Dolphinflyer From Canada, joined May 2005, 188 posts, RR: 1 Posted (7 years 8 months 3 weeks ago) and read 3420 times:
Alaska Airlines has faced some tough times of late: poor on-time dependability, some labor unrest, etc. And yet, the airline is pretty resilient, and continues to hold a strong loyalty, esp. at their SEA homebase. When you look at how the airline's network has transformed, especially over the past few years, it seems evident that they've outgrown their name. Do you think it might be time to freshen-up the image with a new name - something like Alaska Pacific (with feeder Pacific Horizon)? Time to spruce-up the Eskimo face on the tail?
Any other thoughts on what additional routes/ new cities they should consider adding to build their market presence?
What about a Bay Area focus city to compliment the existing strongholds at SEA and LAX? Should AS focus future expansion on SFO or SJC? What is their competitive advantage in the Bay Area?
I welcome any thoughts/ideas you might have on the above.
EA CO AS From United States of America, joined Nov 2001, 12557 posts, RR: 64 Reply 2, posted (7 years 8 months 3 weeks ago) and read 3357 times:
Quoting Dolphinflyer (Thread starter): Do you think it might be time to freshen-up the image with a new name - something like Alaska Pacific (with feeder Pacific Horizon)? Time to spruce-up the Eskimo face on the tail?
Planesailing From United Kingdom, joined Jul 2005, 802 posts, RR: 0 Reply 3, posted (7 years 8 months 3 weeks ago) and read 3337 times:
Firstly you say;
Quoting Dolphinflyer (Thread starter): and continues to hold a strong loyalty, esp. at their SEA homebase.
and then go on to say;
Quoting Dolphinflyer (Thread starter): Do you think it might be time to freshen-up the image with a new name - something like Alaska Pacific (with feeder Pacific Horizon)?
I know you are only throwing ideas into the ring, but a name rebranding is the single most stupid thing they could do. The reason they have such a strong loyalty base in SEA is because of their name. People have flown them, trust them, like their services and then go back. Changing the name does nothing but cause problems.
Again rebranding is a daft idea, and the Eskimo face is historical to the origins of the airline.
Quoting Dolphinflyer (Thread starter): Any other thoughts on what additional routes/ new cities they should consider adding to build their market presence?
Certianly nothing outside the north west corridor. They should not extend their current transcon services. The reason they do well (I presume they are by the post, I dont know of their financial information) is because they act like a economics text book, and not like alot of the american carriers. They have an established region, know what those people want, offer a product they like and do it well. When you expand into unfamiliar terrotories, it causes problems, as you cannot offer 2 types of products for different people (regions have varying economic conditions and wants and needs). Its not viable to do with aircraft. So they use what they have, the new consumers dont want this, so then you run a loss making route. How long do you leave it losing money? Profit margins are never 100% of the costs, so you start losing money. How many profitable routes do you need to cover loss making routes.
Alaskas only real extensions for growth could be MT, ID, AZ, UT & NV. ONLY if they believe there is a really strong reason for such expansion, and there actually is a demand they can serve. There is no point in doing it for the sake of expanding, and trying to be like the loss making big boys.
ERJ170 From United States of America, joined Apr 2004, 6626 posts, RR: 19 Reply 5, posted (7 years 8 months 2 weeks 6 days 23 hours ago) and read 3293 times:
How about if the Eskimo was put across the entire tail section... much like BMI's tail.. I think that would be cool..
EA CO AS From United States of America, joined Nov 2001, 12557 posts, RR: 64 Reply 7, posted (7 years 8 months 2 weeks 6 days 23 hours ago) and read 3270 times:
Quoting Planesailing (Reply 3): I know you are only throwing ideas into the ring, but a name rebranding is the single most stupid thing they could do
And attempting to "fix" something that isn't broken is merely tampering.
"In this present crisis, government is not the solution to our problem - government IS the problem." - Ronald Reagan
Searpqx From Netherlands, joined Jun 2000, 4343 posts, RR: 12 Reply 8, posted (7 years 8 months 2 weeks 6 days 23 hours ago) and read 3260 times:
If I remember correctly - in the late 80s, back when the current livery was being developed, there were plans to do away with 'Chester' and replace it with something more generic to the entire west, like mountains. There was a huge uproar, not only in Alaska, but in Seattle as well, to leave the Eskimo as a major part of livery. Customer opinion won, and Chester still flies proudly today.
Quoting Planesailing (Reply 3): Certianly nothing outside the north west corridor. They should not extend their current transcon services.
Actually this is where AS has the most opportunity for growth. Slow and calculated expansion of the long hauls going east is essential to maintain growth. If I'm not mistaken, almost all of the east-west routes are strong performers.
"The two most common elements in the universe are Hydrogen and stupidity"
B6sea From United States of America, joined Aug 2005, 340 posts, RR: 0 Reply 9, posted (7 years 8 months 2 weeks 6 days 22 hours ago) and read 3178 times:
I personally think it's time for a rebrand. KEEP the eskimo but rename the airline. The name is misleading to the general public and doesnt reflect their northwest Base. Honestly IMHO there needs to be a name change for AS in the continental US so that they can attract the ignorant person on the street who thinks that AS only flies to Alaska. Just my 2 cents...
P.S. I am a big fan of AS and fly them often just so you guys dont think I wish for their ultimate downfall or anything.
L-188 From United States of America, joined Jul 1999, 29350 posts, RR: 62 Reply 10, posted (7 years 8 months 2 weeks 6 days 22 hours ago) and read 3126 times:
Quoting Searpqx (Reply 8): If I remember correctly - in the late 80s, back when the current livery was being developed, there were plans to do away with 'Chester' and replace it with something more generic to the entire west, like mountains. There was a huge uproar, not only in Alaska, but in Seattle as well, to leave the Eskimo as a major part of livery. Customer opinion won, and Chester still flies proudly today.
You remember correctly, that was the very early 1990's when the current livery came out.
I am sure that the same thing would happen again.
OBAMA-WORST PRESIDENT EVER....Even SKOORB would be better.
ASFlyer From United States of America, joined May 2005, 889 posts, RR: 4 Reply 11, posted (7 years 8 months 2 weeks 6 days 22 hours ago) and read 3114 times:
Quoting EA CO AS (Reply 7): And attempting to "fix" something that isn't broken is merely tampering
EA CO AS From United States of America, joined Nov 2001, 12557 posts, RR: 64 Reply 12, posted (7 years 8 months 2 weeks 6 days 21 hours ago) and read 3089 times:
Quoting Searpqx (Reply 8): Quoting Planesailing (Reply 3):
Certianly nothing outside the north west corridor. They should not extend their current transcon services.
Actually this is where AS has the most opportunity for growth. Slow and calculated expansion of the long hauls going east is essential to maintain growth. If I'm not mistaken, almost all of the east-west routes are strong performers.
Searpqx is exactly right - and not only that, but longhauls offer a way for AS to lower their CASM, since the overall system costs are being spread over more ASMs.
"In this present crisis, government is not the solution to our problem - government IS the problem." - Ronald Reagan
ASA_737 From United States of America, joined Nov 1999, 82 posts, RR: 0 Reply 13, posted (7 years 8 months 2 weeks 6 days 21 hours ago) and read 3076 times:
I would love to see Alaska get rid of the euro white. Maybe a silver paint job and get rid of the green in the cheat line...silver and blue could make the a/c look more modern. Keep the Mo and the current font for sure!!
ASMD80 From United States of America, joined May 2005, 126 posts, RR: 0 Reply 14, posted (7 years 8 months 2 weeks 6 days 21 hours ago) and read 3033 times:
Hmmm, I was thinking of something like this,a "retro ringer" kind of design, and possibly a more colorful look than there is now:
But really, I think it's off to a good start already with the interior. The 734/73G leather seats are excellent, and I will try the new "Spectrum" (738) seats on 9/9.
However, I know that the MD-80s really need help, particularly refurbishment in the cabin (on most a/c). Some a/c, like N982AS don't need refurbishing. Others, like N949AS, need serious help. The wall panels are ok, but everything else in the cabin (but the seats) are turing an ugly yellow.
However, still, I find flying a old, tired AS MD-82/83 in any class is actually better than flying in either coach or first on an old, tired AA 757-223 (no AA bashing intended)
Some things are actually better at 30,000+ feet...
Gentfromalaska From United States of America, joined Feb 2005, 2065 posts, RR: 2 Reply 15, posted (7 years 8 months 2 weeks 6 days 20 hours ago) and read 3016 times:
A friend inside the company tells me get alot of request to begin service at BNA.
AS pilots are some of the best trained in the industry, flying in, through and around the mountains in Alaska sometimes with very low minimums. The GPS/RNP navigation system AS uses is great technology.
Man can be taken from Alaska. Alaska can never be taken from the man.
Blackhawk144 From , joined Dec 1969, posts, RR: Reply 16, posted (7 years 8 months 2 weeks 6 days 20 hours ago) and read 2981 times:
Quoting B6sea (Reply 9): I personally think it's time for a rebrand. KEEP the eskimo but rename the airline. The name is misleading to the general public and doesnt reflect their northwest Base. Honestly IMHO there needs to be a name change for AS in the continental US so that they can attract the ignorant person on the street who thinks that AS only flies to Alaska. Just my 2 cents...
P.S. I am a big fan of AS and fly them often just so you guys dont think I wish for their ultimate downfall or anything.
PlanesNTrains From United States of America, joined Feb 2005, 4536 posts, RR: 28 Reply 17, posted (7 years 8 months 2 weeks 6 days 20 hours ago) and read 2944 times:
Quoting B6sea (Reply 9): personally think it's time for a rebrand. KEEP the eskimo but rename the airline. The name is misleading to the general public and doesnt reflect their northwest Base.
Their base is in the northwest. Everyone, and I do mean everyone, knows who Alaska Airlines is if you live in the Pacific Northwest. They are THE airline of the region.
Now, does everyone know they fly to Florida, New York, etc.? No. But changing their name will simply kill the tremendous recognition that they have in the region, and (I would guess) leave the impression that it is no longer the same great airline that people think it is.
Now, if you're talking about folks in the east, for example, who might not know who Alaska Airlines is, which would be better:
1) Advertise judiciously to educate a fair share of the traveling public in that market, particularly the business traveler, who you are?
2) Rebrand the airline, spend a fortune advertising to educate YOUR ENTIRE TRAFFIC BASE on who your are, and then still have to spend the same amount of money in the new markets to get your name out there?
I'd choose (1) in a heartbeat. And I'd save enough to buy a new 737-900ER!
Quoting ASA_737 (Reply 13): would love to see Alaska get rid of the euro white. Maybe a silver paint job and get rid of the green in the cheat line...silver and blue could make the a/c look more modern. Keep the Mo and the current font for sure!!
Tonight, one of their MD's flew over our house and banked west. My 6 year old son looked up and said, "Hey dad, ALASKA!". Why change a great and recognizable livery, which perfectly matches a great and recognizable name, just for the sake of change?
The changes in the 80's (I too remember the mountain-on-the-tail idea) were big, and they really brought the carrier's image forward. I don't see that anything about the airline's branding is tired, outdated, or unrecognizable to the traveling public.
The only thing that would change this would be if their image took a much bigger pounding than either Flight 261 or the current labor relations issue. If they had a disasterous PR debacle that killed business for a period, then it might be something they'd consider. At that point, though, you'd probably see the vultures (i.e. NW, AA, DL) move in at some level.
Wedgetail737 From United States of America, joined Aug 2003, 5526 posts, RR: 5 Reply 18, posted (7 years 8 months 2 weeks 6 days 19 hours ago) and read 2937 times:
I think AS needs to get some of their bad press off their backs right now...ie delays and employee moral issues first.
Suggesting that Alaska change its name is like suggesting that Southwest and Northwest to change their names. Everyone along the west coast (mainly) know Alaska and they should stick to it.
I would not suggest ANY changes to the Alaska brand.
Co757 From United States of America, joined Apr 2005, 94 posts, RR: 0 Reply 19, posted (7 years 8 months 2 weeks 6 days 19 hours ago) and read 2925 times:
I think they should stay with their current livery, its very tasteful and elegant!
B6sea From United States of America, joined Aug 2005, 340 posts, RR: 0 Reply 20, posted (7 years 8 months 2 weeks 6 days 19 hours ago) and read 2926 times:
L-188 From United States of America, joined Jul 1999, 29350 posts, RR: 62 Reply 21, posted (7 years 8 months 2 weeks 6 days 18 hours ago) and read 2851 times:
Quoting PlanesNTrains (Reply 17): Their base is in the northwest. Everyone, and I do mean everyone, knows who Alaska Airlines is if you live in the Pacific Northwest. They are THE airline of the region.
The only reason why AS is in Seattle is because that crooked SOB Raymond W. Marshall wanted the company closer to his NYC offices.
If you want a postive change at AS then move the HQ back to Anchorage where it belongs.
OBAMA-WORST PRESIDENT EVER....Even SKOORB would be better.
PlanesNTrains From United States of America, joined Feb 2005, 4536 posts, RR: 28 Reply 22, posted (7 years 8 months 2 weeks 6 days 18 hours ago) and read 2835 times:
Quoting L-188 (Reply 21): The only reason why AS is in Seattle is because that crooked SOB Raymond W. Marshall wanted the company closer to his NYC offices.
If you want a postive change at AS then move the HQ back to Anchorage where it belongs.
No offense, but you consistently seem to have a deep-rooted resentment (dislike? Hatred? Contempt?) for Alaska. Does their HQ in SEA really cause a problem? Just curious.
EA CO AS From United States of America, joined Nov 2001, 12557 posts, RR: 64 Reply 23, posted (7 years 8 months 2 weeks 6 days 15 hours ago) and read 2767 times:
Quoting ASFlyer (Reply 11): Quoting EA CO AS (Reply 7):
And attempting to "fix" something that isn't broken is merely tampering
You've zoomed too?
ROFL!!!
Several times - heck, I was taught to train "Zoom" !
"In this present crisis, government is not the solution to our problem - government IS the problem." - Ronald Reagan
HikesWithEyes From United States of America, joined Jan 2004, 816 posts, RR: 8 Reply 24, posted (7 years 8 months 2 weeks 6 days 7 hours ago) and read 2654 times:
Quoting PlanesNTrains (Reply 22): No offense, but you consistently seem to have a deep-rooted resentment (dislike? Hatred? Contempt?) for Alaska. Does their HQ in SEA really cause a problem? Just curious.
He does appear to feel that way, as does Lono.
Moving the HQ to ANC would seriously raise the costs of doing business.
First, benzene in my Perrier, and now this!
25 Planesailing: Just to run off as an example: I did a search for Seattle - Boston flights on the 6th October 05 and returning the following week. All prices are "fr
26 Lono: I could care less where "Alaska" has it's HQ.... I just know they are not an Alaskan airliline anymore...... they used to actually care about thier c
27 HikesWithEyes: I think it is more the other way around. The success of the lower 48 operation enables AS to continue service to a lot of places in AK. Granted, for
28 Birdbrainz: Small problem: The name "Northwest" is already taken. Oddly enough by an airline whose HQ is in the Midwest. Also taken are just about anything endin
29 PlanesNTrains: With as many different opportunities out there, you have to assume that the routes are performing well enough to retain, or they'd reposition the air
30 Planesailing: I understand the implications of a web search for fares, but it does begin to paint a picture. At the end of the day if I am consumer X, that is how
31 PITA333: Not really, it would remind me of the HA tail.
32 ASFlyer: Alaska codeshares with AA, NW, DL, CO and HA domestically and QF on some routes. Our transcon routes are doing well for us and as we move forward our
33 ANCFlyer: I, of course, have Alaskan roots. Leave Chester alone. . . he IS the image of AS. The rest of the carrier - needs some serious work on Customer Servic
34 Searpqx: But I think you're getting the wrong message. If a flight can command a higher price because it's non-stop (which it does), can run at a high load fa
35 Chugach: Seems like AS is in the process of basically re-inventing itself. I think a couple years down the road once all the bumps are ironed out, it will be g
36 AS907: I worked at ANC this summer for 7H (ERA Aviation)... and dealt with AS employees (rampers) several times a day. And compared to the Northwest employee
37 PlanesNTrains: I agree, but it doesn't break the results out by route, flight, city, etc. In the end, the only conclusion you can draw off of these numbers are a br
38 Spirtofalaska: one word, NO! Actually THATS A HELLLLLLL NO! Its fine the way it is, Why fix what's NOT broken? If ya'll think Alaska should change, i say American S
39 B6sea: I live in Seattle... believe me i know, but it was just an idea i was throwing out not a business proposal, dont beat me to a pulp just because I spo
40 PlanesNTrains: One of the down sides of an internet forum is that you can't really tell a person's tone from words, and if something isn't worded correctly, it can
41 EA CO AS: Exactly. In fact, that's one of the biggest reasons AS had problems with their schedule this summer (labor woes notwithstanding) - the summer schedul
42 B6sea: sorry 'bout the misunderstanding!. Well, technically I'm referring to the eastside (Redmond), but yes Seattle area
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