Aloha Airlines Collectibles

Aloha Airlines Collectibles

For more than six decades, Aloha Airlines ferried passengers between cities in the United States and Canada and the islands of Oahu, Hawaii, Maui, and Kauai. People took countless trips on the Hawaiian carrier, but escalating fuel prices and a sharp decline in domestic tourism in the opening years of the 21st century meant that Aloha struggled to meet its operating costs. The airline’s last flight took place on March 31, 2008.

Collectors may want Aloha Airlines memorabilia for a number of different reasons. Aviation fans may wish to document the history of Aloha flights with mementos they can see and touch. Other aficionados enjoy these collectibles because Aloha Airlines represents a niche. Some people enjoy this hobby because of the nostalgic appeal of the palm tree, plumeria, and bird of paradise iconography that is associated with Aloha’s logo. Aloha Airlines collectibles include:

• Timetables: Airline timetables are booklets containing information about flight schedules, plane specifications, and in-flight amenities such as entertainment and food. They were given out at airline counters in the days when booking and boarding a flight were uncomplicated procedures. Most airlines no longer publish timetables; instead, they direct prospective passengers to their websites.
• Safety cards: Airline safety cards are laminated pages that describe what passengers are expected to do in case of an emergency.
• Flatware and cutlery: Airline flatware and cutlery are the utensils that accompany meals served during flights. Aloha Airlines used metal forks, spoons, and knives, and the name of the airline was engraved upon the handle of each knife.
• Maps and brochures: Aloha Airlines had colorful travel brochures that were illustrated with topographical maps of Hawaii’s eight main islands. These maps also included pictures of tiki lamps, idyllic plantations, and happy Hawaiian natives.
• Models: Airplane models are scale replicas of the crafts used by various air carriers. Aloha Airlines models include cargo plane and jet replicas.
• Branded clothing: Branded clothing includes sweatshirts, T-shirts, and hoodies decorated with any of the logos that were associated with Aloha Airlines throughout its history. Aficionados also collect items that were part of the flight crews’ uniforms.
• Promotional materials: Aloha Airlines’ print ads were memorable. “Not everyone who lives in Hawaii flies Hawaiian,” is one example. The accompanying graphic showed an endless sweep of ocean and a single surfboard.

When you are buying airline collectibles, look for items that are well-preserved and have a distinct sense of style. Promotional items and things like cutlery that are preserved in their original cellophane wrappers are good examples of these.

Give some consideration to storage and display as well. If you are storing your Aloha Airlines collection, you will want to make sure that your storage space is temperature-controlled. If you are displaying it in your home, keep your collection away from direct sunlight.