SEATTLE--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Oct. 1, 2001--Alaska Airlines (NYSE:ALK) announced today that it will begin installing crossbar locking devices on all its cockpit doors, pending final government approval.

The crossbar device, which is designed to hinder unauthorized access to the flight deck, is being installed on a single Boeing MD-80 aircraft tonight. Its primary component is a three-quarter-inch steel bar that can withstand a force of up to 1,500 pounds.

Installation on the remainder of Alaska's 102-aircraft fleet could begin later this week pending a final review and certification of the new locking device by the FAA.

Alaska expects to be completed with the installations within 30 days.

The new crossbar device is just one of several measures the airline is taking to enhance cockpit security. For more news and information, visit the Alaska Airlines Newsroom on the Internet at http://newsroom.alaskaair.com.

--30--kmw/se*