ALASKA AIR GROUP INC

Current report

See Part I, Item 1A. "Risk Factors," in our 2024 Form 10-K for a detailed discussion of risk factors affecting Alaska Air Group.

Previous report

If any of the following occurs, our business, financial condition, and results of operations could be harmed. The trading price of our common stock could also decline. We operate in a continually changing business environment. In this environment, new risks may emerge, and already identified risks may vary significantly in terms of impact and likelihood of occurrence. Management cannot predict such developments, nor can it assess the impact, if any, on our business of such new risk factors or of events described in any forward-looking statements.

Previous report

We have adopted an enterprise-wide risk analysis and oversight program designed to identify the various risks faced by the organization, assign responsibility for managing those risks to individual executives, and align these risks with Board oversight. These enterprise-wide risks align to the risk factors discussed below.

Previous report

SAFETY, COMPLIANCE, AND OPERATIONAL EXCELLENCE

Previous report

Our reputation and financial results could be harmed in the event of an airline accident or incident.

Previous report

An accident or incident involving one of our aircraft or an aircraft operated by one of our commercial partners or CPA carriers could involve loss of life and result in a loss of confidence in our Company by the flying public and/or aviation authorities. We could experience significant claims from injured passengers, bystanders and surviving relatives, as well as costs for the repair or replacement of a damaged aircraft and temporary or permanent loss from service. We maintain liability insurance in amounts and of the type generally consistent with industry practice, as do our commercial partners and CPA carriers. However, the amount of such coverage may not be adequate to fully cover all claims, and we may be forced to bear substantial economic losses from such an event. Substantial claims resulting from an accident in excess of our related insurance coverage would harm our business and financial results. Moreover, any aircraft accident or incident, even if it is fully insured or does not involve one of our aircraft, could cause a public perception that our airlines or the aircraft we or our partners fly are less safe or reliable than other transportation alternatives. This would harm our business.

Previous report

Our operations are often affected by factors beyond our control, including delays, cancellations, and other conditions, which could harm our business, financial condition, and results of operations.

Previous report

As is the case for all airlines, our operations often are affected by delays, cancellations and other conditions caused by factors largely beyond our control.

Previous report

Factors that might impact our operations include:

Previous report

•congestion, construction, space constraints at airports, and/or air traffic control problems, all of which many restrict flow;

Previous report

•lack of adequate staffing or other resources within critical third parties;

Previous report

•adverse weather conditions and natural disasters;

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•lack of operational approval (e.g. new routes, aircraft deliveries, etc.);

Previous report

•contagious illness and fear of contagion;

Previous report

•increased security measures or breaches in security;

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•changes in international treaties concerning air rights;

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•international or domestic conflicts or terrorist activity;

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•random acts of violence on our aircraft or at airports;

Previous report

•interference by modernized telecommunications equipment with aircraft navigation technology;

Previous report

•disruption, failure, or inadequacy of systems or infrastructure under the control of third parties, including government entities; and

Previous report

•other changes in business conditions.

Previous report

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 report

We rely on vendors and third parties for certain critical activities and sourcing, which could expose us to disruptions in our operation or unexpected cost increases.

Previous report

We rely on vendors for a variety of services and functions critical to our business, including airframe and engine maintenance, regional flying, ground handling, fueling, computer reservation system hosting, telecommunication systems, information technology infrastructure and services, and deicing, among others. We also rely on government-controlled systems such as air traffic control technology that could malfunction for reasons out of our control.

Previous report

Our use of outside vendors increases our exposure to several risks. Even though we strive to formalize agreements with these vendors that define expected service levels, we may not have the ability to influence change with all vendors. In the event that one or more vendors go into bankruptcy, ceases operation, or fails to perform as promised, for reasons such as supply chain delays, or workforce shortages, replacement services may not be readily available at competitive rates, or at all. If one of our vendors fails to perform adequately, we may experience increased costs, delays, maintenance issues, safety issues, or negative public perception of our airline. Vendor bankruptcies, unionization, regulatory compliance issues, or significant changes in the competitive marketplace among suppliers could adversely affect vendor services or force us to renegotiate existing agreements on less favorable terms. These events could result in disruptions in our operations or increases in our cost structure.

Previous report

Impacts of climate change, including physical and transition risks, as well as market responses, may have a material adverse result on our operations and financial position.

Previous report

Concerns regarding climate change, including the impacts of a gradual increase in global temperatures leading to more severe weather conditions, continue to rise. Increased frequency or duration of extreme weather conditions could cause significant and prolonged impacts to our operation, disrupt our supply chain, and influence consumer travel decisions. These disruptions may result in increased operating costs and lost revenue should we be unable to operate our published schedules. Additionally, we have made commitments to reduce our greenhouse gas emissions which may require us to make significant investments in emerging and yet unproven technologies. Should these technologies not prove ready, not gain approval, or not be sufficiently available for use in our operation, our results of operations may be adversely impacted, and we may be required to direct new investments to different technologies. Public interest in U.S. airlines' response to climate change has continued to grow. Failure to address the concerns of our guests and our shareholders may lead to a reduction in demand for our services, including both leisure and business travel, in favor of competitors that customers perceive to be more sustainable. This could adversely impact our financial position, our results of operations, or our stock price.

Previous report

The airline industry continues to face potential security concerns and related costs.

Previous report

Terrorist attacks, the fear of such attacks or other hostilities involving the U.S. could have a significant negative effect on the airline industry, including us, and could:

Previous report

•significantly reduce passenger traffic and yields as a result of a dramatic drop in demand for air travel;

Previous report

•significantly increase security and insurance costs;

Previous report

•make war risk or other insurance unavailable or extremely expensive;

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•increase fuel costs and the volatility of fuel prices;

Previous report

•increase costs from airport shutdowns, flight cancellations, and delays resulting from security breaches and perceived safety threats; and

Previous report

•result in a grounding of commercial air traffic by the FAA.

Previous report

The occurrence of any of these events would harm our business, financial condition, and results of operations.

Previous report

COMPETITION AND STRATEGY

Previous report

The airline industry is highly competitive and susceptible to price discounting and changes in capacity, which could have a material adverse effect on our business. If we cannot successfully compete in the marketplace, our business, financial condition, and operating results will be materially adversely affected.

Previous report

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 report

We strive toward maintaining and improving our competitive cost structure by setting aggressive unit cost-reduction goals. This is an important part of our business strategy of offering the best value to our guests through low fares while achieving acceptable profit margins and return on capital. If we are unable to maintain our cost advantage over the long-term and achieve sustained targeted returns on invested capital, we will likely not be able to grow our business in the future or weather industry downturns. Therefore, our financial results may suffer.

Previous report

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.