Tag Archives: Anchorage

Air Canada launches an enhanced Preferred Seats program

Air Canada (Montreal) has launched an enhanced Preferred Seats program that offers customers the choice of more seats with additional legroom aboard its North American flights while also making it easier to book a Preferred Seat through multiple channels, including the web, airport kiosks and mobile devices. Details on Preferred Seats are available at http://www.aircanada.com/en/travelinfo/traveller/seatselection/preferredseats.html.

Preferred Seats typically provide 35 inches (88.9 cm) of legroom compared to standard Economy seats that offer between 31 and 33 inches (78.74 cm – 83.82 cm). Given their popularity since the option to purchase them was first introduced in 2009, Air Canada recently completed a reconfiguration of its narrow-body aircraft to add more Preferred Seats fleetwide in its Economy Cabin. For example, on its 97-seat Embraer 190 aircraft it has increased the number of Preferred Seats to 24 from eight, while on its 146-seat Airbus A320 aircraft the number has been increased to 36 from 16. Seat charts showing Preferred Seat locations on Air Canada aircraft are available at http://www.aircanada.com/en/about/fleet/index.html. Preferred Seats are also available on Air Canada mainline wide-body aircraft and Embraer 175 aircraft operated by SkyRegional for Air Canada Express.

Customers can further personalize their travel by selecting a Preferred Seat for individual legs of their journey or entire trip through a simplified process at the time of booking or at any time prior to boarding on http://www.aircanada.com. Air Canada is also expanding its kiosk and mobile functions for booking Preferred Seats up until time of boarding that will be available starting at the end of August. The cost for Preferred Seats starts at $20 per flight segment for a Tango fare and varies with the length of each flight leg and a customer’s Altitude frequent flier status.

Air Canada:

Atlas Air Worldwide Holdings reports 2Q adjusted net income of $15.9 million

Atlas Air Worldwide Holdings (Atlas Air and Polar Air Cargo) (New York) reported adjusted net income of $15.9 million for the second quarter.

The company issued this statement:

Atlas Air Worldwide Holdings, Inc., a leading global provider of outsourced aircraft and aviation operating services, announced adjusted net income attributable to common stockholders of $15.9 million, or $0.63 per diluted share, for the three months ended June 30, 2014, compared with $20.4 million, or $0.79 per diluted share, for the three months ended June 30, 2013.

On a reported basis, net income attributable to common stockholders in the second quarter of 2014 totaled $29.6 million, or $1.17 per diluted share, compared with $20.1 million, or $0.78 per diluted share, in the year-ago quarter.

“We are off to a good start in 2014. Airfreight demand is improving, and we are encouraged about our full-year outlook,” said William J. Flynn, President and Chief Executive Officer. “As we continue to gather additional insight into second-half yields, demand and military requirements, we are maintaining our full-year earnings framework.”

Mr. Flynn added: “Atlas is an entrepreneurial company. Our second-quarter results illustrate the positive contributions being generated by the investments we’ve made and the initiatives we’ve undertaken. In the face of an uncertain airfreight market and an anticipated decline in military cargo demand, we have diversified our business mix and are driving business resilience.

“Results within our ACMI segment are benefiting from modern 747-8 freighters as well as an increase in flying for our CMI customers. In Dry Leasing, the investments we’ve made since early 2013 in attractive 777 freighters on long-term leases with strong customers are driving a significant increase in contribution from highly predictable revenue and earnings streams.

“In addition, the expansion of our 767 platform and our growth into military and commercial passenger charter operations are providing added strength, complementing the improvement in airfreight demand.

“Led by the strength of our brand, our global market leadership in outsourced aircraft assets and services, and our ability to work closely with our customers as they enhance their route networks and grow their businesses, we are well-positioned to take advantage of market opportunities and improvement – and to continue our focus on longer-term business growth.”

Adjusted earnings in the second quarter of 2014 exclude an income tax benefit of $24.0 million, or $0.95 per diluted share, due to beneficial tax planning related to the tax treatment of extraterritorial income. This was partly offset by a noncash loss of $9.4 million after tax, or $0.37 per diluted share, resulting from the trade-in of used spare engines for new engines under the company’s engine-acquisition program, as well as additional charges totaling $1.0 million after tax, or $0.04 per diluted share, which were primarily related to the company’s U.K. affiliate, Global Supply Systems Limited.

Adjusted earnings in the second quarter of 2013 exclude an after-tax loss of $0.6 million, or $0.02 per diluted share, on the early extinguishment of debt, partly offset by an after-tax gain of $0.3 million, or $0.01 per diluted share, on the disposal of aircraft.

Second-Quarter Results

Profitability in our ACMI business during the second quarter reflected an increase in 747-8F revenue and an increase in CMI flying, offset by higher maintenance expense for aircraft operating in this segment.

ACMI revenues benefited from an increase in our average rate per block hour driven by our 747-8Fs, but were impacted by a decline in block-hour volumes related to the return of three 8Fs from British Airways in April and early May. This decline was partially offset by the placement of two of the 8Fs with DHL Express in May, the start-up of ACMI 8F flying for BST Logistics in February 2014 and Etihad in May 2013, as well as the start-up of ACMI 747-400 flying for Astral Aviation in September 2013. Block-hour volumes during the second quarter also reflected an increase in CMI Dreamlifter flying for Boeing and the initiation of CMI 767-200 passenger aircraft service for MLW Air during the third quarter of 2013.

In Dry Leasing, revenue and profitability grew following the addition of three 777F aircraft in January 2014 and two in July 2013, which raised our 777F fleet count to six. Each of these aircraft are leased to customers on a long-term basis.

In AMC Charter, results benefited from an increase in the volume of passenger flying on higher-yielding 747-400 aircraft, partially offset by a decrease in demand for cargo flying. Segment results in Commercial Charter reflected a decrease in market rates and increases in maintenance and crewmember travel expense, partially offset by an increase in block-hour volumes.

Reported earnings for the period reflected an effective income tax rate benefit of 461.0%, driven by tax-planning efforts regarding a federal income tax benefit related to the treatment of extraterritorial income from the offshore leasing of certain of our aircraft.

Half-Year Results

For the six months ended June 30, 2014, adjusted net income attributable to common stockholders totaled $27.3 million, or $1.08 per diluted share, compared with $26.3 million, or $1.01 per diluted share, for the six months ended June 30, 2013.

On a reported basis, first-half 2014 net income attributable to common stockholders totaled $37.5 million, or $1.49 per diluted share, compared with $40.1 million, or $1.54 per diluted share, in the first half of 2013.

Cash and Short-Term Investments

At June 30, 2014, our cash, cash equivalents, short-term investments and restricted cash totaled $299.2 million, compared with $339.2 million at December 31, 2013.

The change in position reflected cash provided by operating and financing activities offset by cash used for investing activities.

Net cash used for investing activities during the first half of 2014 primarily related to the purchase of three 777F aircraft for our Dry Leasing business.

Net cash provided by financing activities primarily reflected proceeds from the issuance of debt in connection with the acquisitions of these aircraft. Those proceeds were partially offset by payments on debt obligations and debt issuance costs.

Outlook

We are encouraged by our performance in the first half of 2014 and the positive direction of market trends so far this year.

Airfreight volumes continue to improve, and recent forecasts suggest that airfreight demand may grow by several percentage points in 2014 – the first real growth after three essentially flat years. Airfreight yields continue to lag behind, however, and there is still limited visibility into peak-season yields, demand and second-half military requirements. As a result, we are maintaining our earnings outlook for the full year.

On a sequential basis, per-share earnings in the third quarter of this year should improve over our adjusted second-quarter results by an increment similar to the increase between our first- and second-quarter adjusted earnings.

For the full year, we expect total block hours to be comparable to 2013, with more than 70% in ACMI, approximately 10% in AMC Charter, and the balance in Commercial Charter. Our Dry Leasing segment should show dramatic growth compared with 2013. While our share of military flying, mainly in passenger service, has increased due to a reduction in the number of carriers serving the market and our ability to capitalize on additional flying opportunities, we continue to expect an overall decline in military demand, primarily in cargo, compared with 2013.

We also expect aircraft maintenance expense to total approximately $180 million in 2014, with depreciation of approximately $120 to $125 million. Core capital expenditures this year are expected to total approximately $45 to $50 million, mainly for spare parts for our expanded fleet.

We remain confident in the resilience of our business model, as well as our ability to adapt to the market and to leverage the scale and efficiencies in our operations. The business initiatives we have undertaken and the investments we have made have enabled the company to deliver meaningful earnings in any environment.

Should 2014 be the inflection point when growth returns to commercial airfreight and yields improve, our business initiatives and the investments we have made have positioned Atlas to be one of the prime beneficiaries.

Atlas Air Worldwide is the parent company of Atlas Air, Inc. (Atlas) and Titan Aviation Leasing (Titan), and is the majority shareholder of Polar Air Cargo Worldwide, Inc. (Polar). Through Atlas and Polar, Atlas Air Worldwide operates the world’s largest fleet of Boeing 747 freighter aircraft.

Copyright Photo: Michael B. Ing/AirlinersGallery.com. Boeing 747-87UF N852GT (msn 37571) of Atlas Air taxies at Anchorage, AK.

Atlas Air:

Polar Air Cargo:

Alaska Airlines today launches nonstop Seattle/Tacoma-Tampa flights

Alaska Airlines (Seattle/Tacoma) today (June 20) launched daily round-trip service between its Seattle/Tacoma hub (SEA) and Tampa, Florida (TPA).

Alaska Airlines is the only carrier offering nonstop service between Seattle and Tampa.

Copyright Photo: Michael B. Ing/AirlinersGallery.com. The new route also increases the transit time from Tampa to the state of Alaska, especially during the peak summer travel market. Boeing 737-890 N588AS (msn 35685) departs from Anchorage International Airport (ANC) with the new Aviation Partners Boeing Split Scimitar Winglets.

Alaska Airlines:

FedEx Corporation reports fiscal year net income of $1.56 billion

FedEx Corporation (FedEx Express) (Memphis) reported earnings of $2.46 per diluted share for the fourth quarter ended May 31. Last year’s fourth quarter earnings were $2.13 per diluted share, excluding a $0.98 per diluted share business realignment program charge and a $0.20 per diluted share noncash aircraft impairment charge at FedEx Express. Including last year’s charges, earnings were $0.95 per diluted share.

“An outstanding fourth quarter helped FedEx post solid results for fiscal 2014, and we believe we are well positioned for a strong fiscal 2015,” said Frederick W. Smith, FedEx Corp. chairman, president and chief executive officer. “I would like to extend my sincere appreciation to the entire FedEx team for their contribution to our results and their continued commitment to providing outstanding service to our customers and connecting people and possibilities around the world.”

For its entire fiscal year the cooperation reported net income (GAAP) of $1.56 billion.

Read the full report: CLICK HERE

Copyright Photo: Michael B. Ing/AirlinersGallery.com. Boeing 777-FS2 N857FD (msn 37728) climbs into the sky at Anchorage International Airport (ANC).

FedEx Express:

Alaska Airlines starts seven new routes this week from Salt Lake City

Alaska Airlines (Seattle/Tacoma) begins daily nonstop flights this week to seven new destinations from Salt Lake City (Delta’s hub) while also expanding existing service between Utah’s capital and Seattle/Tacoma.

The new flying begins today (June 9) with service to Portland, Oregon. Over the next 10 days, additional flights will commence from Salt Lake City to Boise, Idaho; Los Angeles; Las Vegas; San Diego, San Francisco and San Jose, California. Alaska is also adding a third daily flight between Seattle/Tacoma and Salt Lake starting today.

The carrier will operate the flights with Alaska Airlines Boeing 737s, Bombardier DHC-8-402 (Q400) turboprop aircraft operated by Horizon Air (Seattle/Tacoma) and 70-seat Bombardier CRJ700 regional jets flown by SkyWest Airlines (St. George, Utah).

Alaska Airlines began serving Salt Lake City in April 2013 with two daily flights from Seattle/Tacoma.

Copyright Photo: Michael B. Ing/AirlinersGallery.com. Boeing 737-490 N792AS (msn 28887) was formerly painted in the special “Wild Alaska Seafood” livery.

Alaska Airlines:

Alaska Airlines brings the first seasonal Copper River salmon shipment to the “Lower 48”

Alaska Air Cargo (Alaska Airlines) (Seattle/Tacoma) today (May 16) delivered 24,100 pounds of the season’s first shipment of Alaska Copper River salmon to Seattle-Tacoma International Airport. The arrival of the fish-filled Boeing 737 marks the start of the summer salmon season and is an annual rite of passage anticipated by seafood lovers throughout the Pacific Northwest.

At least five more Alaska Airlines flights today will transport salmon from Cordova, Alaska, to Anchorage, Seattle and throughout the United States. The flights will have fresh fish from three Alaska seafood processors: Copper River Seafoods, Ocean Beauty Seafoods and Trident Seafoods.

Alaska Airlines plays a significant role in supporting the Alaska seafood industry, which is recognized worldwide for its sustainable fishing practices. Last year, the carrier flew more than 24.5 million pounds of fresh Alaska seafood to the Lower 48 states and beyond, including 1 million pounds of Copper River salmon.

“No other airline delivers more Copper River salmon to the Lower 48 than Alaska Airlines, and making that happen within 24 hours after the fish is pulled from the water is no small feat,” said Betsy Bacon, managing director of Alaska Air Cargo. “Hundreds of employees from across the state of Alaska, Seattle and beyond spend months getting ready for the busy summer fish season.”

5th annual Copper Chef Cook-off

Following the arrival of the first fish, three Seattle-area top chefs — John Howie, owner of Seastar, Jason Franey of Canlis and Ethan Stowell, owner of Tavolata — will compete for the best salmon recipe in Alaska Air Cargo’s fifth annual Copper Chef Cook-off. The chefs will have 30 minutes to prepare and serve the first catch of the season to a panel of judges, which include Seahawks place kicker Steven Hauschka; Jay Buhner, Seattle Mariners Hall of Famer; and Ben Minicucci, Alaska Airlines’ chief operating officer. The airline will announce the winner of the cook-off on Twitter @AlaskaAir. Fish lovers can follow the competition and share their favorite salmon recipes on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram using the hashtag #SalmonChef.

Among the onlookers awaiting the arrival of the first fish were 10 Alaska Airlines Mileage Plan MVP Gold members, and representatives from USO Northwest, the U.S. Marines and U.S. Coast Guard, who were invited to sample the season’s first Copper River salmon.

Anchorage hosts First Fish parade

Farther north, Copper River Seafoods and local Anchorage-area restaurants are also welcoming the arrival of Copper River salmon with festivities planned at Alaska Air Cargo at Ted Stevens Anchorage International Airport. Later this afternoon, the seafood company will deliver a ceremonial first fish to seven downtown Anchorage restaurants.

Enhanced seafood quality training program

Copper River salmon shipped on Alaska Air Cargo arrives as fresh as possible to grocery stores and restaurants across the nation, thanks in part to a cool chain training program required of all airline employees who handle perishables. Alaska Air Cargo employees are required to adhere to strict seafood quality standards and pass an annual food quality course.

Seafood processors and shippers follow these cool-chain standards to provide a temperature-controlled environment for proper food handling. The goal is to keep seafood moving rapidly throughout its journey on Alaska Airlines and maintain a consistent temperature range from the time it leaves the water to when it arrives at stores and restaurants.

The first Copper River salmon was brought to SEA with their Boeing 737-400 Combi N765AS.

In other news, Alaska Airlines was awarded its seventh J. D. Power award as the best traditional network carrier.

Top Copyright Photo: Mark Durbin/AirlinersGallery.com. Beautifully displayed, Boeing 737-890 N559AS (msn 35178) is the second Alaska 737 to wear the special “Salmon-Thirty-Salmon” livery in support of the Alaska fisheries industry.

Alaska Airlines:

Video: the ceremonial fish head “kick-off”:

Bottom Copyright Photo: Michael B. Ing/AirlinersGallery.com. Dedicated as a freighter, Boeing 737-490 (F) N709AS (msn 28896) climbs away from the runway at Ted Stevens Anchorage International Airport (ANC).

Alaska Air Group reports GAAP net income of $94 million for the first quarter

Alaska Air Group, Inc. (Alaska Airlines and Horizon Air – Alaska Horizon) (Seattle/Tacoma) today reported first quarter 2014 GAAP net income of $94 million, or $1.35 per diluted share, compared to $37 million, or $0.51 per diluted share in the first quarter of 2013. Excluding the impact of mark-to-market fuel hedge adjustments of $8 million ($5 million after tax, or $0.07 per diluted share), the company reported record adjusted net income of $89 million, or $1.28 per diluted share, compared to adjusted net income of $44 million, or $0.62 per diluted share, in 2013.

“Our record first quarter results reflect strong demand for our service and the efforts we’ve taken to improve the value we bring to our customers,” CEO Brad Tilden said. “Our solid foundation of award-winning service, excellent operational performance, low costs and low fares, and the best employees in the business will help us sustain our success in the face of increasing competition.”

Financial Highlights:

Reported record first quarter net income, excluding special items, of $89 million, or $1.28 per diluted share, compared to adjusted net income of $44 million, or $0.62 per diluted share in the prior-year quarter. This quarter’s results compare to a First Call analyst consensus estimate of $1.24 per share.

Recorded net income for the first quarter under Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP) of $94 million or $1.35 per diluted share, compared to net income of $37 million, or $0.51 per diluted share in 2013.

Reported record adjusted pretax margin for the first quarter of 11.8%.

Achieved trailing 12-month return on invested capital of 14.8% compared to 13.4% in the 12 months ended March 31, 2013.

Paid a $0.25 per-share quarterly cash dividend on March 11 totaling $17 million. This is a 25% increase from the previous cash dividend payment of $0.20 per-share.

Repurchased 352,851 shares of common stock for $30 million in the first quarter of 2014.

Lowered adjusted debt-to-total-capitalization ratio by 3%, to 32%, from December 31, 2013.

Held $1.4 billion in unrestricted cash and marketable securities as of March 31, 2014.

Top Copyright Photo: Michael B. Ing/AirlinersGallery.com. Dedicated freighter operations at Alaska Air Cargo becomes very active in Alaska this time of the year. Boeing 737-490 (F) N709AS (msn 28896) touches down at Ted Stevens Anchorage International Airport (ANC).

Alaska Airlines:

Alaska Horizon:

Horizon Air:

Bottom Copyright Photo: Michael B. Ing/AirlinersGallery.com. Horizon Air’s (Alaska Horizon) Bombardier DHC-8-402 (marketed as the “Q400”) N440QX (msn 4347) in the special Oregon State University-OSU Beavers color scheme taxies to the runway at the Seattle-Tacoma International Airport (SEA) hub.

Alaska Airlines’ IAM employees ratify a new 5-year contract

Alaska Airlines‘ (Seattle/Tacoma) 2,500 clerical, office and passenger service employees, who are represented by the International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers (IAM), have ratified a new five-year contract. The contract was approved by 62 percent of those who voted.

The contract includes pay raises and job security provisions, among other improvements.

The previous three-year contract became amendable on January 1, 2014 and a tentative agreement was reached on February 3, 2014. Contracts in the airline industry do not expire. Once they become amendable, the current contract remains in effect until a new agreement is ratified.

Copyright Photo: Michael B. Ing/AirlinersGallery.com. Boeing 737-4Q8 N754AS (msn 25095) arrives at Anchorage International Airport (ANC).

Alaska Airlines:

Alaska Airlines protects its most important Seattle/Tacoma markets with double miles

Alaska Airlines (Seattle/Tacoma) is stepping up to protect its top markets from the Seattle/Tacoma hub with a double miles offer through 2014. The company just issued this statement:

Alaska Airlines is making it easier for travelers flying to and from Seattle/Tacoma to fly more with double frequent flier miles* on eight of its most popular routes to and from the Emerald City.

Alaska Airlines Mileage Plan members who enroll in the program before their first qualifying flights will earn double miles on flights through December 31, 2014, between Seattle/Tacoma and the following cities:

Anchorage, Alaska
Las Vegas
Los Angeles
Oakland, California
San Diego
San Francisco
San Jose, California
Vancouver, British Columbia

The carrier will also offer double miles** from June 1 to Sept. 1, 2014, on flights between Seattle/Tacoma and Fairbanks, Alaska, and Seattle/Tacoma and Juneau, Alaska.

Alaska Airlines operates 279 peak-day departures nonstop to 73 destinations from Seattle. It also operates more daily flights (170 during peak season) to more destinations (28) within the state of Alaska and from Alaska to the Lower 48 states and Hawaii than any other major carrier.

* Double miles promotion terms: Registration is required prior to your first qualifying flight, and must be completed no later than Dec. 31, 2014. Double miles offer is valid only on qualifying paid nonstop flights between Seattle and Anchorage; Seattle and Los Angeles; Seattle and Oakland; Seattle and San Diego; Seattle and San Francisco; Seattle and San Jose; Seattle and Vancouver; and Seattle and Las Vegas from June 1, 2014, through Dec. 31, 2014. Flights must be marketed and operated by Alaska Airlines. Flight miles must be credited to your Alaska Airlines Mileage Plan™ account in order to earn double miles. All travel must be completed by Dec. 31, 2014. Not valid on free or award travel. Double miles do not count toward Mileage Plan elite status. Please allow four to six weeks for miles to be credited to your Mileage Plan account. All terms and conditions of the Mileage Plan program apply. Offer subject to change without notice.

** Double miles offer terms: Registration is required for non-Club 49 members prior to your first qualifying flight, and must be completed no later than Sept. 1, 2014. Club 49 members will automatically be registered for this promotion. Double miles offer is valid only on qualifying paid nonstop flights between Seattle and Fairbanks and between Seattle and Juneau from June 1, 2014, through Sept. 1, 2014. Flights must be marketed and operated by Alaska Airlines. Flight miles must be credited to your Alaska Airlines Mileage Plan account in order to earn double miles. All travel must be completed by Sept. 1, 2014. Not valid on free or award travel. Double miles do not count towards Mileage Plan Elite Status. Please allow four to six weeks for miles to be credited to your Mileage Plan account. All terms and conditions of the Mileage Plan program apply. Offer subject to change without notice.

Copyright Photo: Michael B. Ing/AirlinersGallery.com. Boeing 737-890 N552AS (msn 34595) departs from Anchorage International Airport (ANC).

Alaska Airlines:

Alaska Airlines becomes the first U.S. airline to allow self-tagging of bags on select routes

Alaska Airlines (Seattle/Tacoma) will be the first U.S. airline to allow self-tagging of bags from home on select introductory routes. The airline issued this statement:

Self-tag online debuts on April 21 for passengers traveling nonstop between Seattle/Tacoma and San Diego, Anchorage or Juneau, Alaska, with plans to expand the option for customers traveling from other airports later this summer. This launch follows the completion of a successful pilot program, which was offered to customers traveling between Seattle/Tacoma and Hawaii in 2013.

Starting on April 21, travelers flying to or from any of the four debut cities will receive a pre-trip email with a link to request a free reusable bag tag holder by mail. Tag holders will also be available to pick up at each of the four airports. Passengers who elect to self-tag will enjoy a designated Self-Tag Express™ lane when they arrive at the airport.

How self-tag online works:

Book a trip at http://www.alaskaair.com.
Follow instructions in your pre-trip email to request a bag tag holder by mail or pick up a holder in person at one of the four participating airports.
Check in online up to 24 hours before your flight and follow the instructions to print a bag tag at home.
Insert printed bag tag into the tag holder.
At the airport, follow signs for Self-Tag Express™ lanes.
Show the agent your boarding pass, identification and drop off your bags.

Alaska Airlines is the first U.S. carrier to launch self-bag tagging from home, another chapter in the carrier’s long history of pioneering technologies and innovations to make flying easier. Alaska was the first airline in North America to sell tickets over the Internet, and the first in the world to allow customers to check in and print boarding passes online. Last year, the carrier installed kiosks with self-tagging printers at 10 airport locations including Seattle/Tacoma, Anchorage and Portland, Oregon.

Copyright Photo: Michael B. Ing/AirlinersGallery.com. Boeing 737-490 N703AS (msn 28893) departs from Anchorage International Airport (ANC), one of the introductory cities for self-tagging.

Alaska Airlines: