SEATTLE, Aug 21, 2001 (BUSINESS WIRE) -- Alaska Airlines (NYSE:ALK) announced today that it will initiate new nonstop service from Los Angeles to Calgary, Alberta this fall.

The Seattle-based airline begins once daily nonstop service to the Canadian city on November 4. Introductory fares are slated to be as low as $248 roundtrip, which includes all taxes and fees, a 60 percent discount off the current lowest fare in the market.

The carrier's daily northbound flight will depart Los Angeles at 7:44 p.m. and arrive at 11:50 p.m. Southbound service will depart Calgary at 7:15 a.m. and arrive in Los Angeles at 9:18 a.m. The airline said it would use a 140-seat Boeing MD-80 aircraft on the route configured with 12 seats in first class and 128 in coach on the route.

Founded in 1932, Alaska Airlines is the ninth largest commercial air carrier in the United States. The airline operates a fleet of 102 Boeing 737 and MD-80 jets. Its fleet ranks as the youngest amongst all major U.S. airlines and the carrier is consistently recognized in passenger surveys as one of the best of the U.S. carriers. Earlier this year the highly respected Zagat Airline Survey rated Alaska as the best major U.S. carrier. That recognition came on the heels of similar accolades from the readers of Travel & Leisure and Conde' Nast Traveler magazines, both of which also rated Alaska the best major U.S. airline.

Alaska serves more than 40 cities in the United States, Canada and Mexico. For more news and information on Alaska Airlines as well as reservations, visit http://alaskaair.com.

CONTACT:          Alaska Airlines
                  Lou Cancelmi, 206/433-3170