SEATTLE--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Nov. 12, 2002--Horizon Air announced today that it will begin installation of on board defibrillators and upgraded medical kits on its entire fleet of 60 jets and turboprop aircraft and expects to complete the project by summer 2003, several months ahead of the FAA's April 2004 deadline.

All 467 of Horizon's flight attendants will be trained to operate the automated external defibrillators and employ the emergency medical kits to support a heart attack victim after being revived by the defibrillator. The defibrillator selected by Horizon is manufactured by Medtronic Physio-Control of Redmond, Wash. The kit is manufactured by MedAire of Tempe, Ariz., and includes cardiac drugs and airway equipment and contains basic life support equipment for use by non-medical personnel to address cardiac, respiratory and diabetic emergencies.

"Horizon's proactive decision to update its kit well ahead of the deadline makes a strong statement about the airline's commitment to safety," said Joan Sullivan Garrett, president and CEO of MedAire.

Since 1999, Horizon Air has contracted with MedAire to provide a 24-hour link to emergency physicians on the ground in case of inflight medical emergencies.

Horizon Air serves 45 cities throughout Washington, Oregon, Idaho, Montana, California, Colorado, Arizona, British Columbia, and Alberta. Horizon Air and Alaska Airlines are subsidiaries of Alaska Air Group, Inc. For more news and information, visit Horizon's Newsroom at http://newsroom.horizonair.com.

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