Category Archives: Alaska Airlines

Alaska Airlines launches new $8 flat rate for streaming-fast satellite WiFi

Alaska Airlines has made this announcement:

The fast satellite Wi-Fi that’s had you surfing and streaming with ease on your Alaska Airlines flights just got a price break: You can do those internet things you do so well with our newย $8 flat rate for WiFiย service on our mainline aircraft with satellite-enabled connectivity onboard. And starting now, we’re offering a variety of new meal selections on our flights as part of the most comprehensive food and beverage program in the industry.

First up, our upgraded, high-speed Wi-Fi โ€“ in partnership with Intelsat. The service provides a more enjoyable guest experience with better reliability, faster connections and a lower cost. Our web portal now loads 50% faster than before with a one ‘click-to-connect’ web experience, and connection speeds are 20 times faster than our previous, basic Wi-Fi system.

With the purchase ofย $8ย flat rate satellite Wi-Fi for their entire flight, our guests can stream content on their personal devices from their favorite services such as Netflix, Hulu, YouTube and other streaming platforms. Another bonus: On our planes enabled with satellite Wi-Fi, you can connect from the moment you board, instead of waiting for the connection to kick in after the boarding door closes โ€“ it’s seamless connectivity from gate to gate. (Another way to save: Use the Alaska Airlines Visa Signature card and snag a 20% savings on inflight purchases including Wi-Fi.)

Our newest planes are equipped with satellite Wi-Fi, often flying our longest routes between the West Coast andย New York,ย Boston,ย Washington, D.C.ย andย Floridaย markets. With nearly 80% of our fleet currently equipped with high-speed satellite Wi-Fi, you can still connect on both long and short haul flights. You’ll know you’re flying an aircraft with the upgraded Wi-Fi if see you see the dome shaped antenna on top of the plane, or if you spot the satellite Wi-Fi decal just inside the entry door.

When you’re going somewhere, having good food and tasty drinks along the way just makes for a more enjoyable trip. We’ve got you covered with a new menu of options.ย Alaska continues to have the most comprehensive onboard food and beverage program of any U.S. carrier. We offer fresh First Class meals on flights more than 670 miles, fresh food for purchase in the main cabin on flights longer than 1,100 miles and popular snacks for purchase on all flights over 670 miles.

We know convenience matters: We’ve expanded our pre-order program so our guests can order their favorites starting two weeks before their flight and up to 20 hours prior to departure โ€“ from choosing between hot meal options in First Class to making sure a Signature Fruit and Cheese platter has their name on it.

Our new spring menu in First Class features more than 30 healthy, fresh and local dishes, such as Lemongrass Chicken withย Ginger Fried Riceย and Basil Chicken Sausage Breakfast Bowl. Plus anytime our First Class guests prefer the simple pleasure of our Signature Fruit & Cheese platter, we can make that happen. Among the refreshed selections in the main cabin we’re offeringย Evergreen’sย ‘Moroccan & Rollin’ Salad,’ a Ginger Garlic Beef Wrap and the Charcuterie Protein Platter.

Air Tahiti Nui to fly to Seattle/Tacoma, announces a new partnership with Alaska Airlines

Alaska Airlines announced today that Air Tahiti Nui is our newest global airline partner โ€“ opening a world of adventure, fun and relaxation in the islands of Tahiti.

Beginning October 4, 2022, Air Tahiti Nui will begin new nonstop service between the hometown airport in Seattle/Tacoma and Papeete, the capital of French Polynesia located on its main island Tahiti. From there, the possibilities are endless for escapes to dozens of other nearby islands.

New Air Tahiti Nui service:

Starts

City Pair

Departs

Arrives

Frequency

Aircraft

Oct. 4, 2022

Papeete โ€“ Seattle

10:00 p.m.

10:25 a.m. +1 day

Tues, Sat

787-9

Oct. 5, 2022

Seattle โ€“ Papeete

12:40 p.m.

7:10 p.m.

Wed, Sun

787-9

Air Tahiti Nui has existing daily nonstop service between Papeete and Los Angeles, an additional key Alaska hub airport on the West Coast. There’s also another flight for our guests to get excited about: Air Tahiti Nui, with its historical connection to France, provides nonstop service between Los Angeles and Paris โ€“ an extremely popular route between two world cities.

Air Tahiti Nui aircraft photo gallery:

Alaska Air Group to retire all Airbus and Bombardier Q400 aircraft by late 2023

Alaska Air Group Inc. , the parent company of Alaska Airlines Inc. and Horizon Air Industries Inc., during its Investor Day briefing, announced it will simplify its fleet in 2023 to only Boeing and Embraer aircraft.

This means all Airbus aircraft, including the A321neo aircraft, and Bombardier DHC-8-402 (Q400) aircraft will be retired by the end of 2023.

Runway for Profitable Growth

Members of Alaska’s leadership team outlined the competitive advantages that underpin the company’s industry-leading performance and strategic growth plan:

    1. Adding depth to our expansive network:ย ย Alaska plans to grow an average of 4-8% per year through 2025, in part by investing in the depth of its network.ย Alaska’sย 1,200 flights per day take our guests to 120 destinations across North andย Central America, including nonstop flights to transcontinental business routes and four Hawaiian Islands.ย Alaska’sย network has consistently produced industry-leading margins throughout its history and its measured approach to bringing capacity back post-pandemic enabled a return to profitability ahead of the industry. Together with the airline’s global partners in theย oneworldยฎ Alliance, guests can reach over 1,000 destinations while earning and redeeming miles on flights to locations around the world.
    2. Operating a single, more efficient fleet:ย Today, the company will share plans to accelerate the transition of its fleet of 300+ aircraft to all-Boeing 737 for its mainline operations and all-Embraer E175 jets for regional, by the end of 2023.ย  Consistent withย Alaska’sย low-cost high productivity mindset, these transitions are expected to drive significant economic benefits. As the fleet grows to 400 aircraft by mid-decade, these will manifest through operational simplicity, flexibility and scalability, better fuel efficiency and reduced maintenance costs. The company is also growing cargo business operations by converting two passenger 737-800s to freighters, bringing the total freighter fleet to five.
    3. Delivering best-in-class care:ย Care is the foundation ofย Alaska’sย culture, fueled by its people and reflected in everything they do. It has earned the airline high guest satisfaction and long-term loyalty. The company will continue to invest in developing its people through its Pathways program, which cultivates talent from regional to mainline operations. In addition, it is ย developing the next generation of pilots and training existing employees for new jobs through its Ascend Pilot Academy. The company is also committed to making measurable progress on initiatives to advance diversity, equity and inclusion.With care central to everything Alaska Airlines does, the company will continue to invest in end-to-end guest experiences that deliver on its brand promise. Today, theย company announced infrastructure improvements for four of its main hubsย โ€“ย ย Seattle,ย Portland,ย San Franciscoย andย Los Angeles.ย These investmentsย totalย $2.3 billionย in infrastructure upgrades that willย provide a more seamless and enjoyable travel experience for guests and provide access to more gates and state-of-the-art lounges and lobbies.
    4. Growingย Alaska’sย award-winning loyalty program with a renewed co-branded partnership:ย Alaskaย and Bank of America todayย announced an extension of their co-branded credit card agreementย through 2030. This agreement will enhance benefits for guests and drive improved profitability for the airline.ย Alaska’sย Mileage Planโ„ขย is the industry’s most generous loyalty rewards program, with miles earned based on flight distance rather than dollars spent and ability to earn and redeem to over 1,000 global destinations as part ofย oneworld Alliance.ย Alaska’sย co-branded credit card with Bank of America currently offers cardholdersย Alaska’sย Famous Companion Fareโ„ข, free checked bag, the opportunity to earn 3x the miles on eligibleย Alaskaย purchases, 50 percent discount on day passes for Alaska Lounge access, 20 percent back on all inflight purchases and many other travel benefits.
    5. Preserving a resilient business model for long-term value creation:ย Alaska’sย legacy of industry outperformance is guided by strong principles for management and performance. Today, the company published the guidelines that drive its financial sustainability and performance, providing additional transparency around its financial management principles and capital allocation approach. Key components include:
  • Generating returns on capital that consistently exceed the industry and the company’s cost of capital
  • Managing the business and allocating capital with a long-term perspective and a consistent set of priorities
  • Placing a high value on producing free cash flow consistently and sustainably

 

  1. Sustainable on all fronts:ย Alaska’sย commitment to long-term value includes prioritized ESG commitments to increase diversity at all levels, to reduce the company’s impact on the climate, and to provide transparent accountability on key environmental, social and governance parameters. Last year, the airline set ambitious, but attainable sustainability goals, including being the most fuel-efficient U.S. airline and reaching net-zero carbon emissions by 2040. Further embedding these commitments into its culture,ย Alaskaย has linked a portion of its annual performance-based pay plan for all employees to the carbon intensity of the operation, and a portion of executives’ compensation to achieving stronger BIPOC representation in leadership.
Full Year 2022 Outlook

“Alaska’sย team is committed to outperforming the industry, even while navigating a choppy pandemic recovery and near-term economic volatility,” saidย Shane Tackett, executive vice president finance and Chief Financial Officer of Alaska Air Group. “As people return to travel, they are choosingย Alaska. And thanks to the caring spirit of our people, when guests try us, they tend to come back. We are excited for the path ahead and confident in our ability to continue creating value for our employees, guests, communities and shareholders.”

As detailed in the company’s fourth quarter 2021 and full-year results,ย Alaska’sย 2022 outlook includes the following metrics:

Key Metric Range*
Capacity Up 1% to 3%
CASM ex-Fuel

(Excluding fleet transition costs and lease return expense)

 Up 3% to 5%
Capital Expenditures $1.6 billion to $1.7 billion

*Range increases are compared to 2019 levels

Alaska Airlines and Horizon Air launch Ascend Pilot Academy

Pictured here is Captain Emma Bryson of Redmond, OR, who went on from instructing at Hillsboro Aero Academy to flying for Horizon Air as an E175 captain.

Alaska Airlines and its regional partner Horizon Air are teaming up with Hillsboro Aero Academy, a premier flight school in the Pacific Northwest, to launch the Ascend Pilot Academy (APA). This new development program, designed for aspiring pilots, provides a simpler, more financially accessible path to becoming a commercial pilot at Horizon and eventually Alaska. The program is part of a larger effort to address a growing pilot shortage coupled with increased travel demand.

In partnership with Hillsboro Aero, the two airlines will register and train up to 250 students a year. Once enrolled, cadet pilots will be eligible for low-interest financial aid, a $25,000 stipend to cover the cost of a commercial pilot license, mentorship and guidance from Alaska Airlines and Horizon Air pilots and a conditional job offer at Horizon Air, with an opportunity to fly with Alaska Airlines after meeting certain criteria.

“Launching the Ascend Pilot Academy addresses a critical need to build a larger and more diverse talent pipeline and remove historical barriers to entry for aspiring pilots,” said Joe Sprague, Horizon Air president. “Our goal is to create a program that enables students to complete an intensive training and time-building program, with a clear and established path toward flying for Horizon as a first officer.”

An industry-wide shortage of pilots has emerged during the pandemic. Over the past two years, thousands of pilots at major airlines took early retirements, accelerating a pilot shortage that was already on the horizon. In 2022 alone, mainline airlines are expected to hire more than 10,000 pilots โ€“ twice the amount hired in 2019. With 80% of these hires anticipated to be sourced from regional airlines like Horizon Air, a more robust talent pipeline is critical to maintaining operational efficiency and business growth.

Combined, Alaska and Horizon estimate they will need to hire 500 pilots a year, or 2,000 by 2025. The Ascend Pilot Academy is one part of building that diverse talent pipeline.

“We’re taking a number of steps to actively recruit pilots at both Alaska and Horizon, including enhancing our existing Pilot Development Program and launching a robust marketing recruiting campaign,” added Sprague.

Barriers to entry

The barriers to entry for aspiring pilots can seem nearly impossible to overcome, particularly for young people who are unable to afford the estimated $70,000 to $90,000 to pay for training, schooling, and the licenses to become a commercially rated pilot. Furthermore, it can be difficult for flight school students to secure government-backed financing, which means financing terms are often prohibitive.

In response to these challenges, Alaska Airlines and Horizon Air have been advocating for expanded federal student loan aid to also cover costs associated with flight education.

“It should be as easy to get a federally backed, low-interest student loan to become a pilot as it is to attend medical school,” Sprague said. “The Ascend Pilot Academy aims to do just that.”

A Pacific Northwest partnership

With campuses located in Hillsboro and Redmond, Oregon, near the metropolitan areas of Portland and Bend, Hillsboro Aero Academy is a premier flight school and long-time Horizon Air partner. Hillsboro’s fleet of 95 aircraft are equipped with modern avionics, and their training staff are working directly with Horizon’s to develop instructional practices to best prepare students to fly in an airline environment.

“Through this program, an aspiring commercial pilot will be able to realize their dream of learning to fly, and work toward becoming a captain at Alaska Airlines,” said Nik Kresse, Hillsboro Aero Academy’s vice president of airplane flight operations. “Enrolling in Ascend Pilot Academy is the first step of what we hope will be a long relationship with Horizon Air and Alaska Airlines. We’re eager to work with students through their entire journey and provide world-class training and dedicated pilot mentorship along the way.”

Many pilots at Alaska and Horizon either started their careers at Hillsboro or instructed at Hillsboro. Horizon E175 captain Emma Bryson and her husband, E175 captain Ian Bryson, both previously worked as Hillsboro flight instructors.

“Hillsboro Aero Academy and Horizon Air were the clear choice as the place to build my career,” said Emma Bryson, “They made a point of explaining that this is a place you could stay if you wanted. My husband and I chose Hillsboro Aero because it was close to home and we thought flying in the Pacific Northwest was the best way to learn to fly in all types of weather and terrain.”

Alaska Airlines and Horizon Air offer pilots a highly competitive compensation and benefits package, in addition to a supportive work environment with opportunities for growth. Employees receive travel privileges across Alaska Airlines’ impressive flight network that includes 120 destinations across the United States, Canada, Mexico, Costa Rica and Belize, as well as the ability to fly space-available on any of the 13 member airlines of the oneworld global alliance.

Interested students can learn more about Ascend Pilot Academy and enroll at: https://careers.alaskaair.com/career-opportunities/pilots/pilot-training/.

Alaska Air Group raises its guidance due to rising fuel costs

Alaska Air Group has raised its fuel cost guidance for first quarter to $2.60 to $2.65 per gallon from $2.45 to $2.50 per gallon.

Alaska Air Group now expects capacity to be down 3% to 5% in the first half of 2022.

Alaska Airlines celebrates the completion of the new International Arrivals Facility at SEA

Alaska Airlines made this announcement:

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) โ€“ a state-of-the-art, world-class facility for passengers arriving from around the globe on international flights into Seattle.

Exterior view of the Great Hall at SEA’s new international Arrivals Facility. (Courtesy of SEA Airport)

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.

Nonstop international flights on oneworld partners from SEA this summer.

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 โ€“ an average of 22ย 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

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.

The IAF solidifies SEA as a gateway to the world. The new structure includes a marquee, first-of-its-kind aerial walkway โ€“ with dramatic views 85 feet above an active taxi lane โ€“ 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 โ€“ a single checkpoint to clear customs.

New baggage claim area at SEA’s International Arrivals Facility. (Courtesy of SEA Airport)

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 Airlines recalibrates its Boeing 737-9 MAX 9 order, will add the 737-8 and 737-10 models

Alaska Airlines announced plans today to broaden its mainline fleet by adjusting its current 737-9 aircraft order with Boeing to include the bigger 737-10 and longer-range 737-8, which are all part of the 737 MAX family of planes. These additional 737 models will enhance Alaska’sย ability to meet specific market requirements with optimal aircraft size and capability.

 

Prior to today’s announcement,ย Alaska’sย contractual 737 order featured 145 firm orders and options for 737-9 aircraft for delivery between 2021-2026. There are currently 14 737-9s inย Alaska’sย fleet. Of the remaining 131 aircraft, 79 are firm orders and 52 are options. We now envision a mix of 70 737-9s, 60 737-10s and 15 737-8s for the 145 planes.

Alaska expects to take delivery of its first 737-8 airplanes in the second half of 2023 and its first 737-10s in early 2024.

They will build on the success of the 737-9 which offers 20% better fuel efficiency and generates 20% less carbon emissions per seat than the Airbus A320 they’re replacing. The three 737 MAX models offer several key common features, such as the same cockpit, same engines, and similar aircraft and engine components.

Alaska Airlines starts Boeing 737 service at Paine Field in Everett

Alaska Airlines yesterday (February 17) commenced Boeing 737 service at Paine Field (PAE) in Everett, WA.

Flight AS 1497 from Phoenix arrived with Boeing 737-990 ER N469AS.

Alaska Airlines launches first-ever flight subscription service in the US called Flight Pass

Alaska Airlines made this announcement:

As the only major airline headquartered on the West Coast, Alaska Airlines is blazing a new path for travel with the debut of Flight Pass, an innovative, subscription-based travel offering that takes value and flexibility to the next level. Available starting today, Flight Pass members can fly up to 24 roundtrip flights a year to the most popular routes withinย California, as well as nonstop service fromย Californiaย airports toย Reno,ย Phoenixย andย Las Vegas, for a fixed monthly rate. With annual plans starting atย $49ย per month, this new way to fly allows travelers to lock in main cabin deals for a full year and rewards subscribers with lower than average fares on eligible flights.

Flight Pass subscribers can choose between two annual plans โ€“ based on the best value or most flexibility โ€“ that differ only in the length of the required advanced booking time. Subscribers will receive credits deposited monthly or bi-monthly into their Flight Pass account, to be redeemed for 6, 12 or 24 nonstop trips a year toย eligible destinations. Flyers are still required to pay applicable government taxes and airport fees on each flight, in addition to the monthly subscription fee and nominal fare (most flights the fare is onlyย $0.01).

Travel trend reports reveal that most Americans are planning domestic travel in 2022, particularly to warm-weather and beach destinations โ€“ and some are even more willing to be spontaneous and flexible on future trips.1ย Anyone with 2022 goals to see and do more are in luck. Flight Pass locks in a great deal for a year of travel with varying options that will fit every budget and lifestyle.

How To Take Flight with Flight Pass

  • Sign up by creating an account atย www.flightpass.alaskaair.com.
  • Pick your preferred plan:
    • Best value โ€“ Flight Pass:ย Starts atย $49ย per month, requiresย booking at least 14 days before travel, and as early as 90 days in advance.
    • Most flexible โ€“ Flight Pass Pro:ย Starts atย $199ย per month,ย allows same-day booking up to two hours before departure, and as early as 90 days in advance.
  • Choose the number of roundtrips you would like annually: 6, 12 or 24 roundtrip flights.
  • Redeem your credits and book your trip on an eligible flight.
    • Choose from 100 daily flights connecting 13 California airports to each other and toย Reno,ย Phoenix, and Vegas
  • Enjoy your flight!