Alaska ("pinch hitting for original aircraft") or SkyWest?
January 23rd, or January 26th? Did the flame cool its heels for a few days?
Pre-Olympic PR oneupsmanship at its best.
- RWM
--
- R.W. Mann & Company, Inc. >> Airline Industry Analysis
Port Washington, NY 11050 >> tel 516-944-0900, fax -7280
mailto:RWM@RWMann.com >> URL http://www.RWMann.com/
"Wednesday January 23, 8:50 pm Eastern Time
Press Release
SOURCE: Alaska Airlines
Alaska Airlines Pinch Hits and Carries Olympic Flame
SEATTLE--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Jan. 23, 2002--In a feat befitting a gold medal,
Alaska Airlines -- via its pioneering high-tech navigation technology -- is
assuring that the Olympic Flame makes its first ever trip to the state of
Alaska.
Because of adverse weather in Juneau, the ability of the originally scheduled
charter to deliver the flame became uncertain. Alaska Airlines' aircraft are
equipped with a special navigation system, called RNP, or Required Navigational
Performance, that enables them to land in Juneau under such conditions. Alaska
pioneered the use of RNP -- in Juneau, no less -- five years ago.
When it became uncertain that the original aircraft would be able to land in
Juneau, Olympic committee representatives called Alaska for help.
As fate would have it, two Alaska employees are scheduled to carry the Olympic
Torch in Juneau tomorrow.
``We've had to jump a lot of hurdles in only a few hours,'' said Steve
Cunningham, Alaska's director of systems operations control, speaking of the
approvals needed to carry the flame on a passenger flight. ``But of course we
wanted to make sure the Olympic Flame makes the Alaska segment of the relay.''
The flame will be carried aboard Flight 69, scheduled to depart Seattle at 7:03
p.m. and arrive in Juneau at 8:48 p.m.
To assure that the Olympic Flame is not extinguished between the time it is lit
on Mount Olympus in Greece and when it lights the cauldron in Salt Lake City,
four separate flames are kept burning. Two of those flames will be on the Alaska
Airlines flight, while the other two are still scheduled to be carried on the
original charter flight, with the hope that it can land in Juneau.
As a token of thanks for Alaska's effort, the Olympic Committee will be giving a
torch to the airline.
Alaska Airlines originally developed an RNP approach for Juneau because of the
frequent inclement weather, for which southeast Alaska is known, and the
mountainous terrain surrounding the Alaska capital. Following Juneau, the
airline expanded use of RNP throughout southeast Alaska, and is currently
working to bring it to airports in the Lower 48.
With its first-in-the-world integration of the global positioning system (GPS)
with flight deck computers and autopilot, Alaska's RNP guarantees pinpoint
navigation accuracy."
--OR--
"Saturday January 26, 2:41 pm Eastern Time
Press Release
SOURCE: Delta Air Lines and SkyWest Airlines
Delta Connection Carries Olympic Flame to Alaska in Historic Flight
ST. GEORGE, Utah, Jan. 26 /PRNewswire/ -- In a history making flight, Delta
Connection - SkyWest Airlines landed in Juneau, Alaska, early Thursday morning
with the Olympic Flame burning brightly. Touchdown in the Capital City marked
the first time that the Flame has visited the largest state in our nation.
Flights into Juneau are traditionally difficult with terrain and weather
combining to prevent many airlines from utilizing the airport. The historic
landing was accomplished by a highly trained flight crew, utilizing
state-of-the-art technology aboard a Canadair Regional Jet (CRJ) painted with a
special Olympic theme. The gold and blue colors in the design represent the sun
and mountains of Utah and reflect themes found in the Salt Lake City Olympic
Logo.
Upon arrival, the flight was welcomed by Mayor Sally Smith. SkyWest President
and CEO, Jerry Atkin, presented the Flame to Senator Ben Stevens, who ignited
the Torch to begin the first Torch run in Juneau.
``SkyWest, as a Delta Connection carrier, is proud to have the privilege of
bringing the Olympic Flame to Alaska,'' said Atkin upon being welcomed to
Juneau. ``The flame reflects goodwill, strength, and determination, and has
traveled over 10,000 miles to bring the Olympic Spirit to Juneau. We are honored
to play a part in Olympic history.''
The 2002 Olympic Torch Relay presented by Coca-Cola and Chevrolet began at the
airport and traveled through the streets of Juneau before being greeted by
Native American Tlingit dancers at Juneau Harbor, where it was loaded aboard a
dug-out canoe. After crossing the Gastineau Channel by canoe, the Relay
continued through the city and ended at Centennial Park, where the community
again celebrated the arrival of this symbol of the Olympic Spirit.
Finally, the Olympic Flame was again placed aboard the Delta Connection jet and
was flown to Spokane, Washington. The Flame was greeted by city officials and
welcomed to Spokane as the Torch Relay resumed its course towards the 2002
Olympic Winter Games in Salt Lake City, Utah."