Welcome to our dedicated page for Alaska Air Group news (Ticker: ALK), a resource for investors and traders seeking the latest updates and insights on Alaska Air Group stock.
Alaska Air Group, Inc. (NYSE: ALK) is the parent company of Alaska Airlines, Hawaiian Airlines and Horizon Air, with McGee Air Services as a subsidiary of Alaska Airlines. This news page aggregates company-issued updates and related coverage about the group’s airline operations, fleet decisions, network changes, financial communications and strategic initiatives.
Recent news highlights Alaska Airlines’ largest fleet order in its history, including new Boeing 737-10 and 787 aircraft, as disclosed in a press release and an accompanying Form 8-K filing. Other announcements describe new and resumed routes from hubs such as Anchorage, Portland and Seattle, including service to destinations like Boston, Jackson Hole, Bellingham, Everett/Paine Field and Pasco, as well as intercontinental routes from Seattle to Tokyo Narita, Seoul Incheon, Rome, Reykjavik and London Heathrow.
Alaska Air Group’s news flow also covers financial and investor events, such as webcasts of quarterly results and participation in conferences, along with operational updates like IT outages and their impact on flight operations. Leadership changes, including appointments in safety and security roles and executive transitions in operations, are documented through official releases and associated SEC filings.
In addition, the company publishes news on sustainability and partnerships, including collaboration with Par Hawaii and Pono Energy to develop sustainable aviation fuel in Hawaiʻi, and information about the Atmos Rewards loyalty program and its associated credit card. Readers following ALK news can use this page to monitor route expansions, fleet investments, alliance developments, performance metrics mentioned in releases and other material events affecting Alaska Air Group and its airline subsidiaries.
Investors, travelers and observers can consult this feed regularly to review Alaska Air Group’s own disclosures and third-party releases that reference the company’s operations, strategy and regulatory communications.
On November 12, 2020, Alaska Airlines announced the promotion of Sandy Stelling to vice president of strategy, analytics and transformation, and Brett Catlin to vice president of network and alliances. Stelling will oversee strategic initiatives and has over 21 years of experience with the airline. Catlin, with a focus on network strategy and performance, had served as managing director of capacity planning since April 2019. Alaska Airlines aims for growth during post-COVID recovery, strengthening its leadership to enhance competitive positioning.
Alaska Air Group announced that Brad Tilden will retire as CEO on March 31, 2021, with Ben Minicucci, current president of Alaska Airlines, succeeding him. Tilden will remain as board chair. This transition is part of a multi-year succession plan, with the board expressing full confidence in Minicucci's leadership capabilities. Minicucci has a 16-year history at Alaska and is recognized for enhancing customer service. Alaska Air Group is the parent company of Alaska Airlines and Horizon Air, serving over 115 destinations across the U.S. and Canada.
Alaska Air Group reported a GAAP net loss of $431 million, or $3.49 per diluted share, for Q3 2020, contrasting with a net income of $322 million, or $2.60 per diluted share, in Q3 2019. Excluding specific adjustments, the adjusted net loss was $399 million, or $3.23 per share. The company maintained a debt-to-cap ratio of 59%, with $3.8 billion in cash and marketable securities. Despite challenges, cash burn decreased to approximately $4 million daily, and total liquidity rose to $5.5 billion. Alaska announced new partnerships and initiatives for customer safety and operational enhancements.
Alaska Air Group has appointed Jessie J. Knight, Jr. to its board of directors, effective immediately. Knight previously served from 2002 to 2017 and will contribute to the compensation and leadership development committee. His experience includes navigating the company through major challenges like 9/11 and the 2008 recession. This appointment increases independent director seats to 11 out of 13 total members, enhancing board diversity with 45% representation of women and minorities. Alaska Airlines serves over 115 destinations in North America, known for its award-winning service.
Alaska Airlines has launched its "Swell Deals" fare sale, utilizing dynamic ocean data from Surfline to provide up to 30% discounts on flights to surfing destinations in Hawaii and California. The promotion runs from October 20 to February 10, 2021, with discounts based on wave heights, increasing with larger swells. The airline also waives fees for sports equipment, making travel easier for surfers. In addition, Alaska Airlines is offering discounted COVID-19 testing to facilitate travel to Hawaii without quarantine.
Alaska Airlines announced the launch of Embraer 175 jet service in Alaska starting Oct. 18, enhancing connectivity among key markets. The E175 aircraft will allow increased daily flights between Anchorage and Fairbanks and offer year-round services to King Salmon and Dillingham. With a capacity of 76 seats and no middle seats, the E175 is designed for efficiency in smaller markets. The addition supports Alaska Airlines' commitment to improving air service amid challenges faced during the pandemic.
Horizon Air has appointed Captain Carlos Zendejas as its new vice president of flight operations, overseeing 700 pilots. With over 30 years in aviation, including 22 years in the U.S. Air Force, Zendejas brings significant experience. He previously served as Alaska Airlines' Seattle base chief pilot and system chief pilot at Horizon since 2017. Horizon operates a fleet of 62 aircraft and runs 3,800 weekly flights across the western U.S. and Canada, exclusively for Alaska Airlines.
On October 9, 2020, Alaska Airlines announced a new incentive for Mileage Plan members, allowing them to convert their wallet credit into miles at a rate of $100 for 10,000 miles. The offer, valid until October 12, 2020, lets members exchange their wallet funds in increments of 25% to 100%. Additionally, Alaska has implemented extensive safety measures in response to health concerns, including mandatory masks for travelers. With award travel starting at just 5,000 miles, the airline continues to support its members and increase engagement during uncertain times.
Alaska Air Group, the parent company of Alaska Airlines and Horizon Air, will announce its third quarter financial results for 2020 on October 22, 2020. A conference call is scheduled for 11:30 a.m. Eastern time / 8:30 a.m. Pacific time. The announcement will provide insights into the airline's performance as it continues to serve over 115 destinations across the U.S. and North America, focusing on essential services.
Alaska Airlines is partnering with Carbon Health to provide rapid COVID-19 testing for guests traveling to Hawaii, starting October 12. Testing will be available at a pop-up clinic in Seattle, allowing travelers to receive results within two hours for a fee of $135. With Hawaii's pre-travel testing program set to begin on October 15, Alaska Airlines aims to facilitate a safe return for customers by offering convenient testing options. The initiative also includes plans for additional clinics and enhanced safety measures for passengers and crew.