Alaska Air Group (ALK) to Add New Routes, Eyes Expansion

Zacks

Alaska Airlines, a division of Alaska Air Group ALK, announced plans to introduce two new routes from Nov 5, 2015. CEO Brad Tilden announced that the carrier will introduce new flights (on a daily basis) to connect the cities of Portland and Eugene with Austin, TX and San Jose, CA respectively. The move is in line with the company’s objective to expand operations as well as improve customer satisfaction.

Alaska Airlines also said in its press release that the introduction of the service to San Jose will mark the carrier’s first-ever nonstop flight from Eugene to the Bay Area. Moreover, the new routes will also provide connectivity across key tech markets in three states, to ramp up customer convenience. The Seattle, WA-based company stated travel tickets for these routes will be available for purchase effective Jun 9.

SkyWest Airlines, a subsidiary of SkyWest Inc. SKYW, will be responsible for operating the Portland-Austin flight on behalf of Alaska Airlines. SkyWest’s Embraer-manufactured 76-seater E175 jets manufactured by Brazil-based Embraer SA ERJ will be used for the purpose. The jets are equipped with modern facilities that seek to improve the flying experience of travelers availing the route.

On the other hand, another subsidiary of Alaska Air Group – Horizon Air – will be responsible for operating the Eugene-San Jose flight. Passengers on this route will fly on a Bombardier Q400 aircraft.

We are impressed by the expansion efforts consistently undertaken by Alaska Air Group. The carrier presently serves more than 100 cities in North America.

Zacks Rank

Alaska Air Group currently carries a Zacks Rank #3 (Hold). Investors interested in the airline space may consider JetBlue Airways JBLU which holds a Zacks Rank #2 (Buy).

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