Alaska Air emerges as a maverick in aviation's age of consolidation
Skift Take
Alaska Air’s CEO has long stated the airline wants to make it as an independent entity, but his boasting could also be a tactic for attracting larger airlines to take a second look at the punctual, profitable carrier.
Alaska Air Group Inc. controls about 3% of the U.S. industry's capacity, but it doesn't worry about its small size, even though rivals have grown larger through mergers.
Brad Tilden, chief executive of the Alaska Airlines parent for the past 13 months, said that being small keeps the carrier nimble and close to its customers and employees.
The 81-year-old company aims to use technology to create a hassle-free customer experience, whether on its website, at the airport or on the plane.
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