Alaska Seeks Authority to Serve Manzanillo/Costalegre.

SEATTLE--(BUSINESS WIRE)--June 3, 1999--

Alaska Airlines, a subsidiary of Alaska Air Group (NYSE:ALK) has filed an application with the U.S. Department of Transportation to begin nonstop round-trip service between Los Angeles and Manzanillo/Costalegre, Mexico.

The service, which is planned to commence Oct. 25, will operate three times weekly with 140-seat Boeing MD-80 aircraft. Alaska Airlines will offer convenient nonstop service between Los Angeles and Manzanillo on Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays, with excellent connections from the Pacific Northwest, Canada and Alaska.

"If your prescription for a perfect vacation calls for palm trees, sportsfishing and dramatic sunsets among other things, then Manzanillo/Costalegre is just what the doctor ordered," said Gregg Saretsky, Alaska's vice president of marketing and planning. "This double destination offers a wide variety of experiences and accommodations. If you're looking for luxury at an affordable price, this area certainly delivers."

Ana Laura Acevedo de Seville, administrative director for the Manzanillo Tourism Trust, concurred. "We are very pleased that Alaska Airlines will be flying to Manzanillo/Costalegre," Acevedo de Seville said. "Even if you've experienced Mexico before, you'll find that our destination is different than any place else you've ever been."

Manzanillo is located on the west coast of the Mexican mainland, about 120 miles southeast of Puerto Vallarta. Alaska Airlines began flying to Mexico in 1988 and currently serves Los Cabos, Mazatlan, Puerto Vallarta, Ixtapa/Zihuatanejo and La Paz. For reservations, call your travel agent, or call Alaska's toll-free reservation line at 1-800-ALASKAAIR (800/252-7522). Or visit Alaska Airlines on the Internet at www.alaskaair.com.