Alaska Airlines Media Coverage Report Week of March 4, 2016 – March 11, 2016

Alaska Airlines cited for unsafe working conditions

http://www.kiro7.com/news/li-cites-alaska-airlines-for-unsafe-working-conditions/149315730

By News Letter

For KIRO 7 News

Published on March 7, 2016

Summary:  The Washington State Department of Labor and Industries recently issued citations to Alaska Airlines and its ground handling contractor, Menzies Aviation, for health and safety violations. Alaska was fined $7,000; Menzies was fined $62,000. Both have filed appeals disputing the violations.

Relevance: Alaska Airlines has achieved strong rankings last year in different categories. However, such violation will defiantly affect the company’s ranking, reputation, and financial status. Alaska Airlines must confirm to the public that such violations will not occur again and an appropriate action will be taken against such acts.

Astronomers freak out watching solar eclipse from Alaska Airlines flight

http://www.orlandosentinel.com/news/space/go-for-launch/os-astronomers-freak-out-solar-eclipse-alaska-airlines-flight-20160309-story.html

By Emilee Speck

For Orlando Sentinel

Published on March 9, 2016

Summary: Alaska Airlines delayed Flight 870 from Anchorage to Honolulu on Tuesday March 8, 2016 so the plane’s path would intersect with the solar eclipse totality, when the moon completely blocks the sun.

Relevance: This is one of the top stories for this week. I find that this is a nice move of Alaska Airlines to show that they care about their customers and it is important for them to enjoy the view of the solar eclipse. Alaska Airlines changed its flight schedule and delayed the flight for 25 minutes in order to arrange for the view of the eclipse for the flight passengers.

Tobacco-Free Workplaces on The Rise

http://www.adn.com/article/20160229/tobacco-free-workplaces-rise

By Alaska Native Tribal Health Consortium

For Alaska Dispatch News

Published on February 29, 2016

Summary: According to the 2015 Alaska Tobacco Facts update, 42 percent of Alaska Native adults and 19 percent of non-Native adults smoke. However, smoke-free or tobacco-free campuses have risen in popularity in recent years.  Alaska Airlines and Providence no longer hire tobacco users; Providence applicants are screened for nicotine along with all other drugs.

Relevance: This decision will rise a huge awareness among young-adults and adults about the health hazards caused by Tobacco Products using. Taking an immediate action against Tobacco using at workplaces is now one of the most effective ways for people to quit smoking. A lot of companies has recently issued this law and Alaska Airlines is one of them.

Alaska Airlines plans Los Angeles-to-Cuba non-stop flights

http://www.mercurynews.com/business/ci_29591336/alaska-airlines-plans-los-angeles-cuba-non-stop

By Associated Press

For San Jose Mercury News

Published on March 3, 2016

Summary: Alaska Airlines has filed an application seeking approval to begin flights from Los Angeles to Cuba. In its application to the U.S. Department of Transportation, Alaska is requesting to operate two daily nonstop flights to Havana using a Boeing 737, which carries 181 passengers.

Relevance: Since the beginning of this year, Alaska Airlines have launched more than nine new flights either non-stop flights or connection flights. Alaska Airlines must put extra work in advertising and spreading the news of these new routes in order to fill up all of the flights’ seats. 

Seattle designer to give Alaska Airlines makeover

http://www.columbian.com/news/2016/mar/04/seattle-designer-to-give-alaska-airlines-makeover/

By Moira Macdonald

For The Seattle Times

Published on March 4, 2016

Summary: Luly Yang, an international fashion designer based in Seattle, is designing new uniforms for the entire Alaska workforce, from flight attendants to pilots to customer-service agents to maintenance technicians. The partnership with Alaska, announced last month, will be a two-year process, with the company’s new look expected to debut in 2018.

Relevance: On January of this year, Alaska Airlines announced the new partnership between the Company and the Seattle based fashion designer Luly Yang. This news is an update of the uniforms makeover status. 

Alaska Airlines Media Coverage Report, Week of Feb. 19, 2016 – Feb. 26, 2016

Alaska Air Group, Inc. (ALK) Shares Sold by Russell Frank Co

http://www.hilltopmhc.com/alaska-air-group-inc-alk-shares-sold-by-russell-frank-co/

By Kayla Nash

For The Hilltop News

Published on Feb. 25, 2016

Summary:  Russell Frank Co reduced its stake in shares of Alaska Air Group, Inc. by 5.9% during the fourth quarter. The firm owned 782,817 shares of the company’s stock after selling 49,512 shares during the period. Russell Frank Co owned approximately 0.63% of Alaska Air Group worth $63,753,000 as of its most recent SEC filing.

Relevance: It is important to be updated by the financial status of the company. We hope that Alaska Airlines will not be affected negatively by the reduction of stake share of Russell Frank Co.

Alaska Air CEO joins Nordstrom board

http://www.seattletimes.com/business/retail/alaska-air-ceo-joins-nordstrom-board/

By Janet I. Tu

For The Seattle Times

Published on Feb. 24, 2016

Summary:  Brad Tilden, Alaska Airlines chairman and CEO, is joining Nordstrom’s board. Will join the audit and finance committees, according to a Nordstrom news release announcing the appointment Wednesday.

Relevance: This new relationship between Alaska and Nordstrom can build strong bonds between both companies especially that both businesses are Seattle based. The relationship will hopefully benefit Alaska Airlines financially and commercially.

A Flight Attendant Gets Married Mid-Flight for Mom....Tissue Alert

http://whbl.com/blogs/parenting/125/a-flight-attendant-gets-married-mid-flight-for-momtissue-alert-1/

By Murphy.

For WHBL

Published on Feb. 25, 2016

Summary: Kristy Stratton is a current flight attendance for Alaska Airlines. Her mom was diagnosed with stage four lung cancer in 2014. She had three wishes for her daughter before she passes away, to see where she works, lives, and to see her getting married. In one plane ride, Stratton got her mom to see her place of work and watch her get married at the same time, on the way to seeing where she lives now in Seattle.

Relevance:  This story has a lot of emotional appeals and it is easy to get touched by. It exposes a part of an Alaska Airlines flight attendance personal moment to share the happiness with everyone.

  

Alaska Airlines commences Portland trio

http://www.anna.aero/2016/02/22/alaska-airlines-commences-portland-trio/

By Newsletter

For Anna.Aero

Published on Feb. 22, 2016

Summary: On 18 February, Alaska Airlines commenced services from Portland to Kansas City, Minneapolis-St. Paul and Omaha. In celebration of the new route trio, the Oregon airport held a traditional ribbon cutting ceremony. Passengers who were on the three inaugural services, were each given a gift wrapped selection of cookies.

Relevance:  It is a great way to advertise the new trio flight by giving gift wraps to the passengers, and then covering the event in media. It is a smart strategy to pitch the news of the opening among large number of audience, especially the ones who live in the trio cities that are included in the flight, which are Portland, Kansas City, Minneapolis-St. Paul and Omaha.  

Alaska Airlines to launch nonstop flights from San Jose to Orange County and San Diego

http://www.kliv.com/2016/02/22/alaska-airlines-to-launch-nonstop-flights-from-san-jose-to-orange-county-and-san-diego/

By Newsletter

For Silicon Valley News

Published on Feb. 22, 2016

Summary: Alaska Airlines has announced they will launch new nonstop service from Mineta-San Jose International Airport to Orange County and San Diego beginning June 5th. The new service marks six new flights to launch from SJC this year.

Relevance:  Since the beginning of this year, Alaska Airlines have launched more than nine new flights either non-stop flights or connection flights. Alaska Airlines must put extra work in advertising and spreading the news of these new routes in order to fill up all of the flights’ seats.

Alaska Airlines Media Coverage Report, Week of Feb. 5, 2016 – Feb. 12, 2016

Alaska Airlines Flight Diverted After Drunk Passenger Threatens Crew

http://www.hngn.com/articles/178240/20160211/alaska-airlines-flight-diverted-drunk-passenger-threatens-crew.htm

By Jelani James

For HNGN

Published on Feb. 11, 2016

Summary: An Alaska Airlines flight to San Francisco from Boston was forced to make an emergency landing in Denver after a passenger became abusive and started threatening flight crew and other passengers.

Relevance: This type of incidents can be very dangerous and life threatening sometimes. The flight crew are obligated to protect the passengers and take an immediate action even if it requires an emergency landing. The way the flight crew handled the situation counts for the safety of Alaska Airlines flights which in an early ranking Alaska Airlines was ranked as one of the safest airlines in the world. 

Alaska Airlines Selects Seattle Fashion Designer Luly Yang as New Uniform Designer

http://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/alaska-airlines-selects-seattle-fashion-designer-luly-yang-as-new-uniform-designer-300218669.html

By Associated Press

For PRNewswire

Published on Feb. 11, 2016

Summary: As an updated step of the rebranding campaign, Alaska Airlines announced a new partnership with the Seattle fashion designer Luly Yang to redesign uniforms for more than 12,000 in 2018.

Relevance: The redesigning the employees’ uniforms is unique step of the rebranding campaign. It gives the employees a sense of involvement as a major part of the success of the company. It also shows the sense of connecting with the society by choosing a designer from Seattle.

State Supreme Court hears case against Alaska Airlines for firing employee

http://juneauempire.com/local/2016-02-10/state-supreme-court-hears-case-against-alaska-airlines-firing-employee

By Paula Ann Solis

For juneauempire.com

Published on Feb. 10, 2015

Summary: The Alaska Supreme Court heard spoken arguments in four separate cases in the Juneau court, including one case claiming the unlawful firing of an Alaska Airlines employee that was dismissed by the lower courts.

Relevance:  This might be an important call for Alaska Airlines to be more careful about their relationship with the employees. Loyal employees are the heat of any successful business. The company is responsible for preserving its employees and meeting their needs.    

Embraer Could Soon Reel in Another Big Order

http://www.fool.com/investing/general/2016/02/08/embraer-could-soon-reel-in-another-big-order.aspx

By Adam Levin-Weinberg

For Fool.com

Published on Feb. 8, 2016

Summary: Alaska Air is looking for 30 new 76-seat jets, and is considering Embraer for this big deal. Alaska Air is making this move because it is trying to keep stable seat share in Seattle. Additionally, customers find jets more comfortable than the Q400, which feels cramped by comparison.

Relevance: Alaska Air has to keep up with the other competitors, especially when Delta has added domestic flights in Seattle. Alaska Air has to focus on maintaining its market share.

Snack Hack: Airlines Apply High-Tech to Satisfy Pax Appetites

http://apex.aero/2016/02/08/snack-hack-high-tech-profits

By Marisa Garcia

For apex.aero

Published on Feb. 8, 2016

Summary: Passengers can order in-flight meals with their personal devices before boarding. Airlines are applying technology to satisfy the passengers’ appetites, while boosting revenue and improving their catering logistics.

Relevance: Alaska Air is one of the participant airlines applying this feature on board. The airline can better calculate food and beverage demand and avoid payment complications on board. In addition, it will gain customer satisfaction and by offering an easy and convenient way of ordering food on board which is part of the entertainment

Alaska Airlines Media Coverage Report, Week of Jan. 22 – Jan. 29, 2016

“Alaska Airlines Refreshes Brand For First Time in 25 Years”

By Mark Miller

For brandchannel.com

Published on Jan. 26, 2016

http://brandchannel.com/2016/01/26/alaska-airlines-refreshes-brand-012616/

Summary:  Alaska Airlines is working in changing its look and renewing its brand for the first time in 25 years.

Relevance: This is a great opportunity for the airline to attract new customers and create new image for the employees and the customers. They have already changed their webpage to the new look, which can be a great way to advertise for the new brand.

“Alaska Airlines to launch Portland-Atlanta service on June 4, 2016”

By Associated Press

For ETN, Global Travel Industry News.

Published on Jan. 28, 2016

http://www.eturbonews.com/67987/alaska-airlines-launch-portland-atlanta-service-june-4-2016

Summary: Alaska Airlines announced that the company will begin daily, nonstop flights between Portland and Atlanta starting June 4, through August 27, 2016.

Relevance: The airline provides various options for the customers of the airlines in both cities. The convenience of the non-stop flights, will encourage more individuals to choose Alaska Airlines to fly to their distinctions comfortably.

“Alaska Airlines to fly nonstop between Anchorage and Spokane, Washington, starting June 11”

By PRNewswire

For CNN Money

Published on Jan. 28, 2016

http://money.cnn.com/news/newsfeeds/articles/prnewswire/SF10180.htm

Summary: Alaska Airlines will start weekly, nonstop service between Anchorage, Alaska, and Spokane, Washington, starting June 11 through August 27, 2016.  

Relevance: Alaska Airline is introducing several new nonstop flights to serve new destination. Therefore, it will help larger majority of customers in these new destinations. They are also introducing new inflight amenities such as, “Pacific Northwest-inspired food and beverages, such as Beecher's Flagship cheese, and exclusively blended Canoe Ridge wines.” This is a great way to support the renewing of the brand that Alaska Air is working on currently.

“Alaska Airlines charts strategy”

By Clark Schultz

For Seeking Alpha

Published on Jan. 28, 2016

http://seekingalpha.com/news/3062146-alaska-airlines-charts-strategy

Summary: “The airline will introduce a premium economy product and increase the number of regional jets it flies.”

Relevance: The strategic marketing plan that Alaska Airlines is currently working on, anticipates 8% capacity growth this year. Additionally, the new product will allow Alaska Airlines to compete with other “ultra-low cost carriers” in the market such as Delta.

“Feds Accuse Former Pilot of Drunken Flying”

By Associated press

For Courthouse News Service

Published on Jan. 25, 2016.

http://www.courthousenews.com/2016/01/25/feds-accuse-former-pilot-of-drunken-flying.htm  

Summary: “A former Alaska Airlines captain was arrested and charged with piloting a commercial flight under the influence of alcohol - a felony.”

Relevance: This type of news shows the other side of coin. There are many ruthless workers who their actions may affect the business in bad way. This should not reflect the whole image of the airline and must be handled appropriately to prevent any further similar incidents.

Alaska Airlines Media Coverage Report, Week of Jan. 8 – Jan. 15, 2016

“This Was the Worst Airline to Fly in 2015”

By Anna Hensel  

For Inc.com

Published on Jan. 14, 2016

http://www.inc.com/anna-hensel/best-and-worst-airlines-2015.html

Summary:

 An overall ranking of the nine largest U.S. airlines in 2015. Where Alaska Airlines has put first in the list, and American Airlines last.  

Relevance:  

It provides the consumers and other competitors with figures about the high standers and quality of the services that the airline offers.

“These Airlines Have the Lowest Safety Ratings”

By Anya Hoffman

For Time Inc. Network

Published on Jan. 13, 2016

http://time.com/4178976/airlines-lowest-safety-ratings/

Summary:

AirlineRatings.com have recently conducted an international ranking about the safety when flying. The ratings are based on several global flying data and government sources. It gives every airline they observe a numerical ranking from 1 to 7. “Airlines that receive a 7 are considered the safest; those that receive a 1 are the least safe.” Alaska Airlines was one of the world’s 20 safest airlines

Relevance:

This may be a great opportunity for the company to expand its branches a lot further. Being ranked as one of the world’s safest airlines gives the airline more strength and a better reputation on the local and global basis.  

“Alaska Airlines seeks long-term presence in Petersburg”

By Juneau Empire

For JuneauEmpire.com

Published on Jan. 13, 2016, Updated Jan.14, 2016

http://juneauempire.com/state/2016-01-13/alaska-airlines-seeks-long-term-presence-petersburg

Summary:

Alaska Airline is planning to sign an agreement to stay in Petersburg’s airport for the coming 50 years. According to the public notice filed, “the airline has requested a 50-year lease of 22,500 square feet of space at the airport for “ground equipment storage and miscellaneous storage to support commercial airline operations.””

Relevance:

 It shows the current partnerships of the airline with other corporations, which will hopefully develop countless financial and commercial benefits for the airline.

“Alaska Airlines Once Again Named North America's Most On-Time Airline”

By Associated Press

For PR Newswire

Published on Jan. 7, 2016

http://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/alaska-airlines-once-again-named-north-americas-most-on-time-airline-300201131.html

Summary:

 According to FlightStats Inc., which collects data about the timing performance of millions of flights each year, Alaska Airlines has been named the first on-time airlines in the Unites States for the sixth time in a row.

Relevance:

This may be an excessive promotion for the airline. The last thing that any traveler want is a delayed flight. This commitment will assertively increase the tickets merchants. 

“Alaska Airlines sending airborne tailgate parties to Raleigh, Charlotte for Panthers-Seahawks game”

By Patti Payne

For Triangle Business Journal

Published on Jan. 15, 2016

http://www.bizjournals.com/triangle/news/2016/01/15/alaska-airlines-raleigh-charlotte-panthers-seahawk.html

Summary:

“Seattle's hometown airline charters special flight to Charlotte, extends social media contest inviting fans to enter for a chance to win a spot on the plane.”

Relevance:

May be a successful commercial method to show the company’s communication with the surrounding public. A lot of the Seahawks fans are planning to watch the game and probably flying from Seattle to Charlotte to support their team. Alaska Airlines promotion is going to be an enormous event for the Seahawk fans, and they may defiantly choose Alaska Airlines flight to fly to Charlotte.