Brothers in Flight: Kenyan Pilots Alex and Alan Soar High with the Same US Airline

From a young age in Kenya, twin brothers Alex and Alan possessed a deep desire to become pilots that surpassed the typical fascination children have with planes and pilots.

They plunged so deeply into aeronautics that they went as far as to engage in aeroplane simulation games at their own home. Alan discloses how his desire to fly was amplified by their mother when she bought them Microsoft Flight Simulator. Alan says that when he began manoeuvring through the game, there was no question in his mind that he wanted to be the one behind the cockpit.

Their dream received a tremendous boost when they immigrated to the United States at the age of 13. Presently, both twins are employed by the prestigious US airline, Alaska Airlines. Alex was the first to join the company, and in July 2022, Alaska proudly announced the hiring of Alan. When Alan decided to move on from other regional airlines in the United States, his first choice was Alaska.

"In the future, while aboard an Alaska Airlines flight, you may find yourself doing a double take as you pass the flight deck. This is because we have recently recruited a new pilot who is the identical twin brother of another Alaska pilot," Alaska Airlines shared.

In his interview with Alaska, Alan conveys that while working as a fueler he was consistently impressed by the genuine kindness and support shown by all employees, regardless of their roles. His brother, Alex, echoes this sentiment, emphasizing that Alaska is a place where you are embraced as family, not merely an employee. Alaska Airlines, headquartered in SeaTac, Washington, situated in the Seattle metropolitan region, is the fifth-largest airline in North America in terms of the number of passengers it serves.

Alongside its regional partners Horizon Air and SkyWest Airlines, Alaska operates a route network that primarily focuses on connecting cities along the West Coast of the United States to over 100 destinations in the contiguous United States, Bahamas, Belize, Canada, Costa Rica, Guatemala, and Mexico.