Alaska Airlines Featured in Newest Exhibit at Alaska Aviation Heritage Museum

A new exhibit opened today at the Alaska Aviation Heritage Museum detailing Alaska Airlines’ 75-year history of flying in the state. "Alaska Airlines, a Rich and Storied History Since 1932" tells the airline’s story through a series of colorful displays that include photos, articles, aircraft models and early airline memorabilia.

Visitors can view a replica storefront of bush pilot Linious "Mac" McGee, one of the airline’s early founders, and see retro uniforms worn by the airline’s crews. The exhibit’s backdrop depicts Alaska Airlines’ longtime city ticket office, once located in the heart of downtown Anchorage.

"We’re proud to be working with the museum to bring Alaska Airlines’ storied history to life for visitors and our employees," said Bill MacKay, the airline’s senior vice president for the state of Alaska. "Many of the men and women who were responsible for developing aviation in the state are the same people who founded Alaska Airlines."

As part of the exhibit opening, Alaska Airlines CEO Bill Ayer is turning over the keys to one of the airline’s retired 737-200 "Combis" to Orin Seybert, chairman of the board of the Alaska Aviation Heritage Museum.

The aircraft, capable of carrying passengers and cargo on the main deck, is known for its pioneering flights to Russia and decades of service within the state of Alaska. It will soon become a permanent exhibit at the museum. A one-tenth scale model of the plane is currently on display as part of the Alaska Airlines exhibit.

"Alaska Airlines has been a long-time sponsor of the museum and we’re very fortunate to be the recipient of this legendary aircraft," said Norm Lagasse, executive director of the Alaska Aviation Heritage Museum. "It will be preserved forever as a testament to the airline’s role in Alaska aviation history."

Alaska Airlines and its sister carrier, Horizon Air, together serve 92 cities through an expansive network throughout Alaska, the Lower 48, Canada and Mexico. This year Alaska Airlines celebrates its 75th anniversary, marking the airline’s growth from a single-aircraft operation in 1932 to one of the largest U.S. carriers. For reservations, visit http://alaskaair.com/. For more news and information, visit the Alaska Airlines/Horizon Air Newsroom at http://alaskaair.com/newsroom.

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SOURCE: Alaska Airlines; Alaska Aviation Heritage Museum