Name: Peter Ingram
Title: President and CEO
Company, city: Hawaiian Airlines; Honolulu, Hawai’i
Number of employees: 7,153 worldwide
Recent project: Integrating the Airbus A321neos into our fleet; we will have 11 by the end of 2018 and 18 by 2020. Also, 10 Boeing 787-9s will join our fleet starting in 2021.
First job: I delivered the Toronto Star at age 10, including in the winter.
Little-known fact about you: I enjoy hiking Koko Crater Trail in East Honolulu, with its 1,000-plus steps. On my 50th birthday I hiked it three times to prove I could do it.
Your Business
What innovations/initiatives do you foresee in the industry over the next years? As technology advances, airlines will continue to refine and segment their product offerings. We are moving beyond one-size-fits-all cabins to thoughtfully designed spaces that match different traveler needs — leisure, business, couples or families. Thoughtful product marketing and design help us create distinct experiences. For example, our Extra Comfort class provides a well-priced upgrade between first class and the main cabin and has proven popular with many guests.
Best career advice you’ve received: To excel at something you must feel genuine passion for it every day. Early in my career, working as a research analyst, I realized the role didn’t inspire me and chose to go back to school to change direction.
What advice would you give someone starting out in the field? The airline industry is dynamic and full of fresh challenges. Stay curious and pursue opportunities as they appear. Career paths are rarely straight lines — embrace the variety and learn from each step. I respect the younger generation’s willingness to try different roles and broaden their experience.
Peter Ingram as a Traveler
Favorite travel memory or story: Some of the most vivid travel memories come from things that don’t go as planned. Years ago, while at American Airlines, my family and I flew to Jamaica for spring break. On the return journey a disruption threw our itinerary into chaos. With two young children and bags everywhere, we sprinted through Miami International trying to sort out the next flight and navigate the terminal. It felt overwhelming in the moment, but we made it through — and the story stuck with me.
One travel tip you cannot live without: I travel highly organized. Everything in my backpack and suitcase has a purpose and place, which helps me fit essentials like gym shoes and electronic devices while staying efficient on the road.
Best advice for business travelers: Prepare for the long-haul in advance so you can relax and be productive once airborne. Pack what you need for comfort and focus — whether that means entertainment, reading material, music or work tools — and you’ll get more out of the trip.
About Hawaiian Airlines
Hawaiian Airlines recently announced several new routes; what is in store for 2019? Introducing the A321neo into our fleet is central to our plans through 2018 and into 2019. These aircraft enable us to open new mainland markets and offer more direct nonstops to Maui and Kauai. Our partnership with Japan Airlines launched in Phase One this March, with codeshares and integration into JALPAK tour packages yielding encouraging early results. Phase Two is expected in 2019, which will expand connectivity throughout Japan while combining JAL’s network with Hawaiian expertise about the islands.
What can premium travelers expect from a Hawaiian Airlines flight? We recently completed a retrofit of our 24 Airbus A330s to provide full lie-flat seating in the Premium Cabin, using a custom design tailored to a leisure carrier. From boarding onward we aim to convey the spirit of aloha: attentive cabin service, island-inspired meals and beverages, and locally sourced touches such as beers from the Maui Brewing Co. and sweets from Honolulu Cookie Co. The goal is to make guests feel on vacation the moment they step onboard.
Tell us about your Exclusive Reef Protection Initiative with Raw Elements USA. Air travel connects cultures, and we take seriously our responsibility to protect the environments we visit. Tourism and aviation consume resources, and one local concern is reef erosion linked to harmful sunscreen ingredients. Our partnership with Raw Elements raises awareness about protecting reefs and promotes sustainable practices. On North American routes we provide complimentary samples and offer discounted bottles of Raw Elements Eco-Formula sunscreen to guests. By partnering with likeminded organizations, we amplify a message of stewardship and encourage responsible behavior that helps preserve Hawai’i’s natural resources.