Alaska Air will load passenger jets with cargo to fill empty seats

Alaska Air Cargo announced Wednesday it will fly passenger jets as cargo-only flights to carry essential goods like mail, medical equipment, e-commerce packages and food throughout its domestic network. Filling the passenger cabin with cargo will backfill the loss in capacity across the continental United States and Hawaii after passenger flights were reduced.

"We're determined to help protect the resiliency of our nation's supply chain by connecting critical cargo to the communities we serve during this public health crisis," said Torque Zubeck, managing director of Alaska Air Cargo.  "Our teams have been working tirelessly since March to identify the safest and most effective processes to increase our cargo capacity as quickly as possible."

In addition to Air Cargo's dedicated three freighters, six Boeing 737-900 aircraft will be utilized as cargo-only aircraft.  Boxes, mail and other items will be placed on and under seats, in overhead bins and in closets – to offer 13,500 more pounds of cargo than what a passenger-only flight could carry. In total, each flight will carry up to 30,000 pounds, which includes belly capacity.

If approved by the Federal Aviation Administration, the passenger-only aircraft would begin flying throughout the United States in May.

Alaska Air Cargo Facts

• Cargo freighters: 3 Boeing 737-700s
• Passenger-to-cargo planes: 6 Boeing 737-900s
• Cargo flown annually: 200 million+ pounds
• Seafood flown: 30 million+ pounds per year
• Destinations in Alaska we serve: 19 stations, only three connect by road
• Total destinations served in 2019: 100+
• Freighter-only flights flown in 2019: 5,487

Alaska Airlines launches new nonstop service between San Jose and New York

Alaska Airlines launched nonstop service between Mineta San Jose International Airport and John F. Kennedy (JFK) International Airport in New York City on Friday.

With the addition of the new service, Alaska now operates 15 flights a day to JFK from six West Coast gateways including Las Vegas; Los Angeles; Portland, Oregon; San Francisco; San Jose; and Seattle.

With the addition of this new and expanded JFK service, Alaska provides 38 daily flights to 19 nonstop destinations from San Jose.

Timed with the flight expansion, Alaska's newest Lounge is now open on the mezzanine level of Terminal 7 at JFK.

Alaska gates and the Alaska Lounge are located in the same terminal as Global Partners British Airways and Icelandair, providing guests traveling through JFK with convenient access to a combined 10 daily flights to top global destinations across Europe.

Seasonal flights begin from Philadelphia to Portland for Alaska Airlines

Alaska Airlines is inaugurating seasonal flights from Philadelphia to Portland, Oregon, starting Monday. The nonstop, daily flights will operate through Aug. 26.

"With this new flight, we now offer Rose City residents nonstop access to 58 destinations, more than any other carrier serving Portland International Airport,” said John Kirby, vice president of capacity planning at Alaska Airlines.

Flights will be operated with fuel-efficient Boeing 737 aircraft.

Alaska Airlines, together with Virgin America and its regional partners, flies 40 million guests a year to 119 destinations with an average of 1,200 daily flights across the United States and to Mexico, Canada, Costa Rica and Cuba.

Unsafe working conditions in Alaska Airlines and Menzies Aviation

In the aftermath of an investigation conducted at Sea-Tac International Airport, the Washington Department of Labor and Industries issued citations recently to Alaska Airlines and its ground-handling contractor, Menzies Aviation, for health and safety violations.

Inspectors found "Alaska Airlines did not provide safety devices, safeguards, work practices, processes and the means to make the workplace safe from hazards that were causing, or likely to cause, serious physical harm to Menzies ramp agent employees who handle cargo and passenger baggage for Alaska Airlines at SeaTac Airport."

Menzies was fined $62,000 for 16 violations of state workplace health and safety laws."The vehicles and other equipment we use are often poorly maintained and it has led to injuries. This should not be happening anywhere, much less on public property," said Socrates Bravo, a ramp agent who has worked for Menzies Aviation for more than four years.

Menzies employees filed a complaint with the state's Division of Occupational Safety and Health last summer alleging unsafe vehicles and other ground service equipment "with malfunctioning or deficient engines, brakes, gears, steering, electrical systems and tires, and other safety violations." The workers requested a fleetwide review of all ground service equipment used in the company's operations at Sea-Tac.

"Given the critical nature of the service that we provide, it is unacceptable that we have to deal with brake failures, dangerously worn tires, stalling engines and other unsafe conditions,” said Darius Harris who handles baggage for Menzies.

"The commissioners need to be mindful of the fact that last year a jury assessed $10 million judgment against the Port in a case filed by a contract worker tragically paralyzed in a ramp accident at Sea-Tac,” said Sergio Salinas, president of Seattle-based SEIU Local 6.

Alaska is the dominant carrier at Sea-Tac; together with Alaska Air's regional carrier Horizon Air, Alaska Air handles just over 50 percent of passengers at the airport.

Alaska Airlines made headlines across the country in April 2015 when one of its flights was forced to make an emergency landing at the Seattle-Tacoma International Airport after passengers heard banging and screams from a ramp agent who was trapped in the plane's cargo hold. Alaska reported the ramp worker, who was not injured, told officials he had fallen asleep in the cargo hold and did not wake up until after takeoff.

Menzies' safety record came under intense scrutiny following a fatal accident at Los Angeles International Airport last year that resulted in the death of Menzies ramp worker Cesar Valenzuela when he was thrown from his tug and pinned under one of the tug's tires. The vehicle did not have seat belts.

USGS Alaska using unmanned aircraft to survey walrus herds

The U.S. Geological Survey located in Anchorage, Alaska, intends to make a non-competitive contract award to the University of Alaska (Alaska Center for Unmanned Aircraft Systems Integration) located in Fairbanks for flight services to acquire data using an unmanned aircraft system (UAS).

The objectives of the services are related to investigating the potential of using a UAS for photographic surveys of walrus herds on sea ice in the Chukchi Sea and coastal haulouts in northwest Alaska.

"The University of Alaska is the only known source that has the experience with marine mammal surveys in conjunction with the appropriate UAS type (hexacopter or other rotary platform) and imaging technology (real-time video in conjunction with high resolution photography) for the study," USGS officials said in contract documents released Friday.

Most popular posts April 2015

1.) Southwest Airlines continues major flight expansion from Dallas - In April, Southwest Airlines started operating more time-saving daily itineraries between Dallas Love Field and nine additional cities around the United States (Columbus, Ohio; Indianapolis, Ind.; Memphis, Tenn.; Milwaukee, Wis.; Panama City Beach, Fla.; Portland, Ore.; Sacramento, Calif.; San Jose, Calif.; and Seattle, Wash.) and launched Saturday-only flights between Dallas and Charleston, S.C. [Full story]

2.) Cessna 180 pilot goes missing in Alaska - U.S. Coast Guard and Air Force assets were called to search for a missing pilot near Perry Island in Prince William Sound, Alaska. [Full story]

3.) Remains of missing pilot found in Alaska - The U.S. Coast Guard suspended its search for a missing pilot near Perry Island in Prince William Sound, Alaska, after his remains were discovered April 15. [Full story]

4.) Ohio State University orders five Cessna 172 planes -  Cessna Aircraft Company announced at the Sun ’n Fun International Fly-In and Expo that it has signed a long-term agreement with The Ohio State University’s Flight Education program. [Full story]

5.) Video: X-47B conducts first Autonomous Aerial Refueling - The X-47B successfully conducted the first ever Autonomous Aerial Refueling of an unmanned aircraft in April, completing the final test objective under the Navy's Unmanned Combat Air System demonstration program. [Full story]

Remains of missing pilot found in Alaska

The U.S. Coast Guard suspended its search for a missing pilot near Perry Island in Prince William Sound, Alaska, after his remains were discovered Wednesday evening.

The crew of the Alaska State Trooper vessel Churchhill located and recovered the man's remains and the wreckage of his Cessna 180 airplane partially submerged along the coast of Culross Island.

Coast Guard and partner agency assets searched the vicinity of Perry Island and Culross Island near Whittier for 27 hours in rough weather during their efforts to locate the man who went down in the area Tuesday afternoon.

Assets involved in the search included an MH-60 Jayhawk helicopter and HC-130 Hercules airplane from Air Station Kodiak, a Coast Guard Station Valdez 45-foot response boat, the Coast Guard Cutter Mustang and Sycamore, an Air Force 210th Rescue Squadron HH-60 Pavehawk helicopter and 211th Rescue Squadron HC-130 Hercules airplane from Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson and Alaska State Troopers.

 "It is never easy when a search ends like this," said Capt. Paul Mehler, Sector Anchorage commander.  "Our thoughts and prayers are with the family and loved ones.” 

The Cessna 180 aircraft (tail number N9247C) is registered to Dale Carlson of Wasilla, Alaska, according to Federal Aviation Administration records.

Cessna 180 pilot goes missing in Alaska

U.S. Coast Guard and Air Force assets are searching for a missing pilot near Perry Island in Prince William Sound, Alaska.

The 11th Air Force Rescue Coordination Center (RCC) in Anchorage received a Mayday call from the pilot of a Cessna 180 airplane Tuesday afternoon. The pilot reported he was having engine trouble and stated he may have to set the plane down. 

RCC Anchorage contacted the Coast Guard command center who took the lead on search efforts and dispatched an MH-60 Jayhawk helicopter and HC-130 Hercules airplane from Air Station Kodiak, a Coast Guard Valdez 45-foot response boat, and the crews of the Coast Guard Cutter Mustang and Sycamore to the area. An Air Force 210th Rescue Squadron HH-60 Pavehawk helicopter, 211th Rescue Squadron HC-130 Hercules airplane and Alaska State Troopers joined the search.

"Our crews and assisting agencies are up against some extreme weather with this search," said Lt. Matthew Mitchell, Sector Anchorage search and rescue mission coordinator. The weather on scene is reported to consist of blowing snow with 200 yards of visibility.

Air Force to re-compete Alaska Radar System maintenance contract

The U.S. Air Force (USAF) plans to release a formal Request for Proposal next month regarding operations and maintenance services for the Alaska Radar System at Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson. [Full story]

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Alaska Airlines launches Portland/Atlanta nonstop service

Alaska Airlines inaugurated nonstop service between Portland, Ore., and Atlanta on Monday.

"With these new flights to Atlanta, our Portland-area customers will enjoy nonstop service to a great southeastern city as well as connecting opportunities throughout North America via our partner Delta Air Lines' hub there," said Joe Sprague, Alaska Airlines' vice president of marketing, in a company press release. "Alaska Airlines has added eight new routes from Portland within the last 12 months as we continue our expansion from the Rose City, which includes new service to Dallas-Fort Worth on Sept. 16."

Alaska is offering a one-way fare of $149 to celebrate the new service. “Fares must be purchased by Wednesday, require a 14-day advance purchase, and are valid for travel from Sept. 9 through Nov. 20,” the airline said.

Alaska Airlines, a subsidiary of Alaska Air Group, serves 95 cities through an expansive network.

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FEMA seeks air cargo services for flood affected areas in Alaska

The Department of Homeland Security, Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) intends to issue a Blanket Purchase Agreement (BPA) for air cargo services in Alaska to assist flood victims in rebuilding efforts, according to contract documents released Friday on the Federal Business Opportunities website.

“Services will include loading and unloading. Cargo may consist of building materials and supplies to include: concrete floors, garage floors, floor systems, exterior wall, interior partitions, truss packages, roof systems, paint, and donated items,” FEMA said in contract documents. Under the contract, aircraft will provide air cargo services for Fairbanks, Alaska to flood affected areas such as Galena, Fort Yukon, Hughes, Eagle, Circle, Emmonak, Alakanuk and possibly other areas of Alaska.

The BPA contract minimum is $3,000, with a ceiling of $500,000. The contract will run for one year from the date of award with a six month option.

FEMA invites companies interested in providing the services to submit a price quote by Friday.

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Sequestration: Air Force cancels Alaska Radar System contract meeting

The U.S. Air Force (USAF) announced Thursday they must cancel a meeting with defense contractors next month at Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson (JBER) in Alaska due to budget restrictions associated with sequestration. The Air Force 673rd Contracting Squadron and the 611th Air Support Group at JBER planned to meet with contractors on Aug. 7 and 8 to discuss an operations and maintenance contract for the Alaska Radar System (ARS).

The original plan was to host a Site Visit with contractors and have personnel transported from JBER to remote radar sites located at either Point Barrow or Tatalina, with alternate sites at Tin City or Cape Newenham. Transportation to and from the remote sites would have been with the 537th Airlift Squadron via military aircraft.

“Due to unforeseen impacts on the USAF flying hour program and travel budgets directly associated with sequestration, we must cancel the Industry Day and associated Site Visit previously scheduled for 7 & 8 August 2013,” the Air Force said in documents released through the Federal Business Opportunities website. “Planning efforts are currently underway to reschedule this event for March/April 2014.

“A follow on date will be announced as soon as scheduling permits,” the Air Force said. “In lieu of the Site Visit, the ARS program office is planning to capture video and pictures of the sites that will be released to industry.”

ARS provides Alaska airspace surveillance, intercept control, and navigational assistance to military and civilian aircraft.

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Air Force meets with industry to discuss Alaska Radar System contract

The Air Force 673rd Contracting Squadron and the 611th Air Support Group at Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson (JBER), Alaska, will host a Site Visit next month for companies interested in bidding on the operations and maintenance contract for the Alaska Radar System (ARS). The Site Visit will be held on Aug. 7, followed by an Industry Day meeting Aug. 8.

ARS provides Alaska airspace surveillance, intercept control, and navigational assistance to military and civilian aircraft.

During the Site Visit, personnel will be transported from JBER to remote radar sites located at either Point Barrow or Tatalina, with alternate sites at Tin City or Cape Newenham. Transportation to and from the remote sites will be with the 537th Airlift Squadron via military aircraft.

The 611th Air Support Group will present information on their requirements at the Industry Day meeting. All contractors who are interested as a prime, teaming arrangement, or subcontracting role are encouraged to investigate opportunities at this event. Forty-five minute, one-on-one, contractor capabilities presentations may be scheduled on a first-come basis. Participation is highly encouraged for all small business enterprises.

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