SEATTLE--(BUSINESS WIRE)--March 13, 2001--Alaska Airlines (NYSE:ALK) today dedicated its new Boise Reservations Sales Center.

Idaho Governor Dirk Kempthorne and Alaska Air Group CEO John F. Kelly cut the ceremonial ribbon for the center, which will create up to 200 jobs.

The state of Idaho provided a grant to assist with the training of new employees. Nearly 120 Idaho residents already are being trained to operate the center, which will receive calls from throughout the United States, Canada and Mexico.

"We appreciate the enthusiastic welcome that the people of the state of Idaho have given us," Kelly said. "Even more important than the economic partnership between Alaska Airlines and the state of Idaho are the rich human resources -- you, our new employees, and others throughout the community who share our core values of resourcefulness, caring, integrity, professionalism and spirit."

Boise Mayor Brent Coles also participated in the dedication and welcomed Alaska Airlines to Boise.

The Tsimshian Haayuuk Dancers performed Alaska Native dances at the opening. They also performed earlier in the day at the state capitol.

Alaska's new Idaho operation is expected to contribute millions of dollars to the Idaho economy. Horizon Air, which together with Alaska is owned by Alaska Air Group, already has an annual payroll in Idaho of more than $10 million.

The 14,400 square-foot facility has 126 workstations and, when in full operation, will be open from 7 a.m. to 2 a.m., seven days a week.

Alaska Airlines operates other reservations sales centers in the Seattle and Phoenix areas. Alaska Airlines and Horizon Air together serve more than 70 cities in the lower 48, Alaska, Canada and Mexico, with more than 1,000 daily departures.

For more news and information, visit the Alaska Airlines Newsroom on the Internet at http://newsroom.alaskaair.com.

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