SEATTLE, May 22, 2002 (BUSINESS WIRE) -- Alaska Air Group (NYSE:ALK) announced that in a special meeting today its board of directors appointed Deloitte & Touche LLP as the company's independent auditors.

"The audit committee of our board, chaired by Byron Mallott, conducted an extensive and rigorous review that led to this selection," said John F. Kelly, chairman of the board of Alaska Air Group.

"The board found the credentials and experience of Deloitte & Touche LLP impressive and looks forward to working with them," Kelly said. "At the same time, we would be remiss not to express our gratitude for the excellent work, for the dedicated service and for the contributions that our former auditors, Arthur Andersen LLP, made to our company for more than 22 years."

Alaska Air Group is the parent company of Alaska Airlines and Horizon Air Industries. Alaska Airlines, celebrating its 70th anniversary this year, and Horizon Air together serve more than 80 cities in Alaska, Mexico, Canada and the Lower 48 states.

CONTACT: Alaska Air Group Lou Cancelmi, 206/433-3170