Alaska Airlines leading the field in compassion for staff….

Alaska Airlines leading the field in compassion for staff….

 

Alaska Airlines and its subsidiary airline Horizon Air are leading the way in compassion shown to staff following the shock news that The Supreme Court of the United States overturned the protections previously afforded under the Roe v Wade case.

In a memo to staff, the carrier said “We will continue, just as we always have, to provide employees with extensive benefits to support your health and well-being, no matter where you live. This includes reimbursing travel for certain medical procedures and treatments if they are not available where you live. Today’s Supreme Court decision does not change that.”

The other big airlines in the U.S. have remained silent on their arrangements for staff in the wake of the ruling which previously protected abortion rights, however big names in other industries, such as Amazon and Starbucks have said they will continue to offer travel money to those seeking such medical treatment including abortions not available in their home state.

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Want to fly? How to become a pilot with Alaska Airlines and Horizon Air

The need for the next generation of pilots is greater than ever. Alaska and Horizon expect to hire more than 900 pilots by the end of 2022. Austen Pyle, now a first officer in training with Horizon Air, is one example of how one flight, a great mentor and pilot programs can turn into a fulfilling career. 

Photos by Joe Nicholson

Austen Pyle was 13 when he knew he wanted to fly — it was his first brush with the sky in a glider. Today, less than 10 years after that first flight, he’s starting his pilot training with Horizon Air, Alaska’s regional airline in the Pacific Northwest. Within a few months, he’ll be a first officer – following in his mentor’s flight path. 

Like many pilots, it took just one flight to inspire a career. Lawrence Pavlinovic, then a Horizon Air captain and now an Alaska captain, was the glider flight instructor that auspicious day. He saw Pyle’s passion for flight immediately and took him under his wing – inviting him to Aviation Day, an annual event hosted by Alaska and Horizon to inspire careers in aviation. 

“Lawrence really pushed me to explore aviation as an option,” says Pyle. “He opened my eyes, and I’m so glad he did.” 

But in between the moment a love of flying is sparked and a career, aspiring pilots like Pyle face a journey that requires a daunting investment of time and money. On average, it can cost around $90,000 for education, flight training and certifications, and pilots must log hundreds of flying hours before they can fly for commercial airlines. However, the opportunities for financial and other support while navigating this journey are growing. 

Plan your pathway: Explore Alaska’s pilot-development programs 

Pyle started out at the Evergreen Soaring Club and worked toward his pilot’s license while still in high school. “I actually got my private pilot’s license before my driver’s license,” he said.  

When he started Central Washington University’s aviation program, Pyle interviewed right away for the Horizon Air Pilot Development Program, which partners with universities while providing a stipend, mentorship and a pathway to a future job at Horizon.  

“That was really special for me as a freshman in college to know that I had an airline job waiting for me when I was ready,” said Pyle. 

And Alaska’s newest pilot-development programs are designed to recruit students with diverse backgrounds, part of our commitment to increasing the diversity of our workforce at all levels by 2025. 

Alaska has launched several pilot-development programs – including most recently True North, a partnership with two historically black colleges and universities (HBCUs), and Ascend Pilot Academy, a partnership with Hillsboro Aero Academy in Oregon – to encourage aspiring pilots from diverse backgrounds to follow their dream.  

Alaska Airlines shows off latest special livery jet - Star Wars .. Galaxy’s Edge...

May the fourth be with you.......   

Photo Alaska Airlines

Alaska’s new Star Wars-themed aircraft celebrates adventures to “Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge” at Disneyland Resort and was shown off to the media on May 4th.

Photo Alaska Airlines

Alaska Airlines joined forces with Disneyland Resort to unveil a new, one-of-its-kind Star Wars-themed aircraft that even Chewbacca would be proud of!  The plane, painted space black with the iconic Millennium Falcon emblazoned on the tail chased by TIE fighters, celebrates Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge, the newest land of adventure inside Disneyland park. The plane is now flying on routes across Alaska’s network for the universe to enjoy!

For this latest collaboration – Alaska’s seventh painted plane for the Disneyland Resort – no Jedi mind tricks were needed: the force was strong for a Star Wars livery to finally enter Alaska’s fleet. The aircraft’s official name is “Star Wars Transport to the Disneyland Resort” with a tail number of N538AS. After the big reveal and celebration at the gate in the Seattle-Tacoma International Airport, the plane made its inaugural flight today and ultimate arrival at John Wayne Airport in Orange County.

The unique design of the Star Wars-inspired plane is a collaboration among teams at Alaska, Disneyland Resort and Lucasfilm. Familiar spacecraft span each side of the plane with hand painted, detailed imagery: the Millennium Falcon and four TIE fighters. Designers at Disneyland Resort focused on the incredibly identifiable, widely recognized Millennium Falcon for the spotlight, in addition to the well-traveled spaceship being the focal point at Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge, a 14-acre land in Disneyland park.

Photo Alaska Airlines

The Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge and Disneyland Resort logos are featured in the center of the fuselage. For a lighthearted touch, porgs (the cute avian creatures that lived on Luke Skywalker’s remote island) look back at passengers from both winglets, as another porg greets guests at the boarding door. 

To bring the imagery to life, the plane’s exterior required 228 gallons of paint applied during 540 work hours over 27 days. For the painting, 23 base colors were used with numerous custom colors mixed onsite for the detailed airbrushing of the Millennium Falcon and the TIE fighters.

“Star Wars Transport to Disneyland Resort” is scheduled to fly in the Alaska fleet and throughout Alaska’s network. You can also spot “Friendship and Beyond at Disneyland Resort” at airports and in the skies with a whimsical tribute to Pixar Pier at Disney California Adventure Park – our last Disneyland Resort-themed aircraft that began service in October 2019.

 

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Alaska Airlines’ sustainability report champions climate action, social impact, commitment to people and greener travel

Each year, Alaska Airlines issues a report on its environmental and social impact, sharing data, progress, learnings and stories. In the pages, the firm shares its successes where it is hitting its targets, areas of improvement, and what it has learned throughout the previous year. 

The airline knows there will always be more work ahead – there is no “mission accomplished” when it comes to the environmental and social impact. Alaska Air promises to keep pushing forward with care, innovation, pragmatism, accountability, transparency and partnership to ensure that aviation is a positive force in our world.

Last year, the firm announced new commitments to reduce our climate impacts with goals for carbon, waste, and water. It also committed to new diversity, equity, and inclusion goals as part of its responsibility to make Alaska a place where everyone feels like they belong. This year, Alaska Air began making these a reality and this week the airline issued its latest report and an update on its progress.

In 2021, Alaska Airlines focused on improving operational efficiency with procedures and technology that enable it to minimize the amount of fuel it actually burns. These include implementing route optimization software Flyways, taking delivery of new Boeing 737 MAX aircraft, improving use of electric ground power and air and continuing to evolve its ground fleet toward lower-emissions options. The airline also focused on jump-starting the market for sustainable aviation fuels, which have the greatest power to decarbonize aviation in the next several decades.

Full care report 

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United boss doesn't think masks will come back as airline staff offer perks for the maskless....

Scott Kirby,  the CEO of the U.S. mega-carrier, United Airlines believes another federal mask order on planes is very unlikely to be made.   During an appearance on The Today Show on America’s NBC Network, Kirby stated:  “We were on the road, I think, to removing the mask [mandate] even before the judge’s ruling. - This appeal is mostly about jurisdiction. I think it’s very unlikely that a mask requirement is going to come back any time in the foreseeable future.”

The U.S.  like many other countries around the world have mostly returned to a situation much akin to before the pandemic. “Broadly everywhere, indoors, we’re getting back to living life as normal” Kirby said, “The airports actually wind up being one of the safer places as well because the standards for air filters are higher,”

Many other airline bosses have been calling for the mask mandate to be withdrawn and welcomed the news that it would no longer be enforced, including American. Delta, Southwest, JetBlue, Alaska Air, Hawaiian Airlines and UPS.  Yet, each of those airlines have say they have adopted a policy of free choice now the rule has been dropped. Yet it is probably only a matter of a few weeks before one or more of those carriers faces a lawsuit for damages over an infection believed to be contracted on one of their planes by other passengers, or by one of their maskless employees.

There have been many passengers taking to social media to complain about the scant regard for personal choice and safety by Delta cabin crew.  Some of the airline crew are welcoming passengers on board with champaign but only if they removed their masks.  Another reported that “flight attendants greeting us “would you like champagne? Let’s celebrate no more masks” warning that it was not only childish but also created a potentially hostile environment for passengers who still preferred to wear a mask.

Doctor Jerome Adams tweeted that a Delta pilot walked passed him at the airport and said, “take your mask off man- breath free!” 

"Why is it those who so strongly felt others were imposing their beliefs (in health, wellness and compassion) on them, feel so free to impose their beliefs on others?!" Jerome asks.

Another complained that a Delta crew member told her she was ridiculous for continuing to wear a medical-grade mask on a flight from Atlanta and telling her  "COVID is a thing of the past"

It is not just Delta where staff are making mask wearers are being made to feel like third-class citizens,  Alaska Airlines is doing the same according to some passengers on social media,  Jonathan Evans commented that he was hounded for wearing a mask on an Orlando-Seattle flight - “The pilot created an anti-mask party from the start, which encouraged the non-mask wearers to chide the mask-wearers,” adding that he was called a “freak” and that staff awarded the most “outspoken guy with free drinks.”

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Alaska Airlines and Horizon Air launch Ascend Pilot Academy

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 programme, designed for aspiring pilots, provides a simpler, more financially accessible path to becoming a commercial pilot at Horizon and eventually then on to Alaska Air. 

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.   "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."

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."

Alaska Airlines recalibrates Boeing 737-MAX 9 order

Alaska Airlines announced plans this week to change its mainline fleet by adjusting our current 737 MAX 9 aircraft order with Boeing to include the bigger 737 MAX 10 and longer-range 737 MAX 8 jets. According to the airline, these additional 737 models will enhance Alaska's ability to meet specific market requirements with optimal aircraft size and capability.

"We're excited to add these new 737 models to our fleet and continue our upgauging strategy, which maximizes our revenue opportunity with more seats while reducing unit costs," said Nat Pieper, senior vice president of fleet, finance and alliances at Alaska Airlines. "This announcement is a further step in our drive toward a single fleet featuring Boeing aircraft and CFM engines – we are very appreciative of their partnerships."

The airline expects to take delivery of its first 737 MAX 8 aeroplanes in the second half of 2023 and the first 737 MAX 10s in early 2024. 

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Alaska Airlines puts on hold deal with S7 Airlines of Russia

Alaska Airlines has put a short term hold on its arrangements with the Russian airline S7 the American firm released today. 

Bowing to strong demand both internal and external,  the airline issued a brief statement saying, 

"Starting today, March 1, our guests will not be able to earn miles on S7. Our ongoing work to enable redemptions on S7 will also stop.

Alaska Airlines has also suspended its limited interline relationships with S7 and Aeroflot, the largest carrier in Russia."

 Interlining allows passengers on one airline to be ticketed on another carrier for various reasons, including bad weather, late arrivals or departures and mileage recoupment.

Alaska says the suspension of the partnership is only temporary but has refused to disclose how long that actually is for, however, sources close to the airline have indicated the deal is on hold until 8th March initially. 

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

Alaska Airlines has introduced its brand new "Flight Pass", an innovative, subscription-based travel offering that takes value and flexibility to the next level. 

Starting today, Flight Pass members can fly up to 24 roundtrip flights a year to the most popular routes within California, as well as nonstop service from California airports to Reno, Phoenix and Las Vegas, for a fixed monthly rate. With annual plans starting at $49 per month, this new way to fly allows travellers to lock in main cabin deals for a full year and rewards subscribers with lower than average fares on eligible flights.

How to take an Alaska Airlines flight with Flight Pass

Sign up by creating an account at www.flightpass.alaskaair.com.

Pick your preferred plan:

Best value – Flight Pass: Starts at $49 per month, requires booking at least 14 days before travel, and as early as 90 days in advance.

Most flexible – Flight Pass Pro: Starts at $199 per month, 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 to Reno, Phoenix, and Vegas

"Alaska Airlines is uniquely positioned to help our West Coast guests experience more with direct access to destinations near and far from our expanding hubs," said Neil Thwaites, regional vice president of California for Alaska Airlines. "Flight Pass will provide more options, value and care with every trip that our guests book, while also transforming the travel experience long-term."

Customers will still have the ability to earn miles toward Mileage Plan elite status for more info visit www.flightpass.alaskaair.com.

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Alaska Air Group names Patricia Bedient board chair as Brad Tilden retires

Alaska Air Group's (AAG) Board of Directors announced today that Lead Independent Director Patricia Bedient will replace Brad Tilden as chair of the company's Board of Directors, effective May 5, 2022. Ms Bedient will serve as independent non-executive chair, while Mr Tilden served as executive chair. The announcement is part of a leadership succession plan that involved Tilden retiring as CEO in March 2021 and passing the helm to Ben Minicucci.

"The transition to Ben as CEO has been seamless, the leadership team is operating as one and the company is coming out of the pandemic in a position of strength," said Tilden. "From having the most caring employees in the business, to consistently delivering industry-leading guest satisfaction scores, to being among the most financially solid of the nation's airlines, the company has the foundation it needs for profitable growth. The time is right for me to take the next step and retire from the board, leaving it in Patty's extremely capable hands."

Bedient, a member of AAG's board since 2004, has served as lead independent director since 2016, and is on the board's audit and governance, nominating and corporate responsibility committees. Bedient's leadership on emerging issues such as sustainability and governance as well as her deep business, finance and strategy expertise have been hallmarks of her 18 years with the airline.  

"I am honoured and humbled by this opportunity to continue my work on the board as chair and I am profoundly grateful for Brad's leadership and service over the past 30 years," said Bedient. "I look forward to working with Ben and the experienced and diverse leadership team we have on the board to lead this great airline into the next era." 

Bedient served as CFO and executive vice president of Weyerhaeuser Company from 2007 to 2016, when she retired. While at Weyerhaeuser, she had several other leadership roles including senior vice president of finance and strategic planning and vice president. Previously, she spent 27 years with Arthur Andersen LLP and served as the managing partner for its Seattle office.

Bedient earned a bachelor's degree in business administration, with a concentration in accounting and finance from Oregon State University. The Wall Street Journal named Bedient one of the Top 25 CFOs in the S&P 500 in 2012 and the Puget Sound Business Journal named her Director of the Year in 2019.

In connection with Bedient's election as independent board chair, the Board of Directors appointed Kathleen Hogan chair of the board's governance, nominating and corporate responsibility committee. Hogan is chief people officer and executive vice president of human resources at Microsoft.

AAG is the holding company for Alaska Airlines, the fifth-largest U.S. passenger airline, and regional carrier Horizon Air. AAG's independent board members are 42 percent female and 50 percent ethnically/racially diverse.

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Alaska Airlines expands Finnair codeshare deal

Alaska Airlines and Finnair have confirmed an expansion to their codeshare deal which now enables Finnair passengers to book connecting flights through Seattle – Alaska's hometown airport – to more than 60 destinations throughout Alaska's network for travel beginning June 1, 2022. 

The codeshare flights with Alaska will be identified on Finnair's website and the carrier's other booking platforms. Finnair's new nonstop service between Helsinki and Seattle begins June 1 with flights three times a week (Monday, Wednesday and Friday) on the airline's Airbus A330 aircraft.

"We joined oneworld for the opportunity to expand partnerships with world-class airlines such as Finnair. This agreement will offer its customers and our guests amazing travel possibilities," said Nat Pieper, senior vice president of fleet, finance and alliances at Alaska Airlines. "Connecting Finnair's vast network across Europe and beyond with dozens of Alaska's popular markets will bring the Continent and much of the West Coast closer together."

Since becoming a oneworld member on March 31, 2021, Alaska has added more than 250 codeshare routes, it has implemented new partnerships with member airlines Qatar Airways and Iberia Airlines, and expanded cooperation with existing oneworld partners American Airlines, British Airways, Cathay Pacific, Finnair, Japan Airlines and Qantas Airways. By this summer, Alaska and these eight oneworld airlines will offer more than 78 daily international flights from Seattle, Portland, San Francisco and Los Angeles, enabling seamless connectivity to Alaska's comprehensive network up and down the West Coast. 

With oneworld and our additional airline partners, Alaska guests can fly to as many as 1,000 destinations around the world. Flyers can also earn and redeem miles with our highly-acclaimed Mileage Plan program to fly on more than 20 oneworld and partner airlines worldwide. 

Alaska remains committed to Next-Level Care for its guests and employees by implementing more than 100 ways to maintain the highest standard of safety – from clean planes to clean air in the cabin with hospital-grade air filtration systems. For everyone's safety on board, Alaska continues to enforce the federally mandated mask policy, even for those who are fully vaccinated. 

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Bucking the trend, Alaska leading the way for airline recovery in the U.S.

One of America's leading regional airlines, Alaska Air has reported a strong performance in the later half of last year, leading to a small profit, bucking the trend for U.S. carriers. CEO Ben Minicucci said: "While recovery in our industry is never linear, our caring and dedicated people and the strength of our competitive advantages position us for success no matter what challenges we face. Despite operational disruption from omicron and severe winter weather in December, our fourth quarter adjusted pre-tax margin was 2.4%, marking one of the industry's most profitable performances in Q4 and the second half of the year. We have laid a solid foundation for our return to 100% of our pre-COVID flying by summer 2022 and we're poised to grow from there."

Alaska's fourth quarter and full year 2021 results reflect a disciplined focus on cost management and a measured approach to bringing back capacity in recovery. In addition to delivering profitability in the second half of the year, Alaska's financial performance enabled the company to restore its debt-to-capitalization ratio to pre-pandemic levels in the fourth quarter, priming the airlines for profitable growth in 2022.

Financial Results for the Fourth Quarter and Full Year:

• Reported net income for the fourth quarter and full year 2021 under Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP) of $18 million, or $0.14 per diluted share, and $478 million, or $3.77 per diluted share. These results compare to a net loss for the fourth quarter and full year 2020 of $447 million, or $3.60 per share, and $1.3 billion, or $10.72 per share.
• Reported net income for the fourth quarter and net loss for the full year 2021, excluding special items and mark-to-market fuel hedge accounting adjustments, of $31 million, or $0.24 per diluted share, and $256 million, or $2.03 per share. These results compare to a net loss for the fourth quarter and full year 2020, excluding special items and mark-to-market fuel hedge accounting adjustments, of $316 million, or $2.54 per share, and $1.3 billion, or $10.17 per share.
• Reported adjusted pre-tax margin for the fourth quarter of 2021 of 2.4%, marking the second profitable quarter on an adjusted basis since the onset of the pandemic.
• Recorded $42 million and $151 million of incentive pay in the fourth quarter and full year 2021 earned by employees for meeting or exceeding cash flow, cost management, and safety goals, representing approximately three weeks pay for most employees.

Balance Sheet and Liquidity at Year End:

• Reported a debt-to-capitalization ratio of 49%, a reduction of 12 points from December 31, 2020, and the lowest level since the first quarter of 2020.
• For the full year, generated $138 million in operating cash flows, net of Payroll Support Program grant funds received.
• Repaid $112 million in debt in the fourth quarter, bringing total debt payments to $1.3 billion for the year.
• Held $3.1 billion in unrestricted cash and marketable securities as of December 31, 2021.

Operational Updates and Milestones for the Fourth Quarter:

• Announced nonstop service between Seattle-Tacoma International Airport and Miami, marking the 100th nonstop destination from Alaska's Seattle hub. 
• Expanded oneworld partnership with new West Coast international flights between Portland and London Heathrow on British Airways and between Seattle and Helsinki on Finnair. Expanded service will provide Alaska's guests more than 100 nonstop flights on oneworld partners from the West Coast to Europe by summer 2022.
• Launched new MVP Gold 100k tier for Mileage Plan members, providing enhanced benefits for those traveling 100,000 miles or more in one year.
• Named the safest U.S. airline by AirlineRatings.com in their annual Top 20 Safest Airline Report.
• Received four 737-9 aircraft during the quarter, bringing total additions in 2021 to 11.
• Began nonstop service to Belize from Seattle and Los Angeles in November, marking the fourth country Alaska flies to from its West Coast hubs.

Fourth Quarter Environmental, Social, and Governance Updates:

• Announced the appointment of Diana Birkett Rakow as senior vice president of public affairs and sustainability, emphasizing Alaska's commitment to protect the places it flies and support the communities it serves.
• Announced collaboration with ZeroAvia to begin development on a hydrogen-electric powertrain engine capable of flying regional aircraft in excess of 500 nautical miles.
• Expanded inflight sustainability efforts by trading plastic water bottles and cups for Boxed Water Is Better® plant-based cartons and recyclable paper cups. This change will eliminate an estimated 1.8 million pounds of single-use plastics over the next year.
• Launched partnership with travel2change, a Hawaii-based social and environmental impact organization that connects travellers with sustainable volunteer projects while visiting Hawaii.

The following table reconciles the company's reported GAAP net income (loss) per share (EPS) for the three and twelve months ended December 31, 2021 and 2020 to adjusted amounts.

Alaska Airlines names Neil Thwaites as new regional vice president of California

Alaska Airlines named Neil Thwaites as the new
 regional vice president of California

Alaska Airlines named Neil Thwaites as the new regional vice president of California. In this role, Thwaites will develop and deliver upon Alaska's strategic objectives for California, a market critical to Alaska's long-term growth plan.

An innovative, results-driven leader with diverse and international experience, Thwaites joins Alaska from TripArc, where he was vice president of air procurement in charge of airline supplier strategy and negotiations. Before that, he was at British Airways (a fellow oneworld member) for a decade, where he held various positions in London, New York, and Los Angeles, most recently as the vice president of sales for the western U.S., where he was responsible for the commercial strategy, market development and revenue-generating activities.

Neil will be based in the airlines' Burlingame office (SFO) and report to Andrew Harrison, chief commercial officer and executive vice president.  

"Neil's extensive experience working for a global airline, growing market share and driving exceptional performance, will help us accelerate our mission of making Alaska the airline of choice for Californians," said Harrison.

"Alaska is exceptionally positioned to grow in California," said Thwaites. "I'm excited to lead a market strategy that will deliver the very best of Alaska to our guests here as we continue to grow our presence and network in the state moving forward."

Thwaites graduated from the University of Brighton in the U.K. with a double major in International Business & Law. He and his family currently live in Southern California.

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Alaska Airlines expands oneworld partnership with new West Coast international flights

Alaska Airlines is expanding its tie-up with oneworld member airlines – including American Airlines, British Airways, Finnair and Iberia on the West Coast of the U.S. to help expand international connections. 

The new move coincides with the mass transatlantic alliance formed by IAG, Finnair and American Airlines which aims to dominate the North Atlantic air traffic the Seattle based airline announced. 

British Airways will launch a service between Portland and London Heathrow on 3rd June next year and will operate five days a week. This will become the sixth British Airways service to London from a key Alaska market on the West Coast joining Los Angeles; San Diego; San Francisco; San Jose, California; and Seattle.

Finnair announced last week its new nonstop flight between Seattle and Helsinki that's scheduled for service three days a week beginning June 1. Finnair's nonstop to Seattle joins its existing service to the Finnish capital from Los Angeles. Finnair will also increase its Los Angeles-Stockholm service to four nonstop flights a week beginning May 1.

From summer 2022, the oneworld partners will offer more than 100 nonstop flights every week from the West Coast of America to Europe including nonstop service to London, Madrid, Barcelona, Stockholm and Helsinki  "By deepening our partnerships with oneworld alliance members, we're providing exciting travel opportunities to Europe and beyond," said Nat Pieper, senior vice president of fleet, finance and alliances at Alaska Airlines. "Our guests will love the 100 weekly nonstop flights between our West Coast gateway airports and major European cities, enjoying oneworld benefits along the way."

"Since joining oneworld in March, Alaska Airlines has positioned oneworld as the leading alliance on the West Coast," said Rob Gurney, oneworld CEO. "With the new oneworld member airline flights to Europe and extensive connections at Alaska's hubs, the possibilities are endless for customers planning that long-awaited trip to Europe."

oneworld Partner	City Pair	Frequency
American Airlines	Los Angeles – London Heathrow	2x Daily
	Seattle – London Heathrow	Daily
British Airways	Los Angeles – London Heathrow	2x Daily
	San Diego – London Heathrow	Daily
	San Francisco – London Heathrow	2x Daily
	San Jose, CA – London Heathrow	5x Weekly
	Seattle – London Heathrow	2x Daily
	Portland – London Heathrow	5x Weekly
Finnair	Los Angeles – Helsinki	3x Weekly
	Los Angeles – Stockholm	4x Weekly
	Seattle – Helsinki	3x Weekly
Iberia	Los Angeles – Barcelona	4x Weekly
	Los Angeles – Madrid	5x Weekly
	San Francisco – Barcelona	4x Weekly

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Alaska Airlines is the Merrier Carrier

Alaska Airlines is the 'Merrier Carrier' this holiday season as it celebrates the festive period with a number of changes and additions. The airline unveiled its newest special-edition aircraft featuring one of its favourite hometown friends, Starbucks. 

The aeroplane, with the registration N238AK showcases Starbucks famous red cups filled with their signature holiday drinks. The Boeing 737-900ER made its inaugural flight from Seattle (SEA) to Chicago (ORD) earlier this week and is scheduled to fly throughout the network this holiday season.

Starbucks and Alaska will provide 50 flights with reusable holiday cups and treats through Dec.12. Alaska will also offset the carbon impacts of these flights through The Good Traveler program, as part of the carrier's commitment to be carbon net-zero by 2040.

May your days be cozy {and bright}

In celebration of National Ugly Holiday Sweater Day, Alaska's famous holiday sweaters are back to make the holiday season cosy. Guests who wear their festive holiday sweaters to the airport on December 17th can board early across Alaska's expansive network. This year's design is now available for presale at Alaska's Company Store.

Any guest wearing an ugly holiday sweater this holiday season can purchase a day pass to one of the nine lounges, located in Anchorage (ANC), New York (JFK), Portland (PDX), San Francisco (SFO), and Seattle (SEA) for just $25 for immediate use!

Most wonderful time of the year to give back!

The LIFT Miles programme offers Mileage Plan™ members a unique and meaningful way to support important causes. Miles donated to this program help charities with business travel, accommodation of special organization requests and achievement of the organization's mission. In the spirit of the season, we are donating a million miles to various LIFT mile partners.

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Alaska Airlines launches first flights to Belize City from Seattle and Los Angeles

U.S budget carrier,  Alaska Airlines has started nonstop flights to Belize City from both its bases at Seattle and Los Angeles. 

"For nearly two decades the Belizean market has been on our radar. We're thrilled to now be inaugurating service from both Seattle and Los Angeles," said Brett Catlin, vice president of network and alliances at Alaska Airlines. "Belize offers terrific family-friendly, eco-conscious possibilities – from iconic islands to lush jungles and ancient sites. And it's closer than you might think: From L.A., it's only a five-hour flight, and from Seattle, it's six hours."

"In addition to attracting greater business investment and human capital, this new flight will also spur tourism which is essential for Belize's prosperity. It comes at a very opportune time as it further boosts the industry's recovery efforts," noted Hon. Anthony Mahler, Minister of Tourism & Diaspora Relations. "We, therefore, value our partnership with Alaska Airlines in providing such a vital connectivity for travellers from the West Coast interested in reinvigorating themselves and relaxing in our tropical jewel while immersing in a rich, unique cultural experience."

Starts	Ends	City Pair	Departs	Arrives	Frequency	Aircraft
Nov. 19	Year-round	LAX – BZE	11:00 a.m.	5:30 p.m.	M, W, F, Sa	737-800
Nov. 20	Year-round	BZE – LAX	10:00 a.m.	1:30 p.m.	T, Th, Sa, Su	737-800
Nov. 19	May 21	SEA – BZE	8:30 a.m.	4:35 p.m.	F, Sa	737-800
Nov. 20	May 22	BZE – SEA	11:00 a.m.	3:55 p.m.	Sa, Su	737-800

All times are local times

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