SEATTLE, Dec. 17, 2013 /PRNewswire/ -- Alaska Airlines has a new quarterback onboard — Seattle Seahawks star Russell Wilson. Seattle's hometown airline and Wilson are teaming up in a partnership to engage with our customers and support youths in the community.

(Photo: http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20131217/SF34581)

"All of us at Alaska are thrilled to announce this partnership," said Brad Tilden, CEO. "Russell is known for his determination, professionalism, integrity and his humble heart — qualities we all aspire to. His meticulous planning and legendary hustle help make Russell a proven winner. We're pleased to make him our honorary CFO — 'chief football officer.' "

"Since coming to Seattle, I've enjoyed getting involved in the community," Wilson said. "As I have, I've come to recognize Alaska Airlines as a leader in Seattle and an airline that I feel I have much in common with. I'm delighted to be partnering with Seattle's hometown airline."

As part of the exclusive multi-year partnership, Wilson will appear at events, take part in marketing activities for Alaska Airlines, and work with the carrier to support youth and education programs. Among them is the Russell Wilson Passing Academy, which provides inner-city and underprivileged youths an opportunity to attend football camp for a once-in-a-lifetime experience.

Another activity is Seattle Children's Hospital, where Wilson regularly visits young fans receiving care. In honor of Wilson's commitment to connecting with these children in such a meaningful way, Alaska Airlines will donate 100,000 miles to Children's Hospital for each touchdown pass Wilson throws or touchdown he scores through the rest of this season.

Wilson and Alaska Airlines enjoy a relationship that began last spring after his rookie year in the National Football League, when he surprised customers at Seattle-Tacoma International Airport by welcoming them at the carrier's lobby check-in and gate areas. Wilson and Alaska then teamed up to inspire youths to finish school and accomplish their goals. An event on a sunny day in July — dubbed "Pledge It. Prove It. Take Flight." — attracted more than 600 students from 21 high schools in Western Washington, who heard from Wilson and employees of Alaska Airlines and its regional carrier, Horizon Air, about careers in aviation.

"With 'Pledge It,' I learned it takes a team to get an airline flight off the ground and to its destination," Wilson said. "The people at Alaska are dedicated to their customers and their communities. I'm proud and honored to be part of their team."

Alaska Airlines, a subsidiary of Alaska Air Group (NYSE: ALK), together with its partner regional airlines, serves nearly 100 cities through an expansive network in Alaska, the Lower 48, Hawaii, Canada and Mexico. Alaska Airlines has ranked "Highest in Customer Satisfaction Among Traditional Network Carriers" in the J.D. Power and Associates North America Airline Satisfaction Study^SM for six consecutive years from 2008 to 2013. For reservations, visit www.alaskaair.com. For more news and information, visit the Alaska Airlines Newsroom at www.alaskaair.com/newsroom.

SOURCE Alaska Airlines