SEATTLE, May 7, 2003 (BUSINESS WIRE) -- Alaska Airlines (NYSE:ALK) has named Joe Sprague managing director of government affairs, responsible for opening and managing the carrier's government affairs office in Washington, D.C.

"Joe brings a wealth of aviation and government affairs experience to this new position," said Bill MacKay, Alaska's vice president of public and government affairs. "With the increased impact of government policy and the expansion of our transcontinental route system, Joe's knowledge and background will serve as an invaluable resource."

He has been the airline's director of sales for the state of Alaska, coordinating marketing and community affairs throughout the state for the last three years.

Prior to Alaska Airlines, Sprague was general manager of the Era Aviation Center in Anchorage and was an adjunct instructor of airline management for the University of Alaska. He has also served as director of marketing for Era Aviation in Anchorage and as vice president of marketing and customer service for Harbor Airlines in Washington state.

In the mid 1990s he was manager of government and industry affairs for the D.C.-based National Air Transport Association, representing nearly 2,000 aviation businesses. He has also worked as a corporate pilot, a commuter airline pilot and as a flight instructor.

He has also served as a director on various boards, including the Anchorage Convention and Visitors Bureau, Arctic Power and the Alaska Chamber of Commerce.

Sprague received a Bachelor of Science degree in aeronautical science from Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University.

SOURCE: Alaska Airlines

Alaska Airlines
Jack Walsh, 206/901-8753
Jack Evans, 206/433-3134

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