Larger, more-advanced passenger-cargo aircraft part of airline's $100
                    million investment in cargo service

    ANCHORAGE, Alaska, Feb. 1 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- Alaska Airlines
today introduced two Boeing 737-400 "combi" aircraft to its fleet to
improve passenger and cargo service in the state of Alaska. The larger
airplanes -- converted to transport passengers in the back and main-deck
cargo in the front -- have more cargo capacity, more-advanced
flight-guidance capabilities and more-comfortable passenger cabins than the
737-200 combis they replace.
    The aircraft are part of Alaska Airlines' $100 million plan to upgrade
its cargo fleet and infrastructure. The airline will add two more 737-400
combis to its fleet by the end of 2007. These converted aircraft and an
all-cargo freighter introduced in June 2006 will provide about 20 percent
more cargo capacity and passenger seats than the fleet of 737-200 aircraft
they replace.
    "These combis -- the first of their kind in the world -- are uniquely
designed to meet the needs of both cargo customers and passengers
throughout the state of Alaska," said Bill MacKay, Alaska Airlines' senior
vice president for the state of Alaska. "By upgrading the fleet and
modernizing cargo infrastructure, we are providing more cargo capacity, a
more comfortable passenger experience and a more reliable flight schedule."
The combis are the first 737-400 aircraft in the world to be converted from
all-passenger to combination cargo-passenger configurations.
    The 737-400s' fixed configurations, which accommodate four cargo
pallets and 72 passengers, improve cargo service by guaranteeing consistent
cargo capacity on each flight. The 737-200 combis they replace had
adjustable configurations, which allowed Alaska to change the number of
passenger seats and cargo-pallet positions for each flight, but prevented
the airline from guaranteeing consistent cargo capacity.
    The 737-400 combis offer improved fuel efficiency, more-advanced
flight-guidance systems and upgraded passenger amenities. They are equipped
with Required Navigation Performance systems designed to reduce the
frequency of weather-related schedule disruptions. The passenger cabins
also feature leather seats and larger, standard-sized overhead luggage
bins.
    The first two aircraft, scheduled to enter commercial service Feb. 2
and 3, will be routed throughout the state of Alaska with an emphasis on
serving the northern and western Alaska points of Prudhoe Bay, Barrow,
Kotzebue, Nome and Bethel. The 737-400 freighter directly supports the
cargo needs of the state's seafood industry by flying routes in Southeast
Alaska as well as between Anchorage and Seattle.
    Introduced to Alaska Airlines' fleet as passenger aircraft in 1992, the
combis were retrofitted by Pemco World Air Services. Pemco also retrofitted
the 737-400 freighter and is in the process of retrofitting the two
additional combis slated for delivery later this year. Alaska Airlines also
maintains options with Pemco to convert a second freighter and fifth combi
aircraft.
    In mid-February Alaska Airlines also will introduce a new $3 million
cargo shipment-management and accounting system. Using a centralized
database, the system will provide more detailed cargo tracking information,
automate customer billing and allow customers to make flight-specific cargo
reservations.
    Transporting more than 150 million pounds of cargo annually, including
seafood, mail and freight, Alaska Airlines operates the most extensive air
cargo operation on the U.S. West Coast of any passenger airline. The
airline's cargo operation transports about 30 million pounds of fresh
Alaska seafood each year from Alaska to Seattle, the Pacific Northwest and
beyond.
    Alaska Airlines and sister carrier, Horizon Air, together serve 89
cities through an expansive network throughout Alaska, the Lower 48, Canada
and Mexico. This year Alaska Airlines celebrates its 75th anniversary,
marking the airline's growth from a single-aircraft operation in 1932 to
one of the largest U.S. carriers. For reservations, visit alaskaair.com.
For more news and information, visit the Alaska Airlines/Horizon Air
Newsroom at alaskaair.com/newsroom.
    Pemco World Air Services is a subsidiary of Pemco Aviation Group, Inc.,
which performs maintenance and modification of aircraft for the U.S.
Government and foreign and domestic commercial customers. The company also
provides aircraft parts and support and engineering services and develops
and manufactures aircraft cargo systems, rocket vehicles, control systems
and components.

 

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