Alaska Airlines Announces Routes, Schedule for New Partner

SEATTLE, Feb. 25, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- Alaska Airlines today announced that SkyWest Airlines will begin flying six West Coast routes currently operated by Horizon Air, starting May 14. The Utah-based carrier will fly the routes using five 70-seat Bombardier CRJ-700 regional jets it is acquiring from Horizon.

Alaska's partnership with SkyWest for CRJ-700 flying enables Horizon to fly the Bombardier Q400 turboprop exclusively.

"While it is technically feasible for the Q400 to operate on all routes now served by CRJ-700s, it would result in longer flight times," said Andrew Harrison, Alaska Air Group's vice president of planning and revenue management. "For example, it can take up to 35 minutes longer for a Q400 to fly from Seattle to Southern California, which is longer than we'd like. Most of these routes were formerly served with Alaska Air Group jets, and the CRJ-700 jet has proven to be a better fit in these markets."

Summary of new roundtrip SkyWest flights operated on behalf of Alaska beginning May 14, 2011:

A complete schedule of SkyWest operated flights is available at www.alaskasworld.com/Newsroom/ASnews/ASstories/sw_sked_2-25-11.pdf.

Onboard food and beverage service will resemble what Horizon currently offers, including complimentary Northwest microbrews and wine for all passengers 21 years and older, and picnic packs for purchase. SkyWest will also offer Horizon Air's popular planeside Ala Carte baggage service. Boarding passes and a decal next to the aircraft boarding door will clearly indicate the flights are being operated for Alaska by SkyWest Airlines. Alaska Airlines Mileage Plan members flying on SkyWest-operated flights will continue to earn Mileage Plan credit.

"We are very pleased to begin a new partnership with Alaska Airlines," said Chip Childs, SkyWest Airlines president and chief operating officer. "Customers flying these routes will receive continued access to the Alaska brand and the quality service they've come to expect from both Alaska and SkyWest Airlines."

The partnership between the two airlines, known as a capacity purchase agreement, means SkyWest will operate and maintain its aircraft while Alaska is responsible for scheduling, pricing and marketing the flights. SkyWest is the third carrier to fly for Alaska Airlines under a capacity purchase agreement, joining Horizon Air in the Lower 48 and PenAir in Alaska.

About Alaska Airlines

Alaska Airlines and Horizon Air, subsidiaries of Alaska Air Group (NYSE: ALK), together serve more than 90 cities through an expansive network in Alaska, the Lower 48, Hawaii, Canada and Mexico. Alaska Airlines ranked "Highest in Customer Satisfaction among Traditional Network Carriers" in the J.D. Power and Associates 2008, 2009 and 2010 North America Airline Satisfaction Studies(SM). For reservations, visit www.alaskaair.com. For more news and information, visit the Alaska Airlines/Horizon Air Newsroom at www.alaskaair.com/newsroom.

About SkyWest Airlines

SkyWest Airlines is the world's largest independently owned regional airline. With a fleet of nearly 300 aircraft, SkyWest's more than 11,000 aviation professionals operate more than 1,700 flights each day to 159 destinations throughout North America. As a leading air service provider offering global access to millions of passengers each year, SkyWest partners with the world's largest network carriers, including United Airlines, Delta Air Lines, AirTran Airways and Alaska Airlines. SkyWest is known for its industry-leading workforce, exceptional leadership team, and continued solid operational and economic performance. The airline's headquarters are in St. George, Utah. Learn more at www.skywest.com.

SOURCE Alaska Airlines