ALASKA AIR GROUP INC
For the period ended Dec 31, 2024. Filed Feb 14, 2025.
View on SEC.govAbout this filing
A company's yearly report to the SEC, with audited financial statements. It is the fullest account a company gives of its business, its finances and the risks it sees.
FY2024 · Filed Feb 14, 2025
ALK$38.94+0.6%Stored close · as of Nov 6, 2026
What changed in Risk Factors?
Read the current filingPrevious report: 10-K
Period ended 2023-12-31; filed 2024-02-14.
0000766421-24-000012
ITEM 1A. RISK FACTORSCurrent report: 10-K
Period ended 2024-12-31; filed 2025-02-14.
0000766421-25-000009
ITEM 1A. RISK FACTORSThe baseline is this issuer’s latest earlier reporting period of the same form that was filed before the current report. A previous 10-Q is a different quarter, not a year-over-year comparison. Amendments are excluded.
Compared 139 previous paragraphs and 125 current paragraphs.
88 unchanged; 23 reworded; 14 added; 25 removed; 3 previous and 0 current paragraphs rearranged.
Tables are not compared: 0 previous and 0 current tables excluded. Dates, whitespace, punctuation and numbering changes are ignored; changes to financial figures remain significant.
A changed paragraph is not evidence that risk increased or decreased. An unchanged paragraph does not establish that risk stayed the same.
Added paragraphs (14)
Current report
•adverse weather conditions and natural disasters;
Current report
ACQUISITION AND INTEGRATION OF HAWAIIAN HOLDINGS, INC.
Current report
We must devote significant management attention and resources to integrating the business practices and operations of Hawaiian Airlines. Potential difficulties we may encounter as part of the integration process include the following:
Current report
•managing Hawaiian's international network successfully, which comprises multiple countries in which Air Group did not have prior experience;
Current report
The need to integrate Hawaiian’s workforce into joint collective bargaining agreements with Alaska's workforce presents the potential for delay in achieving expected synergies and other benefits or labor disputes that could adversely affect our operations and costs.
Current report
The successful integration of Hawaiian Airlines and achievement of the anticipated benefits of the acquisition depend significantly on integrating Hawaiian Airlines’ employees into Alaska and on maintaining productive employee relations. Failure to do so presents the potential for delays in achieving expected synergies and other benefits of integration or labor disputes that could adversely affect our operations and costs. The process for integrating labor groups in an airline merger is governed by a combination of the Railway Labor Act, the McCaskill-Bond Act, and where applicable, the existing provisions of our collective bargaining agreements (“CBAs”) and internal union policies.
Current report
Under the Railway Labor Act, the National Mediation Board has exclusive authority to resolve representation disputes arising out of airline mergers. The disputes that the National Mediation Board has authority to resolve include (i) whether the carriers, through the merger, have integrated operations to the point of creating a “single transportation system” for representation purposes; (ii) determination of the appropriate “craft or class” for representational purposes, including a determination of which positions are to be included within a particular craft or class; and (iii) certification of the system-wide representative organization, if any, for each of our craft or class following the merger. Failure to resolve these disputes could result in delays in achieving expected synergies and other benefits of integration as well as adversely impact our operations and costs.
Current report
Pending operational integration of Hawaiian Airlines with Alaska, it will be necessary to maintain a “fence” between Alaska and Hawaiian Airlines employee groups that are represented by unions. During this time, we will keep the employee groups separate, each applying the terms of its own existing employment agreements unless other terms have been negotiated. Achievement of expected synergies and other benefits will be delayed until the time that operational integration is obtained.
Current report
We are expected to incur substantial expenses related to the acquisition and the integration of Hawaiian Airlines’ business.
Current report
We are expected to incur substantial integration and transition expenses in connection with the acquisition of Hawaiian Airlines, including the necessary costs associated with integrating the operations of Alaska and Hawaiian Airlines. There are a large number of processes, policies, procedures, operations, technologies and systems that must be integrated, including reservations, loyalty program, ticketing/distribution, maintenance, and flight operations. While we have assumed that a certain level of expenses will be incurred, there are many factors beyond our control that could affect the total amount or the timing of the integration expenses. Moreover, many of the expenses that will be incurred are, by their nature, difficult to estimate accurately. These expenses could, particularly in the near term, exceed the financial benefits we expect to achieve from the acquisition, including the elimination of duplicative expenses and the realization of economies of scale and cost savings. These integration expenses likely will continue to result in us taking significant charges against earnings in future periods, and the amount and timing of such charges are uncertain at present.
Current report
Our ability to use Hawaiian Airlines' net operating loss carryforwards to offset future taxable income for U.S. federal and state income tax purposes may be limited as a result of the previous ownership changes, this acquisition or taxable income if it does not reach sufficient levels.
Current report
As of the acquisition closing date, Hawaiian Airlines had federal net operating loss carryforwards (“NOLs”) of approximately $817 million available to offset future taxable income, that have indefinite carryover, but are limited to 80% utilization, and state NOLs of approximately $1.0 billion. The majority of the state NOLs relate to the state of Hawai'i. Certain state NOLs will expire, if unused, beginning in 2025.
Current report
Hawaiian Airlines has experienced an “ownership change” as defined in Section 382 of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended (the “Code”). Section 382 of the Code imposes an annual limitation on the amount of pre-ownership change NOLs of the corporation that experiences ownership change. The limitation imposed by Section 382 of the Code for any post-ownership change year generally would be determined by multiplying the value of such corporation’s stock immediately before the ownership change by the applicable long-term tax-exempt rate. Any unused annual limitation may, subject to certain limits, be carried over to later years, and the limitation may, under certain circumstances, be increased by built-in gains or reduced by built-in losses in the assets held by such corporation at the time of the ownership change. Our use of NOLs generated after the date of an ownership change would not be limited unless we were to experience a subsequent ownership change.
Current report
Our ability to use the NOLs will also depend on the amount of taxable income generated in future periods. Certain state NOLs may expire before we can generate sufficient taxable income to utilize the NOLs.
Removed paragraphs (25)
Previous report
Our maintenance costs will increase as our fleet ages, and we will periodically incur substantial maintenance costs due to the timing of maintenance events of our aircraft.
Previous report
As of December 31, 2023, the average age of our Boeing Next Gen passenger aircraft (B737-700, -800, -900, -900ER) was approximately 12.8 years, the average age of our Boeing MAX aircraft (B737-8, -9) was approximately 1.2 years, and the average age of our owned E175 aircraft was approximately 4.3 years. Typically, our newer aircraft require less maintenance than they will in the future. Any significant increase in maintenance expenses could have a material adverse effect on our results of operations.
Previous report
The acquisition is subject to a number of conditions to our and Hawaiian's obligations, which, if not fulfilled, may result in termination of the acquisition agreement.
Previous report
The acquisition agreement contains a number of customary conditions to complete the acquisition, including that certain representations and warranties be accurate, that certain covenants be fulfilled, that certain regulatory approvals have been obtained, that there are no legal prohibitions against completion of the acquisition, and that Hawaiian stockholders have adopted the agreement. Many of the conditions to complete the acquisition are not within either Hawaiian’s or our control and neither of us can predict when or if these conditions will be satisfied. If any of these conditions are not satisfied or waived prior to June 2, 2025, which may be extended to December 2, 2025 in certain circumstances, it is possible that the acquisition will not be completed in the expected time frame or that the agreement may be terminated.
Previous report
The regulatory approvals required in connection with our pending acquisition of Hawaiian may not be obtained or may contain materially burdensome conditions. The pending acquisition may also be subject to litigation that could negatively impact our ability to complete the acquisition.
Previous report
Our ability to close the pending acquisition of Hawaiian is conditioned upon the receipt of certain regulatory approvals, and we cannot provide assurance that these approvals will be obtained. If any conditions or changes to the proposed structure of the acquisition are required to obtain these regulatory approvals, they may have the effect of jeopardizing or delaying completion of the pending acquisition or reducing the anticipated benefits of the pending acquisition. If we agree to any material conditions in order to obtain any approvals required to complete the pending acquisition, the business and results of operations of our company following the closing may be adversely affected. Our ability to secure regulatory approval may be subject to litigation, the results of which we cannot guarantee.
Previous report
The pending acquisition may also be subject to litigation from state attorneys generals or other private challengers, which could jeopardize or delay completion of the pending acquisition. As a result, we may not be able to fully achieve the anticipated benefits of the pending acquisition, and our results of operations and financial position may be negatively impacted.
Previous report
As described above, our and Hawaiian’s obligations to consummate our pending acquisition of Hawaiian are subject to the satisfaction or waiver of certain customary conditions. We cannot provide assurance that the conditions to the completion of the pending acquisition of Hawaiian will be satisfied in a timely manner or at all. If our pending acquisition of Hawaiian is not completed, our share price could fall to the extent that our current price reflects an assumption that we will complete the pending acquisition. Furthermore, if the acquisition is not completed, our ongoing business may be adversely affected, and we will be subject to several risks, including the following:
Previous report
•we will be required to pay certain costs relating to the acquisition, whether or not it is completed, such as legal, accounting, and financial advisers, which could be substantial;
Previous report
•in certain circumstances as described in the agreement, we may be required to pay a termination fee to Hawaiian Holdings Inc. of $100 million if regulatory approval of the acquisition is not obtained;
Previous report
•our management will have focused its attention on negotiating and preparing for the acquisition instead of on pursuing other opportunities that could have been beneficial to us;
Previous report
•the failure to consummate the acquisition may result in negative publicity and a negative impression of us in the investment community; and
Previous report
•any disruptions to our business resulting from the announcement of the acquisition, including any adverse changes in our relationships with our customers, partners, and employees, may continue or intensify in the event the acquisition is not consummated.
Previous report
The anticipated benefits we expect from the pending acquisition are, necessarily, based on projections and assumptions about the combined businesses of our company and Hawaiian, which may not materialize as expected or which may prove to be inaccurate. Our stock price could be negatively impacted after the proposed acquisition is completed if we are unable to realize the anticipated benefits of the acquisition on a timely basis or at all. Achieving the benefits of the pending acquisition of Hawaiian will depend, in part, on our ability to integrate the business and operations of Hawaiian successfully and efficiently with our business. The challenges involved in this integration, which will be complex and time-consuming, include the following:
Previous report
•limitations prior to the completion of the acquisition on the ability of management of our company and of Hawaiian to conduct planning regarding the integration of the two companies;
Previous report
Each of our and Hawaiian’s indebtedness and other obligations are, and our indebtedness and other obligations following the completion of the acquisition will continue to be, substantial and could adversely affect our business and liquidity.
Previous report
We and Hawaiian have, and we expect to continue to have following the completion of the acquisition, significant amounts of indebtedness and other obligations, including pension obligations, obligations to make future payments on aircraft equipment and leases, and obligations under aircraft purchase agreements. We expect to incur substantial additional debt in the future specifically as it relates to our payment of the approximately $1 billion aggregate consideration and to our assumption of Hawaiian's indebtedness. Substantial indebtedness and other obligations could have important consequences. For example, they may:
Previous report
•limit our ability to obtain additional funding for capital expenditures, investments, integration costs, and general corporate purposes, and adversely affect the terms on which such funding can be obtained;
Previous report
•require us to dedicate a substantial portion of our cash flow from operations to payments on our indebtedness and other obligations, thereby reducing the funds available for other purposes;
Previous report
•make us more vulnerable to economic downturns and catastrophic external events;
Previous report
◦limit our ability to merge, consolidate, sell assets, incur additional indebtedness, make investments and pay dividends; and
Previous report
◦significantly constrain our ability to respond, or respond quickly, to unexpected disruptions in our operations, the U.S. or global economy, or the businesses in which we operate, or to take advantage of opportunities that would improve our business, operations, or competitive position versus other airlines; and
Previous report
In addition, increases in the cost of financing could adversely affect our liquidity, business, financial condition, and results of operations.
Reworded paragraphs (23)
Previous wording
Due to the concentration of our flights in the Pacific Northwest and Alaska, we believe a large portion of our operation is more susceptible to adverse weather conditions than other carriers with networks that cover a larger geographic area. A general reduction in airline passenger traffic as a result of any of the above-mentioned factors could harm our business, financial condition, and results of operations.
Current wording
Due to the concentration of our flights in the Pacific Northwest, Alaska, and Hawai'i, we believe a large portion of our operation is more susceptible to adverse weather conditions and natural disasters than other carriers with networks that cover a larger geographic area. A general reduction in airline passenger traffic as a result of any of the above-mentioned factors could harm our business, financial condition, and results of operations.
Previous wording
The U.S. airline industry is characterized by substantial competition. Airlines compete for market share through pricing, capacity (supply), route systems and markets served, merchandising, and products and services offered to guests. We have significant capacity overlap with competitors, particularly in our key West Coast markets. This dynamic may be exacerbated by competition among airlines to attract passengers during periods of economic recovery. The resulting increased competition in both domestic and international markets may have a material adverse effect on our results of operations, financial condition, or liquidity if we are unable to attract and retain guests.
Current wording
The U.S. airline industry is characterized by substantial competition. Airlines compete for market share through pricing, capacity (supply), route systems and markets served, merchandising, and products and services offered to guests. We have significant capacity overlap with competitors, particularly in our key West Coast and Hawaiian markets. This dynamic may be exacerbated by competition among airlines to attract passengers during periods of economic recovery. The resulting increased competition in both domestic and international markets may have a material adverse effect on our results of operations, financial condition, or liquidity if we are unable to attract and retain guests.
Previous wording
The airline industry may undergo further consolidation or restructuring. In addition, regulatory, policy, and legal developments could impact the extent to which airlines can merge, or form and maintain marketing alliances and joint ventures with other airlines, particularly U.S. carriers. These factors could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial conditions, and results of operations.
Current wording
The airline industry may undergo further consolidation or restructuring. In addition, regulatory, policy, and legal developments could impact the extent to which airlines can merge, or form and maintain marketing alliances and joint ventures with other airlines, particularly U.S. carriers. These factors could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition, and results of operations.
Previous wording
We continue to face strong competition, mainly from other U.S. carriers. In many instances, our competitors have been able to grow and increase their competitive influence by merging with other airlines, as Alaska did with Virgin America in 2016. Some competitors have also benefited from the ability to reduce their cost structures through the U.S. bankruptcy process and restructuring laws. Competitors have also improved their competitive positions by entering marketing alliances and/or joint ventures with other airlines. Certain airline joint ventures promote competition by allowing airlines to coordinate routes, pool revenues and costs, and enjoy other mutual benefits that can be extended to consumers, achieving many of the benefits of consolidation.
Current wording
We continue to face strong competition, mainly from other U.S. carriers. In many instances, our competitors have been able to grow and increase their competitive influence by merging with other airlines, as Alaska did with Virgin America in 2016 and Hawaiian Holdings, Inc. in 2024. Some competitors have also benefited from the ability to reduce their cost structures through the U.S. bankruptcy process and restructuring laws. Competitors have also improved their competitive positions by entering marketing alliances and/or joint ventures with other airlines. Certain airline joint ventures promote competition by allowing airlines to coordinate routes, pool revenues and costs, and enjoy other mutual benefits that can be extended to consumers, achieving many of the benefits of consolidation.
Previous wording
In recent years, the U.S. antitrust authorities have been increasingly reluctant to approve airline mergers, cooperative marketing arrangements, and joint ventures. The continuation of merger-adverse antitrust policy and/or the finality of legal rulings limiting airline mergers, joint marketing activities, and joint ventures could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition, and results of operations.
Current wording
In recent years, the U.S. antitrust authorities have been increasingly reluctant to approve airline mergers, cooperative marketing arrangements, and joint ventures. The emergence of merger-friendly antitrust policy at the federal level, and the possibility that this policy may be short-lived, might prompt other entities to act on opportunities that could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition, and results of operations.
Previous wording
Our strategy involves a high concentration of our business in key West Coast markets. A significant portion of our flights occur to and from our stations in Seattle, Portland, and the Bay Area. In 2023, passengers to and from these locations accounted for 82% of our total guests.
Current wording
Our strategy involves a high concentration of our business in key West Coast markets. A significant portion of our flights occur to and from our stations in Seattle, Portland, and the Bay Area. In addition to these markets, the acquisition of Hawaiian Holdings, Inc. in 2024 significantly increases the concentration of our operation in Hawai'i, with Honolulu now representing Air Group's second largest hub.
Previous wording
Alaska is dependent on Boeing as its sole supplier for mainline aircraft and many aircraft parts. Horizon is similarly dependent on Embraer. Additionally, each carrier is dependent on sole suppliers for aircraft engines for each aircraft type. As a result, we are vulnerable to issues associated with the supply of those aircraft and parts including design or manufacturing defects, mechanical problems, contractual performance by the manufacturers, or adverse perception by the public about safety that would result in customer avoidance or actions by the FAA. Should we be unable to resolve known issues with certain aircraft or engine suppliers, it may result in the inability to operate our aircraft for extended periods. Additionally, if effects of ongoing supply chain constraints cause our limited vendors to have performance problems, reduced or ceased operations, bankruptcies, workforce shortages, or other events causing them to be unable to fulfill their commitments to us, our operations and business could be materially adversely affected.
Current wording
Alaska is dependent on Boeing as its sole supplier for mainline aircraft and many aircraft parts. Horizon is dependent on Embraer. Each carrier is dependent on sole suppliers for aircraft engines for each aircraft type. Hawaiian is similarly dependent on a limited number of suppliers for its aircraft, aircraft engines, and many aircraft parts. As a result, we are vulnerable to issues associated with the supply of those aircraft and parts including design or manufacturing defects, mechanical problems, contractual performance by the manufacturers, or adverse perception by the public about safety that would result in customer avoidance or actions by the FAA. Should we be unable to resolve known issues with certain aircraft or engine suppliers, it may result in the inability to operate our aircraft for extended periods. Additionally, if effects of ongoing supply chain constraints cause our limited vendors to have performance problems, reduced or ceased operations, bankruptcies, workforce shortages, or other events causing them to be unable to fulfill their commitments to us, our operations and business could be materially adversely affected.
Previous wording
Should these suppliers be unable to manufacture, obtain certification for, and deliver new aircraft, we may not be able to grow our fleet at intended rates, which could impact our financial position. Boeing has significant production constraints and regulatory delays for the B737 family of aircraft, which may impact the timing of deliveries. If we are unable to receive these aircraft or future aircraft in a timely manner, our growth plans could be negatively impacted. Given Alaska's size relative to its competitors, these challenges may have a disproportionate impact on Alaska. Additionally, further consolidation among aircraft and aircraft parts manufacturers could further limit the number of suppliers. This could result in production instability in the locations in which the aircraft and its parts are manufactured or an inability to operate our aircraft.
Current wording
Should these suppliers be unable to manufacture, obtain certification for, and deliver new aircraft, we may not be able to grow our airlines' fleet at intended rates, which could impact our financial position. Boeing has significant production constraints for the B737 and B787-9 aircraft, as well as regulatory delays for certain B737 aircraft. Recently, Boeing was impacted by an employee strike which temporarily halted production of B737 aircraft. These challenges have impacted and will continue to impact the timing of deliveries. If we are unable to receive aircraft in a timely manner, our growth plans could be negatively impacted. Given Alaska's and Hawaiian's size relative to its competitors, these challenges may have a disproportionate impact on Alaska and Hawaiian. Additionally, further consolidation among aircraft and aircraft parts manufacturers could further limit the number of suppliers. This could result in production instability in the locations in which the aircraft and its parts are manufactured or an inability to operate our aircraft.
Previous wording
We rely on partner airlines for codeshare and frequent flyer marketing arrangements.
Current wording
We rely on partner airlines for codeshare and loyalty program marketing arrangements.
Previous wording
Our airlines are parties to marketing agreements with a number of domestic and international air carriers, or “partners," including an expanded relationship with American and otherone world carriers. These agreements provide that certain flight segments operated by us are held out as partner “codeshare” flights and that certain partner flights are held out for sale as Alaska codeshare flights. Refer to Item 1 above for details regarding these codeshare agreements. In addition, the agreements generally provide that members of Alaska’s Mileage Plan program can earn credit on or redeem credit for partner flights and vice versa. We receive revenue from flights sold under codeshare and from interline arrangements. In addition, we believe that the frequent flyer arrangements are an important part of our loyalty program. The loss of a significant partner through bankruptcy, consolidation, or otherwise, could have a negative effect on our revenue or the attractiveness of our Mileage Plan program, which we believe is a source of competitive advantage.
Current wording
Our airlines are parties to marketing agreements with a number of domestic and international air carriers, or “partners,” including an expanded relationship with American and otherone world carriers. These agreements provide that certain flight segments operated by us are held out as partner “codeshare” flights and that certain partner flights are held out for sale as codeshare flights. In addition, the agreements generally provide that members of our airlines' loyalty programs can earn credit on or redeem credit for partner flights and vice versa. We receive revenue from flights sold under codeshare and from interline arrangements. The loss of a significant partner through bankruptcy, consolidation, or otherwise, could have a negative effect on our revenue or the attractiveness of our loyalty programs, which we believe is a source of competitive advantage. Additionally, we rely on partners to provide available space for credit redemption on their aircraft. Should partners not make available enough inventory within their cabins for our members, the attractiveness of our program may be decreased.
Previous wording
Our membership in theone world global alliance may limit options to bring non-oneworld carrier partners into our Mileage Plan program. Further, maintaining an alliance with another U.S. airline may expose us to additional regulatory scrutiny. Failure to appropriately manage these partnerships and alliances could negatively impact future growth plans and our financial position.
Current wording
Alaska's membership in theone world global alliance may limit options to bring non-oneworld carrier partners into Alaska's Mileage Plan program. Further, maintaining an alliance with another U.S. airline may expose us to additional regulatory scrutiny. Failure to appropriately manage these partnerships and alliances could negatively impact future growth plans and our financial position.
Previous wording
We routinely engage in analysis and discussions regarding our own strategic position, including alliances, codeshare arrangements, interline arrangements, and frequent flyer program enhancements, and will continue to pursue these commercial activities. If other airlines participate in consolidation or reorganization, those airlines may significantly improve their cost structures or revenue generation capabilities, thereby potentially making them stronger competitors of ours and potentially impairing our ability to realize expected benefits from our own strategic relationships.
Current wording
We routinely engage in analysis and discussions regarding our own strategic position, including alliances, codeshare arrangements, interline arrangements, and loyalty program enhancements, and will continue to pursue these commercial activities. If other airlines participate in consolidation or reorganization, those airlines may significantly improve their cost structures or revenue generation capabilities, thereby potentially making them stronger competitors of ours and potentially impairing our ability to realize expected benefits from our own strategic relationships.
Previous wording
We continue to focus on strategic initiatives designed to increase our brand appeal to a diverse and evolving demographic of airline travelers. These efforts could include significant enhancements to our in-airport and on-board environments, increasing our direct customer relationships through improvements to our purchasing portals (digital and mobile), and management of our customer loyalty programs. In pursuit of these efforts we may negatively affect our reputation with some of our existing customer base.
Current wording
We continue to focus on strategic initiatives designed to increase our brand appeal to a diverse and evolving demographic of airline travelers. These efforts could include significant enhancements to our in-airport and on-board environments, increasing our direct customer relationships through improvements to our purchasing portals (digital and mobile), and management of our customer loyalty program. In pursuit of these efforts, we may negatively affect our reputation with some of our existing customer base.
Previous wording
We operate in a highly visible industry that has significant exposure to social media and other media channels. Negative publicity, including as a result of misconduct by our guests or employees, failures by our suppliers and other vendors, failure to address our environmental, social, and governance goals, or other circumstances, can spread rapidly through such channels. Should the Company not respond in a timely and appropriate manner to address negative publicity, the Company's reputation may be significantly harmed. Such harm could have a negative impact on our operating results.
Current wording
We operate in a highly visible industry that has significant exposure to social media and other media channels. Negative publicity, including as a result of misconduct by our guests or employees, failures by our suppliers and other vendors, failure to achieve our stated goals, or other circumstances, can spread rapidly through such channels. Should the Company not respond in a timely and appropriate manner to address negative publicity, the Company's reputation may be significantly harmed. Such harm could have a negative impact on our operating results.
Previous wording
We carry, and will continue to carry for the foreseeable future, a substantial amount of debt and aircraft operating lease commitments. Although we aim to keep our leverage low, due to our high fixed costs, including aircraft lease commitments and debt service, a decrease in revenue could result in a disproportionately greater decrease in earnings. Similarly, a material increase in market interest rates could mean future borrowings are more costly for the Company.
Current wording
We carry, and will continue to carry for the foreseeable future, a substantial amount of debt and aircraft lease commitments. Although we aim to keep our leverage low, due to our high fixed costs, including aircraft lease commitments and debt service, a decrease in revenue could result in a disproportionately greater decrease in earnings. Similarly, a material increase in market interest rates could mean future borrowings are more costly for the Company.
Previous wording
We are unable to predict the future supply of jet fuel, which may be impacted by various factors, included but not limited to geopolitical conflict, economic sanctions against oil-producing countries, natural disasters, or staffing and equipment shortages in the oil industry. Any of these factors could adversely impact our operations and financial results.
Current wording
We are unable to predict the future supply of jet fuel, which may be impacted by various factors, including but not limited to geopolitical conflict, economic sanctions against oil-producing countries, natural disasters, or staffing and equipment shortages in the oil industry. Any of these factors could adversely impact our operations and financial results.
Previous wording
The airline industry, which is subject to relatively high fixed costs and highly variable and unpredictable demand, is particularly sensitive to changes in economic conditions. We are dependent on U.S. consumer confidence and the health of the U.S. economy. Unfavorable U.S. economic conditions have historically resulted in reduced consumer spending and led to decreases in both leisure and business travel. For some consumers, leisure travel is a discretionary expense, and shorter distance travelers, in particular, have the option to replace air travel with surface travel. Businesses are able to forgo air travel by using communication alternatives such as video conferencing or may be more likely to purchase less expensive tickets to reduce costs, which can result in a decrease in average revenue per seat. Unfavorable economic conditions also hamper the ability of airlines to raise fares to counteract increased fuel, labor, and other costs. Additionally, reduced consumer spending would adversely impact revenue and cash flows from our co-branded credit card agreements. Unfavorable or even uncertain economic conditions could negatively affect our financial condition and results of operations.
Current wording
The airline industry, which is subject to relatively high fixed costs and highly variable and unpredictable demand, is particularly sensitive to changes in economic conditions. We are dependent on consumer confidence, as well as the health of the U.S. economy and economies of other countries in which we operate. Unfavorable economic conditions have historically resulted in reduced consumer spending and led to decreases in both leisure and business travel. For some consumers, leisure travel is a discretionary expense, and shorter distance travelers, in particular, have the option to replace air travel with surface travel. Businesses are able to forgo air travel by using communication alternatives such as video conferencing or may be more likely to purchase less expensive tickets to reduce costs, which can result in a decrease in average revenue per seat. Unfavorable economic conditions also hamper the ability of airlines to raise fares to counteract increased fuel, labor, and other costs. Additionally, reduced consumer spending would adversely impact revenue and cash flows from our co-branded credit card agreements. Unfavorable or even uncertain economic conditions could negatively affect our financial condition and results of operations.
Previous wording
The application of the acquisition method of accounting resulted in us recording goodwill, which could result in significant future impairment charges and negatively affect our financial results.
Current wording
The application of the acquisition method of accounting resulted in us recording goodwill and identifiable intangible assets, which could result in significant future impairment charges and negatively affect our financial results.
Previous wording
In accordance with acquisition accounting rules, we recorded goodwill on our consolidated balance sheet to the extent the Virgin America acquisition purchase price exceeded the net fair value of Virgin America’s tangible and identifiable intangible assets and liabilities as of the acquisition date. Goodwill is not amortized, but is tested for impairment at least annually. We could record impairment charges in our results of operations as a result of, among other items, extreme fuel price volatility, a significant decline in the fair value of certain tangible or intangible assets, unfavorable trends in forecasted results of operations and cash flows, uncertain economic environment and other uncertainties. We can provide no assurance that a significant impairment charge will not occur in one or more future periods. Any such charges may materially affect our financial results.
Current wording
In accordance with acquisition accounting rules, we recorded goodwill and identifiable intangible assets associated with the acquisitions of Virgin America and Hawaiian Holdings, Inc. on our consolidated balance sheet. Goodwill was recorded to the extent the acquisition purchase prices exceeded the net fair value of tangible and identifiable intangible assets and liabilities as of the acquisition date. Goodwill and indefinite-lived intangible assets are not amortized, but are tested for impairment at least annually. We could record impairment charges in our results of operations as a result of, among other items, extreme fuel price volatility, a significant decline in the fair value of certain tangible or intangible assets, unfavorable trends in forecasted results of operations and cash flows, uncertain economic environment and other uncertainties. We can provide no assurance that a significant impairment charge will not occur in one or more future periods. Any such charges may materially affect our financial results.
Previous wording
Our success is also dependent on cultivating and maintaining a unified culture with cohesive values and goals. Much of our continued success is tied to our guest loyalty. Failure to maintain and grow the Alaska culture could strain our ability to maintain relationships with guests, suppliers, employees and other constituencies. As part of this process, we may continue to incur substantial costs for employee programs.
Current wording
Our success is also dependent on cultivating and maintaining a unified culture with cohesive values and goals. Much of our continued success is tied to our guest loyalty. Failure to maintain and grow the Air Group culture could strain our ability to maintain relationships with guests, suppliers, employees and other constituencies. As part of this process, we may continue to incur substantial costs for employee programs.
Previous wording
As part of our core business, we are required to collect, process, store and share personal and financial information from our guests and employees. Under current or future privacy legislation, we are subject to significant legal risk should we not appropriately protect that data. Our membership in theone world alliance exposes us to incremental global regulation and therefore risk. In addition, we continue to expand our reliance on third-party software providers and data processors, including cloud providers. Unauthorized access of personal and financial data via fraud or other means of deception could result in data loss, theft, modification, or unauthorized disclosure. To the extent that either we or third parties with whom we share information experience a data breach, fail to appropriately safeguard personal data, or are found to be out of compliance with applicable laws, and regulations, we could be subject to additional litigation, regulatory risks and reputational harm. Further, as regulation of the collection and storage of personal and financial information continues to evolve and increase, we may incur significant costs to bring our systems and processes into compliance.
Current wording
As part of our core business, we are required to collect, process, store and share personal and financial information from our guests and employees. Under current or future privacy legislation, we are subject to significant legal risk should we not appropriately protect that data. Our presence in international locations and our membership in theone world alliance exposes us to incremental global regulation and therefore risk. In addition, we continue to expand our reliance on third-party software providers and data processors, including cloud providers. Unauthorized access of personal and financial data via fraud or other means of deception could result in data loss, theft, modification, or unauthorized disclosure. To the extent that either we or third parties with whom we share information experience a data breach, fail to appropriately safeguard personal data, or are found to be out of compliance with applicable laws, and regulations, we could be subject to additional litigation, regulatory risks and reputational harm. Further, as regulation of the collection and storage of personal and financial information continues to evolve and increase, we may incur significant costs to bring our systems and processes into compliance.
Previous wording
•the ability to successfully integrate Hawaiian's business with ours in a manner that permits us to achieve the synergies and other benefits anticipated to result from the acquisition;
Current wording
•the inability to successfully combine the Hawaiian Airlines business with that of Alaska's in a manner that permits us to achieve anticipated net synergies and other anticipated benefits of the acquisition;
Previous wording
•managing Alaska Airlines and Hawaiian Airlines as two distinct brands under one operating certificate, a strategy that has not been implemented in the U.S. commercial airline industry;
Current wording
•managing Alaska Airlines and Hawaiian Airlines as two distinct brands, a strategy that has not been implemented in the U.S. commercial airline industry;
Rearranged previous paragraphs (3)
Previous report — wording carried elsewhere
PENDING ACQUISITION OF HAWAIIAN HOLDINGS INC.
Previous report — wording carried elsewhere
Failure to complete the acquisition could negatively impact our stock price and our future business and financial results.
Previous report — wording carried elsewhere
•limit our ability to withstand competitive pressures and reduce its flexibility in responding to changing business and economic conditions.