Alaska Airlines to form new ground handling subsidiary

Alaska Airlines plans to form a wholly owned subsidiary, McGee Air Services, a dedicated airline services company to provide ground handling, aircraft cleaning and airport mobility services. Initially, the company will provide airline services for Alaska Airlines. McGee Air Services will operate as a vendor for the carrier and will compete for Alaska contracts in select cities. As the company develops the infrastructure and processes, McGee Air Services will evaluate opportunities to serve other airlines. Alaska Airlines COO Ben Minicucci said the carrier has “recognised the need to have more options when it comes to ground handling, aircraft cleaning and wheelchair services.” <br/>