Posted: Friday, October 23, 2009
SEATTLE, WA - The parent company of Alaska Airlines and Horizon Air is bucking industry headwinds. The sister airlines announced yesterday an $87 million profit in the third quarter, though revenue and employment were down compared to last year. Company chairman Bill Ayer attributes the higher profit to big savings on fuel and more fees for checked luggage.
Bill Ayer: “This has been one of the best quarters we’ve had in a very long time and I hope our people will savor the success they’ve worked so hard for.”
The Seattle-based company says it had a good fare sale this fall. But Ayer told analysts on a conference call that he still awaits a recovery in business travel.
Bill Ayer: “We are entering the season when our results depend more on business travel and we have yet to see any meaningful loosening of travel budget constraints among our corporate accounts.”
Alaska Airlines launches service to a new city, Atlanta, today. Separately, it expects to benefit next year from selling in-flight wi-fi access. (Tom Banse)
Copyright 2009 KUOW