousands of years and is a two-dimensional design style of the Northwest Coast.
Marilyn Romano, regional vice president, of Alaska Airlines said: "Crystal Worl has a love of monumental art — most recently murals gracing the sides of buildings in Juneau and Anchorage for locals and visitors to enjoy. And we had a large blank canvas — a 737-800. - During our first conversation, Crystal shared her desire to paint an Alaska Airlines plane — she has flown with us most of her life. Salmon as a focus was intentional and Crystal shares the relationship between salmon and Native people through storytelling and artistic design."
Salmon has a special meaning and significance in the state of Alaska, the Pacific Northwest and along the West Coast. Some travel as far as 600 miles each way, each uniquely adapted to its particular river system, ocean and watershed environment.
Xáat Kwáani paint facts:
• It took 117 gallons of paint to complete the livery.
• Four main colours were used to create the livery: Midnight Blue, Atlas Blue, White and Pink.
• From landing to take-off, it took just 12 days to paint.
• The specially painted livery will fly for a number of years through a paint system that applies a protective clear coat over the base coats. This protective coating will keep the livery looking fresh for many years.
