Alaska Airlines has revealed another sports-themed special livery. This time, the carrier has painted a Boeing 737 MAX with a special livery promoting the carrier's partnership with the Seattle Kraken, which is a hockey team in the carrier's home city. Just like every other sports-based partnership, Alaska Airlines will be offering early boarding for certain customers.

Alaska Airlines reveals a special livery

Alaska Airlines has revealed a brand new livery on a Boeing 737 MAX 9. The aircraft is sporting a special Seattle Kraken livery that, according to the carrier, "features a partial Kraken logo to lean into the mystery of the actual "Kraken" brand and mascot." The livery is undoubtedly quite distinct.

The aircraft it is featured on is a new Boeing 737 MAX 9. With the tail number N915AK, the aircraft will be flying on routes to Kraken away games in cities Alaska serves. The first flight was to Las Vegas, where the team will play its first regular-season away game.

The livery is certainly distinct. Photo: Alaska Airlines

Ben Minicucci, Alaska Airlines CEO, stated the following on the new livery:

"As a lifelong hockey fan, I could not be more excited to have hockey returning to Seattle. The partnership with our hometown's newest professional sports team is a natural fit for the two organizations – we are both focused on giving back to our communities and have a deep commitment to sustainability. I look forward to cheering the team on and off the ice."

In addition to the livery, Alaska Airlines will be offering early boarding for select passengers. Kraken fans wearing their jerseys on flights departing from Seattle-Tacoma International Airport (SEA) and Paine Field (PAE) will be able to step onboard the aircraft early.

The interior of the aircraft also sports some fun touches. Photo: Alaska Airlines

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Building brand loyalty in Seattle

Alaska Airlines is based in Seattle, and it is laser-focused on increasing its local penetration. While some passengers may be more inclined to book with Alaska because of the special livery, the livery is more about burnishing Alaska's ties with the local community in Seattle.

While hubs get a lot of focus in terms of routes and traffic, the fight for local travelers can be more competitive. With Delta Air Lines offering some competition to Alaska in Seattle, Alaska Airlines is making sure it keeps its local penetration high. By sponsoring local sports arenas, like the Alaska Airlines Atrium, and building partnerships with local institutions like the Seattle Kraken, the Alaska name gets out more, and travelers may be more inclined to choose the airline because of expanded name recognition, which is where brand loyalty starts to develop.

Recent special liveries

Alaska Airlines has recently revealed two more special liveries. Just a couple of weeks ago, the airline unveiled a San Franciso Giants-themed Airbus A320. In mid-September, the carrier revealed a Rusell Wilson livery for Seattle Seahawks fans on a Boeing 737-900ER.

Alaska A320 New Livery
The San Francisco Giants last won baseball's World Series in 2014. Photo: Alaska Airlines

In the case of the Giants, Alaska Airlines has even incorporated the team in its lounge space. The airline unveiled a Giants-themed play area for children in San Francisco. The carrier stated this is the first and only co-branded professional sports-themed lounge space in the country.

Do you like the special livery? Let us know in the comments!