SEATTLE, Jan 31, 2002 (BUSINESS WIRE) -- Jeffrey D. Pinneo has been elected president and chief executive officer of Horizon Air as well as a member of the airline's board of directors.

John F. Kelly, chairman of Alaska Air Group, Inc., the parent company of Horizon Air and Alaska Airlines, made the announcement today.

"Jeff is a dynamic leader with exceptionally strong organizational and operational skills who has already made many major contributions at Horizon," said Kelly. "He not only has the talent, skill and experience, but he also has all the other qualities you expect to find in a seasoned leader. In particular, I've always been impressed with his devotion to his employees and his concern for providing quality customer service for our passengers."

Pinneo, 45, succeeds George D. Bagley who has been promoted to the new position of executive vice president of operations at Alaska Airlines.

"Jeff and I have worked closely for the past six years and I know firsthand what a quality person he is and how many positive contributions he has made to Horizon and its employees," said Bagley. "He also truly understands and appreciates the singular role that air service plays in the communities that Horizon serves."

A veteran of more than 20 years of aviation experience with both Alaska Airlines and Horizon Air, Pinneo has been vice president of customer services at Horizon since 1990. Since then, he has overseen the airline's station operations in each of the 40 cities it serves. In addition, he has directed the carrier's inflight services group, security and its food and beverage service. More than 2,000 people, about half of the airline's employees, have been under his responsibility.

Prior to joining Horizon, Pinneo served in Alaska Airlines' marketing department as director of advertising. He also was responsible for the original implementation of Alaska's frequent flyer program, then known as Gold Coast Travel, now called the Alaska Airlines Mileage Plan.

Before coming to Alaska, Pinneo worked for Evergreen International Airlines as a sales representative. He began his airline career as a flight attendant for Continental Airlines.

A graduate of the University of Washington, Pinneo holds a master's degree through the Presidential/Key Executive Master of Business Administration program at Pepperdine University.

Seattle-based Horizon Air, with hubs in Boise, Portland and Seattle, operates a fleet of 60 aircraft, including Bombardier CRJ-700 regional jets, Fokker F-28 4000 jets, and Bombardier Q200 and Q400 turboprops. The airline serves 40 cities in five Western states and Western Canada and has nearly 4,000 employees.

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

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