Alaska Air meets with union members.

• Author: Pilkington, Steve
• Position: Transportation - Firm and labor groups may work cooperatively - Brief Article

Alaska Airlines Inc., a wholly owned subsidiary of Alaska Air Group Inc. (NYSE:ALK, recently met with leaders of its unions to begin a dialog over how the company and its labor groups can work cooperatively to better position the company for growth and success in the years ahead.

Alaska Airlines confirmed it is seeking to lower its cost per available seat mile, excluding fuel, to 7.25 cents by 2005. However, the company cautioned analysts and investors that this is a goal and should not, at this point, be viewed as a prediction of future performance.

The company said the aim of its cost reduction efforts is to achieve a structure that enables it to offer customers the services they want at fares they're willing to pay. It also hopes to earn a reasonable profit, to grow its business...