I was with Alaska Air then, based out of Anchorage.

We expect per share earnings at Alaska Air to increase about 8 percent, to $5.60.

Since it is principally a domestic carrier, Alaska Air will outperform the market.

For now, Alaska Air has two potential worries.

Since the management change, Alaska Air has "tried to avoid the cult of personality," Mr. Kennedy said.

Ms. Becker said the biggest challenge to Alaska Air is remaining independent.

December 12 - Alaska Air becomes the first airline to fly over the North Pole.

However, after Alaska Air declined to buy the airline in the fall of 1991, it unleashed intense competition on the airline.

On Alaska Air, you have to fly into Anchorage to go out to Nome.

He also served on the board of Alaska Air which was now based in Washington where he lived.