Alaska Air Group Inc Stock Price, News & Analysis

Alaska Airlines has been announced as the new sponsor for Seattle's New Year's at the Needle celebration to welcome 2025. The 18-minute spectacular will feature 500 drones and North America's largest structurally-launched firework show. The event's broadcast reach expands to include San Diego, alongside Portland, Spokane, and Seattle.

The show begins at 11:53 PM PT with drone formations showcasing West Coast landmarks, followed by midnight fireworks. Additional entertainment includes four 10-minute light shows at the Space Needle starting at 10:00 PM PT. The event will feature live broadcasts across multiple networks, with bonus coverage on streaming platforms and a musical performance by Seattle band Sugar Bones.

Alaska Airlines (ALK) has been named the official airline partner of Coachella and Stagecoach Festivals for 2024. The airline offers the most flights to Palm Springs, providing convenient access to the festivals in Indio, California. Coachella will take place on April 11-13 and 18-20, followed by Stagecoach on April 25-27.

The partnership leverages Alaska's extensive network, including connections through Hawaiian Airlines, serving over 140 destinations. Festival attendees from select cities in California, Arizona, Nevada, and Utah can utilize Alaska's Flight Pass subscription service, offering fares starting at $.01 plus taxes and fees. The airline promises special 'upgraded experiences' for festival-goers.

Alaska Airlines (ALK) has won the 2024 Business Traveler North America Award for Best Inflight Food & Beverage. The award, determined through expert nomination and public voting, recognizes the airline's significant investments in its culinary experience. Key innovations include the introduction of 'Cloud Cruiser', a custom craft beer collaboration with Fremont Brewing, the reintroduction of hot meals in Premium Class and Main Cabin on flights over 1,100 miles, and a partnership with Michelin-starred Chef Brandon Jew for First Class dining between SFO and JFK. The airline also added Lagunitas Hoppy Refresher, becoming the first major U.S. airline to offer hoppy water onboard.

Alaska Airlines (ALK) is launching ten new nonstop routes connecting West Coast cities to winter destinations across North and Latin America. Starting November 20, 2024, with Los Angeles to La Paz service, the airline will expand its network throughout December with routes including Fresno-Guadalajara, Boise-Bozeman, Los Angeles-Kelowna, and connections to Vail and Liberia from multiple cities. The expansion reinforces Alaska's position as the leading U.S. carrier from the West Coast to Mexico. The new routes will operate with varying frequencies using E175 and 737 aircraft, with some seasonal services extending into spring 2025. The airline is also offering Alaska Alpine Getaways benefits for Mileage Plan members at select ski destinations.

Alaska Airlines and Hawaiian Airlines announce special fares starting at $390 one-way from Seattle or Portland via Honolulu to Auckland and Sydney. The promotion runs through Nov. 21, 2024, for travel to Auckland through April 30, 2025, and to Sydney between Feb. 1 through Sept. 30, 2025. The airlines offer the most direct routes from the Pacific Northwest with a Honolulu layover. Hawaiian operates flights to Sydney five times weekly and Auckland three times weekly using Airbus A330 aircraft featuring 18 Premium lie-flat seats, 68 Extra Comfort seats, and 192 main cabin seats, with complimentary Starlink Wi-Fi available.

Alaska Airlines has announced five executive promotions to strengthen its leadership team following the Hawaiian Airlines merger. The newly appointed vice presidents are: Natalie Bowman (Digital Experience), Cameron Cloar-Zavaleta (Legal), Megan Ouellette (Public and Government Affairs), Alexa Rudin (Communications), and Todd Traynor-Corey (Guest Products & Experience). These leaders will focus on enhancing customer experience, managing regulatory affairs, overseeing government relations, directing communications strategy, and improving guest services across the combined organization.

Alaska Airlines (ALK) is introducing new premium products to enhance the onboard experience starting this fall. The offerings include Lagunitas Hoppy Refresher, a non-alcoholic sparkling water available from Nov. 20; Straightaway Nitro Espresso Martini made with Stumptown Coffee; Filson blankets for First Class passengers starting early December; and Salt & Stone amenities in Lounges and onboard beginning next year. The airline is also expanding its hot meal options on flights over 1,100 miles, offering up to five chef-curated dishes available for pre-order.

Hawaiian Airlines, a 15-year UKG customer, has expanded its use of the UKG Pro suite to enhance HR service delivery for its 7,000+ employees, including 5,000+ frontline workers. The mobile-first technology provides 24/7 access to critical HR information, particularly benefiting pilots and guest service agents who rarely work in traditional office settings. The implementation helps the airline manage FAA regulatory requirements and provides employees with an expansive knowledge base for HR-related queries. The system automatically routes complex requests to appropriate teams, streamlining HR operations for the airline's around-the-clock operations.

Alaska Air Group (NYSE: ALK) reported strong Q3 2024 results with GAAP pretax margins of 10.7% and EPS of $1.84. The company achieved adjusted pretax margin of 13.0%, leading the industry. The quarter includes approximately 13 days of Hawaiian Airlines results following the completed acquisition on September 18, 2024. Excluding special items, adjusted net income was $289 million, or $2.25 per share. Unit revenues showed positive growth with premium revenue up 10% year-over-year. The company ended Q3 with total liquidity of $3.4 billion and raised $2.0 billion in Term Loan B and Bond debt post-quarter.