Alaska Elects Safety Vice President.

Business Editors

SEATTLE--(BUSINESS WIRE)--May 16, 2000

Alaska Air Group's board of directors today announced the selection of David Prewitt as vice president of safety for Alaska Airlines. Prewitt will report directly to Alaska Airlines Chairman and CEO, John Kelly, and will oversee all aspects of the company's safety program. Prewitt brings to Alaska over 25 years involvement with all levels of aviation and ground safety management in both military and civilian environments.

"Dave has been involved in every aspect of safety and security both in the cockpit and on the ground," said Kelly. "His exceptional credentials and experience in both civilian and military safety management provides added value to this position. Dave also has experience with program development and management, human resources, and training. We feel fortunate that Dave is joining our team," said Kelly.

Prewitt, 50, comes to Alaska from TWA where he has been serving as staff vice president, corporate safety and security. In this position, Prewitt has been responsible for all facets of the TWA safety and security program. Prewitt oversaw all safety and security activities at TWA's domestic and international stations and developed an internal audit system for operating departments at TWA, including flight operations, maintenance, inflight and airport operations. He also has been deeply involved in the Flight Operations Quality Assurance program with the FAA and TWA management. He developed TWA's current accident and incident reporting system and developed a safety information system and database.

Prewitt joined TWA in 1995 after 28 years in the United States Army. He was promoted to director, operational safety in 1996; became acting director, flight operations safety in 1997 and was promoted to staff vice president, corporate safety and security that same year.

Prewitt is also a pilot and has flown both helicopter and fixed wing aircraft. In addition to his other duties at TWA, he has been a first officer on the DC-9 aircraft.