Tom Kemp Named Alaska Airlines' Vice President of Flight Operations

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May 21, 2015, 03:00 ET

SEATTLE, May 21, 2015 /PRNewswire/ -- Alaska Airlines' board of directors announced the election of Tom Kemp to the position of vice president of flight operations for Alaska Airlines effective July 1, replacing Gary Beck, who will retire from the airline on June 30.

Kemp is a 31-year veteran with more than 16,000 hours of flight time. During his career at Alaska, Kemp has served in a variety of positions with increasing responsibility. As the director of operations and managing director of standards, fleet and operation control, Kemp has ensured Alaska's compliance with the Federal Aviation Administration's Federal Air Regulations and company policies. He also served as system chief pilot and managing director of line flying where he was responsible for all pilots at four bases located along the West Coast and in the state of Alaska.

"Tom's commitment to safety and compliance and extensive knowledge of Alaska Airlines make him extremely well-qualified to lead flight operations and Alaska's 1,639 pilots," said Alaska Airlines Chief Operating Officer Ben Minicucci. "He is an individual who not only possesses a wealth of knowledge and experience, but his integrity and high moral standards personify our Alaska values."

Kemp earned a bachelor's degree in business administration from the U.S. Air Force Academy. He learned to fly in the Air Force at the age of 21 and went on to serve in the U.S. Air Force and Air Force Reserve for 21 years.

Prior to joining Alaska Airlines in 1987 as a captain on the MD-80 aircraft, Kemp spent four years flying for Jet America Airlines.

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 and Mexico. Alaska Airlines ranked "Highest in Customer Satisfaction Among Traditional Carriers in North America" in the J.D. Power North American 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 Alaska Airlines' newsroom at www.alaskaair.com/newsroom.

SOURCE Alaska Airlines