Alaska Airlines passengers can now use personal electronic devices gate to gate

By BA Staff

Passengers on Alaska Airlines flights can begin enjoying the use of their tablets, book readers, games and other personal electronic devices from gate to gate starting Saturday morning.

Joe Sprague, Alaska Airlines' vice president of marketing said:

"Our customers have long wanted to be able to read a book, listen to music or watch a movie on their electronic devices whenever they're onboard one of our flights. We're thrilled to have FAA approval giving our customers the flexibility and better onboard experience they want."

Passengers on Alaska Airlines flights operated by Horizon Air are expected to be able to use their electronic devices during all phases of their flight next week and on flights operated by SkyWest Airlines soon after, pending FAA approval.

Under FAA rules, passengers need to place their electronic devices in airplane mode. Cell phones may not be used for calls and all devices must be turned off in rare cases when instructed by crew members. Laptops and other larger devices must be stowed during takeoff and landing so they do not pose a safety hazard. Customers will be able to connect to Wi-Fi once the aircraft reaches 10,000 feet.

Read more »

Alaska Airlines debuts Disney-Themed airplane in Seattle

By BA Staff

The newest themed airplane in Alaska Airlines' fleet flew into Seattle-Tacoma International Airport, featuring one of America's most beloved and rusty tow trucks.

Adorned with the familiar images of Disney-Pixar's animated Cars characters Mater, Lightning McQueen, Guido and Luigi, the colorful Boeing 737-800 named "Adventure of Disneyland Resort" celebrates Alaska's partnership with Walt Disney's original theme park.

It is the fifth Disney-themed airplane born out of the successful partnership between Seattle-based Alaska Airlines and Disneyland Resort.

Jeff Butler, Alaska Airlines' vice president of customer service-airports and cargo, and board member of Make-A-Wish Alaska and Washington said:

"Our Disney planes generate a lot of excitement among our passengers young and old wherever they fly. I can't think of a better way to celebrate our strong partnership than to launch this flying invitation to visit Disneyland Resort's newest attraction and Mater's home in Cars Land."

At a special airport event, Mater himself made a satellite appearance from Cars Land at Disney California Adventure Park, providing travelers with updates on the arrival of the plane as it neared Seattle. After the ceremony, the aircraft officially joined the Alaska fleet on a flight to Orange County, Calif., and will then fly throughout the carrier's 65-city network.

Sharon Siskie, Disney Destinations' vice president of travel industry sales said:

"Adventure of Disneyland Resort is a great example of taking beloved, iconic Disney-Pixar characters and bringing them to life in new and unexpected ways. It's been our great privilege to be part of this collaborative effort with Alaska Airlines, and we're delighted that today's inaugural flight will create some very powerful memories for special guests from Make-A-Wish."

Joining passengers flying on Flight 500 were four Make-A-Wish children from Washington and Alaska, ages 3 to 7, and their families, who will spend the next several days at the Disneyland Resort. During their visit, they will be treated to special activities and enjoy overnight accommodations at Disney's Paradise Pier Hotel at the Resort.

Barry McConnell, president and CEO of Make-A-Wish Alaska and Washington said: 

 "Since our inception, we've granted life-affirming wishes to more than 5,300 children in Alaska and Washington and it's only because of the partnerships that we have with companies like Alaska Airlines and Disney."

Read more »

Alaska Air group approves quarterly cash dividend of 20 cents per share

By BA Staff

The board of directors of Alaska Air Group has approved a quarterly cash dividend of 20 cents per share to all shareholders of record as of Nov. 19. The dividend will be paid on Dec. 4.

Air Group paid a quarterly dividend of 20 cents per share in August, the first time since 1992 that the company had paid a dividend. The dividends are financed from operating cash flow and existing cash on hand.

Read more »

Alaska Airlines inaugurates new service between Boise, Idaho, and San Diego

By BA Staff

Alaska Airlines began daily service between Boise, Idaho, and San Diego, from this month, as the carrier celebrates 30 years of service to Boise Airport. To celebrate the new flights, Alaska is offering one-way fares starting from $99* between Boise and San Diego.

Joe Sprague, vice president of marketing said:

"Alaska Airlines offers more flights from Boise than any other airline—a total of 19 peak daily departures to six different cities. With the addition of San Diego, our Boise customers can visit two sun-filled destinations. They can enjoy San Diego as well as easy connections on Alaska Airlines flights to Los Cabos, Mexico."

Boise Airport Director Rebecca Hupp said:

"We are very excited that Alaska Airlines is adding nonstop service from Boise to San Diego. Alaska is a valued airline partner in the Boise region with strong passenger loyalty and broad community support. We're pleased that they continue to expand service and be successful here. With increased frequencies to both Portland and Seattle and the new nonstop to San Diego, Alaska Airlines offers convenient, high-quality travel options for Boise travelers."

Summary of new service:
Start date	City pair	Departs	Arrives	Frequency
Nov. 1	Boise-San Diego	10:30 a.m.	11:40 a.m.	Daily
Nov. 1	San Diego-Boise	5:35 p.m.	8:45 p.m.	Daily

All times based on local time zones

Read more »

Alaska Airlines starting service between Portland-Reno/Tahoe and Portland-Tucson

By BA Staff

Alaska Airlines is growing again in Portland, Ore., with new nonstop flights between the Rose City and Tucson, Ariz., starting Nov. 1, and between Portland and Reno/Tahoe, Nev., starting Nov. 8.

Joe Sprague, vice president of marketing said:

"Alaska Airlines is proud to give our customers two new destinations from our Portland hub, with daily flights to the sun and sights of Tucson, as well as to Reno—‘the biggest little city in the world' with Tahoe's world-class ski areas nearby."

To help celebrate the airline's new service to Reno/Tahoe, 1998 Olympic gold medalist Jonny Moseley will join Portland passengers for the inaugural flight. Moseley, Chief Mountain Host at Squaw Valley, one of Tahoe's premiere ski areas, recently competed on "Skating with the Stars."

Andy Wirth, CEO of Squaw Valley and Alpine Meadows, and board member of the Reno-Tahoe Airport Authority Board said:

"We've been working hard to bring new air service to the Tahoe region, and we're thrilled about the addition of the Alaska Airlines flight. With the increased access, we're thrilled to welcome new skiers and riders from the Pacific Northwest to Squaw Valley and Alpine Meadows this winter."

Summary of new service:
Start date	City pair	Departs	Arrives	Frequency
Nov. 1	Portland-Tucson	9:15 a.m.	12:05**/1:05 p.m.	Daily
Nov. 1	Tucson-Portland	12:35**/1:45 p.m.	3:30**/3:40 p.m.	Daily
** Nov. 1 and Nov. 2 flight time differs due to daylight saving time adjustment.
Start date	City pair	Departs	Arrives	Frequency
Nov. 8	Portland-Reno	11:10 a.m.	12:45 p.m.	Daily
Nov. 8	Reno-Portland	1:15 p.m.	2:50 p.m.	Daily

All times based on local time zones

Alaska Airlines' Portland-Tucson flights will be operated by SkyWest Airlines using 70-seat CRJ-700 regional jets. Portland-Reno/Tahoe flights will be flown for Alaska by Horizon Air using 76-seat Bombardier Q400s. Customers can receive free soft drinks and Starbucks coffee, A la Cart planeside baggage service, and complimentary Northwest wine and microbrews for passengers 21 years and older.

Read more »

Alaska Airlines starts service between Seattle and Colorado Springs and Seattle and Omaha

By BA Staff

Alaska Airlines is inaugurating daily service between Seattle and Colorado Springs, Colo., starting Nov. 1, and between Seattle and Omaha, Nebraska, starting Nov. 7. The flight schedule is shown below:

Summary of new service:
Start date	City pair	Departs	Arrives	Frequency
Nov. 1	Seattle-Colorado Springs	6:20 p.m.	9:55 p.m.	Daily
Nov. 2	Colorado Springs-Seattle	8:00 a.m.	9:55 a.m.	Daily
Start date	City pair	Departs	Arrives	Frequency
Nov. 7	Seattle-Omaha	10:40 a.m.	3:45 p.m.	Daily
Nov. 7	Omaha-Seattle	4:15 p.m.	5:45 p.m.	Daily

Joe Sprague, Alaska Airlines' vice president of marketing said:

"We're thrilled to give our customers in the Pacific Northwest even more great places to fly. In addition to our new flights from Seattle to Colorado Springs and Omaha, we're also starting new flights this month from Portland, Oregon, to Tucson, Arizona, and Reno, Nevada. No one offers more nonstop flights from the Pacific Northwest than Alaska Airlines."

To celebrate the new flights, Alaska Airlines is offering one-way fares starting from $99 between Seattle and Colorado Springs and $159 between Seattle and Omaha. Tickets must be purchased by Nov. 3 for travel through Feb. 28, 2014.

Flights will be operated by SkyWest Airlines using 70-seat CRJ-700 regional jets. Customers can receive soft drinks and Starbucks coffee, A la Cart planeside baggage service, and complimentary Northwest wine and microbrews for passengers 21 years and older.

Read more »

Alaska Airlines renews IOSA registration, completes IATA safety audit

By BA Staff

Alaska Airlines announced it successfully completed the International Air Transport Association's (IATA) Operational Safety Audit (IOSA) and has been renewed on the IOSA Registry. The airline has been on the registry since 2006.

Brad Tilden, Alaska Airlines CEO said:

"Ensuring the safety of our customers and employees is core to our responsibility. Meeting this internationally recognized benchmark is one of many ways we maintain our unwavering commitment to safety."

The IOSA Registry is a key element of IATA's efforts to promote global airline operational safety. To achieve IOSA registration, Alaska Airlines satisfied more than 900 standards in eight operational areas, including flight operations, operational control, flight dispatch, aircraft engineering and maintenance, cabin operations, aircraft ground handling, cargo operations and operational security.

Tom Nunn, Alaska Airlines' vice president of safety said:"The IOSA audit is a comprehensive assessment that validates the safety, quality and operating standards in place at Alaska Airlines."

The IOSA program contributes to improved aviation safety worldwide by establishing a universally accepted set of safety audit standards. Preparing for and completing IOSA registration is a condition of membership in IATA, which represents more than 94 percent of international airline passenger traffic.

Read more »

US August passenger airline employment down 2.2 percent

By BA Staff

U.S. scheduled passenger airlines employed 380,328 workers in August 2013, down 2.2% from a year earlier, as per the U.S. Department of Transportation’s Bureau of Transportation Statistics (BTS) reports. August was the 12th consecutive month that full-time equivalent (FTE) employment for U.S. scheduled passenger carriers was below that of the same month of the previous year.

Scheduled passenger airline categories include network, low-cost, regional and other airlines. 

The decline in FTEs may be due, in part, to two factors.  First, American Airlines, the industry’s third largest employer, filed for bankruptcy in November 2011 and reduced FTEs by 7.2% year-to-year. Second, network carriers have experienced increased fuel costs and have reduced contracts with the regional airlines that operate less fuel-efficient regional jets.  Regional airline employment is down 5.1 percent year-to-year.

The five network airlines that collectively employ two-thirds of the scheduled passenger airline FTEs reported 2.5% fewer FTEs in August 2013 than in August 2012, the 13th consecutive month with a decline from the same month of the previous year. Delta Air Lines reduced FTEs by 4.2%, and American Airlines 7.2%. United Airlines increased 0.2% FTEs, US Airways increased FTEs by 2.8% and Alaska Airlines by 3.1% from the same month a year earlier. Network airlines operate a significant portion of flights using at least one hub where connections are made for flights to down-line destinations or spoke cities.

Of the six low-cost carriers, half i.e. Spirit Airlines, Allegiant Airlines and JetBlue Airways - reported an increase in FTEs while the other half, Frontier Airlines, Southwest Airlines and Virgin America, reported a decline. Low-cost airlines operate under a low-cost business model, with infrastructure and aircraft operating costs below the overall industry average.

Read more »

Alaska Airlines increases minimum check-in time to 40 minutes

By BA Staff

Courtesy of Wikipedia

Alaska Airlines is changing its minimum check-in time for customers traveling on most domestic flights from 30 to 40 minutes prior to departure, regardless if a bag is checked or not. The minimum check-in time for international flights remains at 60 minutes.

The policy change is being made so that travelers on Alaska Airlines can expect the same minimum check-in time at almost all airports the carrier serves.

The exceptions will be at airports where the check-in cutoff is already 45 minutes, such as Atlanta, Denver, Las Vegas, Newark and Philadelphia. Passengers traveling from Guadalajara have a 90-minute check-in cutoff time.

Alaska Airlines' longstanding boarding policy remains the same — passengers must be available to board at least 30 minutes before the scheduled departure time for all flights.


Jeff Butler, Alaska Airlines' vice president of customer service – airports and cargo said:

"Our previous policy sent a mixed message by having different cutoff times, depending on the airport and whether a customer is checking bags. The new policy will make check-in times the same for everyone, making it easier for passengers to remember the cutoff, regardless of how they are checking in and whether they're checking a bag. A consistent cut-off time should make things easier for customers and employees alike."

The vast majority of Alaska Airlines' passengers already comply with the new check-in time. Starting tomorrow, passengers who miss the cutoff will be treated the same way as customers today — they will be offered a $25 same-day confirmed seat on the next available flight, depending on availability.

As with the previous cut-off time, the 40-minute requirement does not ensure travelers will make it to their departure gate in time for boarding. Busy security lines and heavy passenger traffic may require additional time. The Transportation Security Administration recommends that passengers allow at least one hour for domestic flights and two hours or more for international flights.

Read more »

Alaska Airlines retrofitting 737 fleet with new, split winglet

By BA Staff

Scimitar split winglets. Photo courtesy Alaska Airlines.

Alaska Airline's Boeing 737s will soon fly the more efficient performance-enhancing split Scimitar winglets, which will reduce fuel consumption by 58,000 gallons a year per aircraft saving the airline $20 million and cutting carbon dioxide emissions by 57,000 tons annually, equivalent to about 11,900 passenger vehicles. The new winglet from Aviation Partners Boeing is called 'Scimitar' due to its resemblance to the mediaeval sword.

Mark Eliasen, Alaska Airlines' vice president of finance and treasurer said:

"Reducing fuel consumption has been a top priority at Alaska Airlines for years. Thanks to the hard work and dedication of our employees, we've cut our carbon emissions by 30 percent per passenger mile since 2004. Investing in split winglets will further reduce our fuel use and continue our efforts to be the industry leader in environmental stewardship."

Among other efforts to lower fuel consumption, Alaska installed lighter inflight food and beverage carts, and instituted procedures such as taxiing on one engine instead of two, a procedure already common amongst carriers in India.

The International Council on Clean Transportation , a non-profit research organization ranked Alaska the highest in fuel efficiency among all 15 major U.S. airlines in a report it released in September.

Winglets save fuel by reducing drag, which allows aircraft to fly at cruise speed with less engine power. Alaska Airlines will recoup the capital cost of installing the new winglets through fuel savings in about two years.

Designed by Seattle-based Aviation Partners Boeing, the first winglet will be installed early next year and the project will be completed by 2017. Alaska plans to install the winglets on 111 aircraft, including most of its 737-800s, -900s and all of its -900ERs. Installation will be scheduled on each aircraft during routine maintenance inspections.

Read more »

Alaska Airlines offers double frequent flier miles from Seattle

By BA Staff

Alaska Airlines is offering members of its Mileage Plan™ frequent flyer programme, double miles on nonstop flights between Seattle and five Californian cities and Las Vegas, till May 31, 2014.

Alaska customers can earn double miles on all flights between Seattle and Los Angeles, San Francisco, Oakland, San Jose, Santa Rosa and Las Vegas. The double miles will also count toward status in the airline's MVP and MVP Gold elite-level programs.

Caroline Boren, Alaska Airlines' managing director of loyalty marketing and customer advocacy said:

"With 62 flights a day between California and Seattle, earning miles and elite status in our award-winning Mileage Plan is easier and faster with Alaska Airlines than any other carrier."

The threshold for Alaska Airlines' Mileage Plan members to earn MVP status is only 20,000 miles — 5,000 fewer miles than most other airline frequent flier programs.

Two roundtrip flights between Seattle and Los Angeles would earn enough miles with the double miles offer to qualify for a one-way intra-state award ticket, which requires only 7,500 miles. Double miles are valid on all revenue fare categories on Alaska Airlines

Sample double miles earned: 

Seattle-Los Angeles	1,908 miles roundtrip	3,816 with double miles
Seattle-Las Vegas	1,732 miles roundtrip	3,464 with double miles
Seattle-San Jose	1,392 miles roundtrip	2,784 with double miles
Seattle-San Francisco	1,356 miles roundtrip	2,712 with double miles
Seattle-Oakland	1,342 miles roundtrip	2,684 with double miles
Seattle-Santa Rosa	1,236 miles roundtrip	2,472 with double miles

Read more »

Alaska Air group reports record third quarter fiscal 2013 results

By BA Staff

Alaska Air Group, Inc., reported third quarter 2013 GAAP net income of $289 million, or $4.08 per diluted share, compared to $163 million, or $2.27 per diluted share in the third quarter of 2012. Excluding the impact of mark-to-market fuel hedge adjustments of $20 million ($12 million after tax, or $0.17 per diluted share), and a one-time special revenue item of $192 million ($120 million after tax, or $1.70 per diluted share) that primarily resulted from the application of new accounting rules associated with the modified affinity card agreement, the company reported record adjusted net income of $157 million, or $2.21 per diluted share, compared to adjusted net income of $150 million, or $2.09 per diluted share, in 2012.

Alaska Air Group CEO Brad Tilden said:

"These results represent our best quarter ever and mark Alaska's 18th consecutive quarterly profit. This is noteworthy given significant additional competition in some of our core markets. The balance and strength of our network combined with the ability of our people to respond quickly to changing business conditions are enabling us to succeed in this highly competitive industry."

The following table reconciles the company's reported GAAP net income and earnings per diluted share (EPS) during the third quarters of 2013 and 2012 to adjusted amounts:

	Three Months Ended September 30,
(in millions, except per share amounts)	Dollars	Diluted EPS	Dollars	Diluted EPS
Reported GAAP net income	$289	$4.08	$163	$2.27
Mark-to-market fuel-hedge adjustments, net of tax	-12	-0.17	-13	-0.18
Special revenue item, net of tax	-120	-1.7	----	----
Non-GAAP adjusted income and per-share amounts	$157	$2.21	$150	$2.09

Read more »

Alaska Airlines dedicates ‘Spirit of Education' aircraft to nation's first college preparatory, Aviation-Themed high school

By BA Staff

Local business and government leaders joined students, educators and alumni from Raisbeck Aviation High School onboard a specially themed Alaska Airlines jet for the grand opening of the new facility for the nation's first public, college preparatory, aviation-themed high school.

The "Spirit of Education," a Boeing 737-900ER, is dedicated to the students and staff of Raisbeck Aviation High School and will fly for six months around the carrier's route network.

Among the passengers onboard Flight 9401 was senior Austin Spores of Redmond, Wash., who commutes two hours to school every day. Spores, who is getting his private pilot's license, plans to pursue a career as a commercial pilot.

Like all students who choose to attend RAHS instead of a traditional secondary school, Spores had a strong interest in science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM). Last summer, he interned as a dispatcher for Seattle-based Kenmore Air and hopes to study aeronautics at the University of North Dakota or Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University after graduating next June.

Spores said:

 "I've been surrounded by aviation my entire life, so being in an aviation-themed environment like Raisbeck Aviation High School is a dream come true."

Alaska Airlines employees have mentored and volunteered with students interested in commercial aviation since the school's inception in 2004. As a founding sponsor, the airline pledged $1.5 million in a public/private partnership to build the $44.5 million state-of-the-art school designed to educate the next generation of scientists, engineers, and other aviation and aerospace-focused professionals.

Brad Tilden, Alaska Airlines' president and CEO said:

"Investing in Raisbeck Aviation High School is an investment in the youth of our community. Students attending this STEM school are poised to bring much-needed innovation to our industry, which could further improve the safety, efficiency and environmental performance of commercial aviation. Raisbeck Aviation High School, part of Highline Public Schools, is located on the grounds of the Museum of Flight near Boeing Field to encourage partnerships with aviation and aerospace leaders and ensure relevance in the instructional program.

Reba Gilman, Raisbeck Aviation High School CEO and principal said:

"Having this school on the grounds of the Museum of Flight, so close to more than 200 aviation industry businesses like Boeing and Alaska Airlines, gives our students something truly special — an unparalleled chance to be simultaneously immersed in learning and industry."

Highlights of Raisbeck Aviation High School:

• 400 students from 27 school districts travel by car, train, boat/ferry or bus to attend the public school, located in Tukwila, Wash.
• Students of RAHS consistently rank in the top 5 percent in Washington state assessments. The school's performance ranks 252nd out of 22,000 nationwide high schools according to US News & World Report. About three-quarters of RAHS students intend to pursue STEM-related education at universities including Stanford, Harvard, Cornell and MIT.
• The school is designed for project-based instructional programs, with labs that enable students to build robots, rockets, model airplanes and even a real airplane.
• Rather than a traditional library, the school provides classroom libraries and access to the Museum of Flight's extensive archives and library. A computer is provided to each student.
• During the summer, the school will be used by the museum for science camps — assuring year-round utilization of the building as well as introducing younger children to Raisbeck Aviation High School.
• All RAHS students are connected with a mentor in an aviation/aerospace-related field. Students are also placed in internships in high-demand STEM workplaces such as Boeing, the Federal Aviation Administration and the Port of Seattle.

Read more »

Alaska Airlines Announces Q400s Will Use Jet Bridge for Warm Boarding in Fairbanks

By BA Staff

Fairbanks residents flying on Alaska Airlines' Bombardier Q400s starting next March will board and deplane the aircraft using the existing jet bridge at Fairbanks International Airport. The carrier will modify the jet bridge at Gate 1 to provide passengers with warm, easy access to their flights on the turboprop aircraft.

Marilyn Romano, Alaska Airlines' regional vice president – Alaska said:

 "We listened to customer concerns about boarding the plane outside during the winter and took our time to carefully evaluate all of our options. With slight modifications to the existing jet bridge, our customers traveling between Fairbanks and Anchorage will have a way to board and deplane that protects them from the cold winter weather and is also safe and accessible for travelers with limited mobility."

Alaska Airlines is exploring a  boarding solution for customers boarding and deplaning the Q400 at Ted Stevens International Airport in Anchorage, Romano said.

Starting next March, Alaska will increase service between Anchorage and Fairbanks from seven to nine daily flights; eight flights will be operated with the Q400 and one with a Boeing 737. Additionally, the Q400 will replace an Alaska 737 on one of two daily round-trip flights between Anchorage and Kodiak. Initial service to Kodiak will begin March 3 and end April 30, then resume again for seasonal service between October and April.

Read more »

Alaska Airlines orders five additional Boeing 737-900ERs

by Devesh Agarwal

Alaska Airlines (NYSE: ALK) and Boeing (NYSE: BA) announced today the carrier is exercising options to purchase five Boeing 737-900ER (extended range) aircraft. The five new aircraft are worth $481 million at Boeing's current list price. Two of the aircraft will arrive in 2015 followed by two more in 2016 and one in 2017.

Alaska Airlines Boeing 737-900ER N402AS. Image courtesy Alaska Airlines.

Mark Eliasen, Alaska Air Group's vice president of finance and treasurer said

"Today's announcement supports our goal of growing Alaska Airlines by 4 to 8 percent a year," "The 737-900ER is a great aircraft, with the cost efficiency and reliability needed for us to be successful in today's competitive marketplace."

This order supplements the 31 aircraft on firm order for delivery by the end of 2017. Alaska Airlines now has unfilled orders for 35 737-900ERs and 37 737 MAX airplanes. Alaska Airlines expects to have 134 Boeing 737s in its fleet by the end of 2014.

Brad McMullen, vice president of North America Sales, Boeing Commercial Airplanes said

"The order of five additional 737-900ERs is an affirmation of our hometown partner's successful strategy of offering customers good value, delivering a great onboard experience and running an on-time airline," "The 737-900ER offers Alaska Airlines the best seat-mile cost of any single-aisle airplane in production, which is especially important with today's high fuel prices. The interior also complements Alaska's excellent customer service, providing the passengers with a wonderful flying experience."

The largest and newest model in the Next-Generation (NG) 737 family (737-700, -800, -900ER), the 737-900ER (Extended Range) can carry up to 26 more passengers or fly about 500 nautical miles (926 km) farther than the older 737-900. Alaska Airlines operates the 737-900ER in a two-class configuration with 181 seats and features the Boeing Sky Interior.

The Boeing Sky Interior is the latest in a series of enhancements for both airlines and passengers that introduces new lighting and a curving architecture that create a distinctive entry way. Passengers enjoy a more open cabin feel and an environment simulated by light-emitting diode (LED) lighting. The interior also features sculpted sidewalls and newly improved and expanded pivot bins. In addition, all of Alaska's seats will feature outlets providing dual 110-volt and USB power.

Read more »

Alaska Airlines Inaugurates New Flights Between Portland, Ore., and Dallas/Fort Worth

By BA Staff

Starting today, Alaska Airlines will inaugurate nonstop service between Portland, Oregon and Dallas/Fort Worth.

Joe Sprague, the airline's vice president of marketing, had this to say about the route:

"Portland-Dallas is the eighth new route we've added from the Rose City since June of last year. Our customers will not only enjoy convenient nonstop flights, but also seamless connecting opportunities throughout North America via our partner American Airlines at its hub in Dallas/Fort Worth."

The schedules for the new service are as follow:

Start Date	City Pair	Departs	Arrives	Frequency
Sept. 16	Portland - Dallas	10:15 A.M.	4:04 P.M.	Daily
Sept. 16	Dallas - Portland	5:00 P.M.	6:59 P.M.	Daily

To celebrate the new service, Alaska Airlines is offering a one-way fare of $129*. Fares must be purchased by Sept. 19, require a 14-day advance purchase, and are valid for travel from Sept. 30 through Nov. 20, 2013. 

Alaska Airlines has inaugurated service from Portland to seven other destinations since June 2012, including Atlanta, Reagan National Airport in Washington, D.C., the Hawaiian island of Kauai, Fairbanks, Alaska, Bozeman, Mont., Pasco, Wash., and Santa Barbara, Calif.

Read more »

Trivia quiz: Big planes on short flights

by Devesh Agarwal

LoganAir. Photo by Dave Wheeler. Used under CC license.

While many of us will be aware of the longest non-stop flights; Singapore Airline's soon to be withdrawn Newark Singapore and Los Angeles Singapore, and Qantas' Sydney Dallas-Fort Worth which become the longest; how many of us are aware of the shortest non-stop flights?

The world's shortest flight is performed by Loganair, Flight 353, from Westray to Papa Westray airports, in the Orkney islands off the northern tip of Scotland, using a Britten-Norman Islander. The 1.7 mile (2.7 kms) distance is covered in just two minutes.

Passengers have to carry their own baggage to the plane.

Some of the shortest trips performed by a jet aircraft.

Narrow body

• Alaska Airlines uses a Boeing 737 to operate flight AS 65 from Wrangell to Petersburg in Alaska. The distance of 32.4 miles (51.1 kms) is covered in 20 minutes, giving an average speed of about 90 miles per hour.
• Etihad investee airberlin also uses a 737 to operate flight AB 4651 from Lanzarote to Fuerteventura airports in the Spanish Las Palmas islands, off the western coast of Morocco. The 37 miles (60 kms) is covered in 30 minutes making the average speed 74 miles per hour; the speed on many US highways.

Wide body

• Arkefly uses a wide-body Boeing 767-300ER to perform flight OR 365 on the 46 mile (75 kms) flight between the Dutch Caribbean islands of Curaçao and Bonaire. Bonaire's airport is aptly named Flamingo.
• Cathay Pacific subsidiary DragonAir uses a 300+ seat Airbus A330-300 to perform its 73 mile (118 kms) 50 minutes long flight from Hong Kong to Guangzhou (Canton).
• The 91 miles (146 kms) from Bahrain to Doha in the Gulf is performed by two wide-bodies on a regular basis. British Airways flight BA 125 a Boeing 777-200 takes 40 minutes while Lufthansa LH 620 an Airbus A330-300 takes 30 minutes. Time to pull up your socks old chap.

There are two flights in India on the global shortest flights list. Take a guess on the routes, and which airline performs it. One is performed in a narrow body jet aircraft, and one is in a fast turbo-prop. Send your answers via a comment.

In fair spirit, do not refer to any external reference sites like Wikipedia till the answers are posted tomorrow.

Update July 25, 2013

Thanks for the answers. The correct and most complete answers are posted in the comments.

Read more »

Breaking: Alaska Airlines Group expands Horizon Air

Seattle based Alaska Airlines has announced new service via Horizon Air for the summer of 2012. All flights mentioned below will operate on Horizon's Bombardier Dash 8 Q400 equipment.

They are adding "daily nonstop service from San Diego to Monterey and Santa Rosa, and twice-daily service to Fresno. Two daily flights between San Jose and Reno are also being added as well as a third daily summer flight between Los Angeles and Santa Rosa."

In order to support the Santa Rosa-San Diego service, Horizon will be dropping current service on Las Vegas- Santa Rosa.

Flight Schedules are as follow:

San Diego-Fresno flights:
Start Date City Pair Departs Arrives Frequency
June 4 San Diego-Fresno 9:15 a.m. 10:50 a.m. Daily
June 4 San Diego-Fresno 8:45 p.m. 10:20 p.m. Daily
June 4 Fresno-San Diego 7:15 a.m. 8:42 a.m. Daily
June 4 Fresno-San Diego 6:45 p.m. 8:12 p.m. Daily

San Diego-Monterey flights:
Start Date City Pair Departs Arrives Frequency
June 4 San Diego-Monterey 6:55 p.m. 8:37 p.m. Daily
June 5 Monterey-San Diego 7:30 a.m. 9:12 a.m. Daily

San Diego-Santa Rosa flights:
Start Date City Pair Departs Arrives Frequency
June 5 San Diego-Santa Rosa 9:45 a.m. 11:50 a.m. Daily
June 4 Santa Rosa-San Diego 4:25 p.m. 6:22 p.m. Daily

San Jose-Reno flights:
Start Date City Pair Departs Arrives Frequency
June 5 Reno-San Jose 6 a.m. 7:08 a.m. Daily
June 4 Reno-San Jose 2:15 p.m. 3:23 p.m. Daily
June 4 San Jose-Reno 11:55 a.m. 1 p.m. Daily
June 4 San Jose-Reno 10:20 p.m. 11:25 p.m. Daily

Summary of seasonal Santa Rosa-Los Angeles service:
Start Date City Pair Departs Arrives Frequency
June 4 Santa Rosa-Los Angeles 1:35 p.m. 3:09 p.m. Sun, Mon, Thu, Fri
June 4 Los Angeles-Santa Rosa 11:30 a.m. 1:04 p.m. Sun, Mon, Thu, Fri

*All times based on local time zones

Service will be confirmed with link to official press release as soon as possible

Read more »