Category Archives: Alaska Airlines

Alaska Airlines launches a new way for guests to join the journey to help make air travel more sustainable

As part of Alaska Airlines’ longstanding journey to make air travel more sustainable, the airline will now give guests the choice to voluntarily reduce the environmental impact of their travel with sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) credits during the booking process. Guests can choose to support SAF in an amount based on 5%, 10% or 20% of their carbon impact when they book a ticket on alaskaair.com.

Alaska Airlines launches new way for guests to join the journey to help make air travel more sustainable

Building on a successful pilot in late 2023, Alaska’s Mileage Plan™ members who buy SAF credits will once again earn elite-qualifying miles (EQMs) for their contributions. Mileage Plan members will receive 500 EQMs for every $100 they spend on SAF (up to 5,000 EQMs per year), for a sustainability-linked way to accelerate the path to elite status. Alaska is the first U.S. airline to create a link between guest engagement in SAF and earning elite status.

“Alaska is on a journey to make air travel more sustainable with an ambitious goal of net zero carbon emissions by 2040. Now we are inviting our guests to join us on the journey,” said Diana Birkett Rakow, senior vice president of public affairs and sustainability, Alaska Airlines. “Today, we’ve launched new options for guests to customize their travel experience, take action on the environmental impact of their trip, and help us scale the market for SAF. SAF is a critical part of aviation’s path to a more sustainable future, and while we use it today, there is not enough SAF available. It will take all of us to grow this market. The more people who know about and support this important technology, the better we can impact efforts to make a sustainable future for air travel a reality.”

With this new feature in the booking process, powered by climate technology company CHOOOSE, the SAF credit options will appear on the same page as other optional trip add-ons during the booking process. The SAF credit option is based on carbon emissions associated with the guest’s flight and follow the International Air Transport Association (IATA) Recommended Practice 1726 (Passenger CO2 Calculation Method). This calculation method leverage parameters including aircraft fuel consumption, flight path, seat configuration, cabin class, and load factors sourced directly from Alaska’s operational data. For guests who want to support SAF equal to their full emissions of their flight, they can do so by visiting alaskaair.chooose.today.

Alaska’s sustainability strategy is centered on care – caring for our guests, our employees, the communities where we live and work, and the planet we all share. Alaska is focused on immediate actions and long-term investments that are aimed to reduce carbon emissions and waste, as well as protect local ecosystems. SAF is a safe, certified fuel that, according to IATA, can lower carbon emissions by 80% or more on a lifecycle basis. It can be used in existing fuel systems and airplane engines. Since 2010, Alaska has worked with a coalition of partners to drive the growth of the SAF market. These efforts include programs with Microsoft and other companies to offset employee business travel, partnering with universities and scientists to leverage the latest research and knowledge, and advocating for public policy to advance SAF.

Video:

Top Copyright Photo: Alaska Airlines Boeing 737-900 ER SSWL N277AK (msn 62472) SEA (Bruce Drum). Image: 106081.

Alaska Airlines aircraft photo gallery (Boeing):

Alaska Air Group reports first quarter loss of $132 million, impacted by flight AS 1282 and the 737-9 grounding

Alaska Air Group (Alaska Airlines) reported financial results for the first quarter ending March 31, 2024, and provided outlook for the second quarter ending June 30, 2024.

“I want to recognize Alaska’s employees for their uncompromising prioritization of safety, for taking great care of our guests, and for delivering strong performance in the first quarter,” said CEO Ben Minicucci. “Despite significant challenges to start the year our results have far exceeded initial expectations. Thanks to thoughtful capacity planning, network optimization, and diligent cost control, we are well positioned to carry our strong performance into the second quarter and beyond.”

Impact of Flight 1282:

Air Group’s first quarter operation and results were significantly impacted by Flight 1282 in January and the Boeing 737-9 MAX grounding which extended into February. The Company has received $162 million in initial cash compensation from Boeing to address the financial damages incurred during the first quarter.

The table below illustrates the financial impact of the Flight 1282 accident and 737-9 MAX grounding compared to the three months ended March 31, 2023:

Financial Results:

Reported net loss for the first quarter of 2024 under Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP) of $132 million, or $1.05 per share, compared to a net loss of $142 million, or $1.11 per share, for the first quarter of 2023.
Reported net loss for the first quarter of 2024, excluding special items and mark-to-market fuel hedge accounting adjustments, of $116 million, or $0.92 per share, compared to a net loss of $79 million, or $0.62 per share, for the first quarter of 2023.
Repurchased 561,086 shares of common stock for approximately $21 million in the first quarter.
Generated $292 million in operating cash flow for the first quarter.
Held $2.3 billion in unrestricted cash and marketable securities as of March 31, 2024.
Ended the quarter with a debt-to-capitalization ratio of 47%, within the target range of 40% to 50%.

Operational Updates:

Agreement to purchase Hawaiian Airlines for $18 per share was approved by Hawaiian shareholders. The proposed combination remains subject to regulatory approval.
Ratified a five-year collective bargaining agreement with approximately 1,000 Alaska Airlines employees represented by AMFA.
Completed inspections of all 737-9 MAX aircraft and returned the fleet to service in February.
Enhanced quality oversight program at the Boeing production facility to validate the work and quality of our aircraft as they progress through the manufacturing process.
Received two E175 aircraft during the quarter, bringing the total in the Horizon fleet to 43.

Commercial Updates:

Launched partnership with Bilt Rewards, which adds Alaska’s Mileage Plan as a transfer partner and later in 2024 will allow Alaska Airlines Visa Signature® cardholders to earn 3x miles when paying rent via Bilt.
Announced growth plans out of Portland to provide guests with more travel options, including 25% increased capacity and a new daily nonstop flight to Atlanta, beginning later this year.
Announced new daily nonstop service between Santa Rosa and Las Vegas, which will be Air Group’s seventh destination from Sonoma County.
Introduced Alaska Access, a monthly subscription program for price-conscious travelers that offers Wi-Fi vouchers, early access to sales, and a personalized fare page.

FAA issues ground stop advisory for all Alaska Airlines flights

The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has issued an immediate ground stop for all Alaska Airlines flights today.

CNBC reported that the airline’s weight and balance system was not functioning properly.

StarLux Airlines expands US service with new Taipei-Seattle/Tacoma route

StarLux Airlines has announced an exciting expansion in its U.S. operations: StarLux will launch a new Seattle/Tacoma-Taipei nonstop route on August 16.

Seattle’s inclusion as its third U.S. gateway, following Los Angeles and San Francisco, opens up 21 Asian destinations to U.S. travelers, offering unmatched convenience and connectivity.

The Seattle/Tacoma-Taipei route will operate three times weekly on the next-generation Airbus A350 aircraft, promising a premium in-flight experience across four cabin classes.

Seattle-Tacoma International Airport is also the hub of StarLux’s partner Alaska Airlines, enabling travelers bound for Asia to easily transfer upon arrival at Seattle-Tacoma International Airport.

Schedule:

StarLux Airlines aircraft photo gallery:

Alaska Airlines to fly between Santa Rosa and Las Vegas

Alaska Airlines is deepening its commitment to the San Francisco Bay Area with convenient, nonstop service between California’s wine country and Las Vegas beginning this fall. The daily, year-round flight, which starts Oct. 1, is now the seventh nonstop destination from Charles M. Schulz-Sonoma County Airport.

By this fall, Alaska will operate 13 peak day departures, including nonstop service to Los Angeles, Burbank, Orange County, Seattle, Portland, San Diego and now Las Vegas.

When heading to Sonoma, Alaska’s guests can take advantage of its Wine Flies Free program, which debuted in 2007 to make it easier for travelers to bring home their favorite bottles of wine from Santa Rosa/Sonoma County.

Oftentimes, wineries are unable to ship cases directly or consumers are faced with costly shipping fees to transport wine. Alaska’s Wine Flies Free solves those challenges by offering each Mileage Plan member the ability to check an entire case – up to 12 bottles of wine – for free.

The new route between Santa Rosa/Sonoma and Las Vegas will be served by the Embraer 175 jet, an aircraft with window and aisle seating; there are no middle seats. Guests will enjoy award-winning service in a three-class cabin that includes First Class and Premium Class; hundreds of free movies and TV shows available for viewing on personal devices; free texting on most flights; and Wi-Fi connectivity for purchase.

Alaska Horizon aircraft photo gallery:

Alaska Airlines introduces Alaska Access

Alaska Airlines is launching a new subscription program for savvy, price-conscious guests that will save them time and money throughout the year. Starting today, travelers can sign up for Alaska Access at just $5 per month to take advantage of exclusive savings.

Immediately after sign-up, subscribers will receive their first monthly voucher to Alaska’s inflight streaming-fast satellite Wi-Fi. Benefits also include advanced alerts to some of our biggest fare sales of the year. Subscribers will be notified the night before a sale is announced to take advantage of huge savings and seat selection. Alaska Access also offers a calendar view of the lowest fares that are tailored to your favorite destinations, so you never miss out on the best deals.

Alaska was the first U.S. airline to introduce a subscription service to travelers in 2022 when it launched Flight Pass. Responding to the continued shift in consumer demand for personalized and tailored experiences, Alaska is yet again leading the industry with this new and unique subscription program that brings value and convenience to travelers. Alaska Access is rolling out just in time for spring and summer travel planning. This year, Alaska is seeing robust demand from passengers planning their trips and booking their flights months in advance.

Alaska Access Exclusive Benefits:

Early Sale Access: With Alaska Access you’ll be the first to know about some of our biggest sales. Look out for in-app notifications alerting you to the upcoming sale the night before the rest of the world finds out (with the ability to book at sale prices immediately). This means you can book your favorite route times and seats before they’re gone!
Personalized Fare Page: We want you to spend less time planning your trip and more time enjoying it! You’ll be able to personalize a fare page through Alaska Access to view some of our lowest fares by money and miles to more than 500 global destinations. It takes the guesswork and time out of finding the best-valued flights on Alaska.
Monthly Wi-Fi Voucher: When you fly with Alaska, staying connected is easy. Each month starting at sign up, you’ll receive a one-time use voucher discount code that allows you to stream, browse and chat on-board using our satellite Wi-Fi.

Here’s how to sign up:

Guests can save time and money searching for the best deals to their next vacation spot with Alaska Access at just $5 per month while enjoying Alaska’s premium products and services, including the most legroom in First* and Premium Class and the most generous loyalty program with the fastest path to elite status. It’s easy to sign up for Alaska Access – click here for more details, including Terms and Conditions. Alaska Access is powered by Recurly, a leading subscription management and billing platform.

*Out of any U.S. Airline excluding lie-flat equipped aircraft

Alaska Airlines aircraft photo gallery (Boeing):

Alaska Airlines to add nonstop service between Portland and Atlanta this fall

Alaska Airlines continues to grow in Portland to provide our guests with more choice and convenience with nonstop service to Atlanta beginning this fall. The daily flight starts Oct. 1 and will operate year-round.

With the addition of our Portland-Atlanta flight, Alaska will now serve 54 nonstop destinations from Portland.

On Nov. 17, Alaska began nonstop service to Miami, and year-round flights to Nashville will start on March 14.

Alaska Airlines aircraft photo gallery (Boeing):

Alaska Airlines adds exclusively brewed beer in unique can to premium beverage line-up

Alaska Airlines is now serving its first-ever custom craft beer exclusively brewed for the carrier by Seattle-based Fremont Brewing. Alaska’s newest IPA will be offered complimentary in First and Premium Class, for purchase in the Main Cabin and served in select lounges.

“The ‘Cloud Cruiser’ is the result of two beloved and popular Pacific Northwest brands coming together to create a top-tier beverage to add to our premium line-up,” said Todd Traynor-Corey, Alaska Airlines managing director of guest products. “The only place in the world you’ll be able to find this one-of-a-kind craft beer is if you’re flying on Alaska or in one of our lounges. We have already received feedback from the first guests to taste our new premium West Coast product who say they can’t wait to fly us again and order another can of ‘Cloud Cruiser.'”

Fremont Brewing, which crafts small batch artisan beers in the Fremont neighborhood of Seattle using the very best local ingredients, worked closely with Alaska to produce a variety of blends to taste test 30,000 feet in the air before both companies chose the bright orange, melon and tropical notes of the brewery’s Indiapale ale.

“‘Cloud Cruiser’ IPA is brewed with a select blend of malts and Washington grown to stay fresh in the air with you,” said Matt Lincecum, Fremont Brewing’s Founder and Owner. “Fremont crafted ‘Cloud Cruiser’ using years of experience providing beer to Alaska’s flights across the country. Brewed Fresh to be Brought Fresh to you. Because Fresh Beer Matters!”

The uniquely designed can showcases an Alaska Airlines 737-8 MAX soaring among the clouds above a retro-inspired backdrop of snow-capped mountains, trees and water synonymous with Washington state.

Alaska and Fremont creative artists worked collaboratively from brainstorming ideas for the co-branded can to the final drawing board.

Alaska Airlines aircraft photo gallery (Boeing):

Hawaiian Holdings stockholders approve acquisition by Alaska Air Group, takes delivery of its first Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner

Hawaiian Holdings, Inc. has announced that its stockholders have voted to adopt the merger agreement with Alaska Air Group, Inc.

A substantial majority of the holders of Hawaiian’s stock voted in favor of the merger, according to preliminary results from the special meeting. Hawaiian will file the final voting results, as tabulated by an independent inspector of elections, on a Form 8-K with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission.

“Stockholder approval of our transaction with Alaska is an important milestone toward combining our airlines,” said Hawaiian Airlines President and CEO Peter Ingram. “Together, we will bring stronger competition to the U.S. airline industry, deliver more value to our guests and the communities that we serve, and provide greater job opportunities for our employees.”

The transaction remains subject to receipt of required regulatory approvals, along with other customary closing conditions. Hawaiian and Alaska continue to expect to complete the transaction within 12 to 18 months of announcement of the transaction, which occurred on Dec. 3, 2023.

In other news, Hawaiian Airlines’ first Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner, registered as N781HA (msn 66429), arrived at the Honolulu (HNL) base on Wednesday night, february 14, 2024, from Charlerston (CHS) on delivery.

Hawaiian Airlines aircraft photo gallery:

Alaska AIrlines Cargo to bring its new Boeing 737-800F freighter south to Los Angeles

Alaska Airlines Cargo is expanding its dedicated cargo fleet with the addition of two converted Boeing 737-800F freighters.

The airline will expand its dedicated freighter service south to Los Angeles from its Seattle/Tacoma (SEA) hub starting April according to FreightWaves.

Previously the airline made this announcement:

Alaska Air Cargo has added a new Boeing 737-800BCF to our dedicated cargo fleet, increasing the capacity and flexibility on our routes serving communities across the state of Alaska and connecting them to the lower 48. A second 737-800 freighter will join our existing lineup of three 737-700 freighters early next year, essentially doubling our current fleet’s payload capacity and laying the foundation for future growth.

Ketchikan (KTN), Sitka (SIT), Juneau (JNU) and Bethel (BET) will be among the first in Alaska to benefit from the increased capacity, with expanded freighter service coming to their communities by mid-December.

The new freighters are also in the process of becoming ETOPS-certified, which will enable them to fly long ranges over open water. The aircraft’s expanded range will allow the cargo team to explore new routes, such as a possible nonstop from King Salmon (AKN) to Seattle (SEA). 

“We are excited about the potential to create new connections between the 20 communities we serve in Alaska and the lower 48.” Adam Drouhard, Alaska Air Cargo managing director

The 737-800 freighter can carry more containers and 10,000 pounds more cargo than our 737-700 freighters.

Each 737-800 freighter can carry 10,000 pounds more than a 737-700. With a configuration that also holds more containers, our fleet will have 40% additional space for those holiday gifts flying to and from the North Pole — as well as for essential goods like groceries, medical supplies and building materials traveling to communities in Alaska. With both bigger freighters in service next year, we’ll also be able to transport more of the state’s abundant fresh seafood, including the hundreds of thousands of pounds of sustainable Bristol Bay sockeye salmon that we carry to the lower 48 at the height of summer. 

“With a fleet of five, we’ll have the flexibility and capacity to do even more drop-ins for fishing communities when the salmon are running,” said Shannon Stevens, Alaska Air Cargo sales manager for the state of Alaska. “We’ll be ready to fill those freighters full of fish!”

As the only domestic passenger airline with a dedicated cargo fleet, Alaska Air Cargo carries more than 200 million pounds of freight each year to more than 100 destinations across North America. The addition of the 737-800 freighters – converted from Alaska Airlines’ passenger aircraft by our partner Boeing – sets the stage for continued growth, Drouhard said.

Our first new 737-800BCF freighter went into service in November 2023, boosting capacity for the 20 communities we serve in the state of Alaska.

We are now flying twice a week from Anchorage (ANC) to Unalakleet (UNK), the one destination in our network that is served only by our cargo teams, without passenger service. Located on the Norton Sound 395 miles northwest of Anchorage, Unalakleet is known for its salmon and crab harvests.

Ketchikan (KTN), Sitka (SIT), Juneau (JNU) and Bethel (BET) will also start receiving increased freighter service this month. With a second converted 737-800 freighter poised to enter service next year, we’ve also improved infrastructure at stations across the state as part of our ongoing commitment to the communities we serve.

Alaska Air Cargo schedule February – April 2024