Veteran Airline Industry Employee Joins Alaska Airlines' Real Estate Team

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Mar 22, 2016, 12:51 ET

SEATTLE, March 22, 2016 /PRNewswire/ -- Matt Shelby has joined Alaska Airlines as managing director of corporate real estate. He'll be responsible for the oversight of Alaska and Horizon Air's airport real estate activities, specifically in Seattle.

"Matt is a seasoned professional with extensive aviation, legal, policy and operational experience," said Karen Gruen, Alaska Airlines' vice president of real estate. "His broad background in operating and negotiating with airports, and proven track record in relationship management make him a great addition to our team."

Shelby comes to Alaska with a 20-year background in aviation and the law. He recently was director, airport affairs for United Airlines in Chicago, where he was responsible for managing real estate strategy and a substantial portion of the airline's multi-billion dollar annual corporate real estate budget. He also worked in global real estate at Continental Airlines in Houston. Prior to that, Shelby worked in private legal practice in Memphis, including time in aviation insurance defense and litigation. He also served as general manager at Air Tran Airways, Inc. in Memphis and worked for ARINC Inc., an aviation communications and engineering firm.

He holds a legal degree from the University of Memphis, Cecil C. Humphreys School of Law and a bachelor's degree in business and legal studies from Nova Southeastern University, Ft. Lauderdale.

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, Costa Rica 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