As an officer and Black Hawk pilot in the U.S. Army, Constance von Muehlen commanded an Apache Air Cavalry Troop. Today she leads the Horizon Air team as Chief Operating Officer. Constance is a fantastic leader, focused on safety, service, respect and providing opportunities for others, especially veterans.
By Constance von Muehlen, Horizon Air COO
At 7 years old, I saw a helicopter take off and decided I wanted to pilot those amazing machines! I am grateful that, with a lot of determination, support, and luck – including an ROTC scholarship – my dream came true. Flying for the U.S. Army taught me the power of working together, that serving is as essential as leading and – perhaps most importantly – that each person brings a unique value to the team. I am extremely proud to be among those at Alaska Airlines and Horizon Air who have served our country.
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Flying Boeing 737 Next Generation aircraft in the Last Frontier has its challenges: inclement weather, remote locations, the occasional seal or caribou occupying the runway. But with over 86 years of flying experience, we’re pretty adept at meeting challenges.
This is especially true when it comes to making sure our aircraft are maintained with a focus on safety and performance. To meet the rigors of flying in Alaska and beyond, we unveiled a brand new Maintenance and Engineering Facility in Anchorage, Alaska this week.
When RAINN, the nation’s largest anti-sexual violence organization, partnered with us to host new trainings this summer, they’d never worked with an airline before. Sunitha Menon, who leads RAINN’s consulting work across industries, thought she’d seen it all.
Then she learned about airplanes.
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When we announced we’d be flying out of Paine Field Snohomish County Airport in Everett, Washington, we heard your cheers. What you may not realize is how loudly we’re cheering with you – and why.
By offering new commercial service, subject to government approval, from the North Puget Sound region in early 2019, we’re returning to our roots. Flying out of Paine Field is a homecoming for Alaska Airlines.
In the late 1940s, we outgrew our home at Merrill Field in Anchorage as we added World War II surplus aircraft to our fleet. We needed a bigger base for charter flights, so airline President James Wooten made a deal with Boeing to house our operating headquarters at Paine Field – at the Boeing Service Center in the northwest corner of the airfield to be exact.
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By Brad Tilden, CEO
Chances are, if you’ve flown through Seattle, you’ve seen and may even know Kennie Luu. He’s the guy with a smile a mile wide. If you need something, he wants to help you.
Each year, Alaska recognizes the best of the best of our people with the Customer Service Legend Award — the highest honor an employee can receive. Kennie was selected with 14 others for recognition in 2018. Our Legends are the top quarter of 1 percent of all the people who have ever worked for our airline.
Let me tell you more about Kennie. His given first name is Khang, and he was born in Vietnam. His father was a university professor, and his mother raised him and his four brothers. In 1983, the family made the difficult decision to flee their homeland, which had come under communist rule. Assisted by the Salvation Army, the family spent three months in a refugee camp in Thailand before traveling to the United States. Aside from some clothing and a pair of shoes, Kennie left behind all that he had known, in search of a better life. He was 16 years old and recalls that his family didn’t even have a dollar in their pockets.
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Lightening the load after climbing accident
Rock climber Ilana Jesse with her 10-month-old daughter after her accident.
A group of experienced climbers were about 1,500 feet up Hayes Glacier in the Eastern Alaska Range when a boulder about two feet in diameter was dislodged. Though Ilana Jesse tried to get out of the rock’s path, it hit another boulder and crushed her left hand.
“My hand was in extremely bad shape,” the climber said.
Jesse needed medical attention as quickly as possible. Her hand was at risk for amputation, so she was airlifted to Harborview Medical Center in Seattle, WA. Meanwhile, a bush pilot got the remaining rock climbers safely off the glacier.
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Did you know you can use your Alaska Airlines boarding pass to redeem incredible ski deals, including free lift tickets? We’re also making it more affordable to fly with your gear. Instead of charging oversize bag fees, skis and snowboards are treated as regular checked bags subject to our standard fees. And don’t forget: Eligible Alaska Airlines Visa® cardholders get their first checked bag free, including their ski or board bag.
Here’s a look at the 12 resorts offering deals this ski season:
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Temple Grandin, a well-known advocate for people on the autism spectrum, says children have to experience different things in order to develop.
“A child’s not going to find out he likes to play a musical instrument if you never expose him to it,” she said.
That could also be said of air travel, which many people with disabilities avoid because of fear. For children on the autism spectrum, it is particularly difficult, between clearing security and dealing with crowds, overwhelming noises and harsh lights.
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We’re investing in our airport lounges as part of a multi-year commitment to refresh and expand our portfolio. Here’s a preview of what’s coming to an Alaska Lounge near you.
What’s new
In the coming months, we’ll be enhancing our lounges in Portland, Anchorage, Los Angeles, and Seattle. Expect refreshed designs and amenities to make your lounge life even better. Here are a few of our favorite additions:
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- A refreshed look and feel featuring new comfortable furniture, warm finishes and a welcoming vibe;
- Barista stations so that you can get your custom-crafted Starbucks® espresso beverages or loose-leaf Teavana® tea just the way you like them from an Alaska Lounge Barista; and
- Meals for purchase, starting at just $8. You can buy fresh, filling, high-quality and affordable food to enjoy in the lounges or take to-go. This is in addition to our complimentary bites and beverages (more detail below).
Urban Rahoi, a 98-year-old WWII pilot, visits Washington, D.C., with Colleen Wood, a friend and Alaska Airlines customer service agent in November 2017.
Some arrive in wheelchairs. Others are aided by walkers or canes. Some come on the arm of a guardian.
Alaska Airlines has flown more than 2,000 veterans on 46 Honor Flights since 2012.
Most recently, we partnered with Puget Sound Honor Flight to fly veterans of World War II, the Korean War and Vietnam from Seattle to Baltimore on Oct. 13, 2018. They spent the weekend visiting monuments and memorials that honor their service and sacrifice.
“These brave men and women made great sacrifices for our country,” said Marilyn Romano, Alaska Airlines regional vice president in the state of Alaska. “It is an honor to help them fulfill a dream to see the memorials dedicated to all who have served.”
Family and friends greet vets returning to Sea-Tac on Oct. 15, 2018.
