Originally Posted by
9mikemike
Not sure about Alaska Airlines being too vital any longer . More a condition of the state of Alaska. Steady loss of high value oil and mining exploration and production. Steady loss of high value timber and fishing industry. Being replaced by low value tourism and service based economies. Drives down demand for high cost air service and provides for a more affordable although slower marine and over the road service.
It’ll take a lot for oil and fishing to loose enough value to affect Alaska’s “vital-ness” to the state. Especially since they serve Juneau and several EAS routes.