Alaska Airlines : Ask Biography

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Alaska Airlines (NYSE - ALK) is an airline based in the Seattle suburb of SeaTac, Washington in the United States. The airline originated in 1932 as McGee Airways. After many mergers with and acquisitions of other airlines, including Star Air Service, it became known as Alaska Airlines in 1944. It has expanded greatly since its founding and now has service not only within the state of Alaska but also throughout the western United States, British Columbia and certain locations in Mexico. Alaska Airlines carries more passengers between the state of Alaska and the contiguous United States than any other airline.

Classified as a major carrier, it is the seventh-largest US airline in terms of passenger traffic. Alaska currently operates hubs at Seattle � Tacoma International Airport, Ted Stevens Anchorage International Airport, and Portland International Airport. It also operates a secondary hub and Mexican gateway at Los Angeles International Airport.

Alaska Airlines and its sister carrier Horizon Air are both subsidiaries of Alaska Air Group. Alaska is also a substantial codeshare partner of both American Airlines and Delta Air Lines. In 2011, J. D. Power and Associates recognized Alaska Airlines as the top "Traditional Carrier" in customer satisfaction for the fourth year in a row.