SEATTLE, Jan. 3 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- Alaska Airlines announced today that Elizabeth Ryan has been named managing director of labor relations - air. She is responsible for overseeing the relationship between Alaska and its pilot, dispatcher and flight attendant unions.

Ryan, who joined Alaska Airlines in 1998, has more than 20 years of experience in the airline industry in a variety of labor relations roles, representing company and union positions. She is a member of the management team currently negotiating with the Air Line Pilots Association (ALPA) on a new contract and previously served as a negotiator for the 2005 contract with the Aircraft Mechanics Fraternal Association (AMFA) and the 2002 contract with the Transport Workers Union.

Ryan also has negotiated settlements with AMFA and the Association of Flight Attendants, and has worked closely with labor groups on several grievance and arbitration issues, including several expedited arbitrations with ALPA.

"Elizabeth has a strong track record and reputation for working successfully and cooperatively with airline labor unions in collective bargaining negotiations to serve the interests of both parties," said Dennis Hamel, Alaska Airlines' vice president of human resources and labor relations. "She'll be a true asset in this key position."

Before joining Alaska, Ryan represented Flying Tiger and Federal Express flight attendants in several union leadership positions and served as a flight attendant for more than 12 years.

Alaska Airlines and Horizon Air together serve 92 cities through an expansive network throughout Alaska, the Lower 48, Hawaii, Canada and Mexico. For reservations visit alaskaair.com. For more news and information, visit the Alaska Airlines/Horizon Air Newsroom at alaskaair.com/newsroom.

CONTACT: Amanda Tobin Bielawski, +1-206-392-5134, or Caroline Boren,
+1-206-392-5799, both of Alaska Airlines

Web site: http://www.alaskaair.com/