Hawaiian Airlines Employees Transition from Hangar to Classroom

Hawaiian Airlines Employees Transition from Hangar to Classroom

From Naval Aviation to Commercial Training

Kenny Parker, a technical operations training instructor at Hawaiian Airlines, has forged a notable career in aviation, transitioning from hands-on engine maintenance in the U.S. Navy to educating the airline’s next generation of technical staff. Speaking at the 2025 Aviation Technician Education Council Annual Conference in Norfolk, Virginia, Parker detailed his professional journey and the evolving approach to in-house training at Hawaiian Airlines.

Parker’s aviation career began shortly after high school, influenced by his mother’s advice to pursue a meaningful path through education, employment, or military service. He chose the Navy, becoming an aviation machinist mate. His initial assignment was aboard the USS Midway, where he worked in the jet engine shop. After relocating to Hawaii, Parker spent two decades maintaining Lockheed P-3 aircraft, advancing steadily into leadership and management roles before retiring from the Navy in 2017 after 30 years of service.

Determined to remain in Hawaii, Parker joined Hawaiian Airlines as a production controller, managing maintenance scheduling for the airline’s Boeing 717 aircraft, known as the island hoppers. After five and a half years in this role, he transitioned to the corporate office to become a technical training instructor.

Transitioning to Instruction and Building Training Programs

Moving from the hangar floor to the classroom presented Parker with new challenges and opportunities. Drawing on the leadership and interpersonal skills developed during his Navy career, he adapted to his instructional role with enthusiasm. Parker emphasized the importance of continuous learning, noting that he developed skills in presentation, voice projection, and classroom management over time. His ability to connect with mechanics, who were familiar and comfortable with him, enhanced the training experience.

Hawaiian Airlines’ in-house training program operates across two facilities: the maintenance hangar where Parker began his career and a nearby corporate office housing multiple classrooms. The airline employs approximately eight instructors who deliver a range of specialized courses tailored to operational requirements. This dual-structure approach enables Hawaiian Airlines to provide hands-on, practical training that aligns closely with its technical needs.

Industry Context and Organizational Commitment

The airline’s shift from hangar-based to classroom training occurs amid broader challenges facing the aviation industry, including heightened focus on pilot and technician development. Competitors are similarly investing in enhanced training programs to attract and retain skilled personnel. Despite these pressures, Hawaiian Airlines continues to demonstrate strong on-time performance, reflecting the effectiveness of its training initiatives.

Parker’s career trajectory exemplifies the personal dedication and organizational adaptability necessary to meet the demands of a rapidly evolving industry. His experience underscores how expertise gained in the hangar can be successfully leveraged to deliver impactful technical instruction.