Alaska Air to add 3K jobs in 2019, mostly in Washington

Alaska Air Group says it plans to add more than 3,000 jobs in 2019. About three quarters of that growth will happen in Washington state.

“An airline needs great planes, but also great people. We’re thankful for the community here in our home state that is producing diverse talent and strong local partnerships,” said Andy Schneider, Alaska Airlines vice president of people. “Together, we’re building long-term, sustainable growth across Washington and, most importantly, giving the next generation a chance to succeed.”

The expansion comes shortly after Alaska hired its 10,000th employee.

The Seattle-based airline group says the new jobs will include maintenance technicians, airport operations, customer service, cargo specialists, flight attendants, and pilots. The company says most of the openings will not require previous airline experience.

Included in the announcement Monday:

• A study commissioned by the airline found that employment at Alaska Airlines and Horizon Air grew by about 35 percent at the Seattle hub between 2013 and 2017.
• Alaska’s total employment impact in Washington increased by 42 percent over the past five years.
• It’s economic impact to Washington’s economy is estimated at $7 billion.
• Alaska has spent about $2.4 billion on Boeing places over the past five years.

The company employed about 8,500 people in California, Oregon, and Alaska in 2017, with a total nationwide workforce of 21,300.

MyNorthwest and KIRO 7 contributed to this report.