Alaska Airlines to Debut Aircraft with San Diego State University Colors

SAN DIEGO, May 21, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- San Diego State University's hallmark scarlet and black colors and logo will soon be featured on an Alaska Airlines 76-seat Bombardier Q400 turboprop. To celebrate, Alaska and the university are partnering with San Diego radio stations to give Aztec fans a chance to win a seat onboard the maiden flight.

"We're thrilled to grow our flock of university paint themes with the addition of the Aztec plane—our first school in California," said Joe Sprague, Alaska Airlines' vice president of marketing. "With roots in San Diego spanning more than two decades and a growing presence in the city, Alaska Airlines is proud to support San Diego State University and the community with a plane they can call their own."

Like other university-themed planes operated for Alaska Airlines by its sister carrier, Horizon Air, the Aztec aircraft will be painted at no cost to the university and will fly throughout Alaska's regional route system.

To celebrate, Alaska Airlines is offering Aztec fans a chance to win a seat on the May 31 inaugural flight. The flight will take winners on a scenic tour along the Southern California coast, then to the Coachella Valley near Palm Springs and over the Salton Sea. This week KHTS 1220 AM, KMYI 94.1 FM and KOGO 95.7 FM will give away 15 seats in an online listener rewards auction. Complete contest rules and details are available at www.channel933.com, www.star941fm.com, and www.Kogo.com.

People traveling through San Diego International Airport on May 31 may catch a first glimpse of the Aztec plane at an unveiling event scheduled at 10:30 a.m. The unveiling is timed to celebrate the start of Alaska Airlines' new nonstop daily service from San Diego to Fresno/Yosemite, Monterey and Santa Rosa/Sonoma County starting June 4 and 5, 2012.

The San Diego State plane will be the ninth university-themed aircraft flown by Horizon Air since 2008. Other paint themes represent the universities of Idaho, Montana, Oregon and Washington, Boise State, Montana State, Oregon State and Washington State.

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. For reservations, visit www.alaskaair.com. For more news and information, visit the Alaska Airlines/Horizon Air Newsroom at www.alaskaair.com/newsroom.

About San Diego State University

San Diego State University is the oldest and largest higher education institution in the San Diego region. Since it was founded in 1897, the university has grown to offer bachelor's degrees in 84 areas, master's degrees in 76 areas and doctorates in 16 areas. SDSU's approximately 30,000 students participate in an academic curriculum distinguished by direct contact with faculty and an increasing international emphasis that prepares them for a global future. For more information, visit www.sdsu.edu.

SOURCE Alaska Airlines