SEATTLE, Jun 29, 2001 (BUSINESS WIRE) -- Horizon Air's sister carrier, Alaska Airlines (NYSE:ALK), won approval recently from the U.S. Department of Transportation to begin daily nonstop service from Seattle to Reagan National Airport in Washington, D.C.

The new service is scheduled to begin in early to mid-September.

"This new route will make it more convenient for residents throughout the Pacific Northwest to visit the nation's capital," said George Bagley, Horizon Air's president and CEO.

Bagley credited the grassroots efforts of business, community, and political leaders throughout the Horizon Air route system, as well as the thousands of letters of support received from customers and employees for the success of Alaska's application to serve Reagan National.

"I first want to thank Sen. Gordon Smith and the entire Oregon congressional delegation, as well as Rep. Dennis Rehberg of Montana, for their tremendous support," Bagley said.

Bagley also extended special thanks to Gov. John Kitzhaber of Oregon, Gov. Dirk Kempthorne of Idaho, and Gov. Judy Martz of Montana, as well as legislators, mayors and other elected and appointed officials in those states.

No other carrier offers nonstop service from the Pacific Northwest to Reagan National Airport. The route builds upon the strength of Alaska's and Horizon's largest hub, Seattle, where loads will be bolstered by connecting traffic from throughout the region.

For more news and information, visit the Horizon Air Newsroom on the Internet at http://newsroom.horizonair.com.

CONTACT:          Horizon Air
                  Cheryl Temple, 206/431-4672
                  or
                  Dan Russo, 206/431-4513
                  http://newsroom.horizonair.com