Sunday, April 28, 2024
Mohammed Hakeem’s love affair with aviation began in childhood, as he embarked on Boeing 747-400 journeys from Los Angeles to Fiji with his family. These experiences ignited a lifelong passion for flight within him.
In 2017, Mohammed embarked on his aviation career, starting as a customer service agent (CSA) with Alaska Airlines at San Francisco International Airport. Swiftly rising through the ranks, he assumed leadership as a CSA in Oakland before transitioning to a flight attendant role in 2019.
Despite finding fulfillment in these positions, Mohammed harbored a persistent dream of piloting aircraft. His aspiration was fueled by a desire to honor his parents’ sacrifices and carve out a path that would make them proud.
As a Fijian American, Mohammed also recognized the significance of representation in aviation leadership. He yearned to contribute to this change by becoming a pilot, driven by the importance of seeing individuals like himself in the captain’s seat.
” I have always dreamt of becoming a pilot. Growing up, I was told by adults that my dream was too ambitious and that it wasn’t practical. But I held onto that dream, and it eventually became a reality for me,” said Mohammed. “Being a part of the industry which I’ve loved all my life helped me realize that my dream was indeed attainable.”
After conducting some research and receiving encouragement from a friend, Mohammed took the leap and applied to the Ascend Academy offered by Alaska Airlines in early 2023. This comprehensive program, conducted in partnership with Hillsboro Aero Academy in Hillsboro, Oregon, guides aspiring pilots from ground zero to achieving commercial flight status over several years. Mohammed is currently dedicated to completing his training, aiming for graduation, after which he’ll smoothly transition into his new role as a pilot for Horizon Air.
“Trust the process, move at your own pace, and always believe in yourself! You will make mistakes, but you will learn and grow from them. Trusting the process can be grueling especially when we compare our progress amongst our peers. It is not a race but a journey–one we cannot complete if we do not truly believe in ourselves the entire way.” – Mohammed Hakeem
Get acquainted with a few of our iconic aviators.
Last year, Alaska Air Group paid tribute to the remarkable careers of select pilots, bestowing upon them the titles of “Alaska Legends” and “Horizon Air Pathfinders.” This recognition celebrates individuals who consistently aim higher, prioritize others, and have dedicated over a decade to the profession.
Captain Julie Thiele, initially an art major, transitioned to aviation despite grappling with severe motion sickness. Her journey led her to conquer these challenges and ascend to the position of director base chief pilot at Anchorage International Airport.
Captain Geoff Nelson’s aviation journey commenced with a memorable flight over Juneau, Alaska, igniting an unwavering passion. With over two decades of experience, he has donned various roles, from piloting guests to educating in classrooms and fulfilling technical pilot responsibilities.
Captain Rich Loudon, a former Navy serviceman, brought his wealth of experience to the airline. Beyond his duties in the flight deck, he has crafted vital training programs for Alaska pilots and earned industry-wide respect for his expertise in Human Factors.
“You literally have the best office in the world, with ever-changing breath-taking view. Feeling the exhilaration of climbing away from the earth on every takeoff has never failed to keep me smiling. What a privilege. In addition to that, the aviation career is filled with high performing people that make it safe, fun and highly rewarding.” – Captain Rich Loudon
Among their cohort, these individuals embody the standard of care and expertise our pilots strive for. As Rich commemorates 32 years as an Alaska pilot and Mohammed embarks on his journey to the flight deck, it’s imperative to continue valuing and acknowledging expertise, recruiting pilots from diverse backgrounds, and fostering opportunities for our employees to pursue their aspirations.
Sunday, April 28, 2024
Sunday, April 28, 2024
Sunday, April 28, 2024
