Hawaiian Airlines Spotlights its Environmental and Social Endeavors in The Annual Corporate Kuleana Report
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Image generated with AiHawaiian Airlines released its yearly Corporate Kuleana (Responsibility) Report, spotlighting its Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) efforts aimed at achieving more sustainable flight operations and growth.
Hawaiian remains committed to reaching its target of achieving net-zero carbon emissions by 2050. To accomplish this, the company is investing in sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) and updating its fleet. Just recently, the airline launched its inaugural flight using a fuel-efficient Boeing 787-9 aircraft and welcomed the second of twelve 787-9s that it has on order.
In anticipation of a period of expansion, Hawaiian added nearly 1,000 employees in 2023, bringing its year-end workforce to 7,362 individuals. Additionally, it expanded its initiatives with schools and universities to cultivate a strong career pipeline.
“I am immensely proud of our achievements in the past year, and the dedication of our employees to make us a better airline,” Hawaiian Airlines President and CEO Peter Ingram said in the Kuleana Report’s welcome message. “Their aloha for one another, our guests, and the communities we serve, inspires me each day, and it is what will build our continued success in the years ahead.”
Safeguarding our Environment
Hawaiian Airlines, committed to replacing 10% of petroleum-based jet fuel with Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) by 2030, made a significant announcement last year. The company plans to procure 50 million gallons of SAF from Gevo, Inc., a biofuel company, over a span of 5 years starting in 2029. Additionally, Hawaiian is actively collaborating with Par Hawaii, the state’s largest refinery, to explore the local production of SAF.
Hawaiian has also joined forces with United Airlines Ventures’ Sustainable Flight Fund to bolster startups focused on accelerating research, technology, and production to scale up SAF. Recently, it became a member of the SAF Coalition, a nonpartisan nonprofit advocating for incentives and policies promoting SAF.
Hawaiian is progressing well towards conserving three million gallons of jet fuel through operational initiatives by 2028. It saved around 800,000 gallons in 2023 alone. Furthermore, the airline conducted a thorough assessment of its Scope 3 emissions last year to guide efforts in decarbonizing its supply chain.
In its dedication to cutting waste and phasing out single-use plastics from its in-flight offerings by 2029, Hawaiian Airlines saw a 24% decrease in single-use plastics per transpacific flight by December 2023, compared to levels in 2021. This endeavor included redirecting 355,000 plastic water bottles and incorporating eco-conscious catering items and onboard amenities.
Nurturing our People and Communities
In the past year, Hawaiian welcomed 953 new teammates across various roles, with a focus on hiring pilots and mechanics to support new ventures such as cargo operations for Amazon and a fleet of 787-9s.
With more than 80% of its employees identifying as racially or ethnically diverse, Hawaiian continues to prioritize diversity, inclusion, and belonging as key drivers of its recruiting and retention strategies. In 2023, Hawaiian led major U.S. airlines in having the highest percentage of women pilots at over 9.7%, significantly surpassing the 2022 U.S. average of 4.9%.
To inspire the next generation of aviation professionals, Hawaiian is expanding educational partnerships and workforce development programs while supporting ongoing education for its employees. The Hawaii-based nonprofit ClimbHI recognized Hawaiian as its 2023 Outstanding Business award winner for its impactful community outreach efforts across college and high school campuses in Hawai’i and the Continental U.S.
As Hawaii’s hometown carrier, Hawaiian Airlines continues to support island communities and cities across its network through its Team Kokua (Help) program and employee volunteerism. In 2023, Hawaiian’s philanthropic initiatives included donating 187.2 million HawaiianMiles to 246 organizations, with 35 million miles benefiting its long-time partner, the Polynesia Voyaging Society, for its “Moananuiakea: A Voyage for the Earth” project.
In total, over 1,500 employees volunteered 8,548 hours, and Hawaiian contributed $1.8 million in cash and in-kind donations towards culture, education, environment, health, and human services.
Last summer, Hawaiian Airlines faced a critical call to action during devastating wildfires in West Maui, mobilizing swiftly to evacuate around 17,000 displaced visitors and residents within the first three days of the disaster. The airline also transported first responders and essential supplies to Maui.
Hawaiian initiatives included coordinating food drives, donating $150,000 to the Hawaii Foodbank, Maui Foodbank, and the Hawaii Community Foundation, and giving close to 140 million HawaiianMiles to the American Red Cross.To aid Maui’s ongoing economic recovery, Hawaiian produced a series of “Travel Pono” (Travel Responsibly) videos hosted by Maui employees, highlighting ways visitors can have a positive experience on the island while supporting the local community.
Hawaiian’s Corporate Kuleana Report includes comprehensive reporting aligned with the Task Force on Climate-Related Disclosures (TCFD) alongside Sustainability Accounting Standards Board (SASB) metrics.
