Alaska Airlines Earns Two Safety Awards

2/27/2008 9:12 a.m.

Alaska Airlines received two awards recently in recognition of its safety practices and an accident-free year of operations in the state of Alaska.

The Alaska Air Carriers Association (AACA) honored the carrier this month at its annual convention in Fairbanks. AACA was founded in 1966 to give operators in Southeast Alaska a voice in aviation-related state legislation. Today, the group's mission is to provide safety, educational training, support and information for air carriers in the state of Alaska.

Also recently, The Medallion Foundation of Alaska has recognized Alaska Airlines as a "Shield" carrier for the fifth consecutive year. The Shield is the highest award given by the nonprofit organization, which seeks to enhance aviation safety in the state by encouraging private and commercial aircraft operators to adopt industry best practices.

More than 1,200 private pilots and 75 commercial air carriers, including Alaska Airlines, participate in the voluntary Five-Star Shield program. Alaska Airlines became the first Medallion Foundation Shield carrier when the program began in 2003, and has won awards every year since. Codeshare partners Era Aviation and PenAir also earned Shield awards in 2007 as Part 141 carriers.

With the support of the Federal Aviation Administration, the Shield program awards stars for accomplishment in five critical areas of airline safety: avoidance of controlled flight into terrain, operational control, safety program, internal audit program, and maintenance and ground service.

The number of stars indicates the effort an operator has dedicated to achieving a level of safety greater than minimum FAA requirements. Once an airline has earned all five stars, The Medallion Foundation conducts an on-site audit ensure all safety policies and procedures have been incorporated into company culture before awarding the Shield.

"It's an honor for Alaska Airlines to be recognized by the AACA and the Medallion Foundation," said Chris Glaeser, vice president of safety. "These groups are dedicated to promoting a level of safety above and beyond minimum FAA requirements."

Plaques commemorating the airline's Shield status are located in stations throughout Alaska and at the Seattle Board Room.