Link with Air India likely. Alaska is recognised as a major player.

Alaska Airlines appoints Indian GSA

To ramp up interline agreements with India-bound Pan-Atlantic carriers

INDIAN EXPRESS

June 7, 2006

Alaska Airlines recently established a local sales presence by appointing travel agency ETA as its nationwide GSA. The airline, which is essentially a pan-North American carrier, is also in talks at various stages with carriers connecting India across the Atlantic. Significantly among them is Air India, which recently evinced interest in ramping up flights to the US. An exclusive website for Indian passengers is already in the pipeline.

Susan McKenzie, manager (Charter and International Sales), Alaska Airlines, said, "One of the biggest misconceptions about our airline is that it is restricted to Alaska. But we have a strong pan-North American network covering the entire continent with Seattle as our hub. We are currently in talks with airlines connecting the US to India, especially Air India."

Alaska Airlines has cited a rise in VFR, tourism and business traveller traffic from India to the US and the recent open skies agreement between the two countries as an ideal time to have a local presence. "All airlines connecting North America to India have codeshare agreements with Alaska Airlines but many sections of the Indian travel trade till now either didn't know about the airline or were under the typical misconception. A GSA presence should change that."

Ian Quatermaine, director (International Business Development), Alaska Airlines, added, "Our carrier is American Airlines' biggest codeshare partner and considering the latter's entry into India this year, it places us well in this market. With our connectivity between the US, Canada and Mexico, we will invite Convention and Visitors Bureaus (CVB) of individual American states."

McKenzie said that as far as agent commissions go, Alaska Airlines will follow the industry benchmark. She also emphasised that while Alaska Airline was not insulated from the realities of a still smarting aviation industry in America, she said, "We'd like to think of ourselves as aberrant to the minimal level of service that most American carriers are offering. While we will compete on price vis-à-vis value, the flying experience itself will be a selling point. We will also like to keep the fares simple under the Common Sense Fares structure." The airline also expects to drive sales online and up sell its technology-geared conveniences like check-in kiosks at terminals.