Horizon Air

Horizon Air is a regional airline based in SeaTac, Washington, and a wholly owned subsidiary of Alaska Air Group. Rather than selling most flights directly under its own commercial brand, Horizon provides aircraft, flight crews, maintenance, and operational services for Alaska Airlines. Alaska schedules, markets, prices, and sells the flights, while Horizon operates the aircraft. Horizon aircraft are consequently presented primarily in Alaska Airlines branding, with smaller Horizon identifiers used to distinguish the operator from Alaska’s other regional partner, SkyWest Airlines. The airline was established in May 1981 by Milt Kuolt, Joe Clark, and Bruce McCaw. Its original concept contemplated service to Hawaii, but the founders redirected the business toward connecting communities in Washington state. Horizon began flying on September 1, 1981, using three Fairchild F-27 turboprops. Its first route linked Yakima with Seattle–Tacoma International Airport, followed shortly by service between Pasco and Seattle. The company initially operated from modest offices near Sea-Tac Airport and expanded through acquisitions, including Air Oregon in 1982 and an agreement to acquire Transwestern Airlines in 1983. Horizon introduced jet equipment during the 1980s and pursued alliances to broaden its network. It became an international carrier with service to Calgary in 1986 and later expanded to Vancouver and Victoria. The airline completed an initial public offering in 1985, entered a codeshare arrangement with United Airlines, and ordered new de Havilland Canada Dash 8 aircraft. After Alaska Air Group acquired Horizon in 1986, Horizon continued for many years as a separately branded regional carrier while sharing traffic and marketing arrangements with Alaska Airlines and, at different times, Northwest Airlines. The company experimented with several aircraft types. It was the launch customer for the Dornier 328 turboprop, receiving twelve aircraft between 1993 and 1995, but retired the type relatively quickly as it standardized on the Dash 8 family. Between 2004 and 2007, Horizon also operated Bombardier CRJ700 regional jets for Frontier Airlines. Its fleet and business arrangements changed substantially after Alaska Air Group decided in 2010 to end Horizon’s standalone regional-airline model. Beginning January 1, 2011, Horizon moved to a capacity purchase agreement with Alaska Airlines. Its public brand was retired, and its aircraft adopted an Alaska-branded livery with a small Horizon mark. Alaska also transferred Horizon’s five CRJ700 aircraft to SkyWest, leaving Horizon focused on turboprop operations. In 2016, Horizon announced an order for 30 Embraer 175 aircraft, returning regional jets to its fleet and supporting Alaska’s network growth. Rapid expansion created serious operational pressure in 2017. A shortage of qualified pilots led to cancellations, delays in aircraft deliveries, and the transfer of some flying from Horizon to SkyWest. Horizon and Alaska responded with higher pilot compensation and career-progression initiatives. Dave Campbell left the chief executive role in January 2018, Gary Beck became chief executive, and former Horizon executive Joe Sprague returned as president in 2019. Today, Horizon’s role is principally that of an operating platform within Alaska Air Group. Its network has historically concentrated on smaller and mid-sized communities in the western United States, with selected Canadian destinations. The company’s customer-facing service resembles Alaska Airlines’ regional product, including main-cabin, premium, and first-class offerings on appropriate aircraft, onboard refreshments, and inflight connectivity where equipped. Horizon’s strategic value is its ability to provide frequent regional connectivity while allowing Alaska Airlines to retain commercial control of the schedule and customer relationship.

Horizon Air was formed in Washington state in May 1981 by Milt Kuolt, Joe Clark, and Bruce McCaw. The founders initially considered Hawaiian service, but changed direction and focused on short-haul routes connecting communities in Washington. Operations began on September 1, 1981, with three Fairchild F-27 aircraft. Yakima–Seattle was the first route, followed by Pasco–Seattle service. The young airline faced financial pressure and attempted to improve its position through consolidation. It acquired Air Oregon in June 1982, and in 1983 agreed to purchase Transwestern Airlines of Utah. Horizon introduced its first owned jet, a Fokker F28, in 1984, although it had previously operated a wet-leased Douglas DC-9. An initial public offering in 1985 provided operating capital. That year the airline began a codeshare relationship with United Airlines and ordered new de Havilland Canada Dash 8-100 turboprops. Horizon expanded beyond Washington during the second half of the decade. It began Calgary service in January 1986 and became an international carrier. Alaska Air Group agreed to acquire the airline in November 1986, with regulatory approval completed later that year. Horizon remained a distinct operating company and brand, but its principal strategic relationship became its codeshare and commercial partnership with Alaska Airlines. Codeshare arrangements with Northwest Airlines followed in 1988, and service to Vancouver and Victoria began in 1989. The fleet evolved through experiments with jet and turboprop equipment. Horizon was the launch customer for the Dornier 328 turboprop and received twelve examples between 1993 and 1995. The aircraft and remaining Metroliners were retired in the late 1990s as the airline sought greater fleet commonality around the Dash 8 family. From 2004 to 2007, Horizon operated CRJ700 aircraft for Frontier Airlines, demonstrating that its business could support flying for carriers beyond Alaska. A major structural change came in late 2010. Alaska Air Group concluded that regional flying should be organized through capacity purchase agreements, under which the mainline carrier controls commercial decisions and the regional operator supplies the operating platform. Starting January 1, 2011, Horizon ceased functioning as a separately marketed airline. Its aircraft adopted Alaska branding, while Horizon continued to provide crews, operations, and maintenance. Alaska transferred Horizon’s five CRJ700 aircraft to SkyWest, leaving Horizon with an all-Q400 fleet. The company reintroduced regional jets after announcing a 30-aircraft Embraer 175 order in April 2016. The subsequent growth period exposed the vulnerability of the regional-airline labor model. In 2017, Horizon suffered a major pilot shortage, producing cancellations and delayed aircraft deliveries. Alaska moved some flying to SkyWest, while Horizon increased pilot pay and worked with Alaska on advancement opportunities. Dave Campbell departed as chief executive in January 2018, Gary Beck took over, and Joe Sprague returned as president in 2019. Horizon has also been associated with several serious aviation incidents. A 1986 hijacking ended without fatalities after the pilot persuaded the hijacker to stop for refueling. In 1988, a Dash 8 crashed during an emergency landing attempt at Sea-Tac after an engine fire; four people sustained serious injuries, but there were no deaths. In 1990, a Metroliner made an emergency descent after a window failure, with one passenger injured. In 2018, a ground employee stole a Q400 from Sea-Tac and later crashed it on Ketron Island, killing himself. In 2023, an off-duty pilot allegedly attempted to interfere with the engines of a Horizon-operated Embraer 175, resulting in criminal charges and subsequent civil litigation. Horizon’s present identity is therefore less a conventional consumer airline brand than an operating subsidiary. Its aircraft and crews support Alaska Airlines’ regional schedule, especially in western U.S. markets. The Horizon name remains relevant for corporate, regulatory, employment, and operational purposes, while the passenger-facing brand is generally Alaska Airlines.

• 2019

  Joe Sprague returns as president

  [1]Horizon Airen.wikipedia.org

  Former Horizon executive Joe Sprague returned to the company as president.

• 2018

  Sea-Tac aircraft theft

  [1]Horizon Airen.wikipedia.org

  A ground service agent stole a Q400 from Sea-Tac; the aircraft later crashed on Ketron Island.

• 2016

  Embraer 175 order

  [1]Horizon Airen.wikipedia.org

  The airline ordered 30 Embraer 175 aircraft to support renewed regional-jet growth.

• 2011

  Standalone Horizon brand retired

  [1]Horizon Airen.wikipedia.org

  Horizon moved to a capacity purchase agreement model and its aircraft adopted Alaska Airlines branding.

• 1993

  Dornier 328 launch customer

  [1]Horizon Airen.wikipedia.org

  Horizon began receiving Dornier 328 turboprops, though the type was later retired during fleet standardization.

• 1986

  Acquired by Alaska Air Group

  [1]Horizon Airen.wikipedia.org

  Alaska Air Group acquired Horizon, which continued operating as a separate regional airline for many years.

• 1985

  Initial public offering and United codeshare

  [1]Horizon Airen.wikipedia.org

  Horizon raised capital through an IPO and entered its first codeshare agreement with United Airlines.

• 1982

  Air Oregon acquisition

  [1]Horizon Airen.wikipedia.org

  Horizon acquired Air Oregon as part of an effort to consolidate regional operations and reduce losses.

• 1981

  Horizon Air begins operations

  [1]Horizon Airen.wikipedia.org

  The airline launched scheduled service with Fairchild F-27 aircraft, initially connecting Yakima and Pasco with Seattle.

Regional airline operating partner and capacity provider within Alaska Air Group

• Scheduled air transportation · 1981

  Regional passenger flights

  Horizon operates scheduled regional flights principally on behalf of Alaska Airlines. The service links smaller and mid-sized communities with Alaska’s broader network, particularly in the western United States and selected Canadian markets. Customers generally purchase the flights through Alaska Airlines rather than directly from a separately marketed Horizon brand.

• Regional jet · 2016

  Embraer 175

  The Embraer 175 is Horizon’s principal regional-jet platform in its modern fleet. Aircraft used for Alaska Airlines are configured with multiple cabin classes, allowing Horizon-operated flights to provide a product closer to Alaska’s mainline service than a basic single-class commuter operation.

• Turboprop aircraft · 2011

  Bombardier Q400

  The Q400 formed the core of Horizon’s fleet after the 2011 transfer of its CRJ700 aircraft to SkyWest. The turboprop was suited to short regional sectors and smaller airports, and some aircraft carried heritage or destination-themed liveries.

• 2024

  Flight attendant harassment lawsuit

  A Horizon flight attendant sued the airline, alleging repeated sexual harassment by two pilots and inadequate action by human resources. The available reference material does not establish the final disposition.

  Source

• 2023

  Flight 2059 cockpit interference incident

  An off-duty pilot traveling in the cockpit jumpseat allegedly tried to activate both engine fire-extinguisher handles on a Horizon-operated Embraer 175. The operating crew restrained him and diverted the aircraft to Portland; criminal charges and civil litigation followed.

  Source

• 2018

  Sea-Tac Q400 theft and fatal crash

  A Horizon ground service agent took an unoccupied Q400 from Seattle–Tacoma International Airport without authorization. After an extended interaction with air traffic control, the aircraft crashed on Ketron Island, killing the only person aboard.

  Source

Read more

• 2019Horizon heritage livery

  United States

  Horizon placed a heritage-themed paint scheme on a Q400, using traditional Horizon colors and its former sunset-tail identity to recognize the airline’s history after the public brand had been retired.

  Outcome. The aircraft operated as a heritage-marketing and commemorative asset within Alaska’s network.

  Source

• 2017

  Respond to regional pilot shortageStrategy

  Background

  Rapid fleet growth coincided with experienced regional pilots moving to better-paying mainline carriers, producing cancellations and delayed aircraft deliveries.

  Action taken

  Horizon increased flight-crew compensation and worked with Alaska on career advancement pathways; Alaska also shifted some flying to SkyWest.

  Aftermath

  The measures addressed capacity pressure, but 2017 remained a period of significant operational disruption and leadership change.

  • SkyWest Airlines — SkyWest received additional Alaska flying and ordered more Embraer 175 aircraft for that work.

  Source

• 2016

  Order Embraer 175 regional jetsProduct launch

  Background

  Alaska’s network expansion created demand for additional regional capacity after Horizon had been concentrated on turboprop operations.

  Action taken

  Horizon ordered 30 Embraer 175 aircraft and resumed regional-jet growth.

  Aftermath

  The expansion contributed to a sharp increase in staffing and operational requirements, which became difficult to manage during the 2017 pilot shortage.

  Source

• 2011

  Adopt capacity purchase agreement modelStrategy

  Background

  Regional airlines increasingly operated aircraft for larger carriers under agreements that separated flying operations from commercial control. Alaska Air Group decided to apply this structure to Horizon.

  Action taken

  Horizon stopped operating as a separately marketed regional brand, while continuing to staff, fly, and maintain aircraft for Alaska Airlines. Alaska assumed responsibility for scheduling, marketing, and pricing.

  Aftermath

  Horizon aircraft adopted Alaska branding and the Horizon name became primarily an operating-company identity.

  • SkyWest Airlines — Alaska entered a comparable capacity purchase agreement with SkyWest and transferred Horizon’s CRJ700 aircraft to that operator.

  Source

• 2017

  Pilot shortage disrupts Horizon operations[1]Horizon Airen.wikipedia.org

  Other · Leadership change

  Rapid growth and a regional-airline pilot shortage caused cancellations, delivery delays, and a transfer of some flying to SkyWest.

• 2016

  Horizon orders Embraer 175 aircraft[1]Horizon Airen.wikipedia.org

  Product launch

  Horizon announced an order for 30 Embraer 175 regional jets as Alaska expanded its regional network.

• 2011

  Horizon Air shifts to Alaska Airlines capacity purchase model[1]Horizon Airen.wikipedia.org

  Other

  Alaska Air Group retired Horizon’s standalone public brand and placed its flying under a capacity purchase agreement with Alaska Airlines.

1. 1Horizon Airen.wikipedia.org
2. 2Horizon Air official websitehorizonair.com