Alaska Airlines is a major U.S. airline headquartered in SeaTac, Washington, known for its strong presence on the West Coast and a reputation for customer service and operational resilience[6]. The airline operates an extensive domestic and international network, connecting major cities across the U.S., Mexico, Canada, and Central America. As part of Alaska Air Group, it also owns Horizon Air and, following a recent acquisition, Hawaiian Airlines, positioning it as the fifth-largest airline in the United States[6]. ## History Alaska Airlines traces its roots to 1932, when Linious “Mac” McGee started McGee Airways in Anchorage, primarily flying supplies across Alaska’s rugged terrain[4][5]. Through a series of mergers and acquisitions—including Star Air Service, Lavery Air Service, Mirow Air Service, and Pollack Flying Service—the company evolved into Alaska Airlines, officially adopting the name in 1944[2][4]. Its early years were marked by financial struggles, equipment shortages, and resourceful employees who often paid for fuel out of pocket and dealt with unconventional challenges, such as caribou on runways[5]. The airline’s fortunes improved after the Airline Deregulation Act of 1978, which allowed it to expand beyond Alaska and establish itself as a West Coast powerhouse[4][8]. ## Key Achievements Alaska Airlines is recognized for several industry firsts: it was the launch customer for the Boeing 737-900 and pioneered innovations like online check-in and satellite-based navigation in Alaska’s challenging terrain[2]. Its acquisition of Virgin America in 2016 was a transformative move, expanding its route network and customer base, while its 2021 entry into the Oneworld alliance enhanced its global reach and competitiveness[8]. The airline’s Mileage Plan loyalty program is also highly regarded, and its operational performance, especially during the COVID-19 pandemic, showcased notable resilience[8]. ## Current