Alaska Airlines pilot makes final flight, surprised by Russell Wilson

SEATTLE — A beloved Alaska Airlines pilot made his final flight Sunday after 36 years.

“Captain Swani" retired after a round-trip Tucson-Seattle flight on Sunday evening.

Captain Mike Swanigan became one of Alaska Airlines' most recognizable pilots after starring in commercials with Russell Wilson.

Wilson surprised Captain Swani by greeting him on the ground at Sea-Tac, his final destination.

Swanigan is 65 years old and was raised an “Air Force brat.” He knew he wanted to be a pilot since the first grade, when a student brought in an American Airlines Boeing 707 model.

From Alaska Airlines blog post:

"My parents taught me: If you aren't making someone else's day, you don't deserve to be on planet Earth," Swanigan said.

Over the years, Swanigan served as an instructor/check pilot, chief pilot, vice president of flight operations, and officiated an onboard wedding ceremony for an employee couple, according to Alaska Airlines.

Of special importance to Swanigan were the inaugural flights to Russia in 1991. From the blog, "It was exhilarating and scary building the bridge between Russian and American people," said Swanigan.

Russell Wilson and Swanigan became friends after meeting at an event in 2013. The two joked and laughed together, then reunited to shoot commercials together for the airline.

When Swanigan’s flight touched down Sunday evening, Wilson was waiting to surprise him. Wilson entered the cockpit and leaned down to hug Captain Swani.

“You’re the best,” said Wilson to Swanigan. He then moved to project a message over the loudspeaker.

“Hello everyone,” said Wilson. “Everybody give a big round of applause for Mike Swanigan, 36 years. … Captain Swani, the one and only.”

The passengers cheered.

“Swani you’re the best,” says Wilson. “One of the best people that you could ever meet. One of the kindest people you could ever meet. One of the most intelligent people you’ll ever meet.”

Swanigan was the second African-American pilot hired at Alaska Airlines, and then served as the company’s first African-American vice president. He had 36 years of safe, successful flying.

Swanigan received many hugs and a kiss on his cheek.

When asked how his final flight was, Swanigan responded, "About as perfect as it could be."

Cox Media Group