There has once again been rampant speculation today regarding the proposed acquisition of Virgin America by Alaska Air Group (AAG) and the planned merger of Alaska Airlines and Virgin America under a single operating certificate. An Associated Press (AP) article published earlier today “Alaska Airlines CEO says he might keep Virgin America brand” and a follow up story on Alaska’s World “AS+VX: The future of the brand (No decisions have been made on keeping the VX brand)” (log in required) have seemingly spurred rumors on the line and on social media regarding management’s intent as to the future of the brand(s) and whether the two carriers would be operated separately or under one certificate.
AFA Alaska has been in contact with executive management regarding the confusion. We have received written and verbal confirmation from both Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Brad Tilden and President and Chief Operating Officer (COO) Ben Minicucci that management’s plans to achieve a single operating certificate—and therefore a single system seniority list—remain unchanged. Management has now updated the Alaska’s World article with a quote by Brad and Ben to clarify the issue of single operating certificate (and therefore a combined seniority list).
The Master Executive Council (MEC) hopes you will find this information helpful. If you have any continuing questions or concerns, contact your Local Executive Council (LEC) president.
In Solidarity,
Your MEC – Jeffrey Peterson, Brian Palmer, Yvette Satterlee, Lisa Pinkston, Laura Masserant, Cathy Gwynn, Sandra Morrow, Stephen Couckuyt; LEC Presidents-elect Tim Green and Brice McGee
