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Floor Comments on Alaska Airlines' 70th Aniversary

Remarks of Senator John Cowdery regarding HJR 37 on March 20, 2002:

I'd like to speak in favor of HJR 37, it is a congratulatory resolution to honor Alaska Airlines in their 70th year of service. Alaska Airlines has been a vital part of the state's development; critical to the economy by moving goods and services as well as people.

Alaska Airlines connects people in communities in remote Alaska areas as well as other parts of the state, in the Lower 48 states and some international destinations.

They have an impressive history. From a single-engine 3 passenger Stinson to one destination to a fleet of jet airplanes serving over 80 different airports, Alaska Airlines was critical in the construction of the Trans-Alaska Pipeline, hauling necessary supplies, equipment and workers.

Also, a bit of other history, from first with the Berlin airlift and then starting Christmas Eve 1948: Operation Magic Carpet, airlifting 40,000 Jews into Israel after WWII. Legend had it that they would be returned to Israel on the wings of an eagle, so Alaska Airlines painted an eagle with outstretched wings over the door of each airplane, thereby reassuring the people when they got on the plane.

History shows them to be pioneers in emerging technology and developing a superior level of customer service. Presently, some of the pilots have flown supplies into Afghanistan in our War effort. They have GPS and heads-up guidance systems, use of the Internet to book travel and sell tickets, electronic tickets and check-in, landing jets on gravel runways and taking off on dirt strips (and short ones!). Alaska Airlines distinguishes itself with outstanding service and has been used as a name brand of success and a gold standard of service.

The history of commercial airlines always includes a section on how a little airline in America's hinterland has continued to survive and thrive while some once-proud giants have disappeared. The answer is the grit and determination of its people. The spirit of Alaska Airlines and the people of Alaska Airlines mirrors the spirit of the people of Alaska which they are named for, a place where "can-do" and neighbor helping neighbor are facts of life: their commitment to integrity, caring, resourcefulness, professionalism and spirit.

There are some colorful legends, if I may endow on this, heroes throughout the history. They were pretty creative: when pilot Bob McGuire was forced to land in enemy territory during Operation Magic Carpet he radioed for ambulances, saying his passengers had smallpox and needed to be taken to the hospital. A ground crew refueled the plane and told them to get back in the air. Their courageous rescue of the crew of the cargo ship Patterson that ran aground off Cape Fairweather, one of the most inaccessible beaches of the Alaska coast. No one could get in to save them, not the Navy planes, the Coast Guard Cutters or anything. Then, Alaska pilot Shell Simmons acted on his own. He landed in the choppy waters, dropped off a trapper who could guide the strongest people down the beach fifteen miles where they could be picked up and he flew out the sickest of the stranded at that time.

Last June 1st, there was a person standing in front of Alaska /Northwest ticket counter in Minneapolis who needed to change his ticket because of a family tragedy in Anchorage. The woman made changes at no cost and graciously offered first class as a gift from the airline.

Their pilots are the best skilled and they fly in extreme weather conditions. Sometimes their pilots need to evade bullets, flying low through passes in hostile areas. They have also been chosen by Delta to fly the Olympic Torch to Juneau.

Their website features many of these old-time and current legends.

There is no fiscal note on this and I think this joint resolution is the most significant and symbolic way we can acknowledge and show our appreciation for Alaska Airlines' service to our state. Thank you.

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