Expanded Partnership will Further Drive Credit Card Acquisition and Loyalty; Strengthened Benefits to be Introduced in the Second Half of 2022
New York — Alaska Air Group Inc. (NYSE: ALK) and Bank of America (NYSE: BAC) today announced an extension of their co-branded credit card agreement through 2030. The renewed agreement strengthens a powerful industry partnership that has endured over decades, meaningfully expands guest benefits, and further accelerates both companies’ strategic growth plans in key West Coast geographies.
Our partnership with Bank of America has been key to strengthening Alaska’s brand recognition and building unparalleled customer loyalty. This extension of our relationship with Bank of America will continue to provide our guests meaningful ways to enhance their travel experience with us,” said Ben Minicucci, Chief Executive Officer of Alaska. “Over time, we will continue to invest in value-added benefits for our cardholders, while consistently providing them with remarkable service in line with our culture of care.”
“We are excited to announce this multi-year extension of our partnership with Alaska Airlines,” said Dean Athanasia, President of Regional Banking for Bank of America. “This relationship continues to unlock growth opportunities for both Alaska and Bank of America, while driving greater loyalty and engagement with Alaska’s customers.”
Alaska Airlines’ co-branded credit card with Bank of America currently offers cardholders the airline industry’s most generous loyalty rewards program, including Alaska’s Famous Companion FareTM, free checked bag, the opportunity to earn 3x the miles on eligible Alaska purchases, oneworld® Alliance mile redemptions, 50 percent discount on day passes for Alaska Lounge access, 20 percent back on all inflight purchases and many other travel benefits.
In the second half of 2022, Alaska and Bank of America intend to announce additional benefits to further elevate its loyalty program for cardholders, while driving long-term value for both companies.
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About Alaska Air Group
Alaska Airlines and our regional partners serve more than 120 destinations across the United States, Belize, Canada, Costa Rica and Mexico. We emphasize Next-Level Care for our guests, along with providing low fares, award-winning customer service and sustainability efforts. Alaska is a member of the oneworld global alliance. With the alliance and our additional airline partners, guests can travel to more than 1,000 destinations on more than 20 airlines while earning and redeeming miles on flights to locations around the world. Learn more about Alaska at news.alaskair.com. Alaska Airlines and Horizon Air are subsidiaries of Alaska Air Group (NYSE: ALK).
About Bank of America
Bank of America is one of the world’s leading financial institutions, serving individual consumers, small and middle-market businesses and large corporations with a full range of banking, investing, asset management and other financial and risk management products and services. The company provides unmatched convenience in the United States, serving approximately 67 million consumer and small business clients with approximately 4,200 retail financial centers, approximately 16,000 ATMs, and award-winning digital banking with more than 54 million verified digital users. Bank of America is a global leader in wealth management, corporate and investment banking and trading across a broad range of asset classes, serving corporations, governments, institutions and individuals around the world. Bank of America offers industry-leading support to approximately 3 million small business households through a suite of innovative, easy-to-use online products and services. The company serves clients through operations across the United States, its territories and approximately 35 countries. Bank of America Corporation stock (NYSE: BAC) is listed on the New York Stock Exchange.
Alaska Air Cargo expands freighter fleet with addition of two aircraft
Alaska Air Cargo will convert two Alaska Airlines passenger jets to an all-freight aircraft for cargo service in 2023
Five dedicated 737 freighters to meet cargo demand across the Alaska network
NEW YORK — Alaska Air Cargo announced today it will add two Boeing 737-800 aircraft to its dedicated freighter fleet serving the state of Alaska. These additions increase the freighter fleet from three to five aircraft.
Fleet expansion positions our growing cargo business to meet increased demand that we see from industry and consumers,” said Adam Drouhard, managing director for Alaska Air Cargo. “The -800 aircraft provides more load space than our current -700 freighters, essentially doubling Air Cargo’s total freighter lift capacity. We look forward to getting these -800s into service to support Alaska’s supply chain and connect cargo to over 100 cities we serve across North America.”
The two 737-800 converted aircraft will come from Alaska Airlines existing passenger fleet. The planes will be converted from their passenger configuration to an all-freight aircraft beginning this year. They’re projected to re-enter service as freighters in 2023.
The -800 aircraft provides a 40% capacity increase per departure over the current -700 aircraft with a payload of nearly 50,000 pounds. With a range of 2,800 nautical miles, the -800 will be the most fuel-efficient aircraft to serve intra-Alaska.
Alaskans have always relied on Alaska Air Cargo to provide time-sensitive services to their communities,” said Marilyn Romano, regional vice president, Alaska Airlines. “Whether it is vaccines, medicine, household supplies or fresh food, our freighters keep rural Alaska supplied and connected. With service to 20 communities across Alaska, and only three accessible by road, adding new aircraft to the current freighter fleet allows expansion of our vital services to all Alaskans. The additional freighter capacity also allows us to quickly move seafood and other commodities from Alaska to points throughout the U.S.”
Alaska Air Cargo transports more than 200 million pounds of cargo annually – including seafood, mail, and freight – and operates the most extensive air cargo operation on the U.S. West Coast of any passenger airline.
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About Alaska Air Cargo
Alaska Air Cargo serves over 100 destinations in North America with an extensive network and more than 1,200 daily flights. Providing a variety of reliable shipping services, Alaska Air Cargo utilizes a fleet of 737 freighters serving 20 communities in the state of Alaska as well as offering belly cargo service on a fleet of over 300 passenger planes serving the Continental U.S., Canada, Hawaii, Mexico and Costa Rica.
About Alaska Airlines
Alaska Airlines and our regional partners serve more than 120 destinations across the United States, Belize, Canada, Costa Rica and Mexico. We emphasize Next-Level Care for our guests, along with providing low fares, award-winning customer service and sustainability efforts. Alaska is a member of the oneworld global alliance. With the alliance and our additional airline partners, guests can travel to more than 1,000 destinations on more than 20 airlines while earning and redeeming miles on flights to locations around the world. Learn more about Alaska at news.alaskaair.com. Alaska Airlines and Horizon Air are subsidiaries of Alaska Air Group (NYSE: ALK).
Alaska Airlines is starting up a tech incubator in Silicon Valley to enhance the travel experience
Tech-driven enhancements are coming fast and furiously to airports across the country, including San Jose where Alaska Airlines is testing out new technology to advance the way people travel.
Our innovation team plans to modernize travel at every major city we fly, from reimagining the lobby to testing innovative technology that streamlines the airport experience to boarding your flight with biometrics.
As we grow our airline and fly more people to more places, we are looking for unique ways to create a seamless travel experience for our guests. We’re using tech to also empower and equip our employees with the latest tools to offer the most caring service for our guests,” said Charu Jain, SVP of merchandising & innovation. “California is the epicenter of tech and the perfect place to test out these innovations.”
Faster check-in and self-bag drop.
In San Jose, we’re testing out a new check-in and self-bag drop system that will streamline the check-in process, reduce confusion and decrease the time needed to drop off your bag(s).
On average, people spend about 8.5 minutes in the lobby. Our new enhancements will cut that time in half and give our guests more opportunities to bypass congested areas of the lobby.
“We’re thrilled to give our guests more choices that will enrich their travel experience. And our bag drop system powered by iPad is just the beginning,” said Jain.
If you’re looking for the quickest way to get from the lobby to your gate, we recommend checking in for your flight on our mobile app or online before arriving to the airport. While on the app or website, you can check-in, pay for any checked luggage and pre-order your favorite meal for your flight.
Alaska Airlines’ use of emerging technology to enhance and streamline the passenger experience at San José Mineta International will provide more seamless transit of flyers coming to SJC—and create a more welcoming gateway to San José,” said San Jose Mayor Sam Liccardo.
With technology, we’re giving our guests more ways to have a seamless experience anywhere in our lobby. At SJC, you’ll spot our tabletops equipped with Apple iPad Pro that you can use to quickly scan your boarding pass, print your bag tag(s), and self-tag your bag(s). Our customer service agents are also equipped with iPad Mini to be able to immediately take care of guests at any Alaska touchpoint.
To use the tablets and save time checking your bags, guests will need to check in for their flight and pay or their bags before arriving to the airport using our mobile app or website.
Alaska was the first airline to implement self-serve airport kiosks in 2007—and we hope to be the first to remove them,” said Jain. “Simply because we’re our best when we can meet guests where they’re at and be able to take care of them the second they enter our space.”
From there, if you’ve checked a bag, you can take your tagged bag and head to our self-bag drop to give us your luggage—no more waiting in line!
How to use our new iPad bag drop system:
Check-in for your flight on our mobile app or online.
Arrive at SJC, look for our iPad stations.
Scan your boarding pass received upon check-in. iPad can scan digital or paper boarding passes.
Your bag tag(s) will print at the iPad station.
Tag your bag(s) and head to our new self-bag drop station to drop them off.
Boarding with facial recognition.
Currently, we’re using biometric technology to speed up our boarding process for international flights from SJC. These flights include Cabo San Lucas, Puerto Vallarta and Guadalajara.
Rather than hunt for your passport and boarding pass and hand them over to an agent at the gate, our guests who choose to board using facial recognition can quickly board the flight without ever having to exchange their documents with an agent. They simply scan their face and are on their way.
On average, the use of biometrics during the boarding process saves guests up to five seconds and the hassle of finding a boarding pass when your hands are full.
Boarding with biometric technology uses facial recognition to verify identity and shorten security procedures for those passengers who opt into the programs,” said Jain. “For guests who are concerned about security, we do not retain any imagery and offer our guests the opt-in option to use biometrics. While it will never be mandatory, we believe it is the future of travel.”
Guests traveling out of the San Jose Airport can try more innovation firsts with us in the coming months. We look forward to introducing new ways to travel in Silicon Valley and beyond to enrich our guests’ travel experiences so that they enjoy every journey while also giving our employees the latest tools to take great care of our guests.
I am excited to shape the future of the industry with our new tech,” said Sam Frost, lead customer service agent at SJC. “It will ultimately make our guests feel more in control of their journey and align our guest experience with the retail spaces of leaders in the tech industry like Apple and Microsoft.”
Air Transport World Names Alaska Airlines 2022 Airline of the Year
Aviation Week Network’s Air Transport World (ATW), the leading media brand serving the information needs of the global airline and commercial air transport communities, announced today that Alaska Airlines is the 2022 ATW Airline of the Year.
The ATW Airline Industry Achievement Awards recognize excellence across a broad range of airline operations and are widely considered as the most coveted in the air transport industry. Alaska was selected by an independent board of ATW and Aviation Week Network editors and analysts. In making their decision, they cited the company’s excellent leadership under CEO Ben Minicucci. They noted the company’s strong 2021 financial and operational performances despite the on-going challenges of the pandemic. The airline also joined the oneworld global alliance, expanding its international network.
We have our incredible employees to thank for this honor. They are the heart and soul of our airline, taking care of each other and creating meaningful connections with our guests on every flight, every day,” said CEO Ben Minicucci. “It’s gratifying to receive this recognition during a time that has tested us all. It’s a testament to how we’ve stuck with our business plan and delivered on our safety promise, while keeping caring as our north star of all that we do.”
Alaska has continued to innovate, launching the Ascend Pilot Academy for aspiring pilots that provides a simpler, more financially accessible path to becoming a commercial pilot at regional affiliate Horizon Air and eventually Alaska. And it became the world’s first airline to launch a subscription service, Flight Pass, that allows up to 24 roundtrips for a fixed monthly fee.
On top of that, Alaska remains highly committed to environmental and carbon emission reductions initiatives that include collaborative research and development efforts for sustainable aviation fuels and a hydrogen-electric regional aircraft, a commitment to achieving net zero carbon emissions by 2040, the replacement of plastic water bottles and plastic cups with 100% recyclable Boxed Water, and a partnership with a Hawaiian organization that connects travelers with sustainable volunteer projects in Hawaii. The airline was also the first to implement network optimization software, Flyways, using artificial intelligence and machine learning to optimize air traffic and enable more fuel-efficient flight paths for aggregate savings of fuel, carbon emissions and time.
“The Alaska Airlines Team is always at the top of its game with friendly customer service and a true dedication to its colleagues, community and the planet. To have stayed on top and continued to invest in its future through such challenging times shows the remarkable strength and adaptability of Alaska Airlines and we sincerely congratulate them,” said ATW Editor-in-Chief Karen Walker.
The Award will be presented to Alaska as the top honor among the 48th Annual ATW Airline Industry Achievement Awards at a prestigious, in-person gala dinner on June 21 following the closing of the 78th IATA AGM and World Air Transport Summit. Other ATW Airline Industry Achievement Award winners will be announced shortly.
Alaska last received ATW’s Airline of the Year recognition in 1990. Over the years, Alaska has been recognized with several ATW rankings, including the 2016 Market Leadership award, the 2012 Joseph S. Murphy Industry Award and the 2011 and 2003 Airline Technology Leadership. Its sister carrier Horizon Air was named Regional Airline of the Year in 2007.
Air Transport World Names Alaska Airlines 2022 Airline of the Year
Aviation Week Network’s Air Transport World (ATW), the leading media brand serving the information needs of the global airline and commercial air transport communities, announced today that Alaska Airlines is the 2022 ATW Airline of the Year.
The ATW Airline Industry Achievement Awards recognize excellence across a broad range of airline operations and are widely considered as the most coveted in the air transport industry. Alaska was selected by an independent board of ATW and Aviation Week Network editors and analysts. In making their decision, they cited the company’s excellent leadership under CEO Ben Minicucci. They noted the company’s strong 2021 financial and operational performances despite the on-going challenges of the pandemic. The airline also joined the oneworld global alliance, expanding its international network.
We have our incredible employees to thank for this honor. They are the heart and soul of our airline, taking care of each other and creating meaningful connections with our guests on every flight, every day,” said CEO Ben Minicucci. “It’s gratifying to receive this recognition during a time that has tested us all. It’s a testament to how we’ve stuck with our business plan and delivered on our safety promise, while keeping caring as our north star of all that we do.”
Alaska has continued to innovate, launching the Ascend Pilot Academy for aspiring pilots that provides a simpler, more financially accessible path to becoming a commercial pilot at regional affiliate Horizon Air and eventually Alaska. And it became the world’s first airline to launch a subscription service, Flight Pass, that allows up to 24 roundtrips for a fixed monthly fee.
On top of that, Alaska remains highly committed to environmental and carbon emission reductions initiatives that include collaborative research and development efforts for sustainable aviation fuels and a hydrogen-electric regional aircraft, a commitment to achieving net zero carbon emissions by 2040, the replacement of plastic water bottles and plastic cups with 100% recyclable Boxed Water, and a partnership with a Hawaiian organization that connects travelers with sustainable volunteer projects in Hawaii. The airline was also the first to implement network optimization software, Flyways, using artificial intelligence and machine learning to optimize air traffic and enable more fuel-efficient flight paths for aggregate savings of fuel, carbon emissions and time.
“The Alaska Airlines Team is always at the top of its game with friendly customer service and a true dedication to its colleagues, community and the planet. To have stayed on top and continued to invest in its future through such challenging times shows the remarkable strength and adaptability of Alaska Airlines and we sincerely congratulate them,” said ATW Editor-in-Chief Karen Walker.
The Award will be presented to Alaska as the top honor among the 48th Annual ATW Airline Industry Achievement Awards at a prestigious, in-person gala dinner on June 21 following the closing of the 78th IATA AGM and World Air Transport Summit. Other ATW Airline Industry Achievement Award winners will be announced shortly.
Alaska last received ATW’s Airline of the Year recognition in 1990. Over the years, Alaska has been recognized with several ATW rankings, including the 2016 Market Leadership award, the 2012 Joseph S. Murphy Industry Award and the 2011 and 2003 Airline Technology Leadership. Its sister carrier Horizon Air was named Regional Airline of the Year in 2007.
Alaska Air Group to participate in J.P Morgan 2022 Industrials Conference
SEATTLE, March 10, 2022 /PRNewswire/ — Alaska Air Group Inc., the parent company of Alaska Airlines Inc. and Horizon Air Industries Inc., today announced it will webcast a fireside chat with CFO Shane Tackett at 1:20 p.m. ET March 15, 2022, from the J.P Morgan Industrials Conference. The presentation will be webcast live at https://investor.alaskaair.com.
Alaska Airlines and our regional partners serve more than 120 destinations across the United States, Belize, Canada, Costa Rica and Mexico. We emphasize Next-Level Care for our guests, along with providing low fares, award-winning customer service and sustainability efforts. Alaska is a member of the oneworld global alliance. With the alliance and our additional airline partners, guests can travel to more than 1,000 destinations on more than 20 airlines while earning and redeeming miles on flights to locations around the world. Learn more about Alaska at newsroom.alaskaair.com and blog.alaskaair.com. Alaska Air and Horizon Air are subsidiaries of Alaska Air Group (NYSE: ALK).
SOURCE Alaska Air GroupFor further information: Media Relations, (206) 304-0008; Emily Halverson, Managing Director, Accounting & Investor Relations, (206) 392-5908
Women who landed their dream jobs & are making history at Alaska
From the cabin to the controls: Meet Ali Eckert, the first flight attendant-to-pilot direct transfer in Alaska Airlines history.
While trying to decide if law school was the right move, Ali Eckert ended up at an open house for flight attendants in 2006. They were looking for Spanish speakers, and she fit the bill. After three days of interviews, she decided she really wanted the job and wanted to work for Alaska.
“My mom was a flight attendant for United and I knew I didn’t want to be a number anywhere,” she said. “From the beginning Alaska has been like a family, and I’ve never felt like a number here.”
As someone who loves to talk and isn’t shy, Eckert loved the work as a flight attendant. She loved the lifestyle and the people, but the idea of becoming a pilot was still there.
She started to get her private pilot’s license in Tacoma, Wash. but had to stop to take care of her mom when she started experiencing health issues. Eckert could no longer afford the cost of getting her license, so she put it on hold and kept flying in the cabin.
Eckert transferred to the Anchorage base in 2012 but still couldn’t afford to finish the expensive flight training. However, several Anchorage pilots remembered Eckert, and they encouraged her to continue her pursuit. The pilots, many of whom are members of the Birchwood Flying Club, even gave her a $1000 gift card to help finance the rest of her private pilot’s license.
In 2017, Eckert was hired at Alaska Central Express (ACE), a cargo airline based out of Anchorage. She fulfilled the requirements and received approval from Andy Schneider, VP of Inflight at the time, in order to work at ACE in addition to working at Alaska Airlines as a flight attendant. Mentored by ACE Capt. Timmreck, who has taught many Alaska-bound pilots, Eckert also credits Tracey Laurion, Anchorage inflight base manager, and the late Craig Huffman, Anchorage base chief pilot, with supporting her through the transition.
She was finally ready to apply for Alaska—in March of 2020—right as a global pandemic was taking hold.
While COVID-19 deferred her dream for a little longer, she got the news she was waiting for in June 2021: Alaska was hiring pilots. When a recruiter called asking for an interview, Eckert admits tearing up. She started her Alaska pilot journey in October 2021. And though her role is in the flight deck instead of the cabin, she says she’s not retiring her love of inflight.
“I miss it,” said Eckert when asked about her time as a flight attendant. “It’s always going to be a part of my heart.” Eckert turned in her flight attendant wings the day before she started training as a first officer.
She is the first flight attendant-to-pilot direct transfer in Alaska Airlines history.
Paying it forward
Now that Eckert has achieved her dream as a newly minted San Francisco-based first officer, she’s looking to see who she can help follow in her footsteps.
I want to get more people out of their field and into the flight deck. There are so many great people who are flight attendants, agents and rampers who just need that nudge,” she said. “I can’t tell you how many flight attendants have come to me in the past month and want to know how to become a pilot.”
Eckert is talking with flight ops leadership about how Alaska can make it easier for employees in other workgroups to become pilots, whether it be scholarships or leaves of absence.
“Ali is the epitome of an Alaska pilot – a skilled aviator who also cares deeply for our guests and our coworkers,” said Chief Pilot Scott Day. “Pilots throughout our system have watched her chase her dream, and we’re honored to have her join us in the flight deck.”
When asked if she ever considered getting behind the controls at another airline, Eckert is steadfast: “It’s always been Alaska.”
From the lounge to the cabin: Elissa Maples loves taking care of people and making Alaska the airline people love.
Nearly three years ago, Elissa Maples was greeting guests in Alaska’s Lounges. Today, she’s bringing that same smile and energy to the skies, fulfilling her long-time dream of becoming a flight attendant.
“I’ve been fascinated by everything aviation since I was a kid and there was always a part of me that wanted to be involved in that. I tried the office thing for a while but I just couldn’t do it! I absolutely love people and being stuck staring at a computer was draining me. I wanted a change and I think I found the perfect career to combine all those things into one,” she says.
Maples joined Alaska shortly after the pandemic began. She says while it wasn’t the most normal atmosphere in the airport, the things that have stuck with her most are the chances she got to go above what was required and really turn someone’s day around.
We had one guest in the lounge ask me if I could draw a dragon in his latte. I tried so hard but just couldn’t pull it off. I’m not the kind to give up so I kept practicing. Finally a few months ago, I saw him come through and without hesitation I brought a latte with a beautiful dragon over to his table. This huge smile came over his face and he shared with me how he has been telling all his friends about the latte dragon request for the last two years. Those are the moments I live for and that make me feel like I will be doing this job for a really long time,” she said.
In light of international Women’s Day, Maples says it’s important to be strong, be yourself and stand with those that may not have the same voice or opportunity that you do.
“Everything we do is built on the foundations laid by those that came before us,” Maples said. “Taking some time to reflect on and honor what those women did and all the amazing work that is still being done by all those around us helps me to feel inspired to build a better future for those that come after us. I believe that each and every one of us can play some part in that.”
Alaska named one of the friendliest airlines in the skies and a best place to work
The people of Alaska, including our regional airline Horizon Air, are the heart of our business and the reason we’re an award-winning airline. We celebrate their care and hard work every day—especially today, Employee Appreciation Day, with heartfelt thanks for all they do!
At our core, Alaska and Horizon are all about people – the way we care for our guests and each other. Our reputation for genuine care is what sets us apart from other airlines, and people notice.
Recently, we appeared on Forbes 2022 Best Large Employers list, which asked people to rate their willingness to recommend their own employers to friends and family, and to nominate organizations other than their own. The Wall Street Journal and Conde Nast Traveler also named Alaska one of the best U.S. airlines in 2021.
While it’s a huge honor to be recognized as “best of” anything — we wouldn’t get such accolades without our remarkable employees and guests who choose to fly with us. During the pandemic, every aspect of our lives changed including our work. New requirements forced us to travel and do things differently. Our people were asked to enforce new rules and have difficult conversations. This all impacted how we showed care. What hasn’t changed is our commitment to safety, our values and building a culture of care and kindness.
Looking back on 2021, one thing remains certain—our guests and employees kept our wings high no matter what the universe threw at us. While times haven’t been easy, we’ve seen the best parts of our company and moments that underscore why Alaska has been successful. Other top honors we graciously took home in 2021 thanks to our employees, guests and readers from top publications include:
SEATTLE, March 11, 2022 /PRNewswire/ — Alaska Air Group Inc., the parent company of Alaska Airlines Inc. and Horizon Air Industries Inc., today announced it will hold an Investor Relations Day in New York City from 11:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. ET on March 24, 2022. The event will feature presentations and a Q&A session with members of the Alaska Airlines executive leadership team. The event will be broadcast live at https://investor.alaskaair.com, and a replay of the event will be posted online following the conclusion of the broadcast.
Alaska Airlines and our regional partners serve more than 120 destinations across the United States, Belize, Canada, Costa Rica and Mexico. We emphasize Next-Level Care for our guests, along with providing low fares, award-winning customer service and sustainability efforts. Alaska is a member of the oneworld global alliance. With the alliance and our additional airline partners, guests can travel to more than 1,000 destinations on more than 20 airlines while earning and redeeming miles on flights to locations around the world. Learn more about Alaska at newsroom.alaskaair.com and blog.alaskaair.com. Alaska Air and Horizon Air are subsidiaries of Alaska Air Group (NYSE: ALK).
SOURCE Alaska Air GroupFor further information: Media Relation, (206) 304-0008; Investor / Analyst Contact: Emily Halverson, Managing Director, (206) 392-5908
Alaska Airlines and our oneworld partners celebrate arriving in style at our home airport
SEATTLE, March 3, 2022 /PRNewswire/ — Marking a new era at Seattle-Tacoma International Airport, Alaska Airlines joined with the Port of Seattle today to celebrate the completion of the new International Arrivals Facility (IAF) – a state-of-the-art, world-class facility for passengers arriving from around the globe on international flights into Seattle.
The IAF will accommodate the Puget Sound region’s increasing demand for international air travel on Alaska, our fellow oneworld member airlines and our additional global airline partners. After a period of testing and transition, all arriving passengers who need customs clearance after international flights are scheduled to make their way through the new facility.
“Alaska is a global airline – backed by the expansive network of the oneworld alliance and our added partner airlines,” said Nat Pieper, senior vice president of fleet, finance and alliances at Alaska Airlines. “The International Arrivals Facility offers a stunning welcome to all our guests arriving in Seattle from destinations worldwide. It dramatically raises the bar with tremendous improvements that modernize the arrival experience.”
The opening comes just in time for increased summertime travel. oneworld airlines will offer the most nonstop flights to international destinations from SEA this summer – an average of 22 daily international flights starting in June, which includes Alaska’s nonstop flights to Canada and Mexico. From oneworld global hubs, guests can connect to hundreds of other cities.
Nonstop international flights on oneworld partners from SEA this summer:
oneworld Partner
Nonstop Destination
Frequency
British Airways
London Heathrow
2x Daily
Finnair
Helsinki
3x Weekly
Japan Airlines
Tokyo Narita
Daily
Qatar
Doha
Daily
“As global travel recovers, the new International Arrivals Facility will provide a world-class experience to oneworld customers returning to the skies,” said Rob Gurney, oneworld CEO. “With Alaska’s leading network and new service launched by other oneworld members, the facility will strengthen the status of Seattle as a global hub for oneworld.”
The new IAF is expected to reduce connection times by at least 15 minutes with more predictable and less stressful arrival and customs processing, making it easier and more convenient for arriving international passengers to continue their travels on Alaska’s domestic flights.
“While this facility is brand new, it reflects some of the oldest and most enduring values of our region,” said Ryan Calkins, Port of Seattle Commission President. “We are more committed than ever to making our airport one of the best connected, most convenient, most sustainable, and most welcoming airports in the world.”
The IAF solidifies SEA as a gateway to the world. The new structure includes a marquee, first-of-its-kind aerial walkway – with dramatic views 85 feet above an active taxi lane – that connects guests arriving on international flights at the S Concourse to the IAF. That’s where they pick up their checked bags first and then go through customs processing – a single checkpoint to clear customs.
Another big change: The number of international capable gates has increased from 12 to 20 to allow for more flights during peak periods. The Port of Seattle says the new IAF is four times larger than the old facility and it will more than double peak international arrival capacity to 2,600 passengers an hour. Plus, the spacious baggage claim area now has seven carousels instead of four and each is larger than before.
Alaska joined oneworld one year ago – a global airline alliance that provides flyers with a superior, seamless travel experience. Many of the benefits that Alaska’s MVP elite flyers currently enjoy with their status seamlessly carry over to the oneworld tiers when they travel on any of the other 13 member airlines. Those guests can take advantage of a variety of privileges, including priority check-in, access to international first and business class lounges, preferred boarding, fast track through security, baggage benefits and more.
With oneworld and our additional airline partners, our guests can earn and redeem miles with our highly acclaimed Mileage Plan program to fly on more than 20 oneworld and partner airlines all around the globe.
As part of our commitment to Next-Level Care, we’ve partnered with health safety experts to adopt strict cleaning measures to ensure the comfort and safety of guests and employees. Alaska continues to enforce the federally mandated mask policy, even for those who are fully vaccinated.
About Alaska Airlines Alaska Airlines and our regional partners serve more than 120 destinations across the United States, Belize, Canada, Costa Rica and Mexico. We emphasize Next-Level Care for our guests, along with providing low fares, award-winning customer service and sustainability efforts. Alaska is a member of the oneworld global alliance. With the alliance and our additional airline partners, guests can travel to more than 1,000 destinations on more than 20 airlines while earning and redeeming miles on flights to locations around the world. Learn more about Alaska at newsroom.alaskaair.com and blog.alaskaair.com. Alaska Airlines and Horizon Air are subsidiaries of Alaska Air Group (NYSE: ALK).
SOURCE Alaska Airlines
How travel brought me & my family closer to Black History
Black History Month has come to mean more to me than ever before since having kids, but my passion for diving deeper into the stories of my people became a daily practice after the 2020 Black Lives Matter marches. As America began to acknowledge the plight of the African-American experience the last 400 years in this country, there was an awakening and understanding that I had never observed before, collective grief and an unlearning that began to take place.
Tash Haynes
My journey toward Black Liberation took a sharp turn in those moments of 2020. I sought to find ways to show and share Black stories of peace, happiness, freedom and joy, untangling myself from the heartbreaking stories of the past and bringing into the spotlight the stories of hope and strength that typically go untold and it’s felt more important than ever to prioritize for my family as my husband, Ike and I, are raising up our three daughters, Wisdom (9), Courage (3) and Glory (1).
Black history is the very core of American history. It is the foundation for which this country has built its legacy and without Black stories, the America we have come to know might cease to exist. As a native to the Pacific Northwest, I haven’t always felt directly connected to the Black experience because so much of our history rests in Southern states.
Tash with her daughters Courage (3) and Wisdom (9) along the Arkansas Civil Rights Heritage Trail, which begins at the State House and ends at the Clinton Presidential Library.
Still, I have remained curious and open to learning as much as I can and look forward to teaching my three little girls about Black history. Recently, I discovered the United States Civil Rights Trail and knew this would be the perfect opportunity to immerse myself in The Deep South and see key places that helped shape our story in this country. Thanks to Alaska’s alliance with oneworld, I could use my family’s miles to book the perfect Black History Month trip and so we did.
Here’s how we flew from Seattle to Little Rock, Arkansas with three little ones in tow to embark on a journey of a lifetime:
Little Rock, AR
Our first stop on the U.S. Civil Rights Trail tour took us to Little Rock, Arkansas. I was pleasantly surprised by all the history Little Rock holds. Kicking off our trip there was so special because it brought the history books to life. Now that my daughter is nine years old and is learning about integration/desegregation in school, it was beyond moving to see her stand where nine teens once stood who challenged racial segregation in the public schools. The “Little Rock Nine” were the first African American students to desegregate high schools when they entered Little Rock Central High School in 1957.
It’s hard for her to imagine a world where Black and white kids couldn’t eat at the same lunch table, but it happened, and it was so special to take her education from schoolhouse to real life.
While we were visiting the Little Rock Central High School, we met a young man named Trey. He is currently an enrolled junior and football player. He shared with us the legacy of Little Rock High School and how much pride he has in attending school there. He says his coaches and teachers emphasize strength, determination and resiliency and that they are taught they can do and be anything in life because of the legacy that the Little Rock Nine paved the way for.
In addition to being the catalyst of national desegregation in high schools, Little Rock had a flourishing Black community in its 9th Street District, where the Mosaic Templars Cultural Center sits. The city was once a thriving and prosperous picture of Black wealth in the early 1900s, and was one of the largest self-sustaining Black economies in the South. It had everything a small city could ever need—and all of it Black-owned. I loved visiting the cultural center and learning about the impact that time had on Little Rock and how many of those families are still making an impact on the city today. We learned about how crucial the Mosaic Templars were to the Black community, providing services that weren’t available mainstream to Black families and entrepreneurs at the time, and how it became the cultural center for Black entertainment and social connections.
I loved getting a peek into Black culture from the lens of wealth, luxury and success —they’re meaningful moments in our history that aren’t often highlighted or spoken about. I am so used to hearing about slavery and jumping straight into Jim Crow, but when we do that we leave out the Renaissance where Black people were really starting to thrive post-slavery and were extremely prosperous. Walking through that museum, reading the letters, and taking in the pictures really painted a picture of Black history that I found so much pride in.
Memphis, TN
Once we left Little Rock, we took the 2-hour drive on I-40 E toward Memphis. Before Memphis ever knew a Dr. King, the city was one of the most important cities in the South for Blacks. After the Civil War and the abolition of slavery, African-Americans went to Memphis seeking economic opportunity and stability —and Beale Street was at the center of all of that.
Beale Street would become a cultural hub of Black influence and business, anti-segregation, the birthplace of soul and rock & roll music, while remaining the iconic inspiration behind movies and books. We kicked off our time in Memphis on that well known street, walking up and down the pathway of the shops. I loved imagining a time where Beale Street was thriving with Black businesses, restaurants, soul music and pride. Although many of the businesses on Beale today are not Black-owned, if you look up just above the doorways of the storefronts, you can see painted murals that still remain of a time when Blacks owned everything. Those canvases tell a story of Beale Street that can only be seen in movies, but are proof that we were there.
It was wandering those streets in Memphis that I really came to understand Dr. King as a person, and not a legend from story books. I had never given any thought to Martin the man and the weight he must have carried to share such a powerful message to the world. Dr. King was 39-years old when he was assassinated. I am 39-years old today. For me, Memphis brought to light Martin himself, who like me, wanted to live a good life, do right by the people around him and pursue his purpose.
We rounded out our day in Memphis meeting a couple friends for dinner at Chef Tams Underground Cafe. Chef Tam’s is an award winning Black-owned restaurant in the heart of Downtown Memphis and was the figurative hug I personally needed after a long and weary day. Food in Black culture heals, that’s why it’s called “Soul Food.” It did for our communities what nothing else could and it allowed us a way to keep African customs alive when we felt lost and so far from home. As history tells it, slaves had to eat the worst cuts of meat and leftover scraps but somehow always turned it into magic. They took what they knew from Africa and made food the epicenter of Black culture, which has stood the test of time. The tradition and culture in every Black dish like Chef Tam’s, not only makes us full but connects us to the deep roots that flow within us and make us whole—always bringing us back to who we are. I can’t say I have had a meal in recent history that rivals the food we ate at Chef Tam’s that evening, but it was an experience I will never forget. Memphis is full of Black history and nearly impossible to uncover in one trip, I’m looking forward to returning again to discover more.
Montgomery, AL
Alabama was the third stop on our trip, a special one because I had never been to that state before. In 1997, when I was 14-years-old I watched a movie written and directed by Spike Lee called “Four Little Girls.” It highlighted The 16th Street Baptist Church and the four girls who died in the basement of the church on a Sunday morning after it was bombed by the Ku Klux Klan. I remember that story living in my head for years after seeing it. Three of the four girls were 14 just like me and I remember grieving for them at the time. That was my first introduction to the stories of the fight for Civil Rights and the victims in the path toward freedom and equality.
I was anxious to get to Birmingham to see the church and it was especially emotional visiting with my own three little girls. We had such a strong reaction to visiting the church that we decided to change course and head on to Selma & Montgomery to check off other places on our Black History bucket list. Selma and Montgomery were not originally on our itinerary but ended up being my favorites and the most memorable of the entire trip.
We drove the back country roads from Birmingham to Selma and made it to the Edmund Pettus Bridge right in time to catch sunset. While we were there we met a man who shared all about the “Courageous Eight” and one member in particular, Amelia Boynton-Robinson, who called Dr. King to Selma to start the non-violent marches from Selma to Montgomery. Learning about Robinson reminded me of the special role that women played in every part of our history. Although few of them are mentioned in history books, behind every landmark movement in Black history, there was a woman holding it up and that made me so supremely proud. I was moved crossing that bridge with my three young daughters and I imagine the power and confidence my ancestors felt crossing this bridge several times marching for causes they believed in. I felt honored to walk the same path that so many of my Civil Rights heroes did and felt so much joy and pride in knowing that many of the freedoms I enjoy today started in Selma on that bridge.
It felt sacred being there and I felt so honored to be able to experience it.
Montgomery has a rich history —around every corner there was a landmark, historic site or special place dedicated to the Black experience, making it feel like the core of Black History. There was no way to take in all there was to experience in just one day but we’ll be back Montgomery!
Atlanta, GA
We ended our trip in Atlanta and although I have been to Atlanta before, I have never visited under these circumstances. Driving into Atlanta after a week of exploring all of these little cities along the Civil Rights trail made entering feel like Oz. Atlanta has long been a place where Blacks from all over the country pilgrimage for education, opportunity and economic prosperity. I always love being there and seeing Black excellence on display. Of all the places we went, I knew Atlanta would have the greatest impact on my daughter, Wisdom. She has spent most of her nine years of life learning about the same Black heroes over and over again in school, so being in the birth and resting place of Dr. King and Coretta Scott were things I knew she could easily identify and resonate with.
We visited the King Center and paid our respects, saw the eternal flame and took pictures in front of Dr. King’s birth home, but the moment that stood out for all of us was when we met this young man outside of Ebenezer Baptist Church. He began to share with us a little about the area without knowing why we were there or what we were doing. He talked to us about the church, the work in the community they had done during the Civil Rights movement and the work they were doing today (he even made it personal and shared how they had helped him), then he turned to Wisdom and said, “our ancestors marched for you so that you could have a good life. They did this so that you could go to school and you could learn and not worry about whether you were going to be bothered by police or have equal opportunity.” “ Dr. King marched for you because he loved you. He did all of this for you and for me because he loved us before he could even see us,” and it was in that moment, with tears streaming down my face, when Wisdom turned from him and looked at me, that I knew she finally understood.
I learned so many valuable lessons from this trip. First being, my family can do anything. We survived six days of travel, a different city every day and a new hotel every night and all with three kids in tow, two being toddlers and we lived to tell about it and want to do more. Second, I got to experience a part of the country I have been nervous to explore. I understand things in a way that is so much clearer to me. I have pride in my heritage that could only be accomplished by walking the places and seeing the sites that brought us to this moment. Third, my biggest takeaway is how much my ancestors loved me. They loved me so much and wanted so much more for me that they would sow a seed of sacrifice in faith, in hope for the fruit it would produce for the future of tomorrow and for that, I will be forever grateful.
This was a trip of a lifetime that I will never forget.
Check out @itstashhaynes for more moments from this remarkable trip.
Alaska pilots are inspiring the next generation of flying in Compton
Since he was a kid eating ice cream and pizza from the back of his parents’ car, watching planes fly in and out of LAX, Ronnell Norman was fascinated by aviation and the power of flying.
Growing up near Compton, California, when gang violence and crime-riddled the streets, Norman kept his sights on the skies. At 19 years old, he became the first student to enroll at Compton Airport’s flight school. Today, he’s a first officer with Alaska Airlines and CEO of that flight school, now known as Fly Compton Aero Club.
Ronnell ‘Ron’ Norman, Alaska first officer
“I love flying. It’s the ultimate freedom. It puts your mind to the test every time you depart. It takes all of your senses to operate a safe flight and it is something I have wanted to do since I was a child,” said Norman.
Norman hopes to continue creating a safe haven for neighborhood youth in Compton.
“Still today, kids as young as six are becoming involved in gangs. It’s important for kids to see there is a life beyond the inner city,” he said. “Helping kids is very important to me because it was instilled in me since I was a child. My parents gave people and kids in our community opportunities to have impactful futures and I want to do the same.”
Fly Compton Aero Club invites anyone interested in aviation to learn, engage and share their love of flying with other students and aviation professionals. Currently, the youth club has about 30 students, ages ranging from 8 to 18.
Fly Compton is not just an Aero Club … it’s a family! We are made up of a group of minority pilots and maintenance professionals that represent some of the largest commercial, cargo and corporate charter air carriers in the world. We extend an invitation to all that want to learn more about the many facets of aviation, and we look forward to you becoming part of the family!
— Demetrius D. Harris, President
Breaking barriers & building bright futures
Even now, people assume Norman is a flight attendant because of the color of his skin. However, he says it doesn’t come from just white people. Black people also assume this about him because generally, people don’t see many Black pilots. He is optimistic schools like Fly Compton will help break such barriers and close the gap.
If you don’t see something, you just don’t expect it to be that way. That’s everybody. That’s implicit bias. But it’s getting better, in my personal belief,” he said. “The opportunities are here — we’re teaching kids, don’t give up. We’ll get you to where you want to go and being a Black pilot will become a normal thing. You just have to keep pushing.”
Fly Compton Student Alicia, 17, began flying in 2018 shortly after her landlord introduced her to Norman. She was inspired to take flight when her 9th-grade class took a field trip to LAX and heard a female pilot speak about flying.
“I’ve flown so many times now, I’ve gotten used to it. It’s easy for me now. It’s fun. I love it,” she said.
She hopes to attend San Jose State, become a professional pilot someday, and give back like Norman and other flight instructors.
“I know the industry is predominately white men and as a Black person of color, I’m excited to influence my community and hopefully support other young girls like me who want to be pilots because I know how hard it is to take that first step,” she said.
Parents of students at Fly Compton also recognize the legacy Norman and others are building.
This program right here is actually taking young kids and building them up and building their confidence to be pilots,” said Lamar Brumfield, a parent of two boys who are interested in learning about flying. “The instructors are inspiring them and showing them that they can do this. These kids will be the new future and inspire my sons and so on.”
For further information: Media Relations, (206) 304-0008; Emily Halverson, Managing Director, Accounting & Investor Relations, (206) 392-5908
For further information: Media Relation, (206) 304-0008; Investor / Analyst Contact: Emily Halverson, Managing Director, (206) 392-5908
