Alaska Airlines Names New Managing Director, Station Operations

SEATTLE, Jan. 20, 2016 /PRNewswire/ -- Alaska Airlines has named 18-year Alaska Airlines' veteran Matt Prainito managing director of airport operations. In his new role, Prainito will coordinate regional directors, overseeing airport operations and lead customer service across 6 operating regions – except Seattle.

"Award winning customer service is central to Alaska's identity," said Jeff Butler, Alaska Airlines' vice president, airport operations and customer service. "Matt is a savvy and determined leader who truly embodies the customer-oriented spirit of Alaska Airlines. His loyalty to his employees and his reputation as a supportive and genuine leader within his department has fostered a strong culture of collaboration among and across divisions and with partners at Horizon Air."

Previously, Prainito served as director of airport operations for Washington, Oregon and northern California.  In this role, Prainito was responsible for day to day performance of 17 West Coast airport regions, which included on-time performance, staffing, station budgeting and safety compliance. During this time, he received the Alaska Airlines Leadership Award in 2012, based on his frontline experience and unparalleled knowledge of customer service strategies. Matt began his career in Los Angeles, as a customer service agent, quickly earning himself the esteem of his colleagues and moving progressively upward into leadership roles with Alaska since joining the company in 1997.

Prainito, who is also a private pilot, graduated from the International Air Academy in Ontario, California, in 1997.

Alaska Airlines, a subsidiary of Alaska Air Group (NYSE: ALK), together with its partner regional airlines, serves more than 100 cities through an expansive network in the United States, Canada, Mexico and Costa Rica. Alaska Airlines ranked "Highest in Customer Satisfaction Among Traditional Carriers in North America" in the J.D. Power North America Airline Satisfaction Study for eight consecutive years from 2008 to 2015. Alaska Airlines' Mileage Plan also ranked "Highest in Customer Satisfaction with Airline Loyalty Rewards Programs" in the J.D. Power 2014 and 2015 Airline Loyalty/Rewards Program Satisfaction Report. For reservations, visit www.alaskaair.com. For more news and information, visit the Alaska Airlines Newsroom at www.alaskaair.com/newsroom.

SOURCE Alaska Airlines