UNITED STATES

SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

Washington, D.C. 20549

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March 26, 202124, 2023

Dear Stockholders:Shareholders:

On behalf of the Board of Directors, we invite you to attend Alaska Air Group’s 20212023 Annual Meeting of Stockholders,Shareholders, which will be held on Thursday, May 6, 2021,4, 2023, beginning at 1 p.m.11:00 a.m. Pacific Daylight Time. This year’s annual meetingAnnual Meeting will be conducted via live webcast only. You can attend via the Internetonline at www.proxyvote.com,www.virtualshareholdermeeting.com/alk2023, where you will be able to vote and submit questions electronically prior to and during the meeting. Specific instructions for accessing the meeting are provided in the notice, proxy card or voting instruction form you received.

In addition to the EDGAR versionour proxy materials posted at www.proxyvote.com, you can access a copy of the 2021 Proxy Statement filed with the SEC, we have produced an interactive proxy statement that is organized to make our governance provisions, executive compensation disclosures, proposals, and other key information easy to find and evaluate.  The interactive proxy statement can be accessed at www.alaskaair.com under About Alaska/Investor Relations.

We hope you will join us on May 64 as we discuss Alaska Air Group’s 20202022 financial and operational performance as well as our response to COVID-19, and vote on issues of importance to our company and to you. Whether or not you choose to participate on meeting day, your vote is important, and we encourage you to cast your ballot in one of the ways outlined in this Proxy Statement.

Sincerely,

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Patricia M. Bedient

Bradley D. TildenBen Minicucci

Lead Independent Director             Board Chair

ChairmanPresident and CEOChief Executive Officer


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NOTICE OF 20212023 ANNUAL MEETING OF STOCKHOLDERSSHAREHOLDERS AND PROXY STATEMENT

The Board of Directors of Alaska Air Group, Inc. (Air Group or the Company) is soliciting proxies for the 20212023 Annual Meeting of StockholdersShareholders (the Annual Meeting). This Proxy Statement contains important information for you to consider when deciding how to vote on the matters brought before the meeting. Please read it carefully.

DATE

Thursday, May 6, 20214, 2023

TIME

1 p.m.11:00 a.m. Pacific Daylight Time

VIRTUAL MEETING ACCESS

www.proxyvote.comwww.virtualshareholdermeeting.com/alk2023

MATTERS TO BE VOTED ON

1.
Election of the 1311 nominees named in this Proxy Statement to the Board of Directors, each for a one-year term

2.
Approval (on an advisory basis) of the compensation of the Company’s Named Executive Officers

3.
Approval (on an advisory basis) of Frequency of Future Advisory Vote on Named Executive Officer Compensation
4.
Ratification of the appointment of KPMG LLP as the Company’s independent registered public accountants (the independent accountants) for fiscal year 2021

4.  Approval of the amendment and restatement of the Company’s 2016 Performance Incentive Plan

2023

5.
Other business as may properly come before the meeting or any postponement or adjournment thereof

The Board of Directors has set Friday, March 12, 2021,10, 2023 as the record date for the Annual Meeting. This means that owners of Alaska Air Group common stock as of the close of business on that date are entitled to receive this notice, attend and vote during the Annual Meeting. There were 124,388,615127,464,546 shares of Air Group common stock outstanding on the record date.

Internet Availability of Proxy Materials. On or aboutMarch 26, 2021, stockholders24, 2023, shareholders of record, beneficial owners and employee participants in the Company’s 401(k) plans were mailed a Notice of Internet Availability of Proxy Materials (the Notice) directing them to a websitewww.proxyvote.com where they can access the Company’s 20212023 Proxy Statement and Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 20202022 (the Annual Meeting Materials). The Company’s 20202022 Form 10-K was filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) on February 26. 2021.13, 2023. If you prefer to receive a paper copy of the proxy materials, please follow the instructions on the Notice and the Annual Meeting Materials will be mailed to you.

Attending the Annual Meeting. We will host the 2021 Annual Meeting live via the Internet and telephone only.webcast. Any stockholdershareholder can listen to and participate in the Annual Meeting. Whether or not you attend the meeting, we encourage you to vote on-line or by Internet or phone or to complete, sign and mail your voting instruction form or proxy prior to the meeting.

Submit Your Questions. We invite you to submit any questions of general stockholdershareholder interest to the Assistant Corporate Secretary via email at allie.wittenberger@alaskaair.com, or via the Shareholder Forum at www.proxyvote.com. You can submit questions beginning on March 24, 2023. We will answer questions of general interest during the meeting as time permits. We will also include answers to your questions on www.alaskaair.com under About Alaska/Investor Relations following the meeting. If you encounter issues accessing the website or the virtual meeting, please contact allie.wittenberger@alaskaair.com.


ALASKA AIR GROUP, INC.

NOTICE OF ANNUAL MEETING OF STOCKHOLDERS AND PROXY STATEMENT

TABLE OF CONTENTS

TO OUR SHAREHOLDERS

1

PROXY STATEMENT SUMMARY

3

CORPORATE GOVERNANCEMatters to be Voted On

7

3

Board LeadershipGovernance Highlights

73

Our Board

5

Board Diversity and Skills Matrix

7

CORPORATE GOVERNANCE

9

Board Leadership

9

Executive Sessions and Lead Independent Director

89

Risk Oversight

810

Code of Conduct and Ethics

910

Prohibition of Speculative Transactions in Company Securities

910

ESG Highlights

911

Political Contributions and Engagement

1113

StockholderShareholder Communications

1315

Virtual Meeting Philosophy

1417

ELECTION OF DIRECTORS

1518

Proposal 1: Election of Directors to One-Year Terms

1518

Structure of the Board of Directors

2226

Director Independence

2631

Director Nomination Policy

2732

Certain Relationships and Related Person Transactions

3136

20202022 Director Compensation

3237

Director Stock Ownership Policy

3338

NAMED EXECUTIVE OFFICER COMPENSATION

3439

Proposal 2: Advisory Vote to Approve the Compensation of the Company’s Named Executive Officers

3439

Compensation Discussion and Analysis

3641

Compensation and Leadership Development Committee Report

5560

Compensation and Leadership Development Committee Interlocks and Insider Participation

5560

20202022 Summary Compensation Table

5661

20202022 Grants of Plan-Based Awards

5963

Outstanding Equity Awards at 20202022 Fiscal Year End

6164

20202022 Options Exercised and Stock Vested

6466

Pension and Other Retirement Plans

6567

20202022 Nonqualified Deferred Compensation

6768

Potential Payments Upon Change ofin Control and Termination

6869

CEO Pay Ratio

71

72

AUDIT COMMITTEE MATTERSPay vs. Performance

7273

Proposal 3: Advisory Vote on Frequency of Future Advisory Vote of Named Executive Officer Compensation

77

AUDIT COMMITTEE MATTERS

78

Proposal 4: Ratification of the Appointment of the Company’s Independent Accountants for Fiscal Year 20212023

7278

Independent Registered Public Accountants

7278

Audit Committee Report

7479

SECURITIES OWNERSHIP

81

2016 PERFORMANCE INCENTIVE PLAN AMENDMENT AND RESTATEMENT

75

Proposal 4: Approval of the Amendment and Restatement of the Company’s 2016 Performance Incentive Plan

75

SECURITIES OWNERSHIP

86

Securities Ownership of Management

8681


5% or More Beneficial Owners

8782

Delinquent Section 16(a) Reports

87

82

QUESTIONS AND ANSWERSEquity Compensation Plan Information

8883

EXHIBIT AQUESTIONS AND ANSWERS

9784

APPENDIX A

A-1

CAUTIONARY STATEMENT REGARDING FORWARD-LOOKING AND OTHER STATEMENTS

This Proxy Statement contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of the federal securities laws. Forward-looking statements may be identified by words like “anticipate,” “expect,” “project,” “believe,” “plan,” “may,” “estimate,” “intend” and other similar words. These forward-looking statements are based on our beliefs, assumptions and estimates using information available to us at the time and are not intended to be guarantees of future events or performance. Factors that may cause actual results to differ materially from those contemplated by the statements in this Proxy Statement can be found in our most recent Annual Report on Form 10-K filed with the SEC and in the Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q that we have filed or will file hereafter under the heading “Risk Factors” and “Safe Harbor for Forward-Looking Statements.” The forward-looking statements speak only as of the date of this Proxy Statement and undue reliance should not be placed on these statements. We disclaim any intention or obligation to publicly update or revise any forward-looking statements. This cautionary statement is applicable to all forward-looking statements contained in this document.

This Proxy Statement contains statements regarding individual and Company performance objectives and targets. These objectives and targets are disclosed in the limited context of our compensation plans and programs and should not be understood to be statements of management’s future expectations or estimates of future results or other guidance. We specifically caution investors not to apply these statements to other contexts.

Website References

You may also access additional information about Alaska Air Group at investor.alaskaair.com. References to our website throughout this Proxy Statement are provided for convenience only and the content on our website does not constitute a part of this Proxy Statement.


TO OUR SHAREHOLDERSSHAREHOLDERS

2020Alaska Air Group has a history of navigating periods of post-downturn recovery with agility, emerging with stronger competitive positioning and durable advantages. This recovery is behind us,no different. In 2022, our industry faced unprecedented volatility and it waswe were challenged in unexpected ways. Our people rose to these challenges, delivering unwavering safety and the exceptional customer care that is unique to Alaska and Horizon.

In 2022 we experienced unprecedented leisure travel demand strength. This strength drove our revenue to a year like no other. The coronavirus pandemic forced nearly allrecord $9.6 billion, 10% above 2019 with capacity trailing our 2019 size by 9%. With this strong backdrop and our disciplined focus on efficient operations and low costs, we led the industry with an adjusted pre-tax margin of 7.6% (1). We expect to continue to build on this momentum and margin expansion again in 2023.

Our financial strength and the conservatism of our balance sheet are enduring trademarks of our business that have enabled us to change our daily lives, and for many it resulted in the loss of loved ones. On top of the tragedy of the coronavirus, we encountered senseless racial violence and experienced deep political division in our country. Any one of these events on its own would have been challenging but having them all in one year was harrowing. The resulting uncertainty and financial hardship were unlike anything we have experienced in our 88-year history.

In the very early days of the pandemic, we focused our attention on two critical priorities: maintaining the health and safety of our employees and guests, and ensuring our airlines come out of this crisis strong.  The people of Alaska and Horizon delivered on both fronts, and our company is well prepared for the future because of it.

In April, we launched our Next-Level Care initiative, drawing on the expertise of medical and health care professionals with insights from employees and guests to change the travel experience with safety and comfort in mind. The layers of safety we created were instrumental in helping our guests and employees stay healthy and for rebuilding guest confidence in travel. We know these measures are working, as guest post-flight surveys indicate the vast majority experienced a safe and healthy environment when travelling with us.  

Financially, our 2020 results were both sobering and a source of optimism. While our revenues declined a staggering $5.2 billion, our teams managed to reduce our cash burn to lessrecover more quickly than $4 million per day by the end of the year. This result was among the bestothers in the industry this cycle. In 2022, we produced $1.4 billion in cash flows from operations, and was integral to our preserving our balance sheet strength through this crisis.  Our adjusted net debt which factors in debtto EBTIDAR was 1.0x (2), well below our target of 1.5x or lower. Given the renewed stability of our business, and lease obligationsimproving financial trajectory, we re-started our share repurchase program this February and backs out cash, was essentially unchangedwill spend up to $100 million on share buybacks this year to offset annual dilution from 2019. Havingour ESPP and employee compensation programs. Balanced capital allocation is a strong balance sheet and operating with low costs have been the cornerstonekey aspect of our management philosophy, and we are pleased to be one of the first airlines to take this step forward.

As we have shared previously, we are well positioned to grow 8% to 10% in 2023 before returning to our long-term target growth rate of 4% to 8% per year in 2024 and beyond. We recently expanded our order book with Boeing, bolstering our decades-long relationship with a great partner. In doing so, we also secured visibility to strategic growth for many years theyto come. Having completed most of our mainline single fleet transition in 2022, our growing fleet of new Boeing MAX aircraft is driving us forward to more cost-and fuel-efficient operations. Our fleet renewal remains a key component of our path to net zero along with our broader sustainability efforts and staying true to our values by doing the right thing to protect the beautiful places we serve and connect.

Recognizing and investing in our employees for their dedication and hard work is another key aspect of Alaska Air Group’s success. Last year we completed several labor deals, which was a significant achievement and is critical to support our long-term growth plans in this highly competitive industry. With the stability and clarity of these labor deals, we can fully focus on our future and grow together.

On the commercial side of our business, strategic partnerships and strong alliances are a growing source of strength for Alaska Air Group. Our renewed credit card deal with Bank of America drove significant revenue growth in 2022 and will continue to be critically important as we navigate the recovery ahead.

It has been inspiringgrow in 2023. We are always searching for ways to watch our employees rally behind the company as we faced these challenges. Employees helped our guests connect to our health and safety messaging in creative ways, like our Safety Dance video which featured several talented crew members. They also helped inspire guests to get back to travelling with our Friends and Family promotion.  And, incredibly, thousands of employees took voluntary or incentive leaves and early retirements, which were instrumental for preserving cash and reducing the need to furlough as we navigated this crisis.  We could not have accomplished all that we did this year without these incredible contributions.

In 2020 we spent time learning about systemic racism, listening to our employees and taking a hard look at the work we must do to advance racial equity at Alaska and Horizon and in our communities. We have recently published our 2025 diversity, equity and inclusion goals which will hold us accountable to our commitments to increase racial diversity, increase our employee engagement scores around inclusion related topics, and create career pathways for at least 175,000 young people by supporting programs that empower and enable opportunity through a lens of racial equity.

Signs of brighter days to come have recently begun to emerge. After slow and choppy recovery in 2020, the vaccine roll out is gaining momentum and we’ve experienced several weeks of encouraging bookings improvement. From a longer-term perspective, we’ve recently announced our plans to streamline our fleet.


Earlier this month we marked the 40-year anniversary of Alaska operating Boeing 737 aircraft and we put our first 737 MAX-9 into service. Under a new deal with Boeing, we will be taking more MAX aircraft to replace outgoing Airbus leases in our fleet. And, in the weeks ahead our guests can look forward to our entry into the oneworld alliance, which will bring fantastic global connectivity and more value to our loyalty program.guests, and we believe the expanded credit card benefits will do just that. Our membership in oneworldand our West Coast International Alliance with American Airlines are also bringing value to our guests by enhancing our global reach. Our partners’ international flights out of our hubs are set to increase, which means our guests have more options than ever, helping us fulfill our mission to keep guests and communities connected.

There are exciting changes on deck1


As we have for our leadership team as well. On March 31, Brad will retire from his role as CEO and Ben will assume the responsibilities. This succession has been severalmany years, in the making and the groundwork is in place for a smooth and seamless transition. Brad will continue as Board Chair.

Crises present unique opportunities to see what we are made of.investing in ways that serve our employees, our guests, our communities, and our shareholders. We believe this approach has enabled Air Group’s previous success and will deliver a strong future for all our stakeholders. Economic uncertainty and external volatility are incredibly proudlikely to remain part of our operating environment for the resultsforeseeable future, but leveraging our core DNA – including disciplined costs, operational excellence, and a remarkable caring culture – gives us great confidence that Alaska and Horizon delivered in such daunting circumstances. Our competitive advantages remain as strong as ever, and we are prepared to seize opportunities that will undoubtedly arise in the recoveryprimed for many more successful years ahead. The Board and our leadership team want to thank

Thank you for your support, of our business, and for your investment in Alaska Air Group.

Benito

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Patricia Bedient

Board Chair

Ben Minicucci

President and CEO

CEO Elect, Alaska Air Group

(1) Refer to Appendix A for the reconciliation of adjusted pre-tax margin.

(2) Adjusted net debt to EBITDAR ratio can be reconciled to GAAP financial measures in the 2022 10-K (Item 7, page 42).

2


Bradley D. TildenPROXY STATEMENT SUMMARY

Chairman, Alaska Air Group


PROXY STATEMENT SUMMARY

Matters to be Voted On

Item for Business

Board Recommendation

Effect of Abstention

1.
Elect 1311 Directors

FOR each Director Nominee

None

2.
Approve (on an advisory basis) the compensation of the Company’s Named Executive Officers

FOR

FOR

A Vote Against

3.
Approve (on an advisory basis) the frequency of the advisory vote on the compensation of the Company's Named Executive Officers

3. FOR

None

4.
Ratify the appointment of KPMG LLP as the Company’s independent registered public accountants for Fiscal Year 20212023

FOR

FOR

A Vote Against

4. Approve the amendment and restatement of the Company’s 2016 Performance Incentive Plan

FOR

A Vote Against

Governance Highlights

As part of Alaska Air Group’s commitment to high ethical standards, our Board follows sound governance practices. Many of these practices are described in more detail in our Corporate Governance Guidelines, which are available on the Company’s website at www.alaskaair.com under About Alaska/Investor Relations.

Topic

Practice

Independence

   11
10 out of 1311 nominees are independent.

Board committees are composed exclusively of independent directors.

Lead Independent DirectorNon-Executive Board Chair

The Board has appointed a strong leadan independent directorBoard Chair who has the specific authority to ensure objective evaluation of management decisions.

Executive Sessions

Independent directors meet regularly without management.

Annual Election

All directors are elected annually to one-year terms.

Majority Voting

In uncontested elections, directors are elected by a majority of votes cast.

Director Evaluations

The Board and each committee conduct annual self-evaluations and may engage a third party as needed.

hold individual discussions with the Non-Executive Board Chair to discuss each director’s self-assessment of his or her contribution prior to nomination for election at the Annual Meeting.

Stock Ownership

Each director is expected to hold shares of Alaska Air Group stock equivalent to six times his or her annual cash retainer.

Other Directorships

Directors are encouraged to serve on no more than four other public company boards.

StockholderShareholder Communications

The Board has adopted a protocol to allow those stockholdersshareholders with long-term significant holdings of our stock to meet directly with board membersdirectors on appropriate matters.

Poison Pill

The Company does not have a stockholdershareholders rights plan.

Proxy Access

   Stockholders who meet certain requirements
Shareholders may include director nominees in the Company’s proxy statement.

statement, subject to certain requirements.

Right to Call Special Meeting

   Stockholders
Shareholders holding 10 percent or more of the outstanding stock have the unfettered right to call a special meeting.

Confidential Voting

Records that identify the vote of a particular stockholdershareholder are kept confidential from the Company except in a proxy contest or as required by law.

Single Voting Class

Common stock is the only class of voting shares outstanding.

Director Tenure

Directors are subject to term andand/or age limits as described in our Corporate Governance Guidelines.

3


Topic

Practice

Cybersecurity Practices

The Board, through an independent Board committee, oversees the management of cybersecurity, including oversight of appropriate risk mitigation strategies, systems, processes and controls.

Environmental Social Governance

The Board, through an independent Board committee, oversees and monitors progress on the Company’s voluntary ESG goals and disclosures, annual reporting, and environmental and climate impacts.

4



Our Board

The Board has nominated 11 director nominees for election at the Annual Meeting. Each of the director nominees currently serve on the Board and were previously elected by the Company’s shareholders at the 2022 Annual meeting.

On February 13, 2023, Susan J. Li informed the Company that she will not stand for reelection to the Board of Directors at the Annual Meeting, in order to focus on her responsibilities as chief financial officer of Meta. Ms. Li has been on the Board since 2018, and serves on the Audit Committee and the Innovation Committee.

Jessie J. Knight, Jr., who has served on the Board for more than 17 years, and sits on the Safety Committee and the Compensation & Leadership Development Committee, will retire effective with the Annual Meeting in accordance with the Company’s director age limits.

In connection with these departures, the Boards of the Company and its principal subsidiaries Alaska Airlines, Inc. and Horizon Air, Inc. reduced the number of director seats from 13 to 11 effective with the Annual Meeting.

All nominees meet the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE) governance standards for director independence, except for Mr. Tilden and Mr. Minicucci, who areis not independent due to each nominee’shis position as an executive officer.officer of the Company.

 

Nominee and Principal Occupation

 

 

Age

 

Director

Since

 

Committee Membership

Patricia M. Bedient

Former Executive Vice President and CFO The Weyerhaeuser Company

 

67

 

2004

 

Lead Independent Director

Audit

Governance and Nominating (Chair)

James A. Beer

Chief Financial Officer

Atlassian Corporation

 

60

 

2017

 

Innovation (Chair)

Safety

Raymond L. Conner

Former Vice Chairman

The Boeing Company

 

65

 

2018

 

Compensation and Leadership Development (Chair effective February 2021)

Safety

Daniel K. Elwell

President

Elwell & Associates, LLC

 

61

 

2021

 

Audit

Innovation

Dhiren R. Fonseca

Partner

Certares LP

 

56

 

2014

 

Audit

Innovation

Kathleen T. Hogan

Chief People Officer and Executive Vice President of Human Resources

Microsoft

 

55

 

2019

 

Compensation and Leadership Development

Governance and Nominating (effective May 2021)

Jessie J. Knight, Jr.

Managing Director

Knight Angels LLC

 

70

 

2020

 

Compensation and Leadership Development

Safety (effective May 2021)

Susan J. Li

Vice President, Finance

Facebook, Inc.

 

35

 

2018

 

Audit

Innovation

Benito Minicucci

President (and CEO effective March 31, 2021)

Alaska Airlines, Inc.

 

55

 

2020

 

 

Helvi K. Sandvik

President, Kidways LLC and Former President

NANA Development Corporation

 

63

 

2013

 

Safety (Chair)

Compensation and Leadership Development

(effective May 2021)

J. Kenneth Thompson

President and CEO

Pacific Star Energy LLC

 

69

 

1999

 

Compensation and Leadership Development

Governance and Nominating

Bradley D. Tilden

Chairman, President and CEO (Executive Chair effective March 31, 2021)

Alaska Air Group, Inc.

 

60

 

2010

 

 

Eric K. Yeaman

Founder and Managing Partner,

Hoku Capital LLC

 

53

 

2012

 

Audit (Chair)

Governance and Nominating


 

Nominee and Principal Occupation

 

 

Age

 

Director

Since

 

Committee Membership

Patricia M. Bedient

Former Executive Vice President and CFO The Weyerhaeuser Company

 

69

 

2004

 

Non-Executive Board Chair

James A. Beer

Former Chief Financial Officer

Atlassian Corporation

 

62

 

2017

 

Innovation (Chair)

Safety

Raymond L. Conner

Former Vice Chairman

The Boeing Company

 

67

 

2018

 

Compensation and Leadership Development (Chair)

Safety

Daniel K. Elwell

President

Elwell & Associates, LLC and Former Deputy and Acting Administrator, Federal Aviation Administration

 

63

 

2021

 

Audit

Innovation

Dhiren R. Fonseca

Advisor

Certares LP

 

58

 

2014

 

Audit

Innovation

Kathleen T. Hogan

Chief People Officer and Executive Vice President of Human Resources

Microsoft

 

58

 

2019

 

Governance, Nominating and Corporate Responsibility (Chair)

Compensation and Leadership Development

Adrienne R. Lofton

Vice President, Global Brand Marketing

Google

 

47

 

2021

 

Innovation

Safety

Ben Minicucci

President and CEO

Alaska Air Group, Inc. and Alaska Airlines, Inc.

 

57

 

2020

 

 

5


 

Nominee and Principal Occupation

 

 

Age

 

Director

Since

 

Committee Membership

Helvi K. Sandvik

President, Kidways LLC and

Former President

NANA Development Corporation

 

65

 

2013

 

Safety (Chair)

Compensation and Leadership Development

J. Kenneth Thompson

President and CEO

Pacific Star Energy LLC

 

71

 

1999

 

Compensation and Leadership Development

Governance, Nominating and Corporate Responsibility

Eric K. Yeaman

Founder and Managing Partner,

Hoku Capital LLC

 

55

 

2012

 

Audit (Chair)

Governance, Nominating and Corporate Responsibility

6


Board Diversity and Skills Matrix

The Board recognizes that diversity brings unique perspectives, leads to more effective risk management and better alignment with guests, employees, and the communities in which the Company serves. The Board’s nomination process, detailed in the Director Nomination Policy section below, has routinely resultedaided in the identification of candidates with diverse qualifications, backgrounds, geography, race, ethnicity, gender and age. Currently, 60%66% of board leadership positions are held by female and/or racially/ethnically diverse directors, includingdirectors. Ms. Bedient became the Lead Independent Director andCompany’s first female Board committee chairs.Chair in 2022.

Independent Director Gender Diversity

 

Name

Bedient

Beer

Conner

Elwell

Fonseca

Hogan

Lofton

Sandvik

Thompson

Yeaman

 

Director Since

2004

2017

2018

2021

2014

2019

2021

2013

1999

2012

 

Age

69

62

67

63

58

58

47

65

71

55

 

Skills Matrix
Extensive Experience - X, Moderate Experience- O

 

Airline/Transportation/Safety

 

X

X

X

O

 

 

O

O

 

 

Branding/Marketing

 

O

O

 

X

 

X

O

O

O

 

Business Development/M&A

X

X

X

O

X

O

O

X

X

X

 

Climate/Carbon

O

 

O

X

O

O

 

 

X

 

 

Cybersecurity

O

X

O

O

X

 

 

 

O

O

 

Financial/Accounting

X

X

O

O

X

 

 

O

X

X

 

Government/Public Affairs/Regulatory

 

 

X

X

O

 

 

X

O

O

 

HR/Organizational Strategy/ DE&I

O

O

X

 

O

X

O

X

X

O

 

Investor Relations

X

X

X

 

X

 

O

O

X

X

 

Public Company Governance

X

X

X

O

X

X

 

X

X

X

 

Technology

O

X

O

X

X

X

O

 

X

O

 

CEO, Active or Retired

 

 

Y

 

Y

 

 

Y

Y

Y

 

Diversity
Y- indicates 'Yes'

 

Identifies as a Female

Y

 

 

 

 

Y

Y

Y

 

 

 

Identifies as a Male

 

Y

Y

Y

Y

 

 

 

Y

Y

 

Asian

 

 

 

 

Y

 

 

 

 

Y

 

Black or African-American

 

 

 

 

 

 

Y

 

 

 

 

Native American or Alaskan Native

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Y

 

 

 

Native Hawaiian or other Pacific Islander

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Y

 

White

Y

Y

Y

Y

 

Y

 

 

Y

Y

 

Veteran

 

 

 

Y

 

 

 

 

 

 

7


Independent Director Racial/Ethnic Diversity


Executive Compensation Practices

Our executive compensation program is aligned with our business strategy and is designed to attract and retain top talent, align with our business strategy, and reward the achievement of key business goals. The following practices help ensure alignment of interests between stockholdersshareholders and executives and are considered good governance by our Compensation and Leadership Development Committee (the Committee) and historically by the majority of our stockholders.shareholders.

Topic

Practice

Pay for Performance

A significant percentage of total direct compensation is based on the achievement of performance-based goals that the Committee believes are challenging, yet attainable, and that drive achievement of the Company’s business strategy. Goals apply to all employees to encourage alignment.

The Committee considers Company performance when setting CEOexecutive pay.

“Say on Pay”

Annually, we ask stockholdersshareholders to provide an advisory vote on our NEO pay practices, which the Committee considers when setting CEO pay.

Stock Ownership Requirements

Our minimum stockholding requirements arerequirement is 5 times base salary for the CEO, 4 times base salary for the president and 3 times base salary for the executive vice presidents of Alaska Airlines.

and 1.5 times base salary for senior vice presidents.

Change-in-Control ProvisionsCARES Act Limitations

As a condition of our receipt of funds under the CARES Act, we are required to limit covered executives’ compensation at 2019 levels through April 1, 2023, regardless of changes in responsibility or scope of job duties.

Change in Control Agreements

We have double-trigger change-in-control provisionschange in control agreements that generally require the consummation of a change-in-controlchange in control transaction and the actual or constructive termination of employment.

employment for payment of any severance benefits. A 3 times compensation multiple applies to CEO and executive vice presidents and a 2 times compensation multiple applies to senior vice presidents.

Clawback Policy

Our policy allows recovery of incentive cash and/or equity compensation that is based onif our financial statements that were subsequentlymust be restated due to the individual’san executive’s fraudulent or grossly negligent act or omission. Our policy also permits recovery for legal and compliance violations.

violations apart from a financial restatement, and to maintain compliance with CARES Act compensation restrictions.

Independent Compensation Consultant

The Committee retains a compensation consultant that does not provide any other services to the Company.

Hedging of Company Stock

Executive officers and board members maydirectors are not permitted to engage in transactions that create a hedge against fluctuations in the price of Alaska Air Group stock.

stock price.

Pledging of Company Stock

Executive officers and board members maydirectors are not permitted to pledge Alaska Air Group stock as collateral for any obligation.

Severance Tax Gross-Ups

Our change-in-controlchange in control and severance arrangements do not provide for tax gross-ups.

Repricing of Stock Options

Our equity incentive plan does not permit repricing or exchange of underwater stock options without stockholdershareholder approval.

8


Topic

Practice

Environmental, Social and Governance Metrics

Carbon emission reductions and advancement of racial equity goals are included in executive short-term and long-term incentive pay plans, respectively.

Executive Officer Severance Policy

The Company would be required to seek shareholder approval of severance arrangements with an executive officer if the value would exceed 2.99 times the individual's cash compensation plus the value of any accelerated equity awards, except for change in control, death and disability scenarios.

CORPORATE GOVERNANCE


CORPORATE GOVERNANCE

Board Leadership

The Company’s board leadership has generally includesincluded a combined chair and CEOchair-CEO role withcomplemented by a strong independent lead director role; however, for 2021role. However, the Board has approved the temporary separation of theseparates these roles of chair and CEOfrom time to time, at its discretion, as it did in connection with the recentMr. Minicucci’s transition to a new CEO.CEO in 2021 along with Ms. Bedient's election as non-executive Board Chair in 2022.

In choosing generallydeciding whether to combineseparate the CEO and Board Chair roles, the Board considers, among other things, the experience and capacity of chair andthe sitting CEO, the Board takes into considerationrigor of independent director oversight of financial, operational, safety and governance issues, the highly technical naturelevel of the airline businesstransparency between management and the importance of deep, industry-specific knowledge along with a thorough understanding of the Company’s business environment. Combining the roles also provides a clear leadership structure for the management team. Because the CEO has a deep understanding of the complexities of the airline business, the regulatory environmentBoard, and the Company’s strategy – allexistence of which are critically important to the Company’s performance – theother checks and balances that help ensure independent thinking and decision making by directors.

The non-executive Board believes that he or she generally is best suited to serve as chair and to preside over the majority of the Board’s discussions in a way that focuses those discussions on key matters of strategic importance for the airline.  

By creating an independent lead director role with specific authority, the Board is able to ensure objective evaluation of management decisions, company strategy and performance and to provide independent leadership for director and management succession planning and other governance issues.

The lead independent director’sChair responsibilities include:

presiding at all meetings where the board chair is not present or where the board chair could be perceived as having a conflict of interest, including but not limited to periodic meetings of independent directors;

approving the board meeting agendas and meeting schedules to ensure sufficient time for discussion;

leading the independent directors’ annual evaluation of the CEO;

conductingconducts interviews of independent directors annually, including a discussion of each individual director’s self-assessment of his or her contribution prior to nomination for election at the annual meeting;

Annual Meeting and discusses results with the Governance, Nominating and Corporate Responsibility Committee, and;

discussingalong with the chair of the Governance, Nominating and Corporate Responsibility Committee, discusses any proposed changes to committee assignments with each affected director annually in advance of the Governance, Nominating and NominatingCorporate Responsibility Committee making committee membership recommendations to the Board;

being available for consultation and direct communication on appropriate matters if requested by a major stockholder;shareholder; and

performing such other duties as may be described in the Company’s Corporate Governance Guidelines or by the Board, including serving as liaison between the chair and independent directors and calling meetings of the independent directors or the full Board, if appropriate.

Board.

Notwithstanding the Board’s preference for combining the roles of chair and CEO, the Board may separate the CEO and chair roles from time to time, at its discretion, as it has recently done in connection with Mr. Minicucci’s transition to CEO and consistent with its previous temporary separation of these roles in connection with the transition of Mr. Tilden to CEO in 2012-2013. In deciding whether to separate the roles, the Board considers, among other things, the experience and capacity of the sitting CEO, the rigor of independent director oversight of financial, operational and safety regulatory issues, the current climate of openness between management and the Board, and the existence of other checks and balances that help ensure independent thinking and decision making by directors.


Executive Sessionsand Lead Independent Director

The Board holds executive sessions of independent directors quarterly, as provided in accordance with the Company’s Corporate Governance Guidelines. The lead independent directornon-executive Board Chair presides over these executive sessions. Each Committee also holds an executive session of independent directors quarterly (presided over in each case by the respective committee chair) and includes key management personnel, as appropriate, on an individual basis in order to ensure full transparencyadvance risk oversight and risk oversight.transparency.

9


Risk Oversight

Alaska Air Group has adopted an enterprise-wide risk analysis and oversight program. This program is designed to:

identify the various risks faced by the organization,

organization;

assign responsibility for managing those risks to individual management executives who report directly to the applicable committee,committee; and

align those management assignments with appropriate board-level oversight.

The structure and reporting relationships and key areas of responsibility are shown below:

Board of Directors

Audit Committee

Responsible for Risk

Oversight Program

Air GroupEnterprise Risk Matrix

Audit

Committee

Innovation

Committee

Compensation &

Leadership

Development

Committee

Safety

Committee

Governance &

Nominating

Committee

Oversees

Enterprise Risk

Oversees

Strategy Execution Risk

Oversees Executive

Compensation Risk

Oversees Safety

Related Risk

Oversees Board &

Governance Risk

Independent

Accountant

Audit Executive

Compliance Officer & Chief Information Security Officer

Commercial Officer

Independent

Consultant

Vice President

Safety

Corporate

Secretary

• Review internal controls & procedures

• Review SEC filings

• Provide audit services for annual report

• Day to day design &implementation of program

• Identifies risk issues for year ahead

• Reports quarterly & reviews program annually

• Corporate compliance program

• Code of Conduct & Ethics

• Corporate investigation program

• Information security

• Discuss and advise on risk tolerance for adopting emerging or disruptive technology

• Monitors overall risk-based strategy and approach

• Periodic review and assessment of executive compensation program

• Periodic review of CEO development and succession plan

• Monitor and review to reduce risk of security and safety incidents

• Periodic review of health, safety and environmental policies and practices

• Annual review and assessment of board & governance practices

• ESG goals and initiatives

As shown above, responsibility for identified risks has been assigned to appropriate executives, and assignments have been aligned for appropriate board oversight. Responsibility for managing these risks includes strategies related to both mitigation (acceptance and management) and transfer (insurance).

The risk matrix is approved annually by the Audit Committee and regularly reviewed by the Board. The Audit Committee also receives quarterly updates regarding the program and an annual in-person review of the program’s status by the audit and quality assurance executive. Under the program, the Audit Committee also works with the audit and quality assurance executive and members of the management executive committee to annually identify the most pressing risk


issues for the next year. This subset of the risk matrix is then used as a framework for periodic reports by the designated management executive to the appropriate board entity for heightened oversight. Furthermore, these areas of emphasis regarding risk are specifically reviewed and discussed with executive management annually and are incorporated into the development of the Company’s strategic objectives for the coming year.

The Company believes that its leadership structure, discussed in detail in the Board Leadership section in this Proxy Statement, supports the risk oversight function of the Board for the same reasons that it believes the leadership structure is most effective for the Company, namely that, while facilitating open discussion and communication fromwith independent members of the Board, it ensures that strategic discussions are led by an individual with a deep understanding of the highly technical and complex nature of the airline business.

For specific risk oversight functions, refer to Board Committee and Risk Oversight Functions section below.

Director Orientation and Continuing Education

New directors participate in one-on-one introductory meetings with executive leaders and are given presentations on the Company’s strategic plans, financial statements, safety culture and other key issues. Directors are encouraged to enroll in continuing education programs on corporate governance and other critical issues associated with their service on the Company’s board.

Code of Conduct and Ethics

The Company has adopted the Code of Conduct and Ethics, which applies to all company employees, including its CEO, CFO, principal accounting officerofficers and persons performing similar functions, and itsthe Board of Directors. The Code of Conduct and Ethics may be found on the Company’s website at www.alaskaair.com under About Alaska/Investor Relations. Information on the Company’s website, however, does not form a part of this Proxy Statement. The Company discloses on the Company’sits website any amendments (other than technical, administrative or non-substantive amendments) to, and any waivers from, a provision of the Code of Conduct and Ethics forgranted to directors or executive officers to the extent required by applicable NYSE listing standards and SEC rules.

Prohibition of Speculative Transactions in Company Securities

The Company’s insider trading policy prohibits the Company’s directors and executive officers, including the Named Executive Officers, as well as employees in the positions of managing director or above and certain other employees, from engaging in certain speculative transactions in the Company’s securities,

10


including short-term trading, short sales, publicly traded options (such as puts, calls or other derivative securities), margin accounts, pledges of Company securities and certain forms of hedging or monetization transactions such as zero-cost collars and forward sale contracts.

Approach to Environmental, Social and Governance Matters (ESG)

The Company’s purpose is “creating an airline people love” and its leaders believe that the best path to creating long-term value is to deliver for the Company’s four primary stakeholders -- employees, customers, shareholders, and communities. The Company believes its success depends on the ability to provide safe and reliable air transportation, develop relationships with guestsfoster guest loyalty by providing exceptional customer service and low fares, and maintain a low-cost structure to compete effectively.effectively, and attract and retain qualified, engaged employees. Leaders strive to achieve these objectives as a socially responsible company that values not only performance but also people, communities, and the environment.

Air Group’s roots are in connecting rural Alaskan villages with essential services like food, medical supplies, and mail delivery – and those values are with us today. We recognize there is much work needed to address impactour impacts on the globe,environment, to expand opportunity equitably, and to ensure that all people are and truly feel safe, respected, and equal.

The Company’s values are to Own Safety, Do the Right Thing, Be Kind-Hearted, Deliver Performance, and Be Remarkable. These guide our daily business, operations, and governance, and stewardship of our impact on the environment, people, and communities. ESG efforts are balanced acrossWe focus on the areas of our greatest impact and the issues most important to our four primary stakeholder groups noted above. Amongst those, we serve,our highest priorities and those that will require focused on:effort are: (1) reducing greenhouse gas emissions, particularly carbon emissionsdioxide and (2) advancing racial equity and opportunity inside the Company and across communities.

The four pillars that are woven throughout

More broadly, we consider this work are the following:

-

we’re all about people,

-

we fly greener,

-

in four categories: we’re all about people, we fly greener, we invest for strong communities, and

-

we make flying matter.


The Company was recently recognized among Barron’s 100 Most Sustainable Companies and brings an orientation of continuous learning and improvement to this work as in everything we do.make flying matter.

ESG Governance and Oversight

The Governance, Nominating and NominatingCorporate Responsibility Committee of the Board is responsible for overseeingoversees the Company’s practices, reporting, and reporting with respectprogress to voluntaryits ESG goals, and disclosure, annual reporting,including social and environmental and climate impacts. The Governance and Nominating Committee includes members with deep experience in energy and environmental impactmatters drawn from experience in multiple industries, as well asplus members with leadership experience in human capital, governance, safety, and risk.

In addition to the annual reporting cycle, the Governance, Nominating and NominatingCorporate Responsibility Committee reviews a quarterly dashboard on progress to goals, and management commentary on milestones and trends. The Board has directed that sustainability and ESG be leading parts of the Company’s strategy and has regular discussions about this work including topics specific to climate impact and diversity, equity, and inclusion.

The Safety Committee receives regular updates on environmental risk, and the Compensation and Leadership Development Committee is responsible for oversight of human capital matters, including advancing diversity, equity, and inclusion such as through recruitment, hiring, retention, development, and culture building.

At a management level, a member of our Executive Committeeexecutive committee has formal responsibility for driving progress and disclosure in Sustainabilitysustainability and ESG. And because this work is inherently cross-functional, the Company has also formalized governance and oversight of ESG at the management level. An ESG Executive Steering Committee meets monthlyquarterly for oversight of performance and work toward the goals

11


and is responsible for ensuring progress. Additional Steering Committees dedicated to Reducing Carbon Emissionsprogress and Advancing Racial Equity bring explicit focus in those two areas. Finally, a group dedicated tosubject matter experts are responsible for driving and reporting progress for each of our ESG Goals and Disclosure ensures appropriate stewardship and transparency in data to the breadth of ESG matters.goals. These groups are staffed byengage senior executives across all areas of accountability for delivering on ESG – including operations, finance, human resources, legal, real estate, commercial divisions, government affairs and philanthropy.

ESG Disclosure

Alaska Air Group voluntarily reports progress annually on ESG goals. The 20192021 report, including data per the Sustainability Accounting Standards Board (SASB) framework for aviation and an appendix addressing the Task Force for Climate Related Financial Disclosure (TCFD) framework, can be found by visiting http://www.flysustainably.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/2019-Alaska-Air-LIFT-Report.pdf. www.alaskaair.com/esg.

The Company’s 20202022 report, to be published in the second quarter 2021,2023, will report further progress against our progress on our 2020 goals and share the new goals through 2025.2025 goals.

Our 2025 goals and commitments arewere established with input from stakeholders across the Company and externally, and will covercovers the areas of carbon, waste, water, racial equity, community involvement, labor practices, safety, crisis management, privacy and data security, and responsible political engagement. Additionally, the Company will keep financial management principles visible in this disclosure. The Company will present quarterly progress reports on these goalssubmits annual disclosure to CDP and commitments to the Board as described above, will report annually to the public, and will publicly report in accordance with leading reporting frameworks such as SASB, the Carbon Disclosure Project and Task Force on Climate Related Financial Disclosure.Dow Jones Sustainability Index.

Climate Strategy

Climate change is a threatpresents significant risks to communities across the futureglobe, and is already impacting communities including those in which we operate.extreme weather and temperature events impact our operations. The Company believes deeply in the transformational benefits of air travel to connect people with one another, help people understand one another, and enable communities to grow, thrive, create jobs and economic benefits. Air Group is committed to reducing our climate impact, with a principal focus on carbonreducing greenhouse gas emissions alongside broader focus on other climate impacts, waste, and water.ecosystem impacts.

The Company ishas committed to improve in three primary ways:short and long-term goals for reducing our climate impact. Our long-term goal is to achieve net zero carbon emissions by 2040, following a five-part strategy: (1) increasing the efficiency of our operations to avoid fuel use where we can, (2) renewing our fleet with the more fuel-efficient Boeing 737MAX aircraft, (3) increasing use of sustainable aviation fuels, and (3) transforming the(4) enabling innovative technology including future zero emissions propulsion alternatives, and infrastructure of aviation long-term. When we are unable to reduce our impact enough through increased efficiency and(5) using sustainable fuels, we consider high-quality carbon offsets and facilitate customers’ purchaseremovals where necessary to meet our targets due to insufficiently available technology to fully decarbonize. While our preference is for in-sector approaches, we recognize that there is not today enough technology or sustainable aviation fuel available to fully decarbonize aviation. The pace of such offsets.innovation and expansion of new technologies will be critical for our industry’s long-term path to net zero.

In 2020, the

The Company began usingcurrently offtakes sustainable aviation fuel at San Francisco International Airport, has several agreements for future offtake, and announced a partnershipis working with Microsoftother producers such as SkyNRG Americas to use sustainable aviation fuel at Los Angeles International Airportenable future West Coast production of SAF. Alongside oneworld alliance partners, we have committed to


create “carbon-neutral flights” for Microsoft employees traveling from Seattle to San Francisco, San Jose an objective of utilizing 10% SAF by 2030 as long as sufficient product is available, and Los Angeles now and into the future.

The Company also announced a major investment in our fleet, transitioning many of our aircraft to the 737-9 MAX which is 22% more efficient on a seat-by-seat basis than the aircraft we will replace. Andcontinue to advocate for the first timepublic policy to enable growth in commercially available supply.

Beginning in 2021, we included a carbon emissions target isas part of the all-employeeour company’s goals-based incentive pay plan for all employees. Performance surpassed targets in both 2021 and 2022. This metric remains in our performance-based pay program underscoringto underscore a company-wide commitment to efficiency and sustainability.

Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion

The Company values the importance of diversity, equity and inclusion in the workplace and believes that our airlines should be places where everyone feels they belong – employees and guests alike. We

12


believe every person should be treated with respect regardless of race, ethnicity, capability, age, gender, gender expression, or sexual orientation and that guests should always feel welcome on board our aircraft. Employees deserve to feel safe and have a sense of belonging when they come to work. This means racismRacism and discrimination have no place in our workplace or onboard our aircraft.

The Company believes

Our Board and leadership team believe that aviation can enable opportunity;enables opportunity and wehas an important role in advancing diversity and equity. We are committed to advancing diversity, equity and inclusion in all forms, with a current focus on racial equity. Building on feedback and input from employees, we haveforms. We’ve set specific2025 commitments and goals to advance racial equity through diverse leadership and employee representation, an inclusive culture, and public leadership. Ourleadership with a focus is on creating opportunities for employment, engagement and advancement for diverse employees throughout the organization. We willare driving initiatives at all levels of the company to achieve this bythese goals, including supporting education pipelines that create career pathways for diverse talent, and by focusing on attracting and retaining diverse talent through leadership development and sponsorship programs. To underscore the accountability of leaders to make progress in these areas, beginning in 2021, a DEI metric was included in the performance-based segment of executives’ long-term incentive equity compensation.

In 2022, we’ve made progress against our goals and continue to listen, learn and adjust our approach and actions as needed to ensure we deliver on those commitments. This year we also signed the Airlines for America’s commitment to improve accessibility and services for passengers with disabilities.

Community Involvement

The Company is involved in the communities where weour employees and guests live and fly through corporate philanthropy, community engagement, employee volunteerism, and grants from the Alaska Airlines Foundation. A core area of focus, and the mission of the Alaska Airlines Foundation, is to inspire, equip, and enable young people to imagine and reach career opportunities, in aviation and beyond. In the last several years, this work is done through the lens of advancing racial equity.

The Company’s corporate philanthropy includes using our core asset of flight to transport people for school, to needed medical care, to respond to crisis and urgent needs, or to make a wish come true. This makes flying matter. Additionally, through Alaska’s LIFTCare Miles program, guests can contribute their miles to organizations that are aligned with their passions.

2020 was a unique year for

In 2022, we resumed in-person volunteer events, including our community involvement, but the Company turnedsignature Aviation Day in Seattle and Portland to virtual engagement to reach kids with airport tours and “ask a pilot”, wrote letters to homebound elders, and transported medical providers and critical supplies. The Company also launched the Million Meals Challenge to combat the growing challenge of food insecurity as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic, contributing fresh and packaged food directly to food banksget young people excited about opportunities across the countryindustry, and galvanizing the giving powerour focused Week of guests and employees to amplify the impact.Care featuring coordinated employee volunteer events across our major hub communities.

Political Contributions and Engagement

Public policy affects our ability to achieve Company goals, meet customer needs and provide stockholdershareholder value. As such, the Company believes it is important to engage in public policymakingpolicy making processes at the federal, state and local levels, which includes making political contributions where appropriate and permitted by law.

The Company is committed to adhering to the highest standards of ethics in engaging in activities that seek to advocate legislative positions that support our business and operations. To ensure contributions are made in a manner consistent with the Company’s goals and stockholder’sshareholder’s interest, the Company has adopted a Policy on Political Contributions and Engagement.

In response to the lobbying disclosure proposal that received support from 52% of votes cast at the 2020 meeting, the Company enhanced the The Policy on Political Contributions and Engagement.  Details of the engagement, research, policy updates and program oversight are included below:


Engagement and Research

The approach to increase transparency around political and lobbying contributions was informed by the proponent of the proposal, Proposal 4 around Political Contributions submitted in the 2020 proxy, several institutional shareholders, our proxy solicitor, and peer group companies with high marks on their political disclosures. We believe our approach is clear and transparent while balancing shareholder expectations, administrative complexity, and business demands.

Changes to the existing Policy on Political Contributions and Engagement make the content more user-friendly as it is now available as a subsite on alaskaair.comcan be found at:

https://investor.alaskaair.com/policy-political-contributions

Policy Overview

In the revised Policy on Political Contributions and Engagement, the Company describes itsour interests in advocating for policies in support of its business and industry, including through, among other things,

13


participating in trade associations and making political contributions where appropriate and permitted by the law.

The policy includes detailed procedures for making political contributions and expenditures, directly and indirectly, including with respect to candidates for public office, political parties, referenda and ballot initiatives. Among other things,The policy also covers management of the Company’s policy sets forth the following:Alaska Air Group Political Action Committee (AAG PAC).

The Company’s policy describes that the Company complies with all federal, state and local laws and requirements associated with political engagement, including the Company’s lobbying activities.

The policy indicates that, consistent with federal campaign finance laws, the Company does not make corporate political contributions to federal candidates, political parties or political committees, but notes that some state and local jurisdictions permit the Company to contribute directly to state and local candidates, political parties, referenda and ballot initiatives and that political contributions may be made indirectly by the AAG Political Action Committee (AAG PAC) as permitted by applicable state and local laws and thatinitiatives.

With regard to federal contributions, may also be made indirectlythe Company has established a separate segregated fund through the AAG PAC.

PAC registered with the FEC. The policy provides detailed information regarding the AAG PAC describing that it is nonpartisannon-partisan and organized on a strictly voluntary basis with participation only by eligible employees. The policy further describes how the AAG PAC is overseen, noting that all checks drawn from the AAG PAC must be approved by two AAG PAC Board members.

The policy describes that the Company complies with all federal, state and local laws and requirements associated with political engagement, including the Company’s lobbying activities.

Dues and Contributions Disclosures

Through active links included in the Company’s Policy on Political Contributions and Engagement posted on the Company’s website (at the link referenced above), the Company discloses its direct and indirect political contributions, contributions made through lobbying activities.the AAG PAC, as well as participation in trade associations . The Company updates these disclosures semi-annually (generally, August and February of each year). Specifically, the Company discloses:

All contributions by the Company to state and local candidates, political committees, and political organizations and in regard toregarding ballot measures. This list identifies the recipient (and his/her title, if applicable), the jurisdiction the recipient represents, and the amount paid.

All contributions made by the AAG PAC. The list identifies the candidate, the state and district represented and the candidate’s office, the committee or political action committee to which the contribution was directed, the party affiliation where applicable, and the amount paid.

Payments to trade associations for which the Company paid dues or payments of more than $25,000 and who spend 10 percent or more of their revenues lobbying. The amount reported by the Company is the non-deductible portion of the payment.

The Company also provides through itsour website (at the link referenced above) links to the Company’s publicly available lobbying disclosures required to be submitted quarterly to the Secretary of the U.S. Senate and the Clerk of the U.S. House under the Lobbying Disclosure Act.Acts.


Process and Oversight

As detailed above, the Company’s Policy on Political Contributions and Engagement provides detailed information about the decision-making process for itsour political contribution and lobbying activity and the person(s) responsible. For example, as stated in the Company’s policy:

Any political contribution made by the Company must be approved by the Company’s General Counsel, Senior Vice President of Public Affairs and Sustainability, or atheir designee.

The policy describes the Company’s interest in participating in certain trade associations and provides that the Company’s Senior Vice President of Public Affairs and Sustainability and Government Affairs Department is responsible for oversight of the Company’s trade association participation.

14


The budget for corporate political contributions to the AAG PAC is determined annually by the Senior Vice President of Public Affairs and Sustainability, in consultation, as appropriate, with the Company’s Chief Executive Officer and legal counsel to ensure compliance with corporate policy and applicable federal, state and local laws.

The AAG PAC is overseen by a five-person board of directors, and its members include the Senior Vice President of Public Affairs and Sustainability and the Company’s Chief Executive Officer. The Company’s Senior Vice President of Public Affairs and Sustainability and its Government Affairs Department is responsible for oversight of the Company’s participation in trade associations, and the Senior Vice President of Public Affairs and Sustainability is responsible for annually reviewing the Company’s participation in these associations and other public advocacy efforts.

The Company’s General Counsel and Senior Vice President of Public Affairs and Sustainability are responsible for oversight and implementation of the Company’s Policy on Political Contributions and Engagement and for establishing effective reporting and compliance procedures with respect to the Company’s political activities.

The Governance, Nominating and NominatingCorporate Responsibility Committee of the Board of Directors remain responsible for monitoringmonitors compliance, as well as any changes or updates to the process or policy.

The Board approved these changes on November 6, 2020 and the new Policy on Political Contributions and Engagement was published on November 13, 2020.  

Shareholder Communications

Stockholder Communications

Any stockholdershareholder or interested party who wishes to communicate with the Board or any specific director, including the Lead Independent DirectorBoard Chair (who presides over executive sessions of the independent directors) or with the independent directors as a group, may write to:

Board of Directors

Alaska Air Group, Inc.

PO Box 68947

Seattle, WA 98168

Depending on the subject matter, management will:

forward the communication to the director or directors to whom it is addressed or the applicable director with oversight of the topic (for example, if the communication received deals with questions, concerns or complaints regarding accounting, internal accounting controls and auditing matters, it will be forwarded by management to the chair of the Audit Committee for review); or

attempt to handle the inquiry directly (for example, where it is a request for information about the Company’s operations or it is a stock-related matter that does not appear to require direct attention by the Board or any individual director); or


not forward the communication if it is primarily commercial in nature or if it relates to an improper or irrelevant topic.

not forward the communication if it is primarily commercial in nature or if it relates to an improper or irrelevant topic.

At each meeting of the Governance, Nominating and NominatingCorporate Responsibility Committee, the Corporate Secretary or Assistant Corporate Secretary presents a summary of all communications received since the last meeting of the Governance, Nominating and NominatingCorporate Responsibility Committee and will make those communications available to any director on request.

The Board has also implemented a protocol for stockholder-directorshareholder-director engagement that provides long-term holders of a significant percentage of the Company’s stock a process for communicating directly with the Board in person or by phone. Investors may request information regarding engagement with stockholdersshareholders by contacting the Assistant Corporate Secretary at (206) 392-5380 or by email to allie.wittenberger@alaskaair.com.allie.wittenberger@alaskaair.com.

Each year, the Company reaches out to stockholdersshareholders that have requested such engagement or that have demonstrated a long-term, significant investment in the Company. In the past year, the Company sought

15


feedback from stockholdersshareholders representing approximately 47%50% of the Company’s common stock on relevant matters related to corporate governance and stockholder value and spoke with every stockholder who expressed an interest in engaging.  In addition, the Chair, Lead Independent Director and Chair of the Governance and Nominating Committee met by telephone with three of the Company’s largest and longest-term stockholders, the only stockholders that had requested engagement pursuant to the protocol above, to discuss relevant matters directly.shareholder value. The feedback from those discussions provided a framework for certain disclosures in this Proxy Statement.

Board Responsiveness to 2022 Nonbinding Shareholder Proposal

At the 2022 annual meeting, a shareholder proposed that the Company must seek shareholder approval of any senior manager’s new or renewed pay package that provides for severance or termination payments (including the value of cash, accelerated equity, perquisites, and a range of other compensation afforded under any contract or plan in which the executive participates except for life insurance, pension, and vested deferred compensation plans) with an estimated value exceeding 2.99 times the sum of the executive’s base salary plus target short-term bonus. The proposal passed with just over 54% of votes cast at the 2022 annual meeting.

We subsequently requested meetings with our 25 largest institutional shareholders, which in aggregate, own approximately 50% of our common stock, seeking their views on the proposal and feedback on implementation approaches. The non-executive Board Chair, the Chair of the Compensation and Leadership Development Committee and the Chair of the Governance, Nominating and Corporate Responsibility Committee met with every shareholder who expressed an interest in engaging, including our 10 of our largest shareholders. Below is a summary of our engagement, the feedback we received, and the Board’s efforts to implement the proposal.

For context, the Company is not a party to any contract that promises severance or termination payments to executives outside the context of a change in control. Our change in control agreements provide for cash severance, equity acceleration, and other benefits being delivered to an executive if he or she is involuntarily terminated without cause or resigns for good reason within a defined period following a change in control.

For further context, the Company has certain arrangements that may provide benefits to executives on a termination outside a change in control. For instance, our equity awards generally require continued service to vest, but vesting may accelerate if the executive retires after meeting tenure and age requirements or leaves employment due to death or disability. We also have executive severance guidelines that, in the discretion of the Compensation & Leadership Development Committee, may result in cash compensation and travel benefits being extended to an executive who is separated from employment without cause. See the Potential Payments Upon Change in Control and Termination section for additional information about these scenarios.

During our engagement with shareholders, we pointed out several factors (described below) that, in the Board’s view, make the shareholder proposal overly restrictive on the Committee’s discretion, unnecessary in light of our historically conservative severance practices, and put the Company at a competitive disadvantage.

The overwhelming positive support the Company has received on Say-On-Pay, which has averaged over 90% support over the past seven years;
Our historically conservative executive compensation practices and severance pay history and the fact that no NEO in at least ten years has received a severance package that exceeded 2.99 times the sum of the executive’s base salary plus target short-term bonus;
Our existing executive severance guidelines already limit cash payments (outside of the change in control context) to 2 times or 1.5 times the sum of the executive’s base salary plus the average of three years short-term bonus pay for the CEO and other NEOs, respectively, and require shareholder ratification of any payment that exceeds a 2.99 multiple as described below; and
The counting of accelerated equity value towards the 2.99 cap under the shareholder proposal creates significant complexity and uncertainty as there are a number of different approaches to value equity awards and their value may vary greatly over time with changes in stock price.

16


The shareholders we spoke with were generally supportive of capping cash severance pay to executive officers; however, they expressed mixed views on whether the value of any accelerated equity should be counted against the cap. Around half of the shareholders felt that accelerated equity should be counted against the cap (and supporting calculating such value in accordance with Section 280G of the U.S. Internal Revenue Code). The other half expressed the view that counting accelerated equity value against the cap was overly punitive and believed that only cash compensation should be counted against the cap, so long as equity awards continued to vest in accordance with existing equity award agreements. The majority of shareholders we spoke with were comfortable, and in fact expected, severance compensation in a change in control event to be governed by separate dual-trigger change in control agreements with executives, rather than under the policy advanced by the proposing shareholder.

Notably, none of these major shareholders expressed any concerns related to the Company’s existing or historical pay practices or our current change in control agreements.

Implementation Actions based on Shareholder Engagement

Based on feedback from the shareholders owning a majority of our shares and in response to the proposal, the Compensation and Leadership Development Committee enacted a policy that requires the Company to obtain shareholder ratification of any new or renewed severance arrangement (aside from one arising from our dual-trigger change in control agreement terms, death or disability) with an executive officer if the value of cash payments, perquisites and any equity award acceleration (with the value of accelerated equity calculated in accordance with Section 280G of the U.S. Internal Revenue Code as this method provides an existing, objective framework for determining the value of acceleration of equity awards), exceeds 2.99 times the sum of the executive officer’s base salary plus the average value of earned short-term incentive pay plan bonuses measured over the prior three years. Consistent with the shareholder proposal, our policy excludes life insurance, pension, and vested deferred compensation plans from the severance package value counted against the cap.

Virtual Meeting Philosophy

The Company has held its annual meeting of stockholdersconducted our Annual Meeting as a virtual meeting via the Internet since 2016. The Company also offers stockholdersshareholders the option to ask questions via the live via telephone.chat feature. The Board believes that holding the annual meeting of stockholdersAnnual Meeting in a virtual format provides the opportunity for participation by a broader group of stockholders, while reducing the costs associatedshareholders with planning, holdingless expense and arranging logistics forfewer logistical issues than an in-person meeting proceedings.meeting. This balanceapproach also allows the meetings to remain focused on matters directly relevant to the interests of stockholdersshareholders in a way that recognizes the value to stockholdersshareholders of an efficient use of Company resources.

The Board intends that the virtual meeting format provide stockholdersshareholders a level of transparency as close as possible to the traditional in-person meeting format and takes the following steps to ensure such an experience:

providing stockholdersshareholders with the ability to submit appropriate questions in advance of the meeting to ensure thoughtful responses from management and the Board;

providing stockholdersshareholders with the ability to submit appropriate questions real-time either via the meeting website, limiting questions to one per stockholdershareholder unless time otherwise permits;

answering as many questions submitted in accordance with the meeting rules of conduct as possible in the time allotted for the meeting without discrimination;

publishing all questions submitted in accordance with the meeting rules of conduct with answers following the meeting, including those not addressed directly during the meeting; and

offering separate engagement opportunities with stockholdersshareholders on appropriate matters of governance or other relevant topics as outlined under the StockholderShareholder Communications section in this Proxy Statement.

17



ELECTIONELECTION OF DIRECTORS

Proposal 1: Election of Directors to One-Year Terms

The Company’s Bylaws provide that directors shall serve a one-year term. Directors are elected to hold office until their successors are elected and qualified, or until resignation or removal in the manner provided in the Company’s Bylaws. ThirteenEleven directors are nomineeshave been nominated for election this year and each has consented to serve a one-year term ending in 2022.May 2024. There are no family relationships among the directors and our executive officers.

Patricia M. Bedient, 6769

Qualifications:

img48386705_9.jpg 

Former Executive Vice

President and CFO, The

Weyerhaeuser Company

Director of Alaska Air

Group since 2004

Lead Independent Director

Audit Committee

Governance and
Nominating Committee (Chair)
Non-executive Board Chair

  Financial
Financial/Accounting and Investor Relations Expertise

  Strategic Planning Experience

•  

Public AccountingCompany Governance Experience

Business Development andMergers and Acquisitions Experience

Professional Highlights:

Ms. Bedient was executive vice president (until July 2016) for The Weyerhaeuser Company, a publicly traded company and one of the world’sworld's largest integrated forest products companies.companies, from 2007 until her retirement in July 2016. She was the company’scompany's CFO from 2007 until February 2016. Ms. Bedient served as senior vice president, finance and strategic planning from 2006 until 2007 and as vice president, strategic planning from 2003, when she joined Weyerhaeuser. A certified public accountant (CPA) since 1978, she served as managing partner of the Seattle office of Arthur Andersen LLP prior to joining Weyerhaeuser. Ms. Bedient also worked at Andersen’s Portland and Boise offices as a partner and as a CPA during her 27-year career with the firm. She is a member of the American Institute of CPAs and the Washington Society of CPAs. Ms. Bedient currently serves on the Board of Suncor Energy where she chairs the audit committee and is a member of the governance nominating committee as well as serving on the Park Hotels and Resorts Board as a member of both the audit and governance nominating committees.

Current Public Company Board Service:

Suncor Energy, Inc.

Park Hotels and Resorts

Current Non-Public Company Board Service:

Alaska Airlines and Horizon Air (subsidiaries of Alaska Air Group)

  Overlake Hospital Medical Center Board of Trustees

•  

Oregon State University Board of Trustees

University of Washington Foster School of Business Advisory Board

Education:

Education:

BS, Oregon State University

18


James A. Beer, 62

Qualifications:

img48386705_10.jpg 

James A. Beer, 60

Qualifications:

Former CFO, Atlassian Corporation

Director of Alaska Air

Group since 2017

Innovation Committee (Chair)

Safety Committee

  Financial
Airline/Transportation/Safety Expertise

  Aviation Industry Expertise

Business Development andMergers and Acquisitions Experience
  Strategic Planning Experience

Cybersecurity and Technology Expertise
Financial/Accounting and Investor Relations Expertise
Public Company Governance Experience

Professional Highlights:

Mr. Beer joinedserved as CFO at Atlassian Corporation PLC, a publicly traded company as its CFOfrom 2018 until his retirement in February 2018.June 2022. He was executive vice president and CFO for McKesson Corporation from 2013 to 2017, and CFO at Symantec Corp. from 2006 to 2013. From 1991 to 2006, he held a number ofseveral management positions including CFO at AMR Corporation and American Airlines, AMR’s principal subsidiary.Airlines. Mr. Beer served on the ForeScount Technologies Inc. board of directors from October 2016 to August 2020. In August 2020, he was appointed to the board of DocuSign, Inc. and serves on its audit and M&A committees.

Current Public Company Board Service:

  ForeScout Technologies, Inc.

•  

DocuSign Inc.

Current Non-Public Company Board Service:

Alaska Airlines and Horizon Air (subsidiaries of Alaska Air Group)

Education:

Education:

BS, Aeronautical Engineering, Imperial College, London University

MBA, Harvard Business School

Raymond L. Conner, 67

Qualifications:



Raymond L. Conner, 65

Qualifications:

img48386705_11.jpg 

Former Vice Chairman,

The Boeing Company

Director of Alaska Air Group

since 2018

Compensation and

Leadership Development

Committee (Chair)

Safety Committee

Airline/Transportation/Safety Expertise
Business Development andMergers and Acquisitions Experience
Government/Public Affairs/Regulatory Expertise
HR/Org. Strategy/DE&I Experience
Investor Relations Expertise
Public Company Governance Experience
Public Company CEO Experience

•  Strategic Planning Experience

•  Aviation Industry Experience

•  Community Leadership

Professional Highlights:

Mr. Conner is operating advisor to Clayton, Dubilier & Rice (a private investment firm) since September 2018.  He is the former vice chairman of The Boeing Company. Prior to his appointment to vice chairman in 2013, Mr. Conner served in a number of positions with Boeing Commercial Airplanes since 1977, including a variety of roles within the sales, finance and materielmaterial divisions. Most recently, he served as vice president and general manager of the 777 program (2001-2003), vice president of sales for the Americas (2003 to 2007), vice president and general manager of supply chain management and operations (2008 – 2011), vice president sales, marketing and commercial aviation services (2012), and president and CEO (2013-2017). Mr Conner is operating advisor to Clayton, Dubilier & Rice (a private investment firm) since September 2018. He serves as Chairman of Pursuit Aerospace, a global manufacturer of complex aircraft engine components since February 2023.

Current Public Company Board Service:

•  Adient plc

Current Non-Public Company Board Service:

Alaska Airlines and Horizon Air (subsidiaries of Alaska Air Group)

Board of Trustees Central Washington University
Pursuit Aerospace

Education:

Education:

BS, Central Washington University

MBA, University of Puget Sound

19


Daniel K. Elwell, 63

Qualifications:

Daniel K. Elwell, 61

Qualifications:

img48386705_12.jpg 

President, Elwell & Associates, LLC

Former Deputy and Acting Administrator, Federal Aviation Administration

Director of Alaska Air Group

since 2021

Audit Committee

Innovation Committee

Airline/Transportation/Safety Expertise
Climate/Carbon Expertise
Government/Public Affairs/Regulatory Expertise
Technology Expertise

• Aviation Industry Expertise

• Extensive Experience with Government, including the Federal Aviation Administration

Professional Highlights:

Mr. Elwell is President of Elwell & Associates, LLC. He served as Deputy and Acting Administrator of the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) from June 2017 to November 2020, where he was responsible for the safety and efficiency of the largest aerospace system in the world. He also had oversight of the FAA’s multibillion-dollar Next Gen air traffic control modernization program to accelerate the shift from ground-based radar to state-of-the-art satellite technology. Mr. Elwell also served as Senior Vice President for Safety, Security and Operations at Airlines for America (A4A) from 2013-2015 and was Vice President of the Aerospace Industries Association (AIA) from 2008 to 2013. He is also a former military and commercial pilot. In March 2021, Mr. Elwell was appointed to the Dedrone (airspace security) and to the Asylon (drone security) advisory boards. In addition, he serves on the board of PARSEC Acquisition (a space, transportation, and advanced space special 3 purposes acquisition company).

Current Public Company Board Service:

PARSEC Acquisition

Current Non-Public Company Board Service:

Alaska Airlines and Horizon Air (subsidiaries of Alaska Air Group)
Joby Aviation Advisory Board, since March 2021
Dedrone Advisory Board
Asylon Advisory Board
AFCO/AVPorts
Aireon Advisory Board
SAAB, USA SSA Board

Education:

Education:

BS, U.S. Air Force Academy



20


Dhiren R. Fonseca, 5658

Qualifications:

img48386705_13.jpg 

Partner,

Advisor, Certares LP

Director of Alaska Air Group

since 2014

Audit Committee

Innovation Committee

  Technology/IT/Digital
Brand/Marketing Expertise

Business Development andMergers and Acquisitions Experience

Cybersecurity and Technology Expertise
Government/Public Affairs/Regulatory Expertise
Financial/Accounting and Investor Relations Expertise
Public Company Governance Experience
CEO Experience

•  Financial Experience

Professional Highlights:

PriorMr. Fonseca is an advisor to joining Certares LP asand has been a partner insince December 2014,2014. He previously served as CEO and President of Rentpath, Inc. from December 2020 to August 2021. Mr. Fonseca wasalso served as chief commercial officer at Expedia, Inc., where he served for more than 18 years. He contributed greatly to the online travel company’s growth and success, serving in a host of key roles including co-president of its global partner services group and senior vice president of corporate development. Mr. Fonseca helped found Expedia.com as part of the management team at Microsoft Corporation that brought the online travel company to life in 1995 and subsequently took it public in 1999. Before Expedia, he held multiple roles in product management and corporate technical sales at Microsoft Corporation. Mr. Fonseca currently serves on the audit committee of Rackspace Technology, Inc. He previously served on the boards of Diamond Resorts, Redbox, Caesars Acquisition Company, HotelTonight, and also Rentpath, Inc., (nonpublic) until April 2021.

Current Public Company Board Service:

Rackspace Technology, Inc.
Osiris Acquisition Corp.

Current Non-Public Company Board Service:

Alaska Airlines and Horizon Air (subsidiaries of Alaska Air Group)

•  RentPath, Inc..

•  Diamond Resorts

21


Kathleen T. Hogan, 57

Qualifications:

Kathleen T. Hogan, 55

Qualifications:

img48386705_14.jpg 

Chief People Officer and Executive Vice President of Human Resources,

Microsoft

Director of Alaska Air Group

since August 2019

Governance, Nominating and Corporate Responsibility Committee (Chair)

Compensation and Leadership Development Committee

Governance and Nominating Committee (effective May 2021)

  Leadership Development and Culture Expertise

HR/Org. Strategy/DE&I Experience
Public Company Governance Experience
Technology Experience

Professional Highlights:

Ms. Hogan ishas been the chief people officer executive vice president of human resources for Microsoft Corporation (technology), a publicly traded company.company since 2014. She previously served as corporate vice president of Microsoft Services.Services from 2003-2015. Prior to joining Microsoft in 2003, Ms. Hogan was a partner at McKinsey & Co. and a development manager at Oracle Corp. She previously led the finance committee for the Puget Sound affiliate of Susan G. Komen for the Cure.

Current Non-Public Company Board Service:

Alaska Airlines and Horizon Air (subsidiaries of Alaska Air Group)

National Center for Women & Information Technology

Education:

Education:

BS, Harvard University

MBA, Stanford University Graduate School of Business


Jessie, J. Knight, Jr., 70Adrienne R. Lofton, 47

Qualifications:

img48386705_15.jpg 

Vice President, Global Brand Marketing

Managing Director,Google

Knight Angels LLC

Director of Alaska Air

Group since 20202021

Compensation and

Leadership Development

Committee

Safety Committee (effective May 2021)

Innovation Committee

  Brand
Brand/Marketing Expertise
HR/Org. Strategy/DE&I Experience

•  Energy Markets Expertise

•  Economic Development Expertise

•  Business, Political and International Experience

Professional Highlights:

Mr. KnightMs. Lofton has been managing director of Knight Angels LLC (private equity investments) since 2015.  From 2006 to 2015, he was executivethe vice president of external affairsglobal brand marketing at Google since 2021, where she oversees the integrated consumer experience for Google's platforms & ecosystems portfolio. She previously served as vice president and chief sustainability officerhead of Sempra EnergyNorth America marketing at Nike Inc. from 2018 to 2021, and as Under Armour’s senior vice president, of global marketing, operations and philanthropy from 20102015 to 2014,2018.

Ms. Lofton has deep cross-industry experience that includes leadership roles at Levi Strauss & Co., where she was chief executivemarketing officer of San Diego Gasfor the global Dockers brand and Electric Company.  Mr. Knight previously servedTarget Corporation, where she helped spearhead the company’s multicultural marketing focus and provided cross-categorical leadership across its iconic master brand. She began her career at Gap Inc. and also worked at Starcom, focused on the Alaska Air Group, Inc. board of directors from 2002 to 2017 during which time he served on several board committees, including compensation, governance and nominating, and safety.  He was chair of the safety committee from 2014 to 2017.General Motors portfolio.

Current Non-Public Company Board Service:

Alaska Airlines and Horizon Air (subsidiaries of Alaska Air Group)

Education:

  Timken Museum of Art in San Diego

•  University of California San Diego Foundation

•  U.S. Chamber of Commerce

Education:

•  

BA, St. LouisHoward University

22


•  MBA, University of WisconsinBen Minicucci, 57

Qualifications:

Susan J. Li, 35

Qualifications:

Vice President Finance,

Facebook, Inc.img48386705_16.jpg 

Director of Alaska Air Group

since 2018

Audit Committee

Innovation Committee

•  Financial Expertise

•  Strategic Planning Experience

•  Technology/IT/Digital Experience

Professional Highlights:

Ms. Li currently serves as a vice president of finance at Facebook, Inc., where she leads the finance, business planning and treasury organizations.  Since joining Facebook in 2008, Ms. Li has served in a number of finance positions, including director of finance from 2013 to 2016, leading teams focused on business operations and financial planning and analysis.  Prior to Facebook, she was an investment banking analyst at Morgan Stanley.

Current Non-Public Company Board Service:

•  Alaska Airlines and Horizon Air (subsidiaries of Alaska Air Group)

Education:

•  BA and BS, Stanford University



Benito Minicucci, 55

Qualifications:

President

Alaska Airlines, Inc.

President and CEO

Alaska Air Group, Inc. and Alaska Airlines, Inc. (effective March 31, 2021)

Director of Alaska Air Group since 2020

  Airline Operations
Airline/Transportation/Safety Expertise

Business Development andMergers and Acquisitions Experience

Climate/Carbon Expertise
Government/Public Affairs/Regulatory Expertise
HR/Org. Strategy/DE&I Experience
Investor Relations Expertise
Public Company Governance Experience
Public Company CEO Experience

Professional Highlights:

Mr. Minicucci is chief executive officer of Alaska Air Group (Air Group) and Alaska Airlines (Alaska) since March 31, 2021. He has been president of Alaska Airlines since May 2016.2016 and became president of Air Group in March 2021. He served as chief operating officer from December 2008 until November 2019. Mr. Minicucci also served as chief executive officer of Virgin America Inc. from December 2016 to July 2018. Prior to this, he held various executive positions at Alaska, including executive vice president of operations, vice president of Seattle operations, and staff vice president of maintenance and engineering. Before joining Alaska, Mr. Minicucci had a variety of roles at Air Canada and served in the Canadian Armed Forces for 14 years prior to joining the private aviation sector. Mr. Minicucci served on the board of PG&E Corporation (an energy-based holding company) from July 2018 to April 2019.

Current Non-Public Company Board Service:

University of Washington Michael G. Foster School of Business, Center for Leadership and Strategic Thinking
UNCF

Education:

Education:

BS and MS, Royal Military College of Canada

Advanced Management Program, Harvard Business School

Helvi K. Sandvik, 6365

Qualifications:

img48386705_17.jpg 

President, Kidways LLC

Director of Alaska Air Group

since 2013

Safety Committee (Chair)

Compensation and

Leadership Development

Committee (effective May 2021)

Business Development andMergers and Acquisitions Experience
Government/Public Affairs/Regulatory Expertise
HR/Org. Strategy/DE&I Experience
Public Company Governance Experience
CEO Experience

•  30+ Years of Private and Public Sector Senior Executive Management and Board Experience

•  Intimate Knowledge of the Native Culture and Transportation Requirements in the State of Alaska

•  Community Leadership Experience

Professional Highlights:

Professional Highlights:

Ms. Sandvik is president of Kidways LLC (business management consulting). From 1999 to 2016, Ms. Sandvik was president of NANA Development Corporation (NDC), a diversified business engaged in government contracting, oilfield and mining support, professional management services, and engineering and construction. During this time, she oversaw the growth of the NDC from an oil field support services company with revenues of $50 million into a diverse, multi-sector, global enterprise with revenues of $1.5 billion. Prior to that, Ms. Sandvik served in a variety of leadership roles within the Alaska Department of Transportation and Public Facilities, including director of statewide aviation and deputy commissioner, as well as a variety of public and non-profit leadership roles.

Current Non-Public Company Board Service:

Alaska Airlines and Horizon Air (subsidiaries of Alaska Air Group)

HDR, Inc.

National Center for American Indian Enterprise Development

Education:

BA, Kalamazoo College

MBA, University of Alaska Fairbanks

23


J. Kenneth Thompson, 71

Qualifications:

img48386705_18.jpg 



J. Kenneth Thompson, 69

Qualifications:

President and CEO, Pacific

Star Energy LLC

Director of Alaska Air Group since 1999

Compensation and

Leadership Development

Committee

Governance, Nominating and Nominating

Committee

Corporate Responsibility

Business LeadershipDevelopment andMergers and Acquisitions Experience
Climate/Carbon Expertise

Financial/Accounting and Investor Relations Expertise
HR/Org. Strategy/DE&I Experience with Strategic Planning, Engineering, Operations,
Public Company Governance Experience
Technology and Research, and Safety, Environmental Impact and Regulatory Issues

Expertise
CEO Experience

•  Community Leadership

Professional Highlights:

Since 2000, Mr. Thompson has been a co-owner and president and CEO of Pacific Star Energy LLC, a firm that is a passive owner of oil lease royalties in Alaska. He served from 2004 to 2012 as Managing Director of Alaska Venture Capital Group LLC, a private oil and gas exploration firm in which Pacific Star Energy LLC owns an interest. Had a 26 year career (1974-2000) with ARCO with his last position being EVP of ARCO's Asia Pacific region companies. In a prior position at ARCO, he served as executive head of research and technology which included oversight of engineering, operations, geoscience, environmental and IT technologies. Mr. Thompson chairs the environmental, health, safety and social responsibility committee, and serves on the governance and nominating committee and finance advisory council of Coeur Mining Inc.,Inc.. He also serves on the strategy planningnominating and enterprise riskcorporate governance committee and chairs the compensation committee at Tetra Tech, Inc., and serves on the compensation committee, chairs the governance and nominating committee, and chairs the hydrocarbon reservessustainability and climate oversight committee, as well as serving as non-executive chairman of the board of Pioneer Natural Resources Company. He is also a member and chair of CDF Capital, a non-profit organization. In 2019, Mr. Thompson was selected as one of the 100 most influential corporate directors by the National Association of Corporate Directors (NACD).

Current Public Company Board Service:

Pioneer Natural Resources Company (Non-Executive Chairman)

Tetra Tech, Inc.

Coeur Mining, Inc.

Current Non-Public Company Board Service:

Alaska Airlines and Horizon Air (subsidiaries of Alaska Air Group)

Education:

Education:

BS, Petroleum Engineering, Missouri University of Science and Technology

24


Bradley D. Tilden, 60Eric K. Yeaman, 55

Qualifications:

img48386705_19.jpg 

ChairmanFounder and CEO, Alaska Air Group, Inc. and Alaska Airlines, Inc., and Horizon Air Industries, Inc.Managing Partner,


Executive Chair, Alaska Air Group, Inc., Alaska Airlines, Inc. and Horizon Air Industries, Inc. (effective March 31, 2021)
Hoku Capital LLC

Director of Alaska Air Group since 2010

•  Deep Airline Experience

•  Strategic Planning Experience

•  Financial Expertise

•  Public Company CEO Experience

•  Community Leadership

Professional Highlights:

Mr. Tilden has been chairman of Alaska Air Group, Alaska Airlines and Horizon Air since January 2014. He served as president of Alaska Airlines from December 2008 to May 2016. In May 2012, Mr. Tilden was named president and CEO of Alaska Air Group and CEO of Alaska Airlines, and he was CEO of Horizon Air from May 2012 to May 2016. He served as executive vice president of finance and planning from 2002 to 2008 and as CFO from 2000 to 2008 for Alaska Airlines and Alaska Air Group. Prior to 2000, he was vice president of finance at Alaska Airlines and Alaska Air Group.

Current Public Company Board Service:

•  Nordstrom, Inc.

Current Non-Public Company Board Service:

•  Alaska Airlines and Horizon Air (subsidiaries of Alaska Air Group)

•  Airlines for America

•  Boy Scouts of America

•  Washington Roundtable

Education:

•  BA, Pacific Lutheran University

•  MBA, University of Washington



Eric K. Yeaman, 53

Qualifications:

Founder and Managing Partner,

Hoku Capital LLC

Director of Alaska Air Group

since 2012

Audit Committee (Chair)

Governance, Nominating and Nominating

Committee

Corporate Responsibility

  Financial
Business Development andMergers and Acquisitions Experience
Financial/Accounting and Investor Relations Expertise

Public Company Governance Experience
CEO Experience

•  Intimate Knowledge of the Culture and Transportation Needs of Hawaii

•  Community Leadership Expertise

Professional Highlights:

Mr. Yeaman is currently the founder and managing partner of Hoku Capital LLC, a strategic advisory services firm located in Honolulu, HI. He was president and COO of First Hawaiian Bank, a wholly owned subsidiary of First Hawaiian Inc., from June 2015 to August 2019. From 2008 to 2015, he was president and CEO of Hawaiian Telcom, a telecommunications and technology company serving the state of Hawaii. Prior to that, he was senior executive vice president and COO of Hawaiian Electric Company, Inc. (HECO). Mr. Yeaman joined Hawaiian Electric Industries, Inc. (HEI), HECO’s parent company, in 2003 as financial vice president, treasurer and CFO. Prior to joining HEI, Mr. Yeaman held the positions of chief operating and financial officer for Kamehameha Schools from 2000 to 2003. He began his career at Arthur Andersen LLP in 1989.

Current Public Company Board Service:

Alexander & Baldwin, Inc.

Current Non-Public Company Board Service:

Alaska Airlines and Horizon Air (subsidiaries of Alaska Air Group)

DR Fortress
Lanihau Properties, LLC
Palani Ranch Company, Inc.
Friends of Hawaii Charities, Inc.
The Harold K.L. Castle Foundation

Hawaii Asia Pacific Association

Education:

  Friends of Hawaii Charities, Inc.

Education:

BA, University of Hawaii at Manoa

THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS RECOMMENDS THAT YOU VOTE FOR THE

ELECTION OF THE 1311 DIRECTOR NOMINEES NAMED ABOVE.


25


Structure of the BoardBoard of Directors

In accordance with the Delaware General Corporation Law and the Company’s Certificate of Incorporation and Bylaws, the Company’s business affairs are managed under the direction of the Board of Directors. Directors meet their responsibilities by, among other things, participating in meetings of the Board and board committees on which they serve, discussing matters with the chairman,Board Chair, CEO and other executives, reviewing materials provided to them, and visiting the Company’s facilities.

Pursuant to the Bylaws, the Board of Directors has established five standing committees, which are the Audit Committee, the Compensation and Leadership Development Committee, the Governance, Nominating and NominatingCorporate Responsibility Committee, the Safety Committee and the Innovation Committee. Only independent directors serve on these committees. The Board has adopted a written charter for each committee, which they review annually and update as necessary. These charters are posted on and can be accessed at www.alaskaair.com under About Alaska/Investor Relations.

The table below shows the current members and chairs of the standing board committees.

Board Committee Memberships

Name

AuditCommittee

Compensation and


Leadership


Development


Committee

Governance, Nominating and

Nominating

Corporate Responsibility Committee

Safety Committee

Innovation Committee

Patricia M. Bedient 1

Patricia M. BedientJames A. Beer

Chair

Chair

James A. BeerRaymond L. Conner

Chair

Chair

Marion C. Blakey (1)Daniel K. Elwell

Raymond L. Conner (2)Dhiren R. Fonseca

Chair

Daniel K. Elwell (3)Kathleen T. Hogan

Chair

Dhiren R. Fonseca

Kathleen T. Hogan (4)

Jessie J. Knight, Jr. (5)2

Susan J. Li2

Helvi K. Sandvik (6)Adrienne R. Lofton

Chair

J. Kenneth ThompsonHelvi K. Sandvik

Chair

J. Kenneth Thompson

Eric K. Yeaman

Chair

(1)

Ms. Blakey was chair of the Compensation and Leadership Development Committee until February 9, 2021.

(2)

Mr. Conner was appointed chair of the Compensation and Leadership Development Committee effective February 9, 2021.

(3)

Mr. Elwell was appointed to the Audit and Innovation Committees in January 2021.

(4)

In February 2021, Ms. Hogan was appointed to the Governance and Nominating Committee effective May 6, 2021 and subject to her election at the 2021 Annual Meeting.

(5)

Mr. Knight was appointed to the Compensation and Leadership Development Committee in October 2020. In February 2021, Mr. Knight was appointed to the Safety Committee effective May 6, 2021 and subject to his election at the 2021 Annual Meeting.

(6)

In February 2021, Ms. Sandvik was appointed to the Compensation and Leadership Development Committee effective May 6, 2021 and subject to her election at the 2021 Annual Meeting.

1 Ms. Bedient serves as the Non-executive Board Chair.


2 Mr. Knight's and Ms. Li's service on the committee's they serve will end concurrent with the end of their board

service.

Board Committee and Risk Oversight Functions

The principal functions of the standing board committees, pursuant to their respective charters, are as follows:

Audit Committee

With regard to matters pertaining tothe independent registered public accountants:

o
appoint them, approve their compensation and oversee their work;

o
review at least annually a written statement regarding their internal quality-control procedures, any material issues raised by their internal quality-control review, and all relationships between the independent accountants and the Company;

o
maintain ongoing discussions as to their independence;

o
pre-approve all auditing and non-auditing services they are to perform;

o
review annual audited and quarterly financial statements with management and the independent registered public accountants;

26


o
receive and review communications required from the independent registered public accountants under applicable rules and standards; and

o
establish clear hiring policies for employees and former employees of the independent registered public accountants.

With regard to matters pertaining tothe internal auditors and executive ownership under the VP Audit Programs:

o
review and approve the annual internal audit plan;

o
review the results of internal audit activities;

o
review the structure and resources of the internal audit team; and

o
review and approve any changes to the internal audit charter.

With regard to matters pertaining to information security risk oversight and executive ownership under the Chief Information Security Officer:

o
review and discuss technology, information security (cybersecurity) and(cybersecurity, ransomware), data privacy risks and effectiveness of related security controls.

controls and cybersecurity incidents.

With regard to matters pertaining to risk oversight, compliance and controls and executive ownership under the VP Audit Programs and Chief Ethics and Compliance Officer:

o
discuss with management policies and practices with respect to risk assessment and risk management, including the process by which the Company undertakes risk assessment and enterprise risk management;

o
review with management major financial risk exposure and adequacy and effectiveness of associated internal controls;

o
review procedures with respect to appropriateness of significant accounting policies and the adequacy of financial controls;

o
discuss with management, as appropriate, earnings releases and any information provided to analysts and ratings agencies;

o
develop, monitor and reassess from time to time a corporate compliance program, including a code of conduct and ethics policy, decide on requested changes to or waivers of such program and code relating to officers and directors, and establish procedures for confidential treatment of complaints concerning accounting, internal controls or auditing matters;

o
review any changes to the corporate compliance program charter; and

o
obtain and review at least quarterly a statement from the CEO, CFO and disclosure committee members disclosing any significant deficiencies in internal controls and any fraud that involves management or other employees with significant roles in internal controls.

Annually review and reassess the adequacy of the Audit Committee’s charter and its performance.


27


Compensation and Leadership Development Committee

With regard to executive and director compensation:

o  recommend for approval by and executive ownership under the Board changes in compensationSenior Vice President of People and insurance for the Company’s and its subsidiaries’ nonemployee directors;guidance from an independent consultant:

o
set, review and approve compensation of the CEO and other elected officers of the Company and its subsidiaries, taking into account CARES Act requirements and other legal considerations; and

o
establish the process for reviewing and approving corporate goals relevant to CEO compensation and for evaluating CEO performance in light of those goals.

Set annual goals under the broad-based Performance-Based Pay Plan and Operational Performance Rewards Plan and administer the plans.

Grant stock awards and stock options to elected officers.

Administer and review the supplementary retirement plans for elected officers and the equity-based incentive plans.

Make recommendations to the Board regarding other executive compensation issues, including modification or adoption of plans.

Fulfill ERISA fiduciary and non-fiduciary functions for tax-qualified retirement plans by monitoring management benefit committees and approving the membership of those committees, and the extension of plan participation to employees of subsidiaries.

Approve the terms of employment and severance agreements with elected officers and the form of change-of-controlchange-in-control agreements.

Ensure a framework, process and policies are in place for CEO and executive succession, including standards for assessment, and the periodic review of CEO and other management development and succession plans.

Administer and make recommendations to the Board of Directors with respect to the Company’s equity and other long-term incentive equity plans.

Administer, review and modify the Company’s policy regarding recoupment of certain compensation payments.

Produce the report on executive compensation required for the annual proxy statement.

Oversight overof human capital matters, including advancing diversity, equity and inclusion.

inclusion initiatives.

Annually review and reassess the adequacy of the Committee’s charter and its performance.

28


Governance, Nominating and NominatingCorporate Responsibility Committee

With regard to matters board and governance risk and executive ownership under the Corporate Secretary and Senior Vice President of Public Affairs and Sustainability:

Develop, monitor and reassess from time to time the Corporate Governance Guidelines.

Evaluate the size and composition of the Board.

Develop criteria for board membership.

Evaluate the independence of existing and prospective members of the Board.

Seek and evaluate qualified candidates for election to the Board.

Evaluate the nature, structure and composition of other board committees.

Take steps it deems necessary or appropriate with respect to annual assessments of the performance of the Board and each board committee, including itself.

Review and assess ESG goals, initiatives and performance.

Annually review and reassess the adequacy of the Governance and Nominating Committee’s charter and its performance.


Recommend for approval by the Board changes in compensation and insurance for the Company’s and its subsidiaries’ nonemployee directors;
Review the Company’s Policy on Political Contributions and Engagement and regularly monitor compliance with such policy.

Safety Committee

With regard to matters pertaining to safety related risk oversight and executive ownership under the VP Safety:

Monitor management’s efforts to ensure the safety of passengers and employees of the Company and its subsidiaries.

Monitor and assist management in creating a uniform safety culture that achieves the highest possible industry performance measures.

Review management’s efforts to ensure aviation security and reduce the risk of security incidents.

  Oversee
Monitor Alaska’s and Horizon’s internal evaluation programs which audit safety-related risks.

Periodically review with management and outside experts all aspects of airline safety.

Evaluate the Company’s health, safety and environmental policies and practices and applicable federal and state standards.

Annually review and reassess the adequacy of the Committee’s charter and its performance.

Advise the Compensation & Leadership Development Committee on the adoption of safety goals and metrics included in the Company’s compensation programs.

Innovation Committee

With regard to matters pertaining to innovation risk oversight and executive ownership under the Chief Commercial Officer:

Review and advise on the Company’s strategy and approach to innovation, including how such innovation improves revenue, guest and employee experiences.

Ensure the Company applies an appropriate risk-based methodology in defining the innovation strategy and where investments are made.

Discuss and advise on the Company’s risk tolerance for adopting emerging or disruptive technology to ensure there isencourage discussion of commercial viability.

viability and change management.

Review allocation of resources – both financial and human capital – for innovation and to ensure resources are adequate to execute the strategy.

29


Review results from the measurement and tracking systems designed to monitor progress towards achieving the innovation strategy.

Discuss and advise on methods to foster a culture of innovation across the Company.

Company in support of operational, financial and safety objectives.

Review and discuss technology trends that could significantly affect the Company and the business in which it operates including whether investments in technology partners is required to assist in delivering the Company’s strategy.

Annually review and reassess the adequacy of the Committee’s charter and its performance.

Board and Committee Meetings

In 2020,2022, the Board of Directors held 105 meetings. The standing board committees held the following number of meetings in 2020:2022:

Audit Committee – 4

Compensation and Leadership Development Committee – 75

Governance, Nominating and NominatingCorporate Responsibility Committee – 4

Safety Committee – 4

Innovation Committee -- 4

Each director except one attended at least 75% of all board and applicable committee meetings during 2020.2022. Each director is expected to attend the Company’s Annual Meeting of Stockholders. Last year, allMeeting. All directors attended the 2022 annual stockholders meeting.


30


Director IndependenceIndependence

The Board of Directors of the Company has determined that all thenon-employee directors except Mr. Tilden(Mses. Bedient, Hogan, Li, Lofton and Mr. Minicucci,Sandvik and Messrs. Beer, Conner, Elwell, Fonseca, Knight, Jr., Thompson and Yeaman), and including each member of the Audit Committee, Compensation and Leadership Development Committee, Governance, Nominating and NominatingCorporate Responsibility Committee, Safety Committee and Innovation Committee are independent under the NYSE listing standards and the Company’s independent director standards that are set forth in the Company’s Corporate Governance Guidelines. Mr. Minicucci is not independent due to his position as our CEO.

The Corporate Governance Guidelines are available on the Company’s website at www.alaskaair.comunder About Alaska/Investor Relations. In making its determination, the Board considered any transactions or relationships between the contributions made by the Company to charitabledirector, members of his or her family and organizations with which any of its directors are affiliated.that director or family members have an affiliation, on the one hand, and us, our subsidiaries and management, on the other hand. In this regard, the Board considered the value of charitable contributions made by the Company to an organization with which Ms. Bedient is affiliated in a non-fiduciary capacity as a member of its advisory board. After consideration of these matters and in accordance with the Board’s independent director criteria, the Board affirmatively determined that the matters did not represent material relationships with the Company because the amounts of the contributions were immaterial with respect to the Company’s and the outside organization’s annual revenues.

Specifically, the Board has determined that independent directors must have no material relationship with the Company, based on all material facts and circumstances. At a minimum, an independent director must meet each of the standards listed below.

1.

The director, within the last three years, has not been employed by and has no immediate family member that has been an executive officer of the Company.

1.
The director, within the last three years, has not been employed by and has no immediate family member that has been an executive officer of the Company.

2.

Neither the director nor any immediate family member has, in any 12-month period during the last three years, received more than $120,000 in direct compensation from the Company other than compensation for director or committee service and pension or other deferred compensation for prior service.

2.
Neither the director nor any immediate family member has, in any 12-month period during the last three years, received more than $120,000 in direct compensation from the Company other than compensation for director or committee service and pension or other deferred compensation for prior service.

3.

Neither the director nor any immediate family member is a current partner of the Company’s independent accountant’s firm, the director is not a current employee of the independent accountant’s firm, no immediate family member is a current employee of the independent accountant’s firm working in its audit, assurance or tax compliance practice, and neither the director nor any immediate family member was an employee or partner of the independent accountant’s firm within the last three years and worked on the Company’s audit within that time.

3.
Neither the director nor any immediate family member is a current partner of the Company’s independent accountant’s firm, the director is not a current employee of the independent accountant’s firm, no immediate family member is a current employee of the independent accountant’s firm working in its audit, assurance or tax compliance practice, and neither the director nor any immediate family member was an employee or partner of the independent accountant’s firm within the last three years and worked on the Company’s audit within that time.

4.
Neither the director nor any immediate family member has, within the last three years, been part of an interlocking directorate. This means that no executive officer of the Company served on the compensation committee of a company that employed the director or an immediate family member.

4.

Neither the director nor any immediate family member has, within the last three years, been part of an interlocking directorate. This means that no executive officer of the Company served on the compensation committee of a company that employed the director or an immediate family member.

5.
The director is not currently an employee of and no immediate family member is an executive officer of another company that represented at least 2% or $1 million, whichever is greater, of the Company’s gross revenues, or of which the Company represented at least 2% or $1 million, whichever is greater, of such other company’s gross revenues in any of the last three fiscal years. Charitable contributions are excluded from this calculation.

5.

The director is not currently an employee of and no immediate family member is an executive officer of another company that represented at least 2% or $1 million, whichever is greater, of the Company’s gross revenues, or of which the Company represented at least 2% or $1 million, whichever is greater, of such other company’s gross revenues in any of the last three fiscal years. Charitable contributions are excluded from this calculation.

For the purposes of these standards, “Company” includes all Alaska Air Group subsidiaries and other affiliates. “Immediate family member” includes the director’s spouse, parents, children, siblings, mothers- and fathers-in-law, sons- and daughters-in-law, and anyone sharing the director’s home.

The independence standards for the members of the Audit Committee provide that, in addition to the foregoing standards, they may not receive any compensation other than director’s fees for board and audit committee service and permitted retirement pay, or be an “affiliate” of the Company apart from their capacity as a member of the Board as defined by applicable SEC rules. Each member of the Company’s Audit Committee meets the additional independence, financial literacy and experience requirements

31


contained in the corporate governance listing standards of the NYSE relating to audit committees or as required by the SEC. The Board has determined that Ms. Bedient and Mr. Yeaman are audit committeeis an Audit Committee financial expertsexpert as defined in SEC rules.

The independence standards for members of the Compensation and Leadership Development Committee provide that, in addition to the foregoing standards that apply to directors generally, the Board must consider all factors specifically relevant to determining whether a director has a relationship to the Company that is material to that director’s ability to be independent from management in connection with the duties of a member of the Compensation and Leadership Development Committee, including the source of compensation of such director and whether such director is affiliated with the Company or any of its subsidiaries or affiliates. Each member of the Company’s Compensation and Leadership Development Committee meets this additional independence requirement in the corporate governance listing standards of the NYSE related to compensation committees.

Director Nomination Policy

Identification of Candidates

1.

Internal Process for Identifying Candidates

1.
Internal Process for Identifying Candidates

The Governance, Nominating and NominatingCorporate Responsibility Committee (referred to in this section as the Nominating Committee) has two primary methods for identifying candidates (other than those proposed or nominated by the Company’s stockholders,shareholder, as discussed below):

On a periodic basis, by soliciting ideas for possible candidates from a number of sources including, but not limited to, members of the Board, senior-level Company executives, individuals personally known to the members of the Board, and research.

From time to time, using its authority under its charter to retain at the Company’s expense one or more search firms to identify candidates (and to approve any such firms’ fees and other retention terms). If the Nominating Committee retains one or more search firms, those firms may be asked to identify possible candidates who meet the minimum and desired qualifications established by the Nominating Committee and to undertake such other duties as the Nominating Committee may direct.

This process has routinely resulted in the identification of candidates with diverse qualifications, backgrounds, geography, ethnicity, gender and age who have been re-elected by the majority of stockholdersshareholders each year. The Nominating Committee ensures the pool of candidates includes female and BIPOC representation.

2.

Candidates Proposed by Stockholders

2.
Candidates Proposed by Shareholders

StockholdersShareholders who meet the qualifications outlined below may nominate up to two director candidates for inclusion in the Company’s proxy statement (see Proxy Access Right of Stockholders Shareholders below). StockholdersShareholders who do not meet those qualifications or do not wish to have their director nominees included in the Company’s proxy materials may nominate director candidates and file their own proxy statement to solicit proxies for the


election of their director nominees at an annual meeting if they comply with the requirements outlined in the Company’s Bylaws and as generally described below under General Nomination Right of All StockholdersShareholders.

For more information, see How can I submit a proposal for next year’s annual meeting? in the Questions and Answers section of this Proxy Statement including the deadlines applicable to the submission of director nominations for next year’s annual meeting of stockholders.  Annual Meeting.

StockholdersShareholders who wish to propose director candidates for board consideration may do so according to the process outlined in this section under Consideration of Director Candidates Recommended by StockholdersShareholders.

The Corporate Secretary will send a copy of the Company’s Bylaws to any interested stockholdershareholder upon request. The Company’s Bylaws are also available on the Company’s website at www.alaskaair.com under About Alaska/Investor Relations.

32


a.

Proxy Access Right of Stockholders

a.
Proxy Access Right of Shareholders

In December 2015, the Board amended the Company’s Bylaws to provide a “proxy access” right to stockholders.shareholders. The Company’s proxy access bylaw is consistent with the prevailing market practice and satisfies the majority of stockholders.shareholders. Under this proxy access right, a stockholdershareholder or a group of up to 20 stockholdersshareholders owning at least 3% of the Company’s shares continuously for three years may nominate directors constituting up to 20% of the Board, or two nominees, whichever is greater, for election as a director of the Company at an annual meeting of stockholdersAnnual Meeting and inclusion in the Company’s proxy materials. This right is subject to certain conditions, including complying with the notice, information and consent provisions contained in Article II, Section 10 of the Company’s Bylaws. The provisions generally require that written notice of a stockholder’sshareholder’s nomination of one or more persons for election to the Board and inclusion in the Company’s proxy materials be received by the Corporate Secretary of the Company no later than the close of business on the 120th day, and no earlier than the close of business on the 150th day, prior to the first anniversary of the date the Company’s proxy statement was released to stockholdersshareholders for the previous year’s annual meeting. Other specifics regarding the foregoing proxy access right, including the required content of the notice and certain other eligibility and procedural requirements, are set forth in Article II, Section 10 of the Company’s Bylaws.

b.

General Nomination Right of All Stockholders

b.
General Nomination Right of All Shareholders

Any stockholdershareholder of the Company may nominate one or more persons for election as a director of the Company at an annual meeting of stockholdersAnnual Meeting if the stockholdershareholder complies with the notice, information and consent provisions contained in Article II, Section 9 of the Company’s Bylaws. The provisions generally require that written notice of a stockholder’sshareholder’s intent to make a nomination for the election of directors be received by the Corporate Secretary of the Company no later than the close of business on the 90th day, and no earlier than the close of business on the 120th day, prior to the first anniversary of the prior year’s annual meeting. The written notice submitted by a stockholdershareholder must also satisfy the additional informational requirements set forth in Article II, Section 9 of the Bylaws

c.

Consideration of Director Candidates Recommended by Stockholders

c.
Consideration of Director Candidates Recommended by Shareholders

The Nominating Committee will evaluate candidates recommended by a single stockholder,shareholder, or group of stockholders,shareholders, that have beneficially owned more than 5% of the Company’s outstanding common stock for at least one year and that satisfies the notice, information and consent provisions set forth below (such individual or group is referred to as the Qualified Stockholder)Shareholder).

The Nominating Committee will evaluate candidates recommended by Qualified StockholdersShareholder in accordance with the procedures described below.

Qualified StockholdersShareholders may propose a candidate for evaluation by the Nominating Committee by delivering a written notice to the Nominating Committee satisfying each of the requirements described below (the Notice). The Notice must be received by the Nominating Committee not less than 120 calendar days before the anniversary of the date that the Company’s proxy statement was released to stockholdersshareholders in connection with the previous year’s annual meeting. No such notice was received in connection with the 2021 Annual Meeting.


Any candidate recommended by a Qualified StockholderShareholders must be independent of the Qualified StockholderShareholders in all respects (i.e., free of any material relationship of a personal, professional, financial or business nature from the nominating stockholder)shareholder), as determined by the Nominating Committee or by applicable law. Any candidate submitted by a Qualified StockholderShareholder must also meet the definition of an “independent director” under applicable NYSE rules. The Notice shall also contain or be accompanied by the information or documentation described below.

o

Proof of stock ownership (including the required holding period) of the stockholder or group of stockholders is required. The Nominating Committee may determine whether the required stock ownership condition has been satisfied for any stockholder that is the stockholder of record. Any stockholder that is not the stockholder of record must submit such evidence as the Nominating Committee deems reasonable to evidence the required ownership percentage and holding period.

o
Proof of stock ownership (including the required holding period) of the shareholder or group of shareholders is required. The Nominating Committee may determine whether the required stock ownership condition has been satisfied for any shareholder that is the shareholder of record. Any shareholder that is not the shareholder of record must submit such evidence as the Nominating Committee deems reasonable to evidence the required ownership percentage and holding period.

33


o
A written statement that the shareholder intends to continue to own the required percentage of shares through the date of the annual meeting with respect to which the candidate is nominated is required.

o

A written statement that the stockholder intends to continue to own the required percentage of shares through the date of the annual meeting with respect to which the candidate is nominated is required.

o
The name or names of each shareholder submitting the Notice, the name of the candidate, and the written consent of each such shareholder and the candidate to be publicly identified is required.

o

The name or names of each stockholder submitting the Notice, the name of the candidate, and the written consent of each such stockholder and the candidate to be publicly identified is required.

o
Regarding the candidate, such person’s name, age, business and residence address, principal occupation or employment, number of shares of the Company’s stock beneficially owned, if any, a written resume or curriculum vitae of personal and professional experiences, and all other information relating to the candidate that would be required to be disclosed in a proxy statement or other filings required in connection with the solicitation of proxies for election of directors pursuant to Section 14(a) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, and the regulations promulgated thereunder (the “Exchange Act”) shall be provided.

o

Regarding the candidate, such person’s name, age, business and residence address, principal occupation or employment, number of shares of the Company’s stock beneficially owned, if any, a written resume or curriculum vitae of personal and professional experiences, and all other information relating to the candidate that would be required to be disclosed in a proxy statement or other filings required in connection with the solicitation of proxies for election of directors pursuant to Section 14(a) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, and the regulations promulgated thereunder (the “Exchange Act”) shall be provided.

o
Regarding the candidate, information, documents or affidavits demonstrating to what extent the candidate meets the required minimum criteria, and the desirable qualities or skills established by the Nominating Committee shall be provided. The Notice must also include a written statement that the shareholder submitting the Notice and the candidate will make available to the Committee all information reasonably requested in furtherance of the Nominating Committee’s evaluation of the candidate.

o

Regarding the candidate, information, documents or affidavits demonstrating to what extent the candidate meets the required minimum criteria, and the desirable qualities or skills established by the Nominating Committee shall be provided. The Notice must also include a written statement that the stockholder submitting the Notice and the candidate will make available to the Committee all information reasonably requested in furtherance of the Nominating Committee’s evaluation of the candidate.

o
Regarding the shareholder submitting the Notice, the person’s business address and contact information and any other information that would be required to be disclosed in a proxy statement or other filings required in connection with the solicitation of proxies for election of directors pursuant to Section 14(a) of the Exchange Act is required.

o

Regarding the stockholdero

The signature of each candidate and of each shareholder submitting the Notice the person’s business address and contact information and any other information that would be required to be disclosed in a proxy statement or other filings required in connection with the solicitation of proxies for election of directors pursuant to Section 14(a) of the Exchange Act is required.

o

The signature of each candidate and of each stockholder submitting the Notice is required.

The Notice shall be delivered in writing by registered or certified first-class mail, postage prepaid, to the following address:

Board of Directors

Alaska Air Group, Inc.

PO Box 68947

Seattle, WA 98168

The Corporate Secretary will promptly forward the Notice to the Lead Independent DirectorBoard Chair and to the Chair of the Nominating Committee.

If, based on the Committee’s initial screening of a candidate recommended by a Qualified Stockholder,Shareholder, a candidate continues to be of interest to the Nominating Committee, the Chair of the Committee will request that the CEO interview the candidate, and the candidate will be interviewed by one or more of the other Committee members. If the results of these interviews are favorable, the candidate recommended by a Qualified StockholderShareholder will be evaluated as set forth below. Except as may be required by applicable law, rule or regulation, the Nominating Committee will have no obligation to discuss the outcome of the evaluation process or the reasons for the Nominating


Committee’s recommendations with any Qualified StockholderShareholder who made a director candidate recommendation.

The Nominating Committee’s policy on the evaluation of candidates recommended by stockholdersshareholders who are not Qualified StockholdersShareholders is to evaluate such recommendations, and establish procedures for such evaluations, on a case-by-case basis. This policy allows the Nominating Committee to devote an appropriate amount of its own and the Company’s resources to each such recommendation, depending on the nature of the recommendation itself and any supporting materials provided. All candidates (whether identified internally or by a stockholder)shareholder) who, after evaluation, are then recommended by the

34


Nominating Committee and approved by the Board, will be included in the Company’s recommended slate of director nominees in its proxy statement.

Evaluation of Candidates

As to each recommended candidate that the Nominating Committee believes merits consideration, the Nominating Committee will cause to be assembled information concerning the background, qualifications and appropriate references of the candidate, including information concerning the candidate required to be disclosed in the Company’s proxy statement under the rules of the SEC and any relationship between the candidate and the person or persons recommending the candidate. The Nominating Committee will then (i) determine if the candidate satisfies the qualifications set forth under Policy on Minimum Qualifications for All Directors below; (ii) conduct interviews with the candidate as it deems necessary and appropriate; and (iii) consider the contribution that the candidate can be expected to make to the overall functioning of the Board. The Nominating Committee will then meet to consider and finalize its list of recommended candidates for the Board’s consideration.

The Nominating Committee will consider incumbent candidates based on the same criteria used for candidates recommended by Qualified Stockholders,Shareholder, provided that incumbents will also be considered on the basis of the Nominating Committee’s annual evaluations of the effectiveness of the Board, its committees and their members.

Policy on Minimum Qualifications for All Directors

While there is no formal list of qualifications, the Nominating Committee considers, among other things, the prospective nominee’s relevant experience, intelligence, independence, reputation, diversity, age, commitment, ability to work with the CEO and within the Board culture, prominence, diversity, and age.culture. The Nominating Committee may also consider a nominee’s CEO experience, senior-level international experience, senior-level regulatory or legal experience, and relevant senior-level expertise in one or more of the following areas: finance, accounting, sales and marketing, safety, organizational development, information technology, digital marketing, and government and public relations. Different substantive areas may assume greater or lesser significance at particular times, in light of the Board’s present composition and the Nominating Committee’s (or the Board’s) perceptions about future issues and needs.

For a candidate to serve as an independent director, an independent and questioning mindset is critical. The Nominating Committee also considers a prospective candidate’s workload and whether he or she would be able to attend the vast majority of Board meetings, be willing and available to serve on Board committees, and be able to devote the additional time and effort necessary to keep up with Board matters and the rapidly changing environment in which the Company operates.

Board diversity is considered broadly, not merely with regard to race, gender, or national origin, but also with regard to general background, geographical location, and other factors. The consideration of diversity permeates all discussions at the Nominating Committee. In addition, on an annual basis, as part of the Board’s self-evaluation, the Board assesses whether the mix and diversity of board members is appropriate for the Company.



35


Policies and Procedures for Approval of Related Person Transactions

The Board of Directors has adopted a written policy for review, approval or ratification of any transaction, arrangement or relationship in which the Company was, is or will be a participant, the aggregate amount involved exceeds $120,000 in any calendar year, and a related person has or will have a direct or indirect material interest (other than solely as a result of being a director or the beneficial owner of less than 10% of another entity). For purposes of the policy, a related person is any person who is, or at any time since the beginning of the last fiscal year was, (i) one of the directors or executive officers or a nominee to become a director, or (ii) any beneficial owner of more than 5% of the Company’s common stock, or any immediate family member of any of these persons.

Under the policy, once such a transaction by a related person has been identified, the Audit Committee (or, for transactions that involve less than $1 million in the aggregate, the chair of the Audit Committee) must review the transaction for approval or ratification. Members of the Audit Committee or the chair of the Audit Committee, as applicable, will review all relevant facts regarding the transaction in determining whether to approve or ratify it, including the extent of the related person’s interest in the transaction, whether the terms are comparable to those generally available in arm’s-length transactions, and whether the transaction is consistent with the best interests of the Company. The related person involved in the transaction will not participate in the approval or ratification process except to provide additional information as requested for the review. Once initially approved or ratified, all transactions with related persons will be reviewed at least annually.

The policy does not require review or approval of the following transactions: employment by the Company of an executive officer unless he or she is an immediate family member of another related person; any compensation paid by the Company to a director; and a transaction in which a related person’s interest arises solely from the ownership of equity securities and all holders of the securities receive the same benefit on a pro-rata basis.

Certain Transactions with Related Persons

The Company and its subsidiaries have transactions in the ordinary course of business with other corporations of which the Company’s executive officers or directors or members of their immediate families are directors, executive officers, or stockholders.shareholders. The amounts involved in these transactions are below the disclosure thresholds set by the SEC, or the executive officer or director or his or her family member does not have a direct or indirect material interest, as that term is used in SEC rules, in the transaction. Since January 1, 2020,2022, the Company has not participated in, nor is there currently planned, any transactions required to be disclosed pursuant to SEC Regulation S-K Item 404(a).


2020 Director Compensation

36


2022 Director Compensation

The following table presents information regarding the compensation paid for 20202022 to members of the Board of Directors who were not also the Company’s employees (non-employee directors). The compensation paid to Mr. Tilden and Mr. Minicucci for 20202022 is presented in the Summary Compensation Table and the related explanatory tables. Mr. Tilden andAs an executive director, Mr. Minicucci did not receive additional compensation for his service on the Board.

Our compensation policy for non-employee directors provides for the director to receive annual cash and stock retainers for their service as directors.

 

Name (a)

 

Fees

Earned

or Paid

in Cash (1)

($)

 

Stock

Awards (2)(3)

($)

 

All Other

Compensation (4)(

($)

 

Total

($)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Patricia M. Bedient

 

70,201

 

 

99,977

 

 

540

 

 

170,718

 

 

James A. Beer

 

61,257

 

 

99,977

 

 

3,908

 

 

165,142

 

 

Marion C. Blakey

 

56,763

 

 

99,977

 

 

545

 

 

157,285

 

 

Raymond L. Conner

 

44,818

 

 

99,977

 

 

1,666

 

 

146,460

 

 

Dhiren R. Fonseca

 

44,818

 

 

99,977

 

 

10,356

 

 

155,151

 

 

Kathleen T. Hogan

 

44,818

 

 

99,977

 

 

2,228

 

 

147,022

 

 

Jessie K. Knight, Jr. (5)

 

40,713

 

 

54,217

 

 

545

 

 

95,475

 

 

Susan J. Li

 

44,818

 

 

99,977

 

 

4,469

 

 

149,264

 

 

Helvi K. Sandvik

 

53,777

 

 

99,977

 

 

4,781

 

 

158,535

 

 

J. Kenneth Thompson

 

44,818

 

 

99,977

 

 

4,469

 

 

149,264

 

 

Eric K. Yeaman

 

59,749

 

 

99,977

 

 

7,274

 

 

167,000

 

(1)

Following a market review in late 2019, the Board approved an increase in annual stock retainers to $105,000, and annual cash retainers were scheduled to increase to $80,000, effective May 7, 2020.  However, in light of the coronavirus pandemic, directors rescinded these increases and elected to forego 2020 annual cash retainers on a temporary basis.  In August 2020, the Board approved the resumption of payments of 2020 board, committee chair and lead director cash retainers, on a prorated basis, effective October 1, 2020.

In May 2020, the Board further directed that the cash retainers for both the Lead Independent Director and the Governance and Nominating Committee chair be paid to an individual who serves in both roles.

on the Board. Following a market review by the Compensation and Leadership Development Committee’s independent consultant in early 2021,2022, the Board reinstated the increasesapproved an increase in annual stock retainers to $105,000 and the annual cash retainersretainer to $80,000,$85,000 and an increase in the annual stock retainer to be$120,000, each effective May 6, 2021.  In addition,5, 2022. The purpose of the increase was to remain at the median of director pay compared to the airline peer group identified in the CD&A. Other changes to compensation for non-employee directors beginning May 6, 2021 will includeincluded the followingfollowing:

annualAnnual retainer of $27,500 tofor the Lead Independent Director

non-executive Board Chair set at $125,000; and

��

annual retainer of $25,000 to the Audit Committee chair, $20,000 to the Compensation and Leadership Development Committee chair, and $15,000 each to the chairs of the Governance and Nominating Committee, the Safety and Innovation Committees.

Annual retainer increased to $25,000 for the chairs of the Audit Committee and the Compensation and Leadership Development, and to $20,000 for the chairs of the Governance Nominating and Corporate Responsibility Committee, Safety Committee and Innovation Committee.

(2)

Under the terms of the Company’s Stock Deferral Plan for Non-Employee Directors each board member may elect in the prior year to receive his or her annual stock retainer in the form of fully vested shares at the time of grant or to defer payment of all or a portion of the award until his or her termination of service on the Board. If no election is made the year prior to payment, full vested shares are issued.

Under the terms of the Company’s Stock Deferral Plan for Non-Employee Directors, each eligible director may elect in the prior year to receive his or her annual stock retainer in the form of shares that are fully vested at the time of grant or to defer payment of all or a portion of the award until his or her termination of service on the Board. If no election is made the year prior to payment, the director is issued fully vested shares.

 

Name

 

Fees
Earned
or Paid
  in Cash
($)

 

Stock
Awards (1)
($)

 

All Other
Compensation (2)
($)

 

Total
($)

 

Patricia M. Bedient

 

210,026

 

119,974

 

933

 

330,933

 

James A. Beer

 

105,026

 

119,974

 

1,011

 

226,011

 

Raymond L. Conner

 

110,026

 

119,974

 

1,089

 

231,089

 

Daniel K. Elwell

 

85,026

 

119,974

 

856

 

205,856

 

Dhiren R. Fonseca

 

85,026

 

119,974

 

6,143

 

211,143

 

Kathleen T. Hogan

 

105,026

 

119,974

 

3,733

 

228,733

 

Jessie K. Knight, Jr.

 

85,026

 

119,974

 

2,032

 

207,032

 

Susan J. Li

 

85,026

 

119,974

 

 

205,000

 

Adrienne R. Lofton

 

85,026

 

119,974

 

933

 

205,933

 

Helvi K. Sandvik

 

105,026

 

119,974

 

156

 

225,156

 

J. Kenneth Thompson

 

85,026

 

119,974

 

1,711

 

206,711

 

Eric K. Yeaman

 

110,026

 

119,974

 

3,344

 

233,344

(1)
In May 2020,2022, Mr. Beer, Mr. Elwell, Ms. Hogan, Mr. Knight and Ms. Li were each granted 3,5392,346 vested and deferred stock units (DSUs), based on their 20192021 elections to defer their 20202022 stock retainers. Ms. Bedient, Ms. Blakey, Mr. Conner, Mr. Fonseca, Ms. Lofton, Ms. Sandvik, Mr. Thompson, and Mr. Yeaman were each issued 3,539 shares of Alaska Air Group common stock. Mr. Knight was issued a prorated stock retainer of 1,366 common shares upon his appointment to the Board in October 2020.2,346 vested shares. See discussion of these awards in Note 12 (Stock-Based Compensation Plans) to the Company’s Consolidated Financial Statements included as part of the Company’s 20202022 Annual Report filed on Form 10-K with the SEC and incorporated herein by reference.
(2)
The non-employee directors do not hold any outstanding stock options. They also do not participate in any non-equity incentive compensation plans, nor do they participate in a nonqualified deferred compensation plan. Non- employee directors do not receive pension benefits for their service. As part of each director’s compensation, the non-employee director and the non-employee director’s spouse and

37


The non-employee directors do not hold any outstanding stock options. They also do not participate in any non-equity incentive compensation plans, nor do they participate in a nonqualified deferred compensation plan. Non-employee directors do not receive pension benefits for their service.

eligible dependents are provided complimentary, positive-space transportation on Alaska Airlines and Horizon Air. Included in the “All Other Compensation” column for each non-employee director is the incremental cost to the Company for providing this travel to the director and any eligible family members. Positive-space travel is a benefit unique to the airline industry. By providing this travel to non-employee directors, the Company is able to deliver a highly valued benefit at a low cost, and believes this benefit encourages non-employee directors to experience and engage with Alaska Airlines and Horizon Air products and services. The “All Other Compensation” column also includes the value of reimbursements for taxes on the transportation benefits provided to each director.


(4)

As part of each director’s compensation, the non-employee director and the non-employee director’s spouse and eligible dependents were provided transportation on Alaska Airlines, and Horizon Air. Included in the All Other Compensation column for each non-employee director is the incremental cost to the Company of providing this benefit. Positive-space travel is a benefit unique to the airline industry. By providing this travel without tax consequences to non-employee directors, the Company is able to deliver a highly valued benefit at a low cost, and believes this benefit encourages non-employee directors to experience and engage with Alaska Airlines products and services. The All Other Compensation column also includes the value of reimbursements for taxes on the transportation benefits provided to each director.

(5)

Mr. Knight received a prorated cash and stock retainer upon his appointment to the Board in October 2020.

Director Stock Ownership Policy

The Company expects directors to act in the Company’s best interests regardless of the number of shares they own. Each non-employee director is expected to hold shares of Company stock having a value equal to at least six times the director’s annual cash retainer, with such ownership to be achieved within six years of joining the Board. Deferred stock units held by directors, which are 100% vested atas of the grant date, will count toward the holding requirement even though they will not be issued until the director resigns fromleaves the Board. All non-employee directors met this requirement as of December 31, 2022.

38



NAMED EXECUTIVE OFFICER COMPENSATION

Proposal 2: Approval (on an Advisory Basis) of the Compensation

of the Company’s Named Executive Officers

The Company is providing its stockholdersshareholders with the opportunity to cast a non-binding, advisory vote on the compensation of the Company’s Named Executive Officers (NEOs) as disclosed pursuant to the SEC’s executive compensation disclosure rules and set forth in this Proxy Statement (including the compensation tables and the narrative discussion accompanying those tables as well as in the Compensation Discussion and Analysis).

As described more fully in the Compensation Discussion and Analysis (CD&A) section of this Proxy Statement, the structure of the Company’s executive compensation program is designed to compensate executives appropriately and competitively and to drive superior performance. For the NEOs, who are primarily responsible for the overall execution of the Company’s strategy, a high percentage of total direct compensation (meaning base salary, actual short-term incentive pay plus the grant date fair value of equity awards as determined for accounting purposes) is variable and tied to the successachievement of specified performance goals and/or the value of the Company. The Company’s strategic goals are reflected inCompany’ stock. Results of our incentive-based executive compensation programs are linked to performance on the Company’s strategic goals so that theexecutives’ interests of executives are aligned with stockholdershareholder interests. Executive compensation is further structured to be internally equitable, to reward executives for responding successfully to business challenges facing the Company, and to drive high performance, and to take into consideration the Company’s size relative to the rest of the industry.  its competitors.

The CD&A section of this Proxy Statement describes in more detail the Company’s executive compensation programs and the decisions made by the Compensation and Leadership Development Committee (referred to in this section as the Committee) during 2020.2022. We also discuss the impacts on compensation actions taken byas a result of the Company in responsetaking measures it determined were necessary to preserve the unprecedented impactfinancial stability of the COVID-19 pandemic on the Company its guests,for shareholders, employees and the communities we serve during the COVID-19 pandemic, including actions that caused our executives to forego compensation increases for three years in which it operates.order for the Company to qualify for government payroll support under the CARES Act.

Our 20202022 executive compensation program includes three core elements:

Base Salary

In February 2020,2022, the Committee set the annual base salary level for the CEO at or aboutMr. Minicucci below the 25th percentile of the airline peer group identified in the CD&A. The Committee set base salaries for the other NEOs at or about the 50th percentile of corresponding positions in the same peer group. In March 2020, in light of the anticipated impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the Company’s operations and at the request of the two highest paid NEOs, the Committee rescinded these increases and, at the requestion of the two highest paid NEOs, further reduced base pay by 100% (to zero base salary) for these two NEOs. The Committee also rescinded the February 2020 increases and further reduced base pay by 30% for the other NEOs. Base pay for these executives was generally restored to 2019 levels in October 2020.

Annual Incentive Pay

The NEOs are eligible to earn annual incentive pay under our Performance Based Pay (PBP) Plan, in which all employees participate with the same performance goals shared by all eligible employees.goals. The PBP Plan is intended to motivate all participants to achieve specified Company goals. Performance goalsFor 2022, the plan focused on five key areas: returning to profitability after the COVID pandemic, managing costs, reducing carbon emissions, demonstrating our commitment to safety for 2020 were set atour employees and guests and leading the beginning of the period and prior to the COVID-19 pandemic to include financial, operational and marketing goals that were consistent with the Company’s strategic plan.  Seventy percent of the target award value under the PBP Plan was based on adjusted pretax profit.  Several months into the COVID-19 crisis, it became clear that participants would likely receive no payout on the adjusted pretax profit metric.  industry in pre-tax margin.

In June 2020, the Committee approved a supplemental incentive pay program for all employees, the COVID-19 Business Recovery Incentive Pay (CBRP) Plan, to support and encourage key elements of the Company’s recovery. The CBRP Plan is a one-time performance plan tied to business recovery goals measured over the


last six-months of 2020.  The goal of the CBRP Plan is to retain and motivate employees at all levels and to ensure that experienced talent remained in place to help the Company emerge from the impacts of COVID-19.  Refer to the CD&A for more detailed information on the structure and payout of the PBP and CBRP Plans.PBP.

Long-term Incentive Pay

Equity-based incentive awards that link executive pay to stockholdershareholder value generation are an important element of the Company’s executive compensation program and comprise the largest portion of pay for

39


our NEOs. Long-term equity incentives that vest over three- or four-year periods are awarded annually, including performance stock units (PSUs), stock options and restricted stock units (RSUs). Consistent with the equity mix granted in prior years, the NEOs’ 20202022 equity grant was allocated approximately 50% to PSUs, and approximately 25% to each of stock options and 25% RSUs (based on the grant date fair value of the awards). The Committee typically grants equity awards annually which results in overlapping vesting periods that discourage short-term risk taking and align NEOsNEOs’ long-term interests with those of stockholdersshareholders while helping the Company attract and retain top-performing executives who fit a team-oriented and performance-driven culture.

In November 2020,general, the Committee approved special, service-contingentsets target annual incentive pay and annual equity grants at levels intended to retain and motivateprovide executives an opportunity to achieve total direct compensation at the Company’s leaders, including the NEOs, as it became evident that PSUs awarded in 2018, 2019 and 2020 would have little or no value due to the impacts50thpercentile of the COVID-19 pandemic,target total direct compensation (which we define as base salary, target short-term incentive pay, and that their realizable total compensation had dropped significantly below target in light of a 45% decrease in the grant date fair value of equity awards as determined for accounting purposes) for comparable positions with the Company’s stock sincepeer companies if annual and long-term incentive targets are reached, and to surpass the beginning of the year (compared to a 4% rise in the S&P 500).  The CD&A provides more detail on these special retention grants.50th percentile if those targets are exceeded.

Annual Advisory Say-on-Pay Proposal

In accordance with the requirements of Section 14A of the Exchange Act and the related rules of the SEC, the Board of Directors will request your advisory vote on the following resolution at the 2021 Annual Meeting:

RESOLVED, that the compensation paid to the Named Executive Officers, as disclosed in this Proxy Statement pursuant to the SEC’s executive compensation disclosure rules (which disclosure includes the Compensation Discussion and Analysis, the compensation tables and the narrative discussion that accompanies the compensation tables), is hereby approved.

This proposal regarding the compensation paid to the NEOs is advisory only and will not be binding on the Company, the Board or the Board,Committee, nor will it be construed as overruling a decision by the Company, the Board or the BoardCommittee or as creating or implying any additional fiduciary duty for the Company, the Board or the Board.Committee. However, the Committee, which is responsible for designing and administering the Company’s executive compensation program, values the opinions expressed by stockholdersshareholders in their vote on this proposal and will consider the outcome of the vote when making future compensation decisions for the Named Executive Officers. Consistent

The Board’s current policy is to provide shareholders with an opportunity to vote on the resultscompensation of an advisory votethe NEOs each year at the Company’s 2017 annual meeting concerningAnnual Meeting. The Company has included in this Proxy Statement Proposal 3 to approve the frequency of thefuture advisory vote regardingvotes on the compensation paid toof the NEOs stockholders are given an opportunity to cast anand the Board recommends that the current policy of holding such a vote each year be continued. Accordingly, if shareholders approve every one year as the preferred frequency option in Proposal 3, the Company expects the next advisory vote on the compensation of the NEOs annually, withwill occur at the next opportunity expected to be in connection with the Company’s annual meeting in 2022.2024 Annual Meeting.

THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS RECOMMENDS THAT YOU VOTE FOR THE APPROVAL (ON AN ADVISORY BASIS) OF THE COMPENSATION OF THE NAMED EXECUTIVE OFFICERS, AS DISCLOSED IN THIS PROXY STATEMENT PURSUANT TO THE SEC’S EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION DISCLOSURE RULES.


40


Compensation DiscussionDiscussion and Analysis

This CD&A contains a discussion of the material elements of compensation earned during 2020 by, itsor awarded to our named executive officers (NEOs): during 2022:

Bradley D. TildenBen Minicucci, chairman,president and chief executive officer (CEO) and president of Alaska Air Group;Group and Alaska Airlines;

Shane R. Tackett, executive vice president finance and chief financial officer (CFO) of Alaska Air Group since March 3, 2020; previously executive vice president planning and strategy of Alaska Airlines;

Benito Minicucci, president of Alaska Airlines;

Andrew R. Harrison, executive vice president and chief commercial officer (CCO) of Alaska Airlines;

Gary L. BeckConstance E. von Muehlen, executive vice president and chief operating officer (COO) of Alaska Airlines; and

Brandon S. Pedersen, retired asAndrea L. Schneider, senior vice president of people of Alaska Airlines

Consideration of Say-on-Pay Advisory Vote

Shareholders have an opportunity annually to cast an advisory vote in connection with our executive compensation program. At the 2022 annual meeting, 96% of the votes were cast in favor of the advisory say-on-pay proposal in connection with the Company’s 2021 executive vice president financecompensation. The Committee believes that this voting result indicates that shareholders generally approve of the structure of executive compensation at Alaska Air Group.

Overview: the CARES Act Has Limited Committee’s Ability to Reward and Retain Talent for Three Years

At the outset, the Committee wishes to explain to shareholders how the CARES Act restrictions impacted the Board’s ability to recognize high-performing executives who earned promotions just before and during the pandemic, and who then navigated the Company through these challenges to achieve the highest adjusted pre-tax profit among its peers and top-of-industry operational performance in 2022.

As a condition of receiving funds under the CARES Act, executive compensation for most of our leaders was capped at 2019 levels for three years, from March 2020 until April 2023. The CARES Act prohibited the Company from fully rewarding executives for out-performing our peers in 2022, for executing successfully on many of the Company’s strategic goals since 2020, and for earning promotions and increased job scope before or during the pandemic.

Four of our five NEOs, including our CEO, CFO and COO, received significant promotions before the outset of COVID yet their total compensation remained frozen at their 2019 levels through April 2023. The Board strongly encouraged the Committee and the CEO to retain these and other high-performing executives for the duration of the CARES Act restrictions despite intense competition for talent in the airline industry and in other sectors not subject to compensation caps.

CARES Act Background and Requirements

The pandemic disproportionately affected the airline industry, and, while federal government relief in the form of payroll support grants and loans was a critical and appreciated source of support, the CARES Act restrictions have prevented the Company from offering increased compensation to reward the executives charged with leading the Company through an unprecedented crisis and returning it to profitability and long-term success. To comply with the CARES Act restrictions, the Company has clawed back equity awards from most executives in 2020, 2021 and/or 2022 because the grant date value of these awards, together with the executive’s other compensation, exceeded the executives' 2019 compensation cap.

Our Executives are Paid at 2019 Levels despite Receiving Promotions and Delivering Industry-

41


Leading Financial Performance

By strictly capping executive compensation at 2019 levels for three years, the CARES Act has prevented the Committee from rewarding the heightened responsibilities of the named executive officers who were promoted during or just before the pandemic emerged. Since 2020, all but one of the named executive officers have been entrusted with larger, more complex roles, but at compensation levels associated with their prior roles. For example:

Mr. Minicucci was promoted to CEO of Alaska Air Group and Alaska Airlines on March 31, 2021. His total compensation in 2022 was less than the compensation he received in 2019 as Alaska’s President (after the impact of the clawbacks, which is not reflected in the Summary Compensation Table below). The Company has recouped approximately $5.3 million in unvested equity awards (based on grant date value) from Mr. Minicucci since 2020.
Mr. Tackett was promoted to CFO on March 3, 2020, andbefore the pandemic hit. His total compensation in 2022 was succeeded byless than the compensation he received as Alaska’s Executive Vice President of Planning & Strategy (after the impact of the clawbacks, which is not reflected in the Summary Compensation Table below). The Company has recouped approximately $2.8 million in unvested equity awards (based on grant date value) from Mr. Tackett.  

2020 Overview

Tackett since 2020.

Ms. von Muehlen was promoted to COO on April 3, 2021. Her total compensation, taking into account unvested recoupment of equity in 2022 was less than the compensation she received as Alaska’s Senior Vice President of Maintenance & Engineering (after the impact of the clawbacks, which is not reflected in the Summary Compensation Table below). The outbreak of COVID-19 had an immense impactCompany has recouped approximately $2.8 million in unvested equity awards (based on grant date value) from Ms. von Muehlen since 2020. The CARES Act limitations on compensation have also prevented the Company from meeting gender pay parity considerations in relation to Ms. von Muehlen’s male predecessor.
Ms. Schneider was promoted to Senior Vice President of People on June 5, 2019, before the pandemic hit. Her total compensation in 2022 was less than the compensation she received following her promotion (after the impact of the clawbacks, which is not reflected in the Summary Compensation Table below). The Company has recouped approximately $1.2 million in unvested equity awards (based on grant date value) from Ms. Schneider since 2020.

For illustrative purposes, a reconciliation of the Total Compensation for the NEOs from the Summary Compensation Table to the value received after the clawback of equity granted is presented below.

42


 

Named Executive Officer

 

Grant Award Year

 

Total Compensation from Summary Compensation Table
($)

 

Value of Stock Awards Clawed Back
($)

 

Total Compensation After Reduction for Equity Clawback
($)

 

No. of Shares Subject to Stock Awards Clawed Back (1)
(#)

 

 

Ben Minicucci

 

2022

 

6,487,981

 

(3,349,450)

 

3,138,531

 

48,665

 

 

 

 

2021

 

5,130,162

 

(1,918,360)

 

3,211,802

 

25,930

 

 

 

 

2020

 

5,285,135

 

 

5,285,135

 

 

 

 

 

Total

 

 

 

(5,267,810)

 

 

 

74,595

 

 

Shane Tackett

 

2022

 

3,610,895

 

(1,715,020)

 

1,895,875

 

26,075

 

 

 

 

2021

 

3,043,701

 

(1,054,579)

 

1,989,122

 

14,205

 

 

 

 

2020

 

2,941,393

 

 

2,941,393

 

 

 

 

 

Total

 

 

 

(2,769,599)

 

 

 

40,280

 

 

Andrew Harrison

 

2022

 

3,572,916

 

(1,105,807)

 

2,467,109

 

16,720

 

 

 

 

2021

 

3,004,088

 

(469,197)

 

2,534,891

 

6,320

 

 

 

 

2020

 

2,830,772

 

 

2,830,772

 

 

 

 

 

Total

 

 

 

(1,575,004)

 

 

 

23,040

 

 

Constance von Muehlen (2)

 

2022

 

2,794,212

 

(1,775,005)

 

1,019,207

 

42,361

 

 

 

 

2021

 

2,016,913

 

(1,050,958)

 

965,955

 

14,622

 

 

 

 

2020

 

N/A

 

N/A

 

N/A

 

 

 

 

 

Total

 

 

 

(2,825,963)

 

 

 

56,983

 

 

Andrea Schneider (2)

 

2022

 

2,025,025

 

(869,834)

 

1,155,191

 

13,331

 

 

 

 

2021

 

1,705,881

 

(368,899)

 

1,336,982

 

4,969

 

 

 

 

2020

 

N/A

 

N/A

 

N/A

 

 

 

 

 

Total

 

 

 

(1,238,733)

 

 

 

18,300

 

(1)
All of the awards clawed back were granted in 2020, 2021 or 2022.
(2)
Ms. von Muehlen and Ms. Schneider were not NEOs prior to 2021; therefore, their 2020 summary compensation data has not been disclosed.

In an intensely competitive market for top talent, the Committee is closely focused on keeping executives engaged with the Company for the duration of the CARES Act restrictions and beyond. The Committee likewise aims to assure high-performing, resilient executives who received promotions since 2019 to be confident that their contributions will be recognized appropriately when the restrictions end.

The Committee has recognized that the leadership team continues to demonstrate strength and resilience as the industry recovers from the pandemic, which ultimately translates to shareholder value creation. In consultation with its employees, guests,independent advisors, the Committee has made it a priority to determine the best method to address executives’ lost compensation when the CARES Act restrictions are lifted. We have engaged with shareholders representing a significant amount of our ownership to discuss this goal and the communities in whichreasons for advancing it operates.  Travel restrictions, event cancellations, social distancing guidelines,at the permissible time.

Philosophy and other public health measures that undermined confidence in air travel drove unprecedented declines in demand and revenues.  The airline industry was particularly hard hit by the pandemic.  The West Coast, where Alaska Airlines and Horizon Air predominantly operate, was disproportionately impacted by local quarantine restrictions.  Despite these challenges,Objectives of the Company’s Board of Directors and executive leaders took decisive action to mobilize employees around safety measures, cost reduction and liquidity.  The Company’s executive compensation actions occurred in an environment of uncertainty, urgency and strong commitment to the Company’s future.  As in prior years, the Company’s philosophy was to be conservative in setting compensation levels and fundamentally focused on aligning executives’ interests with those of our stockholders.    Executive Compensation Program

Financial Results and Liquidity Highlights

Reported net loss for the full year 2020 of $1.3 billion, or a loss of $10.72 per diluted share. These results compare to net income of $769 million, or a gain of $6.19 per diluted share in 2019.

Accessed approximately $5 billion in new liquidity, including $1.2 billion raised in the capital markets approximately $600 million in bank funding, $1 billion in government grants under Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act and $1.9 billion in government loans under the CARES Act.

Reported adjusted net debt of $1.7 billion in December 2020, flat from December 2019 in spite of a 59% decline in operating revenues for the year.

Reported a debt-to-capitalization ratio, including certain short-term borrowings, of 61%.

Reported an adjusted net debt to net invested capital ratio of 36% at December 31, 2020, compared to 28% at December 31, 2019.

Held $3.3 billion in unrestricted cash and marketable securities as of December 31, 2020.

Operational and Guest Safety Highlights

Eliminated change fees and extended the flexible travel policy for tickets purchased through March 31, 2021.


Introduced Next-Level Care, involving nearly 100 measures designed to create a safe experience for guests and employees, and broadcast the Alaska Airlines Safety Dance commercial.

Named the safest U.S. Airline in www.airlineratings.com’s 2021 Top 20 Safest Airlines report.

Partnered with healthcare providers to offer rapid and standardized COVID-19 pre-departure testing for guests, as well as a pre-clearance program for guests traveling to Hawaii.

Received diamond level certification from the Airline Passenger Experience Association for traveler health and safety standards.

Announced a partnership with Microsoft to use sustainable aviation fuel to offset the environmental impact of certain air travel.

Executive Transitions

On November 5, 2020, the Company announced Mr. Tilden will retire as CEO of the Company and Alaska Airlines effective March 31, 2021 and remain as Board Chair as part of a long-planned succession process.

The Company also announced that Mr. Minicucci, currently the president of Alaska Airlines, will assume the CEO role at the Company and Alaska Airlines effective March 31, 2021.  Mr. Minicucci, has served as president of Alaska Airlines since May 2016.  He served as Alaska Airlines’ chief operating officer from December 2008 until November 2019. 

In keeping with actions taken during the Company’s last CEO succession in 2012, the Committee approved a special equity award to Mr. Minicucci in November 2020.  The purpose of the grant was to recognize his heightened responsibilities as the next CEO, to acknowledge his instrumental leadership role during the COVID-19 crisis, to sustain his engagement, and to align his long-term compensation with the Company’s long-term performance as it emerges from the pandemic.  Refer to the Special Equity Awards section below for the terms of this special grant.

On February 25, 2021, the Committee approved the compensation arrangements for Mr. Minicucci when he assumes the CEO role on March 31, 2021.  See the CEO Transition Grant section below for a summary of Mr. Minicucci’s compensation.

On March 22, 2021, the Company announced the Mr. Beck will retire as executive vice president and COO of Alaska Airlines effective April 3, 2021, and remain as Special Advisor to the CEO under an employment agreement which expires on February 12, 2022.  Mr. Beck will be succeeded as COO by Ms. Constance von Muehlen, currently senior vice president maintenance and engineering at Alaska Airlines.  See the Employment Agreement with Mr. Beck section below for a summary of his employment terms.

As previously disclosed in the 2020 proxy statement, Mr. Tackett assumed the role of executive vice president finance and chief financial officer effective upon Mr. Pedersen’s retirement on March 3, 2020.

Compensation Philosophy and Actions pre-dating COVID-19

The Committee began the annual cycle of reviewing and setting executive compensation in January 2020.  The philosophy of the Company’s executive compensation program in 2022 was consistent with that of prior years: to be conservative stewards of stockholdershareholder resources while compensating executives appropriately and competitively (within the bounds of CARES Act limits) and driving superior performance relative to other airlines in North America. Because the NEOs are primarily responsible for the overall execution of the Company’s strategy, a high percentage of their total target direct compensation, approximately 86% for the CEO and 79% for the other NEOs, is variable and tied to Company performance or stock price, thereby providing incentives to achieve goals to help create value for stockholders.shareholders.

The fundamental objectives of the executive compensation program are:


to attract and retain highly qualified executives who share the Company’s values and are committed to its strategic plan by designing the total compensation package to be competitive with

In this spirit,43


an appropriate peer group as there is substantial competition for talent in our key geographies and despite the challenge of on-going CARES Act compensation caps;
to motivate executives to provide excellent leadership and achieve Company goals by linking incentive pay to the achievement of specific targets set in the PBP Plan and the Company’s strategic plan;
to align the interests of executives and shareholders by tying a large portion of executives’ total direct compensation (meaning base salary, actual short-term incentive pay and the grant date fair value of equity awards) to the achievement of objective goals related to the Company’s financial performance, safety record, cost structure, ESG related initiatives and guest satisfaction; and
to provide executives with reasonable security to motivate them to continue employment with the Company and achieve goals that will help the Company emerge from unprecedented challenges, remain competitive and thrive for the long term.

Environment, Social and Governance (ESG) initiatives continue to play a prominent role in our compensation programs. Our PBP Plan includes carbon emission reduction goals, and our performance stock unit awards include a diversity, equity and inclusion metric that incentivizes executives to advance these goals.

2022 Business Highlights

2022 was a year of significant recovery and accomplishment for Alaska Airlines. Despite many challenges during the year, we reported industry leading profit margins, ran one of the best operations, signed five new labor deals, and executed the majority of our single fleet transition. Below are some of the business highlights from 2022:

Recorded $9.6 billion in operating revenue for the full year 2022, the highest annual total in company history.
Reported net income for the full year 2022, excluding special items and mark-to-market fuel hedge accounting adjustments, of $556 million, or $4.35 per diluted share.
Recorded $257 million of incentive pay in 2022 earned by employees for meeting or exceeding profitability, safety and emissions targets. The payout is the richest in the 20-year history of the plan, representing nearly six weeks of pay for most employees.
Announced plans to resume share repurchases in early 2023 to offset annual dilution. Repurchases are expected to range from $75 million to $100 million in 2023.
Repaid $385 million in debt for the full year 2022.
Held $2.4 billion in unrestricted cash and marketable securities as of Dec. 31, 2022.
Reached five new labor agreements that include significant improvements for our employees and position the Company well to focus on the future.
Made significant progress towards the Company’s single fleet initiatives at Alaska and Horizon.
Launched the first U.S. electronic bag tag program, enabling guests to tag their luggage through the airline's mobile app before they reach the airport.
Donated a retired Q400 to the Portland Community College Foundation, providing students of the Aviation Maintenance Technology and Aviation Science programs the opportunity to gain hands-on experience working on a commercial aircraft.
Completed the transition to paper cups for inflight beverages, which will replace more than 55 million plastic cups each year with a more sustainable alternative.
Donated 55 million miles to 20 different charities through Alaska's Care Miles program in 2022.

44


Created a new Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Disability Office dedicated to ensuring Alaska becomes a leader in disability inclusion.

2022 Executive Transitions and Compensation Actions:

To implement the executive compensation program for 2022, the Committee took the following steps in February 2020:2022:

Approved target total direct compensation for Mr. TildenMinicucci that is approximately 86% performance-based, meaning that it is contingent on operational, financial and/or has potential long-term value tied to the Company’s stock price.price performance. For the other NEOs, the Committee approved target total direct compensation that is, on average, approximately 79% performance-based and/or has potential long-term value tied toperformance-based. (See the Company’s stock price.Target Total Direct Compensation section below.) Both our short-term and long-term incentive programs contain performance-based goals that we believe would contribute to the long-term success of the Company.

Established 20202022 performance goals and participation rates for the PBP Plan. The goals under this plan include metrics around profitability, safety, cost management, carbon emissions reduction, and relative industry financial performance. All employees of Alaska Airlines and Horizon Air participate in this annual incentive pay plan.the PBP plan and work towards the same goals. The NEOs have target participation rates ranging from 85%75% to 140%150% of the NEO’stheir base salary.

Approved annual long-term incentive equity awards to NEOs. TheEach NEO's grant consisted of a combination of stock options, service-based RSU awards, and PSU awards that vest only if specified performance levels of relative total shareholder return (TSR) and return on invested capital (ROIC)diversity, equity and inclusion metrics are achieved.

Consistent with the equity mix granted in prior years, 50% of the total award value was in PSUs, 25% in stock options and 25% in RSUs. The PSUs have a three-year performance period and,metrics for the 2020 grants, 25% of the award vestsPSUs granted in 2022 are weighted 80% based on total shareholder returnthe Company’s TSR relative to an airline industry peer group (identified below under Long-Term Equity-Based Incentive Compensation) and 75%20% based on ROIC against pre-established performance targets.achievement of racial equity goals at the senior leadership level. We believe these awards align executives’ incentives with the creation of long-term value for stockholders.shareholders.

Compensation Setting Philosophy

Compensation Actions related to COVID-19; CARES Act Impacts

At the outset of the COVID-19 pandemic,In 2022, the Committee took immediate steps to aid the Company’s cash preservation goals, approving:    

NEO Base Salary Reductions.  The Committee rescinded executive salary increases that had been approved in February to take effect in April.  Mr. Tilden and Mr. Minicucci took a reduced compensation package that included no base salary from March 6 through October 3, 2020.  The other NEOs took a 30% base pay reduction from April 4 through October 3, 2020.  

Director Retainer Reductions.  The board of directors rescinded cash and equity retainer increases that had been approved in November 2019 to take effect in May 2020.  Directors waived the portion of their cash retainers correlated to service from May 7, 2020 to October 1, 2020.

In April 2020, Alaska Airlines and Horizon Air received the first round of government aid under the payroll support program (PSP) of the U.S. Coronavirus Aid, Recovery and Economic Support (CARES) Act.  A second round of PSP support would be authorized in December 2020 and funded the following month.  In September 2020, the Company received the right to draw up to $1.9 billion in secured loans under the loan program of the CARES Act.  The CARES Act imposes limits or caps on the compensation that may be paid to a recipient’s executives in a prescribed period.  Consistent with these requirements, the Company agreed to cap total compensation for Mr. Tilden and Mr. Minicucci at $3 million plus one half of their 2019 total compensation exceeding $3 million, and to cap total compensation for other executives (including the NEOs other than Mr. Tilden and Mr. Minicucci) at 2019 levels, through at least October 2022 and as long as May 2027.  The Act also imposes caps on executive severance payable to NEOs and other executives for the same duration, Therefore, it is possible that our NEOs and other executives may not realize the full value of their intended compensation packages as long as these restrictions remain in place.

As the pandemic continued into the summer months, and as a thriving Seattle technology market drove attrition of Company personnel, the Committee began to consider the implementation of a supplemental bonus plan to reengage and motivate employees and retain leaders critical to navigating the Company through the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic.  As it became clear that participants would likely receive no payout under the largest component of the annual bonus plan, with the input of its independent compensation consultant, the Committee adopted the COVID-19 Business Recovery Incentive Pay (CBRP) Program in June 2020.  

COVID-19 Business Recovery Incentive Pay (CBRP) Plan.  All employees, including NEOs, participate in this one-time bonus plan based on the achievement of cash preservation and COVID-specific guest and employee safety goals over the last six-months of 2020.  This plan supplemented the Company’s broad-based Performance Based Pay (PBP) Plan and capped the maximum payout under the CBRP


when combined with the PBP payout at 100% of PBP target.  Refer to the PBP Plan and CBRP Plan discussions below for goal and award details.

Based on encouraging signs of recovery and progress on cash preservation goals, the Committee took further action in the summer of 2020 to engage and retain key executives whose compensation had been reduced when the COVID-19 pandemic began.

Restored NEO Base Salaries. In August 2020, the Committee restored NEO base salaries (other than Mr. Tackett) to their 2019 levels, effective in October 2020.

In the fall of 2020, with the Company’s revenues, enplanements and share price at depressed levels, the Committee observed that NEOs’ realized total target compensation was significantly lower than the target levels intended when these arrangements were approved at the beginning of the year, a gap driven largely by a 45% decrease in the value of the Company’s shares since the beginning of the year (compared to a 4% rise in the S&P 500) combined with a highly competitive Seattle job market.  Furthermore, unvested PSU awards granted in 2018, 2019 and 2020 that were based on achievement of certain return-on-invested-capital (ROIC) targets were deemed unlikely to vest and, therefore, given the substantial loss in 2020 as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic on demand for air travel, we have reduced their value to $0 in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles (GAAP).  The Committee therefore approved special equity awards to help ensure experienced talent remained in place to guide the business through the challenges presented by the COVID-19 crisis, a CEO succession and beyond, and to recognize leaders for the work they did throughout the year to position the Company for recovery.  These special grants marked a rare but, in the Committee’s view, appropriate departure from the Company’s history of maintaining a share burn rate that is lower than the ISS industry benchmark of 2% and the three-year .99% median burn rate of peer transportation companies. The Company’s share burn rate was .86% in 2019 and 1.83% in 2020 (including these special grants).

Special Grant:  In November 2020, the Committee approved one-time, service-vesting equity awards to NEOs and other Company executives.  Refer to the Special Equity Awards section for terms of these special grants.

Consideration of Say-on-Pay Advisory Vote

Stockholders have an opportunity annually to cast an advisory vote in connection with our executive compensation program.  At the 2020 annual meeting, 97.35% of the votes were cast in favor of the advisory say-on-pay proposal in connection with the Company’s 2019 compensation. The Committee believes that voting results indicate that stockholders approve of the structure of executive compensation at Alaska Air Group.  

As described above, the Committee deemed that the best interests of the Company and its shareholders were served by executive compensation adjustments (including the temporary reductions in NEO base salaries, implementation of a supplemental bonus plan for the second half of 2020, and the special equity grants awarded in November 2020) made during this unprecedented year.  

Objectives of the Company’s Executive Compensation Program

The fundamental objectives of the executive compensation program have remained in place despite the uncertainties of the year and are as follows:

to attract and retain highly qualified executives who share the Company’s values and are committed to its strategic plan by designing the total compensation package to be competitive with an appropriate peer group;

to motivate executives to provide excellent leadership and achieve Company goals by linking incentive pay to the achievement of specific targets set in the PBP Plan, the CBRP Plan and the Company’s strategic plan;

to align the interests of executives and stockholders by tying a large portion of executives’ total direct compensation (meaning base salary, actual short-term incentive pay and the grant date fair value of


equity awards) to the achievement of objective goals related to the Company’s financial performance, safety record, cost structure, and guest satisfaction; and

to provide executives with reasonable security to motivate them to continue employment with the Company and achieve goals that will help the Company remain competitive and thrive for the long term.

Compensation Philosophy

The Committee has historically followed a conservative compensation philosophy, generally targetingtargeted the CEO’s base salary at or aboutbelow the 25thpercentile of the CEOs of the Company’s airline peer group identified below. The Committee may decide to set the CEO’s salary above or below the 25ththat percentile after considering other relevant factors. The CEO’s compensation arrangements are generally structured so that he or she has the opportunity to earn total direct compensation up to approximately the 50th percentile of the target total direct compensation of peer companies’ chief executive officers if the applicable annual and long-term incentive targets are reached, and to surpass the 50th percentile if those targets are exceeded.

For the other NEOs, the Committee generally targets base salary at or about the 50th percentile of base salaries for comparable positions with the airline peers and provides these executives an opportunity to achieve total direct compensation at the 50th percentile of the target total direct compensation for comparable positions with the peer companies if annual and long-term incentive targets are reached, and to surpass the 50th percentile if those targets are exceeded.

TheWhile the Committee does not target a specific percentile but rather uses market data as one reference point when makinggenerally sets executive pay decisions.  Otherat the levels indicated above, it may also consider other factors, such as Company performance, individual performance, tenure, retention goals, succession considerations, and internal equity, influencein determining the Committee’s executive compensation-setting philosophy and practicecompensation levels for executives from year to year.year as appropriate.

45


How Executive Compensation is Determined

The Committee’s Role. The Committee determines and approves the compensation of the NEOs, takingwith the assistance of its independent compensation consultant. The Committee also takes into account the CEO’s recommendations for all NEOs excluding himself.  The Committee determines the CEO’s compensation with the assistance of its independent compensation consultant.

Independent Consultants. The Committee againhas retained Meridian Compensation Partners, LLC (Meridian) to assist the Committee with its responsibilities related to the Company’s executive and board of directors’director compensation programs. The Committee considered the following facts in assessing Meridian’s independence as an advisor:

Meridian does not provide other services to Alaska Air Group or its subsidiaries. Meridian’s services are limited to providing the Committee with advice and information solely on executive and director compensation and related corporate governance matters.

The amount of fees paid by the Company during the 12-month period ended December 31, 20202022 represents less than one percent of Meridian’s total annual revenues for the 20202022 calendar year.

Meridian maintains policies designed to prevent conflicts of interest, which policies were detailed to the Committee.

No Meridian partner, consultant or employee who serves the Committee has any business or personal relationship with any member of the Committee.

No Meridian partner, consultant or employee who serves the Committee, or any of their immediate family, owns any shares of stock of the Company.

No Meridian partner, consultant or employee who serves the Committee, or any of their immediate family, has any business or personal relationship with any executive officer of the Company.


Based on its review, the Committee has determined that no conflicts of interest exist between the Company and Meridian (or any individuals working on the Company’s account on Meridian’s behalf). and that Meridian is independent.

How the Elements of the Company’s Executive Compensation Program Were Selected

The Committee conducts periodic reviews of the Company’s executive compensation program to assess its alignment with the Committee’s objectives. The Committee considers how each component of compensation motivates executives to help the Company achieve its performance goals and execute its strategic plan and how it promotes retention of executives who share the Company’s values. The compensation structure is designed to promote initiative, resourcefulness, sustainability, diversity, equity and inclusion and teamwork by key employees whose performance and responsibilities directly affect the performance of the business. The Committee uses both fixed compensation (i.e. base salary) and variable performance-based compensation to achieve a program that we believe is balanced, competitive and provides appropriate incentives. Base salaries, benefits, perquisites, retirement benefits, and change-in-control benefits are intended to attract and retain highly qualified executives and, in the case of salary and benefits, are generally paid out on a short-term or current basis. Annual incentives and long-term equity-based incentives are intended to motivate executives to achieve specific performance objectives.

The Committee believes that this mix of short-term and long-term compensation allows it to achieve dual goals of attracting and retaining highly qualified executives and providing meaningful performance incentives for those executives.

46


Deterrents to Excessive Risk-Taking

The Committee believes it has designed the overall compensation program in such a way as to deter excessive risk-taking, to encourage executives to focus on the long-term success of the Company and to align the interests of executives with those of stockholdersshareholders by:

using several different financial, ESG and operational metrics that are directly tied to the Company’s strategy;

setting financial, ESG and operational goals that are reviewed and approved by the Committee, all members of which arethe Board has determined to be independent;

overlapping the performance periods of awards;

incorporating short-term and long-term performance periods of varying lengths;

maintaining and monitoring compliance with executive stock ownership requirements;

capping the payout of short-term cash incentives and PSUs;

allowing the Committee discretion to reduce amounts otherwise payable under certain awards;

referencingmonitoring market compensation practices of the airline industry;

maintaining a recoupment policy that allows the Committee to recover compensation in certain situations;

considering internal equity among Company executives; and

reflecting the current business challenges and opportunities facing the Company.

The Company does not believe that its compensation programs encourage unnecessary risk-taking that could have a material adverse effect on the Company as a whole.

Executive Pay Mix and the Emphasis on Variable Pay

The Committee believes that emphasis on variable, performance-based compensation for the NEOs is a key element in achieving a pay-for-performance culture and in aligning management’s interests with those of the Company’s stockholders.shareholders. At the same time, the Committee believes that the executive compensation program provides meaningful incentives for executives while balancing risk and reward.

TotalTarget total direct compensation for the Company’s NEOs is tailored to place a substantial emphasis on variable pay, that is, pay linked to the achievement of specific, measurable performance objectives and subject to variation


depending on the degree to which such objectives are achieved. For 2020,2022, the Committee approved pre-pandemic target-leveltarget total direct compensation for Mr. TildenMinicucci that is 86% variableperformance-based and/or tied to stockholdershareholder value creation. With respect to the other NEOs, the Committee approved target

47


total direct compensation that is on average 79% variableperformance-based upon the achievement of operational and tied to stockholder value creation.financial performance measures.

Target Total Direct Compensation

img48386705_20.jpg 

The Use of Benchmarking Against a Peer Group Compensation Data

The Committee reviews and analyzes target total direct compensation for the NEOs annually against the compensation provided by a peer group of airline companies to executives in similar positions. In analyzing the information for 2020,2022, the Committee reviewed the target total direct compensation for executives of a peer group of airlines as identified below.

The following companies represent the airline peer group selected by the Committee as a comparator for determining appropriate compensation levels for 20202022 (the same peer group as used to evaluate 2019 compensation except for WestJet Airlines which became a private company in 2019)2021 compensation):

Air Canada

American Airlines Group

Delta Air Lines

Hawaiian Holdings

JetBlue Airways Corporation

SkyWest

Southwest Airlines

Spirit Airlines

United ContinentalAirlines Holdings

WestJet Airlines48



The Committee chose to include the companies named above in its peer group for the following reasons:

they represent a group of sufficient size to present a reasonable indicator of executive compensation levels;

they are in the airline industry and their businesses are similar to the Company’s business;

business and the environment in which they compete;

the median annual revenue of this group approximates the Company’s historical annual revenue;revenue with ranges for airlines and

pandemic recovery; and

the Company competes with these peer companies for talent to fill certain key, industry-related executive positions.

In the aggregate, 20202022 target total cash compensation and target total paydirect compensation for theexecutive vice president NEOs other than the CEO fell betweenwas at approximately the 2550th and 75th percentiles percentile for comparable positions at companies in the airline peer group. Mr. Minicucci and Ms. Schneider were below these levels in 2022, however. For our CEO, target total cash compensation was set below the 25th percentile and target total direct compensation was set at approximately the 5040th percentile for chief executive officers within the airline peer group. The varying range of company revenues was considered when reviewing market data results fromMs. Schneider’s target total cash compensation and target total direct compensation were at approximately the airline40th percentile compared to comparable positions within a general peer group.set.

In setting 20202022 executive compensation, the Committee also reviewed data for 2119 companies in the broader transportation industry having median annual revenue similar to the Company’s annual revenues as an additional reference point to assess the Company’s executive compensation program. The companies in this transportation industry peer group include: Air Canada, AMERCO, Atlas Air, Avis Budget Group, CH Robinson Worldwide Inc., Expedia Group, Inc., Expeditors International of Washington, Inc., Hertz Global Holdings, Inc., Hub Group, Inc., Hilton Worldwide Holdings, Inc., JB Hunt Transport Services, Inc., JetBlue Airways Corporation, Landstar System, Inc., Marriott International, Inc., Norfolk Southern Corporation, Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings Ltd., Royal Caribbean Cruises Ltd., Ryder System, Inc., Knight-Swift Transportation Holdings, Inc., Union Pacific Corporation, Wyndham Destinations, Inc., and XPO Logistics, Inc. The peer group listed above is consistent with the 2021 transportation peer group used for this purpose, with the exception of removing CH Robinson Worldwide Inc. due to an increase in their revenue and market capitalization and adding Atlas Air given their industry and size.

In the aggregate, target total cash compensation for the NEOs fell below the median for comparable positions at companies in the transportation industry peer group, and target total direct compensation was between approximately the 25th and 50th percentiles. For our CEO, target total cash compensation and target total direct compensation fell below the 25th percentile for chief executive officers within the transportation industry peer group.

In general, the Committee uses this peer group and transportation industry data as background information for its compensation decisions and does not “benchmark” compensation at any particular level relative to the peer companies. Except as otherwise noted in this CD&A, decisions by the Committee are qualitative and the result of the Committee’s business judgment, which is informed by the analysis of the members of the Committee as well as input from, and market data provided by, its independent compensation consultant. The Committee believes that the compensation opportunities provided to the NEOs are appropriate in light of competitive considerations.

The Application of Internal Equity Considerations

In addition to benchmarking againstreviewing compensation data for airline and transportation industry peer groups, the Committee believes it is appropriate to consider other principles of compensation, and not accept benchmarkingrely on market data as the sole basis for setting compensation. Thus, while the Committee has considered peer group data as described above, it has also applied other compensation principles, including internal equity, when determining executive compensation. By also considering internal equity, the Committee can structure executive compensation in a way that ensureshelps ensure appropriate compensation in light of atypical internal or external pressures or compensation considerations.

49


The Use of Tally Sheets

Annually, the Committee reviews tally sheets that show each element of compensation for the NEOs. Base salaries, incentive plan payments, equity awards, option exercises, perquisites, and health and retirement benefits are included on tally sheets, which are prepared by the Company’s corporate affairs and people departments. The Committee uses the compensation tally sheets to help verify that executive compensation is internally equitable and proportioned according to the Committee’s expectations.


Current Executive Pay Elements

Base Pay

TheIn determining executives’ base salary levels, the Committee assesses considers market compensation data as described above, as well as each executive’s duties and scope of responsibilities, past performance and expected future contributions to the Company, the market demand for the individual’s skills, the individual’s influence on long-term Company strategies and success, the individual’s leadership performance, and internal equity considerations.

In February 2020,2022, the Committee approved a base salary of $590,000$610,000 for Mr. Tilden,Minicucci effective April 16, 2022, which was at or aboutbelow the 25thpercentile of salaries for CEOs in the airline peer group and flat withan increase of about 5% over his 2019 base pay. The chart below depicts CEO base salaries at airline peer group companies in 2019.2021 salary level.

Mr. Tilden accepted a 100% reduction of his base salary from March 6 through September 2020 in light of the COVID-19 crisis.  In October 2020, his base salary was restored to $590,000.

CEO Base Salary Comparisons(1)

(Airline Peer Group)img48386705_21.jpg 

(1)

Amounts are based on the most recent compensation data available as of October 30, 2020.  In most cases, this is the base salary as reported in the respective company’s FY2019 proxy statement.

(1)
Amounts are based on the most recent compensation data available as of October 28, 2022. In most cases, this is the base salary as reported in the respective company’s FY2021 proxy statement. Air Canada CEO base salary is converted from Canadian Dollars to US Dollars using an exchange rate of 0.81 (which was the rate in effect on October 28, 2022).

(2)

Base salary is converted from Canadian Dollars to US Dollars using an exchange rate of 0.75 (which was the rate in effect on October 30, 2020).

(3)

The CEO does not receive a base salary; direct compensation is provided in the form of long-term equity incentives.

In February 2020,2022, the Committee also approved base salaries for the other NEOs as follows: Mr. Tackett -- $490,000; Mr. Minicucci -- $570,000;$535,500; Mr. Harrison -- $490,000;$515,000 Ms. Schneider -- $425,100; and Mr. BeckMs. von Muehlen -- $440,000.  In anticipation$425,200 effective as of Mr. Pedersen’s announced retirement in March 2020, the Committee did not adjust his base pay from its 2019 level ($475,000).  April 16, 2022.

Similar to Mr. Tilden, Mr. Minicucci accepted a 100% reduction of his base salary from March 6 through October 2, 2020 due to the COVID-19 crisis.  In addition, the Committee rescinded the above referenced salary increases approved in February 2020 and reduced other NEOs’ base pay by 30%.  

The Committee restored these NEOs’ base salaries at the following rates effective October 3, 2020: Mr. Tackett -- $490,000; Mr. Minicucci -- $550,000; Mr. Harrison -- $475,000; and Mr. Beck -- $425,000.  (Mr. Tackett’s salary was increased in March 2020 in connection with his promotion to CFO.)


Performance-Based Pay (PBP)PBP Short-Term Incentive Pay Plan

The Company’s NEOs are eligible to earn annual incentive pay under the PBP Plan, in which all eligible company employees participated in 2020.2022. The PBP Plan is intended to motivate executives and other employees to achieve specific company goals. The Committee aligns executive compensation with the Company’s strategic plan by choosing a target performance level for each operational, ESG or financial

50


goal (outlined in the 2020022 Performance-Based Pay Metrics table below) that is consistent with the Company’s strategic plan goals.

Target payout opportunities are established for each NEO as a percentage of base salary. These percentages are approved by the Committee after considering market data, performance, tenure, and internal pay parity, among other factors as it deems appropriate.

For the NEOs, the 20202022 target participation levels were as follows:

20202022 Performance-Based Pay Plan Participation Rates

Name

Target Participation


as % of Base Salary

Ben Minicucci

150%

Bradley D. TildenShane Tackett

140%95%

Shane R. TackettAndrew Harrison

85%95%

Benito MinicucciConstance von Muehlen

110%95%

Andrew R. HarrisonAndrea Schneider

85%75%

Gary L. Beck

85%

Brandon R. Pedersen (1)

85%

(1)

Mr. Pedersen retired from the Company effective March 2, 2020.

Incentive award payments under the PBP Plan range from 0% to 200% of the NEO’s target based on the achievement of performance goals set by the Committee at the beginning of each year.  year plus a margin modifier that can increase the PBP payout based on pre-tax margin industry placement. However, PBP payout percentage plus the modifier is capped at 200% for executive employees.

For each performance metric, performance at the target level will generally result in a 100% payout of the target amount for that metric, while the payout percentage would be 200% for performance at or above the maximum level and 25% for performance at the threshold level. The payout percentages are interpolated for performance between the levels identified below, but if performance for a particular metric is below the threshold level, no payment will be made as to that metric. The Committee retains discretion to adjust bonus amounts that would otherwise be paid.  paid though no such discretion was applied for 2022.

The long-term success of the Company is highly dependent on running a profitable, safe, sustainable and reliable operation meeting or exceedingand outperforming the expectations of guests, keeping unit costs in check, enhancing brand strength and generating financial returns well above our cost of capital.industry. Each of these key strategic objectives is reflected in the goals of the PBP Plan.


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For 2020,2022, the PBP Plan metrics for Alaska Airlines employees were set as follows:

20202022 Performance-Based Pay Metrics

 

Goal

 

Weight

 

Threshold

 

Target

 

Maximum

 

Profitability (1)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Based on the Adjusted Pretax Profit percentage of Alaska Air Group, Inc.

 

70%

 

0%

 

5%

 

10%

 

Safety

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Employee Safety

 

5%

 

70%

 

75%

 

85%

 

Based on quarterly average results of employee surveys.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Guest Safety

 

5%

 

88%

 

92%

 

95%

 

Based on the annual average of Alaska Listens survey responses of good, very good and excellent for 2022.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG)

 

10%

 

2.81 lbs/RTM

 

2.76 lbs/RTM

 

2.74 lbs/RTM

 

Based on Alaska and Horizon Air combined passenger and cargo aircraft carbon dioxide emissions in pounds per revenue ton mile (RTM).

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Cost per Available Seat Mile excluding Fuel (CASM ex. Fuel) (2)

 

10%

 

8.30

 

8.20

 

8.10

 

Goal

 

Weight

 

 

Threshold

 

Target

 

Maximum

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Operational Performance

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Safety (1)

 

10%

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The number of safety goals met.

 

 

 

 

 

1 of 3

 

2 of 3

 

3 of 3

 

 

Brand Strength

 

10%

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Average score of guests' preferences of Alaska over other airlines as well as their rating of Alaska's overall performance.

 

 

 

 

 

74% or higher

 

75% or higher

 

76% or higher

 

 

CASM ex. Fuel

 

10%

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Cost per available seat mile excluding fuel and special items (Alaska)

 

 

 

 

 

8.25¢

 

8.15¢

 

8.05¢

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Alaska Air Group Profitability

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Pre-Tax Profit Margin Percentage of Alaska Air Group, Inc. (2)

 

70%

 

 

5%

 

10%

 

15%

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Profit Margin Modifier

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Ranking in Industry

 

 

 

 

 

Third

 

Second

 

First

 

 

Modifier Based on Ranking Pre-Tax Profit Margin Compared to Other Airlines (3)

 

 

 

 

 

1 pt

 

2 pts

 

3 pts

 

(1)
“Adjusted Pretax Profit” means the net income of Alaska Air Group as computed under GAAP, adjusted for Excluded Items and Alternative Accounting Treatments. “Excluded Items” means (a) income taxes, (b) pretax expense under any Alaska Air Group (or subsidiary) performance-based pay, operational performance rewards, or similar such programs as determined in the discretion of the Committee, and (c) special income or expense items that, in the discretion of the Committee, and (c) special income or expense items that, in the discretion of the Committee, should be excluded because recognizing them would not appropriately serve the goals of the PBP Plan. These may include, without limitation, gain or loss on disposition of capital assets, impairments or other fleet exit costs, expenses from voluntary or involuntary severance programs, significant curtailment gains or losses from retirement plans, the impact of changes in accounting principle, government refunds or assistance and cumulative effect of accounting changes. “Alternative Account Treatments” means expense or income items that, for purposes of calculating Adjusted Pretax Profit, the Company (or any subsidiary) will account for based on non-GAAP methods because, in the discretion of the Committee, using GAAP accounting methods would not appropriately serve the goals of the PBP Plan. These may include, without limitation, fuel hedge accounting on an “as settled” basis.
(2)
CASM ex Fuel metric calculation excludes fuel costs and, at the discretion of the Committee, may be adjusted for certain other excluded items.

(1)

Goals set for Alaska are related to events that present risk to that airline’s operation, including such things as inadvertent slide deployments, aircraft perimeter safety and minimum equipment list incidents.

(2)

Adjusted pre-tax profit means the net income of Alaska Air Group as computed by Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP) and adjusted for “Excluded Items” and “Alternative Accounting Treatments.” “Excluded Items” means (a) income taxes, (b) pretax expense under any Alaska Air Group (or subsidiary) profit sharing, performance-based pay, operational performance rewards, variable pay, or similar programs as determined in the discretion of the Committee, and (c) special income or expense items that, in the discretion of the Committee, should be excluded because recognizing them would not appropriately serve the goals of the PBP Plan. These special items may include, without limitation, merger-related costs, gain or loss on disposition of capital assets, impairments or other fleet exit costs, expenses from voluntary or involuntary severance programs, government refunds or assistance, and the cumulative effect of accounting changes. “Alternative Accounting Treatments” means expense or income items that, for purposes of calculating adjusted pre-tax profit, the Company (or any subsidiary) will account for based on non-GAAP methods because, in the discretion of the Committee, using GAAP accounting methods would not appropriately serve the goals of the Plan. These may include, without limitation, fuel hedge accounting on an as-settled basis.

(3)

The airlines used for this modifier include Delta Air Lines, United Airlines, American Airlines, Southwest Airlines, JetBlue Airlines, and Hawaiian Airlines.

52


In addition to the metrics identified above, the PBP plan contained a relative Margin Modifier based on adjusted pre-tax profit compared to results for corresponding metrics reported by six competitors (Delta, United, American, Southwest, JetBlue, and Hawaiian) that can increase the award by up to 60 percentage points. We believe profitable growth creates value for all our stakeholders. Implementing a profit modifier builds on our baseline profitability threshold, allowing us to create further alignment with our long-term financial goals of industry outperformance and to recognize our employees for contributing to that success. Ultimately, stronger outperformance allows greater reinvestment in our business to fuel more growth, fosters our culture, and provides the foundation for attractive shareholder returns, further solidifying our strong position in the marketplace.

As noted above, annualthe PBP target performance measures reflect financial, operational and marketingsustainability goals that are generally consistent with the strategic plan that is approved by the Board. Maximum goals correlate to superior performance, while threshold goals generally correlate to what the Committee believes is an acceptable, but minimal, level of performance as compared to the prior year.

The Committee believes the use of a safety metric in the PBP reflects the Company’s unwavering commitment to safety and reinforces its message that every employee ‘owns safety’.

The safety goals areCommittee also included a carbon dioxide emission per revenue ton mile as a PBP metric for 2022 to drive operational enhancements focused on the highest risk areas that could negatively impact our operations, our employees and our guests. The Safety Committee has authorityreducing carbon emissions to recommend changes to the goals and overall payout rate on the safety metric each year.

The brand strength measure was set at a level the Committee believed would build loyalty and increase revenue over time. The CASM (cost per available seat mile excluding fuel and special items) metric was similarly chosen to supportassist in achieving the Company’s achievement of its strategic plan.short and long term sustainability goals.

The Committee believes that using adjusted non-GAAP measures, as defined in the footnotes to the 2022 Performance-Based Pay Metrics table above, such as CASM and adjusted pre-tax profit and CASM ex. Fuel, rather than GAAP measures, more closely ties results to elements of performance that can be controlled by the decisions and actions of employees, thereby providing a more direct link between performance and reward. In addition, by removing the short-term impact of certain business decisions (such as the gain or loss on


disposition of capital assets), we believe the use of adjusted measures encourages executives to make decisions that are in the best interest of the Company over the long term.

2020 COVID-19 Business Recovery Incentive Pay (CBRP) Plan

Several months intoThe table below presents the COVID-19 crisis, it became clear that participants would likely receive noactual performance results and payout onpercentages for the adjusted pretax profit metric of the2022 PBP Plan.  In June 2020, the Committee approved a supplemental incentive pay program, the CBRP Plan.  The CBRP Plan is a one-time performance plan tied to business recovery goals measured over the last six months of 2020.  The goal of the CBRP Plan is to retain and motivate employees at all levels and to ensure that experienced talent remained in place to help the Company emerge from the impacts of COVID-19.  The plan was developed specifically to incentivize participants to achieve performance-based goals tied to the Company’s response to unanticipated and unpredictable impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic.   All eligible employees (including each of the NEOs then employed with us) participated in the CBRP Plan.

We believe the financial recovery of the Company depends on the ability to reduce cash burn and instill confidence in employees and guests by taking steps to adequately address personal health safety concerns in workspaces and on planes.  Accordingly, the CBRP Plan allocated 50% weight to a cash preservation goal and 50% weight to employee and guest safety goals.

The CBRP Plan target participation rates for NEOs are the same as those in the2022 PBP Plan.  However, payout under the CBRP Plan ranges from 0% to 60% (subject to the maximum cap described below) and is contingent on the achievement of performance goals set by the Committee in June 2020.  For each performance metric, performance at the target level generally results in 100% payment of the weighted value of that metric (for example, performance at target of the cash preservation goals results in a 30% payout), while thePay Calculation

 

PBP Metrics

 

Actual

 

% of Target
Achieved

Weight

Payout %

 

Profit

 

8.3

%

 

166.3

%

 

70.0

%

 

116.4

%

 

 

Safety

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

     Employee Safety

 

76.3

%

 

113.3

%

 

5.0

%

 

5.6

%

 

 

     Guest Safety

 

94.1

%

 

170.0

%

 

5.0

%

 

8.5

%

 

 

Sustainability - Carbon Emissions

 

2.64

 

 

200.0

%

 

10.0

%

 

20.0

%

 

 

CASM ex. Fuel (in cents)

 

9.45

 

 

%

 

10.0

%

 

%

 

 

Initial PBP Payout %

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

150.5

%

 

 

Margin Modifier Placement

 

1st

 

 

 

 

 

 

+

 

60.0

%

 

 

Total PBP Payout as a % of Target Participation rate

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

=

(1)

200.0

%

 

(1) PBP payout percentage plus the modifier is 25% of the weighted valuecapped at 200% for achievement of threshold performance and 200% of the weighted value for achievement at or above maximum performance. The payout percentages are interpolated for performance between these levels, but if performance for a particular metric is below the threshold level, no payment is made as to that metric.  The maximum combined payout any employee may receive under the CBRP Plan when combined with the PBP Plan results or payout is 100% of target.  executive employees.

Following is a summary of actual combined results of the 2020 PBP and CBRP performance goals and an example of the calculation of the payout for one of the NEOs (assuming an 85% participation rate):

2020 PBP and CBRP Pay Calculation (1)

 

PBP Metrics

 

Actual

 

% of Target

Achieved

Weight

Payout %

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Safety

 

3 of 3

 

 

200.0

%

 

10.0

%

 

20.0

%

 

 

Brand Strength

 

76.1

 

 

200.0

%

 

10.0

%

 

20.0

%

 

 

CASM (2)

 

11.57¢

 

 

%

 

10.0

%

 

%

 

 

Alaska Air Group Profitability (3)

 

(45.5%)

 

 

%

 

70.0

%

 

%

 

 

Total PBP Payout %

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

40.0

%

 

 

CBRP Metrics

 

Actual

 

% of Target

Achieved

Weight

Payout %

 

Cash Preservation

 

$600,000

 

 

98.6

%

 

30.0

%

 

29.6

%

 

 

Guest Safety

 

Met

 

 

100.0

%

 

15.0

%

 

15.0

%

 

 

Employee Safety

 

Met

 

 

100.0

%

 

15.0

%

 

15.0

%

 

 

Total CBRP Payout %

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

59.6

%

 

 

Combined PBP and CBRP Payout %

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

99.6

%

 

 

Participation Rate

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

x

 

85.0

%

 

 

Total Payout as a % of Base Salary

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

=

 

84.7

%

 

(1)

Based on the results that apply to an Alaska Airlines NEO.

(2)

Under the terms of the 2020 PBP Plan, CASM calculations exclude fuel costs and may be adjusted for certain excluded items and alternative accounting treatments.


(3)

Profitability is measured based on the Company’s pre-tax profit margin percentage.

(4)

For purposes of calculating the 2020 PBP and CBRP bonus payments, the base salary used in determining the final payout assumed the executive’s base salary had not be reduced for the March through early October time period as discussed previously.

In addition, all the Company’s employees, including the NEOs, participate in a separate annual incentive plan called the Operational Performance Reward (OPR) Plan, which pays a monthly incentive of up to $150 to all employees when certain operational performance targets are met. Awards are based on the achievement of specific safety metrics, on-time performance and guest satisfaction goals, and the maximum annual payout for each employee is $1,800. In 2020,2022, each Alaska Airlines employee, includingof the NEOs received $1,650earned $712.50 under the OPR Plan.

53


Long-Term Equity-Based Incentive Compensation

Long-term equity incentive awards that link executive pay to stockholdershareholder value are an important element of the Company’s executive compensation program. Long-term equity incentives that vest over three- or four-year periods are awarded annually, resulting in overlapping vesting periods. TheAs the value of the awards is dependent on our stock price, the awards are designed to further align NEOs’ interests with those of stockholders.shareholders. In addition, equity awards help attract and retain top-performing executives who fit a team-oriented and performance-driven culture. The Company’s 20202022 equity grant structure is described below (with the percentage of the total award allocated to options, RSUs and PSUs based on the grant date fair value of the award as determined for accounting purposes).below.

Stock Options. The Committee grants 25% of each NEO’s annual long-term incentive award value in the form of stock options with an exercise price that is equal to the fair market value of the Company’s common stock on the grant date. The NEOs will realize value from their stock options only to the degree that Alaska Air Group’s stockholdersshareholders realize value after the grant date of the option, provided the stockholdershareholder had purchased shares and held them for the same period as the option remains outstanding. The stock options also function as a retention incentive for executives, as they generally vest ratably over a four-year period on each anniversary of the grant date and have a ten-year term that may be shortened if the executive’s employment terminates.

Restricted Stock Units. The Committee also grants 25% of each NEO’s annual long-term incentive awardsaward value to the NEOs in the form of RSUs. Subject to the executive’s continued employment with the Company, the RSUs generally vest on the third anniversary of the date they are granted and, upon vesting, are paid in shares of Alaska Air Group common stock. The RSUs provide a long-term retention incentive through the vesting period that requires continued service to the Company. The RSUs are also designed to further link executives’ interests with those of Alaska Air Group’s stockholders,shareholders, as the value of the RSUs is based on the value of Alaska Air Group common stock. The Company does not issue dividend equivalents on unvested RSUs.

Performance Stock Units. The Committee also grants 50% of each NEO’s annual long-term incentive award value in the form of PSUs. The PSUs vest only if the Company achieves performance goals established by the Committee for the three-year performance period covered by the award. PSUs also provide a retention incentive as vesting is generally also contingent on continued employment through the performance period (although all or a portion of the award may remain eligible to vest if the executive’s employment terminates in certain circumstances). Like RSUs, the PSUs help align the executives’ interests with those of stockholdersshareholders as their value depends on the value of Alaska Air Group common stock. The Company does not issue dividend equivalents on unvested PSUs.

PSUs Granted in 2020.2022. For the PSU awards granted to the NEOs in February 20202022 with a January 1, 20202022 through December 31, 20222024 performance period, the vesting of 25%80% of the target number of stock units subject to the award will be determined in accordance with the chart below based on the Company’s TSR rank versus the following peer group of airlines: Air Canada, American Airlines, Delta Air Lines, UnitedHawaiian Airlines, American Airlines,JetBlue Airways, SkyWest, Inc., Southwest Airlines, JetBlueSpirit Airlines, Inc., and HawaiianUnited Airlines. The vesting of 75%20% of the target number of stock units subject to the award will be determined based on achieving racial equity goals at the Company’s return on invested capital (ROIC) performance for the three-year period as measured against goals set by the Committee.leadership level.

The Committee believes that measuring the Company’s performance relative to other major airlines and the use of appropriate ROIC goals encourages executives to manage the Company in such a way as to maintain sustainable growth and to attract a broader range of investors.  Therefore, the Committee set ROIC as the primary performance measure (with 75% weight versus 50% weight in 2018 and 2019) for the PSU awards


granted in 2020 to provide additional incentive for executives to support and drive long-term stockholder value. Given the nature of the airline business and the importance of out-performing our peers, the Committee retained relative TSR as a performance metric for the 2020 PSU awards.  The Committee believes measuring TSR on a relative basis rather than on an absolute basis provides a more relevant reflection of the Company’s performance by mitigating the impact of various macro-economic factors such asand rising fuel costs, that tend to affect the entire industry. The Committee believes that advancing racial equity is critical to the long-term success of the Company and therefore introduced the achievement of racial equity goals at the leadership level (i.e., among executives and lower level employees who supervise others) into the long-term executive compensation plan (which we refer to as “D&I Metric” in the table below) in 2021.

The percentage of the PSUs that vest range from 0% to 200% of the target number of units subject to the award, depending on the results of the Company’s goals for the performance period. The payout percentages are interpolated for performance results falling between the levels identified below. The Committee retains discretion to reduce vesting percentages below the level that would otherwise be paid.The Company does not issue dividend equivalents on unvested PSUs.

202054


2022 Performance Stock Unit Award Metrics (2020-2022(2022-2024 Performance Period)

 

Airline Peer Group

 

D&I Metric (1)

 

 

TSR Rank Among the
Airline Peer Group

 

Percentage of Peer
Group Stock Units
that Vest

 

BIPOC Representation Metrics on 12/23/2024

 

Percentage of D&I Stock Units that Vest

 

 

1st or 2nd

 

200%

 

25% and above

 

200%

 

 

3rd

 

170%

 

23%

 

100%

 

 

4th

 

140%

 

21%

 

50%

 

 

5th

 

120%

 

Below 21%

 

0%

 

 

6th

 

90%

 

 

 

 

 

 

7th

 

65%

 

 

 

 

 

 

8th

 

45%

 

 

 

 

 

 

9th

 

20%

 

 

 

 

 

 

10th

 

0%

 

 

 

 

 

 

Airline Peer Group

 

Alaska Air Group ROIC (1)

 

 

TSR Rank Among the

Airline Peer Group

 

Percentage of Peer

Group Stock Units

that Vest

 

Average ROIC

 

Percentage of ROIC

Stock Units that Vest

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

1st or 2nd

 

200%

 

15% and above

 

200%

 

 

3rd

 

170%

 

11%

 

100%

 

 

4th

 

140%

 

Below 8%

 

0%

 

 

5th

 

120%

 

 

 

 

 

 

6th

 

90%

 

 

 

 

 

 

7th

 

65%

 

 

 

 

 

 

8th

 

45%

 

 

 

 

 

 

9th

 

20%

 

 

 

 

 

 

10th, 11th or 12th

 

0%

 

 

 

 

 

(1)
Payout percentages will be linearly interpolated for performance between the levels identified above.

(1)

Payout percentages will be linearly interpolated for performance between the levels identified above.  Given the substantial net loss in 2020 stemming from the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on our business, these awards are expected to vest at 0%.

PSUs Granted Before 20202022. In February 2017,2019, the Committee approved grants of PSUs to the NEOs for the January 1, 20172019 through December 31, 20192021 performance period. In February 2020,2022, the Committee approved a payout of these PSUs at a rate of 79.0%30%. Such performance stock awards were based 50%25% on the Company’s TSR performance relative to the following airline peer group (excluding certain companies that ceased being publicly traded during the performance period):group: Air Canada, Allegiant Travel Co., American Airlines Group, Delta Air Lines, Hawaiian Holdings, JetBlue Airways, Republic Airways Holdings, SkyWest, Southwest Airlines, Spirit Airlines, and United Continental Holdings.Holdings (WestJet Airlines Ltd. was removed from the group due to its acquisition in 2019). The Company’s TSR performance ranked 8th5th among these 119 peers, resulting in a 60%120% payout for that metric. The PSU awards granted in 20172019 were also based 50%75% on achievement of the Company’s ROIC goals set by the Committee (maximum payout if ROIC was 20%15% or above, target payout for ROIC of 13%11%, and threshold payout for ROIC of 10% or below)8%). The Company’s average ROIC during the 2017-20192019-2021 performance period was 11.4%, resultingseverally impacted by the results of the COVID-19 pandemic which resulted in a 128%0% payout for that metric.metric.

The Committee also made grants of PSUs in 20182020 and 20192021 with three-year performance periods beginning in January of each respective year.

For the PSU awards granted in February 2018 to NEOs with a January 1, 2018 through December 31, 2020 performance period, the vesting of 25% of the stock units subject to the award is determined based on the Company’s TSR rank versus the same airline peer group as that used for the 2017 awards, except that Republic Airways Holdings was excluded as it ceased being a publicly traded company during the performance period.  The vesting of 25% of the stock units subject to the award is determined based on the Company’s TSR rank relative to S&P 500 companies. The vesting of 50% of the stock units subject to the award is determined based on the Company’s ROIC performance for the three-year period as measured against goals set by the Committee. In early 2021, the Committee determined that the ROIC portion of these awards would not vest


given the substantial loss in 2020 as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic on demand for air travel and approved payouts of 22.5% of target for these PSU awards based solely on relative TSR performance for the three-year period.

The PSU awards granted in 20192020 are scheduled to vest at the end of the January 1, 20192020 through December 31, 20212022 performance period and are based 25% on the Company’s TSR performance relative to the same airline peer group as that was used for the 2018 awards.  The PSU2019 awards granted in 2019 were also based 25% on the Company’s TSR performance relative to S&P 500 companies and 50%75% on the Company’s ROIC goals set by the Committee. As noted previously,with 2019 PSU awards, we expect the portion of these awards allocated to the ROIC metric will not vest at 0% given the substantial loss in 2020 as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic on demand for air travel and have reduced the ROIC portion of their value to $0 for accounting purposes in accordance with GAAP.

The PSU awards granted in 2021 are scheduled to vest at the end of the January 1, 2021 through December 31, 2023 performance period and are based 80% on the Company’s TSR performance relative to the same airline peer group that was used for the 2020 awards and 20% on the Company’s progress towards advancing BIPOC representation at the senior leadership level.

Equity Award Guidelines. The Committee considers and generally follows equity grant guidelines that are based on the target total direct compensation levels and pay mix for each NEO described above. Target equity grant date values, when combined with the base salary and annual target incentive opportunity described above, are designed to achieve target total direct compensation for the NEOs at or about the 50th percentile of the peer group data for executives in comparable positions. The Committee may adjust target equity grantsgrant date values to the NEOs based on the Committee’s general assessment of:

the individual’s contribution to the success of the Company’s financial performance;

55


internal pay equity;

the individual’s performance of job responsibilities; and

the accounting impact to the Company and potential dilution effects of the grant.

The Committee believes that stock options, RSUs and PSUs each provide incentives that are important to the Company’s executive compensation program as a whole. Therefore, the Committee generally awards a mix of these instruments to the NEOs when approving annual equity awards.

20202022 Annual Equity Awards. For 2020,2022, the target equity grant date value and mix of the long-term incentive awards granted to the NEOs are shown in the table below:below. While the total target equity grant value increased versus 2021, these awards were subject to clawback pursuant to CARES Act.

Annual Equity Award Value and Mix

 

Name

 

Total Equity Value

 

Stock

Options

 

Restricted

Stock Units

 

Performance

Stock Units

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Bradley D. Tilden

 

$3.2 Million

 

25%

 

25%

 

50%

 

 

Shane R. Tackett

 

$1.4 Million

 

25%

 

25%

 

50%

 

 

Benito Minicucci

 

$2.0 Million

 

25%

 

25%

 

50%

 

 

Andrew R. Harrison

 

$1.4 Million

 

25%

 

25%

 

50%

 

 

Gary L. Beck

 

$1.3 Million

 

25%

 

25%

 

50%

 

 

Brandon S. Pedersen (1)

 

N/A

 

N/A

 

N/A

 

N/A

 

 

Name

 

Total Target Equity Value

 

Stock
Options

 

Restricted
Stock Units

 

Performance
Stock Units

 

 

Ben Minicucci

 

$3.25 Million

 

25%

 

25%

 

50%

 

 

Shane Tackett

 

$1.6 Million

 

25%

 

25%

 

50%

 

 

Andrew Harrison

 

$1.6 Million

 

25%

 

25%

 

50%

 

 

Constance von Muehlen

 

$1.25 Million

 

25%

 

25%

 

50%

 

 

Andrea Schneider

 

$700,000

 

25%

 

25%

 

50%

 

(1) 

Mr. Pedersen retired from the Company effective March 2, 2020.

2020

2022 Annual Equity Award Target Values. The values in the table below representrepresents the target dollar value of annual stock option, PSU and RSU awards granted in February 2020.  Actual2022 identified in the table above. The company converts the target value allocated to each type of award into a number of shares to be subject to the award, in the case of RSUs and PSUs, by dividing the dollar value by an average 30-day trailing closing stock price, or, in the case of options, by dividing the dollar value by the per-share value of the option using the Black-Scholes pricing model. The actual grant date fair value usedas determined for accounting purposes (which are disclosed in the executive compensation tables below) will vary from our target


award values due to required accounting methodologies. For more information on these awards, see the 20202022 Grants of Plan-Based Awards table.table below.

56


Annual Equity Target Values

 

Name

 

OPTs

(25% of Total Grant)

 

 

RSUs

(25% of Total Grant)

 

 

PSUs (2)

(50% of Total Grant)

 

 

Total Equity Value

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Bradley D. Tilden

 

$

800,000

 

 

$

800,000

 

 

$

1,600,000

 

 

$

3,200,000

 

 

Shane R. Tackett

 

$

350,000

 

 

$

350,000

 

 

$

700,000

 

 

$

1,400,000

 

 

Benito Minicucci

 

$

500,000

 

 

$

500,000

 

 

$

1,000,000

 

 

$

2,000,000

 

 

Andrew R. Harrison

 

$

350,000

 

 

$

350,000

 

 

$

700,000

 

 

$

1,400,000

 

 

Gary L. Beck

 

$

325,000

 

 

$

325,000

 

 

$

650,000

 

 

$

1,300,000

 

 

Brandon S. Pedersen (1)

 

-

 

 

-

 

 

-

 

 

-

 

 

Name

 

Options
(25% of Total Grant)

 

RSUs
(25% of Total Grant)

 

PSUs
(50% of Total Grant)

 

Total Target Equity Value

 

Ben Minicucci

 

$812,500

 

$812,500

 

$1,625,000

 

$3,250,000

 

Shane Tackett

 

$400,000

 

$400,000

 

$800,000

 

$1,600,000

 

Andrew Harrison

 

$400,000

 

$400,000

 

$800,000

 

$1,600,000

 

Constance von Muehlen

 

$312,500

 

$312,500

 

$625,000

 

$1,250,000

 

Andrea Schneider

 

$175,000

 

$175,000

 

$350,000

 

$700,000

(1)

Mr. Pedersen retired from the Company effective March 2, 2020.

(2)

As noted above, 75% of these PSU awards are based on attaining certain ROIC targets, which are deemed unachievable given the substantial loss recorded in 2020.

In addition to the annual equity grant program described above, the Committee occasionally makes off-cycle equity awards at such times and on such terms as it considers appropriate to help achieve the goals of the Company’s executive compensation program.

CEO Transition Grant.  On November 5, 2020,

Perquisites and Personal Benefits

In 2022, we provided our NEOs with limited perquisites as described in note (6) to the Company announced that Mr. Tilden will retire as CEO of the Company on March 31, 2021. The Company also announced that Mr. Minicucci will succeed Mr. Tilden as CEO of the Company effective March 31, 2021.

In anticipation of Mr. Minicucci’s March 31, 2021 promotion, the Committee approved a special awardSummary Compensation Table below, including travel privileges unique to him in November 2020 under the Company’s 2016 Performance Incentive Plan of time-vested RSUs with a grant date value of $750,000 and non-qualified stock options with a grant date value of $750,000, in each case as determined for accounting purposes.  These awards will each vest ratably over a five-year period based on continued service (without acceleration due to retirement eligibility), with the first vesting scheduled to occur on November 5, 2021.  

The Committee, in consultation with its independent advisor, determined that the special award to Mr. Minicucci was appropriate to recognize his heightened responsibilities as the Company’s next CEO, to acknowledge his instrumental role as President through the COVID-19 crisis that has disproportionately affected the airline industry,industry. By providing positive-space travel to sustain Mr. Minicucci’s engagement, andthe NEOs, we are able to align his long-term compensationdeliver a highly valued benefit at a low cost to the Company. In addition, we believe that this benefit provides the opportunity for the NEOs to connect with the Company’s long-term performance as it emerges from the crisis.front-line employees

It is possible that Mr. Minicucci will not realize the full value of this special grant in light of CARES Act compensation restrictions that will remain in place at least through October 2022.

Executive Retention Grants.  On November 5, 2020, the Committee also approved special awards of time-vested RSUs and non-qualified stock options (the “Executive Retention Grants”) to the Company’s NEOs and other executives.

In consultation with its independent advisor, the Committee determined that these special grants were warranted to meet the Company’s objectives of retaining key team members who had been stewards of the Company through a pandemic that disproportionately affected the airline industry, sustaining their engagement with the Company, and aligning the executive team with the Company’s long-term performance as it emerges from the crisis.  

When determining the value of Executive Retention Grants, the Committee observed that executives had their realizable total compensation drop significantly below target, a gap driven largely by a 45% decrease in the


value of the Company’s shares since the beginning of the year (compared to a 4% rise in the S&P 500).  Further, due to this decline, the performance against TSR and ROIC goals for the 2018-2020 performance period of the 2018 PSU grants, the Committee approved payouts of 22.5% of target in 2021. and it is projected that outstanding PSU awards linked to three-year average ROIC performance of 2019 and 2020 PSU grants will have little value at the end of each cycle. The Committee also considered the potential impact of CARES Act executive compensation limits on the NEOs.  Such limitations will remain in place through at least October 2022 and as long as May 2027.

The Executive Retention Grant to Mr. Tilden consisted of RSUs with a grant date value of $750,000 and options with a grant date value of $250,000.  

The Executive Retention Grant to Mr. Minicucci consisted of RSUs with a grant date value of $562,500 and options with a grant date value of $187,500.  

The Executive Retention Grant to Mr. Tackett consisted of RSUs with a grant date value of $375,000 and options with a grant date value of $125,000.  

The Executive Retention Grant to Mr. Harrison consisted of RSUs with a grant date value of $375,000 and options with a grant date value of $125,000.

The Executive Retention Grant to Mr. Beck consisted of RSUs with a grant date value of $375,000 and options with a grant date value of $125,000.  

RSUs and options issued pursuant to the Executive Retention Grants will vest ratably over a three-year term based on continued service (without acceleration due to retirement eligibility), with the first vesting scheduled to occur on November 5, 2021. It is possible that the NEOs will not realize the full value of the Retention Grants in light of CARES Act compensation restrictions that remain in place at least through October 2022.

Perquisites and Personal Benefits

In 2020, an amount equal to 1% of base salary was paid to NEOs as an allowance for financial planning services.

Retirement Benefits/Deferred Compensation

The Company provides retirement benefits to the NEOs under the terms of qualified and non-qualified defined-benefit and defined-contribution retirement plans. All eligible employees, including the NEOs, participate in the Company’s 401(k) plan. TheCertain NEOs participate in the Retirement Plan for Salaried Employees (the Salaried Retirement Plan) The Salaried Retirement Plan, a tax-qualified defined benefit plan which was frozen on January 1, 2014 at its then-current benefit levels. Due to maximum limitations imposed by the Internal Revenue Code on the annual amount of a pension that may be paid under a qualified defined-benefit plan, theThe benefits that would otherwise be provided to these executivesparticipants under the Salaried Retirement Plan are required to be limited. An unfunded defined-benefit plan in which Mr. Tilden also participates,limited under the 1995 Elected Officers Supplementary Retirement Plan (the Supplementary Retirement Plan), provides make-up benefits plus supplemental retirement benefits.Internal Revenue Code.

In light of the freeze on the Company’s Salaried Retirement Plan effective January 1, 2014, all NEOs participate in the Company’s Defined Contribution Officers Supplementary Retirement Plan (DC Supplementary Retirement Plan), which is a nonqualified defined contribution plan.


The NEOs are also permitted to elect to defer up to 100% of their annual Performance-Based Pay payments under the Company’s Nonqualified Deferred Compensation Plan. The Company believes that providing deferred compensation opportunities is a cost-effective way to permit executives to receive the tax benefits associated with delaying the income tax event on the compensation deferred. The interest earned on this deferred compensation is similar to what an ordinary investor could earn in the market.

Please see the tables under Pension and Other Retirement Plans and 20202022 Nonqualified Deferred Compensation and the information following the tables for a description of these plans.

Stock Ownership Policy

The Committee believes that requiring significant stock ownership by executives further aligns their interests with those of long-term stockholders.shareholders. Within five years of election or promotion to a position with a greater holding requirement, each executive officer mustis expected to beneficially own a number of shares of the Company’s common stock with a fair market value equal to or in excess of a specified multiple of the individual’s base salary as follows:

five times base salary for the CEO;

four times base salary for the president; and

three times base salary for the executive vice presidents;

one and a half times base salary for the senior vice presidents.

57


Executives are required to retain 50% of any shares of common stock acquired in connection with the vesting of RSUs and PSUs until the holding requirement is reached. Unexercised stock options, unvested RSUs and unvested PSUs do not count toward satisfaction of the ownership requirements. The Committee reviews compliance with this requirement annually and supported a more lenient approach to policy enforcement in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic.pandemic and the on-going CARES Act limitations on executive compensation.

Recoupment of Certain Compensation Payments

With respect to elected officers, the Committee may, in its discretion, direct the Company to seek recovery of payments or awards, or to effect forfeiture of unpaid or unvested payments or awards issued under such plans on or after August 7, 2019, if one or more of the following events occurs within three years of the payment or award:

(1)

the financial or operating metric on which the payment or award is based is restated or adjusted in a way that reduces its value; or

(1)
the financial or operating metric on which the payment or award is based is restated or adjusted in a way that reduces its value; or

(2)

the recipient commits a legal or compliance violation in connection with his or her employment, including but not limited to sexual misconduct, a substance abuse offense, a violation of the Company’s policies, Code of Conduct and Ethics, System Regulations, or breaches a non-competition, non-solicitation, non-disparagement or confidentiality covenant; or

(2)
the recipient commits a legal or compliance violation in connection with his or her employment, including but not limited to sexual misconduct, a substance abuse offense, a violation of the Company’s policies, Code of Conduct and Ethics, System Regulations, or breaches a non-competition, non-solicitation, non-disparagement or confidentiality covenant; or

(3)

if the recipient qualifies as an executive officer of the Company under Section 16 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, and he or she commits a legal or compliance violation that causes reputational harm to the Company.

(3)
if the recipient qualifies as an executive officer of the Company under Section 16 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, and he or she commits a legal or compliance violation that causes reputational harm to the Company.

For equity awards and other compensation for 2020 and later years, the Company has and may alsocontinue to recoup certain payments and awards to the extent necessary to comply with the Company’s obligations under the CARES Act.

Agreements Regarding Change in Control and Termination

The Company has change-in-control agreements with the NEOs that provide for severance benefits if the executive’s employment terminates under certain circumstances in connection with a change in control.


The Company has entered into change-in-control agreements with these executives because it believes that the occurrence, or potential occurrence, of a change-in-control transaction would create uncertainty and disruption during a critical time for the Company. The payment of cash severance benefits under the agreements is triggered if two conditions are met: (1) actual or constructive termination of employment and (2) the consummation of a change-in-control transaction. The Committee believes that the NEOs should be entitled to receive cash severance benefits only if both conditions are met. Once the change-in-control event occurs, the NEO’s severance and other benefits payable under the contract begin to diminish with time so long as the executive’s employment continues, until ultimate expiration of the agreement 36 months later.later for Mr. Minicucci and the executive vice presidents and 24 months later for Ms. Schneider. None of the Company’s change-in-control agreements provide for reimbursement of excise taxes.

Employment Agreement with Mr. Beck

Executive Officer Severance Policy

In November 2019, Mr. Beck and Alaska Airlines entered into an employment agreement providing that Mr. Beck would serve as the airline’s executive vice president and chief operating officer through February 12, 2022, at an annual base salary of $425,000 andresponse to a PBP target participation rate of 85%.  The agreement specifiedshareholder proposal seeking a requirement that the Company obtain shareholder ratification of termination pay arrangement that passed with just over 54% of votes cast at the 2022 Annual Meeting, the Committee would determineimplemented a policy effective February 13, 2023, requiring the Company to obtain shareholder ratification of any new or renewed severance arrangement (aside from one arising from our dual-trigger change in control agreement terms) with an executive officer if the value of cash payments, perquisites and any equity awards grantedacceleration (calculated pursuant to Mr. Beck during his employment as COO. The agreement also entitles Mr. Beck to participate inSection 280G of the retirement, health, welfare and fringe benefit plans available to similarly situated executives.  

In March 2021, Mr. Beck and Alaska Airlines entered into a new employment agreement (supersedingU.S. Internal Revenue Code), exceeds 2.99 times the 2019 agreement) based on his stated intention to retire from his position as Alaska Airlinessum of the executive vice president and chief operating officer effective April 3, 2021,  The agreement provides that Mr. Beck will remain employed by Alaska Airlines asofficer’s base salary plus the Special Advisor to the CEO through February 12, 2022, in order to support succession plans and other Company objectives.  Mr. Beck will continue to draw an annual salaryaverage value of $425,000 and receive health, welfare and fringe benefits.  He will not participate inearned short-term or long-term incentive pay plans after April 3, 2021. Mr. Beck agreedplan bonuses measured over the prior three years. Refer to observe non-competitionBoard Responsiveness to 2022 Nonbinding Shareholder Proposal section above for more detail on our engagement with shareholders on the shareholder proposal and non-solicitation covenants in favorthe implementation of the Company for 18 months following the expiration of his employment term.this policy.

58


Policy with Respect to Section 162(m)

Federal income tax law generally prohibits a publicly-heldpublicly held company from deducting compensation paid to a current or former named executive officer that exceeds $1 million during the tax year. Certain awards granted before November 2, 2017, that were based upon attaining pre-established performance measures that were set by a company’s compensation committee under a plan approved by the company’s stockholders,shareholders, as well as amounts payable to former executives pursuant to a written binding contract that was in effect on November 2, 2017, may qualify for an exception to the $1 million deductibility limit. As one of the factors in its consideration of compensation matters, the Committee notes this deductibility limitation. However, the Committee has the flexibility to take any compensation-related actions that it determines are in the best interests of the Company and its stockholders,shareholders, including awarding compensation that may not be deductible for tax purposes. There can be no assurance that any compensation will in fact be deductible.


59


Compensation and LeadershipLeadership Development Committee Report

The Committee has certain duties and powers as described in its charter. The Committee is currently composed of five non-employee directors who are named at the end of this report, each of whom the Board has determined is independent as defined by NYSE listing standards.

The Committee has reviewed and discussed with management the disclosures contained in the Compensation Discussion and Analysis section of this Proxy Statement. Based upon this review and discussion, the Committee recommended to the Board of Directors that this Compensation Discussion and Analysis section be incorporated by reference in the Company’s 20202022 Annual Report on Form 10-K filed with the SEC and the Company’s 20212023 Proxy Statement. (1)

Compensation and Leadership Development Committee of the Board of Directors

Marion C. Blakey, Chair

Raymond L. Conner, MemberChair

Kathleen T. Hogan, Member

Jessie J. Knight, Jr., Member (since November 2020)

Helvi Sandvik, Member

J. Kenneth Thompson, Member

(1)

SEC filings sometimes incorporate information by reference. This means the Company is referring you to information that has previously been filed with the SEC and that this information should be considered as part of the filing you are reading. Unless the Company specifically states otherwise, this report shall not be deemed to be incorporated by reference and shall not constitute soliciting material or otherwise be considered filed under the Securities Act or the Exchange Act.

(1)
SEC filings sometimes incorporate information by reference. This means the Company is referring you to information that has previously been filed with the SEC and that this information should be considered as part of the filing you are reading. Unless the Company specifically states otherwise, this report shall not be deemed to be incorporated by reference and shall not constitute soliciting material or otherwise be considered filed under the Securities Act or the Exchange Act.

Compensation and Leadership Development Committee Interlocks

and Insider Participation

Ms. Blakey, Mr. Conner, Ms. Hogan, Mr. Knight, Jr., Ms. Sandvik and Mr. Thompson were members of the Compensation and Leadership Development Committee during all of 2020. Mr. Knight has been a member of the Committee since November 2020.2022. No director who served on the Committee for all or part of 2020during 2022 is or has been an executive officer or employee of the Company or has had any relationships requiring disclosure by the Company under the SEC’s rules requiring disclosure of certain relationships and related-party transactions. During 2020,2022, none of the Company’s executive officers served as a director or a member of a compensation committee (or other committee serving an equivalent function) of any other entity where the entity’s executive officers also served as a director or member of the Company’s Compensation and Leadership Development Committee.


2020 60


2022 Summary CompensationCompensation Table

The following table presents information regarding compensation for services rendered during 20202022 for the CEO, the CFO, the former CFO, and the three other most highly compensated executive officers. These individuals are referred to as the NEOs in this Proxy Statement. As described in the CD&A summary above, in order to comply with CARES Act restrictions on executive compensation, the Company clawed back equity awards previously granted to the NEOs and other impacted executives.

The total compensation in the table includes the grant date fair value of equity awards that were subsequently clawed back to comply with the CARES Act. As discussed in the COVID-19 and CARES Act Impacts section above, a significant portion of the equity awards granted to these executives as part of the annual compensation setting process was clawed back to keep these executives from exceeding their 2019 compensation levels as required by the CARES Act, even though four of them have been promoted to roles with greater responsibilities since 2019.

 

Name and Principal Position

 

Year

 

Salary (1)

($)

 

 

Stock

Awards (2)(3)

($)

 

 

Option

Awards (2)

($)

 

 

Non-

Equity

Incentive

Plan

Compen-

sation (4)

($)

 

 

Change in

Pension

Value and

Nonqualified

Deferred

Compensation

Earnings (5)

($)

 

 

All Other

Compen-

sation (6)

($)

 

 

Total

($)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

272308

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Bradley D. Tilden

 

2020

 

 

272,308

 

 

 

3,137,788

 

 

 

960,516

 

 

 

846,048

 

 

 

656,859

 

 

 

204,438

 

 

 

6,077,957

 

 

 

CEO

 

2019

 

 

583,846

 

 

 

2,212,188

 

 

 

712,749

 

 

 

994,431

 

 

 

809,872

 

 

 

215,230

 

 

 

5,528,316

 

 

 

Alaska

 

2018

 

 

563,846

 

 

 

1,961,616

 

 

 

640,666

 

 

 

981,504

 

 

 

 

 

 

227,213

 

 

 

4,374,845

 

 

 

Shane R. Tackett

 

2020

 

 

421,346

 

 

 

1,421,400

 

 

 

436,269

 

 

 

416,028

 

 

 

120,892

 

 

 

125,458

 

 

 

2,941,393

 

 

 

EVP Finance & CFO

 

2019

 

 

399,038

 

 

 

799,506

 

 

 

257,854

 

 

 

418,773

 

 

 

101,155

 

 

 

148,351

 

 

 

2,124,677

 

 

 

Alaska

 

2018

 

 

353,462

 

 

 

476,806

 

 

 

203,761

 

 

 

369,729

 

 

 

 

 

 

101,052

 

 

 

1,504,810

 

 

 

Benito Minicucci

 

2020

 

 

253,846

 

 

 

2,830,505

 

 

 

1,405,245

 

 

 

626,506

 

 

 

 

 

 

169,033

 

 

 

5,285,135

 

 

 

President

 

2019

 

 

542,308

 

 

 

1,510,939

 

 

 

487,340

 

 

 

781,769

 

 

 

 

 

 

188,180

 

 

 

3,510,536

 

 

 

Alaska

 

2018

 

 

500,385

 

 

 

1,284,576

 

 

 

428,994

 

 

 

671,294

 

 

 

 

 

 

186,613

 

 

 

3,071,862

 

 

 

Andrew R. Harrison

 

2020

 

 

422,019

 

 

 

1,421,400

 

 

 

436,269

 

 

 

418,352

 

 

 

 

 

 

132,732

 

 

 

2,830,772

 

 

 

EVP & CCO

 

2019

 

 

467,308

 

 

 

1,067,117

 

 

 

344,484

 

 

 

520,850

 

 

 

 

 

 

180,732

 

 

 

2,580,491

 

 

 

Alaska

 

2018

 

 

442,308

 

 

 

927,831

 

 

 

303,736

 

 

 

503,787

 

 

 

 

 

 

151,800

 

 

 

2,329,462

 

 

 

Gary L. Beck (7)

 

2020

 

 

377,596

 

 

 

1,347,236

 

 

 

414,375

 

 

 

375,294

 

 

 

 

 

 

112,475

 

 

 

2,626,976

 

 

 

EVP & COO

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Alaska

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Brandon S. Pedersen (8)

 

2020

 

 

102,308

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

35,085

 

 

 

 

 

 

20,112

 

 

 

158,225

 

 

 

Former CFO

 

2019

 

 

467,308

 

 

 

1,067,117

 

 

 

344,484

 

 

 

520,850

 

 

 

 

 

 

157,981

 

 

 

2,557,740

 

 

 

Alaska

 

2018

 

 

442,308

 

 

 

927,831

 

 

 

303,736

 

 

 

503,787

 

 

 

 

 

 

146,399

 

 

 

2,324,061

 

 

Mr. Minicucci had roughly $3.4 million and $1.9 million in equity awards clawed back in 2022 and 2021 respectively;
Mr. Tackett had roughly $1.7 million and $1.05 million in equity awards clawed back in 2022 and 2021 respectively;
Mr. Harrison had roughly $1.1 million and $470k in equity awards clawed back in 2022 and 2021 respectively;
Ms. von Muehlen had roughly $1.8 million and $1.05 million in equity awards clawed back in 2022 and 2021 respectively; and
Ms. Schneider had roughly $870k and $369k in equity awards clawed back in 2022 and 2021 respectively.

In each case, the values of the clawed-back equity awards above are as of the grant date. For a table showing the impact these clawbacks had on the NEOs’ compensation, see page 46-47.

 

Name and Principal Position

 

Year

 

Salary (1)
($)

 

 

Stock
Awards (2)(3)
($)

 

 

Option
Awards (2)
($)

 

 

Non-
Equity
Incentive
Plan
Compen-
sation (4)
($)

 

 

Change in
Pension
Value and
Nonqualified
Deferred
Compensation
Earnings (5)
($)

 

 

All Other
Compen-
sation (6)
($)

 

 

Total
($)

 

 

 

Ben Minicucci

 

2022

 

 

600,769

 

 

 

3,044,242

 

 

 

842,151

 

 

 

1,803,021

 

 

 

 

 

 

197,798

 

 

 

6,487,981

 

 

 

CEO

 

2021

 

 

572,269

 

 

 

2,685,881

 

 

 

832,659

 

 

 

892,090

 

 

 

 

 

 

147,263

 

 

 

5,130,162

 

 

 

Alaska Air Group

 

2020

 

 

253,846

 

 

 

2,830,505

 

 

 

1,405,245

 

 

 

626,506

 

 

 

 

 

 

169,033

 

 

 

5,285,135

 

 

 

Shane Tackett

 

2022

 

 

527,654

 

 

 

1,498,951

 

 

 

414,608

 

 

 

1,003,255

 

 

 

 

 

 

166,427

 

 

 

3,610,895

 

 

 

EVP Finance & CFO

 

2021

 

 

503,846

 

 

 

1,475,412

 

 

 

406,195

 

 

 

534,358

 

 

 

 

 

 

123,890

 

 

 

3,043,701

 

 

 

Alaska Air Group

 

2020

 

 

421,346

 

 

 

1,421,400

 

 

 

436,269

 

 

 

416,028

 

 

 

120,892

 

 

 

125,458

 

 

 

2,941,393

 

 

 

Andrew Harrison

 

2022

 

 

507,308

 

 

 

1,498,951

 

 

 

414,608

 

 

 

964,598

 

 

 

 

 

 

187,451

 

 

 

3,572,916

 

 

 

EVP & CCO

 

2021

 

 

485,385

 

 

 

1,475,412

 

 

 

406,195

 

 

 

514,821

 

 

 

 

 

 

122,275

 

 

 

3,004,088

 

 

 

Alaska Airlines

 

2020

 

 

422,019

 

 

 

1,421,400

 

 

 

436,269

 

 

 

418,352

 

 

 

 

 

 

132,732

 

 

 

2,830,772

 

 

 

Constance von Muehlen (7)

 

2022

 

 

417,446

 

 

 

1,170,553

 

 

 

323,832

 

 

 

793,861

 

 

 

 

 

 

88,520

 

 

 

2,794,212

 

 

 

EVP & COO

 

2021

 

 

373,077

 

 

 

892,914

 

 

 

288,146

 

 

 

375,860

 

 

 

34,943

 

 

 

51,973

 

 

 

2,016,913

 

 

 

Alaska Airlines

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Andrea Schneider (7)

 

2022

 

 

417,685

 

 

 

655,515

 

 

 

181,318

 

 

 

627,240

 

 

 

 

 

 

143,267

 

 

 

2,025,025

 

 

 

SVP People

 

2021

 

 

396,077

 

 

 

589,944

 

 

 

162,478

 

 

 

321,688

 

 

 

125,387

 

 

 

110,307

 

 

 

1,705,881

 

 

 

Alaska Airlines

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

(1)

(1)

In 2020, due to the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the Company, Messrs. Tilden and Minicucci agreed to a reduction of their base pay to $0 from March 7 until October 3.  Base pay for Messrs. Tackett, Harrison and Beck was reduced 30% from April 4 until October 3.  

(2)

The amounts reported in Stock Awards and Option Awards columns of the Summary Compensation Table above reflect the fair value of these awards on the grant date as determined under the principles used to calculate the value of equity awards for purposes of the Company’s financial statements (disregarding any estimate of forfeitures related to service-based vesting conditions). For a discussion of the assumptions and methodologies used to value the awards reported in these columns, please see the discussion of stock awards and option awards contained in Note 13 (Stock-Based Compensation Plans) to the Company’s Consolidated Financial Statements, included as part of the Company’s 2020 Annual Report filed on Form 10-K with the SEC and incorporated herein by reference. For more information about the stock awards and option awards granted in 2020 to the NEOs, please see the discussion under 2020 Grants of Plan-Based Awards below.

Due to the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the Company, Mr. Minicucci agreed to a reduction of his base pay to $0 from March 7, 2020 until October 3, 2020. Base pay for Messrs. Tackett and Harrison, and for Mses. von Muehlen and Schneider, was reduced by 30% from April 4, 2020 until October 3, 2020.

(2)
The amounts reported in lightthe Stock Awards and Option Awards columns of CARES Act compensation limits, it is possible that the NEOs will not realizeSummary Compensation Table above reflect the fullfair value of these grants.  For PSU grants that are basedawards on reaching certain ROIC targets,the grant date as determined under the principles used to calculate the value of equity awards for purposes of the Company’s financial statements reflect increases(disregarding any estimate of forfeitures related to service-based vesting conditions). For a discussion of the assumptions and reductionsmethodologies used to value the awards reported in compensation-related expensethese columns, please see the discussion of stock awards

61


and option awards contained in Note 12 (Stock-Based Compensation Plans) to the Company’s Consolidated Financial Statements, included as part of the Company’s 2022 Annual Report filed on Form 10-K with the SEC and incorporated herein by reference. For more information about the stock awards and option awards granted in 2022 to the NEOs, please see the discussion under 2022 Grants of Plan-Based Awards below.
(3)
The amounts reported in Stock Awards column of the table above also include the grant date fair value of performance-based stock unit awards granted in 2020, 2021 and 2022 to the NEOs based on the determinationprobable outcome (determined as of the number of awards that will ultimately vest.  As a resultgrant date) of the impactperformance-based conditions applicable to the awards. A Monte Carlo simulation is used to determine the probable outcome of the COVID-19 pandemic onperformance-based conditions applicable to the Company’s financial results, it has been determined that all ROIC-based PSU awards granted in 2018, 2019 and 2020 will not meet threshold metrics for each award and will therefore not vest.  Any previously recognized compensation expense for these awards was reversed in the Company’s 2020 financial statements as that was the time it was determined theperformance stock awards. A portion of the 2020 PSUs were subject to ROIC targets and were initially recorded and reported at target fair value but adjusted in accordance with GAAP based on expected and ultimate vesting. These 2020 ROIC based PSU awards have been written down to $0 value in accordance with GAAP as described above as the ROIC component would have no value.Company has determined the goals will not be met. The 2021 and 2022 awards included a diversity, equity and inclusion metric which was recorded and reported at target fair value on the day of grant. The following table presents the aggregate grant date fair value of these performance-based awards is included in the table above, howeverStock Awards column for 2020, 2021 and 2022 and the aggregate grant date value of these awards assuming that the ROIC componenthighest level of performance conditions will be achieved.

 

 

 

2020 Performance Awards

 

2021 Performance Awards

 

2022 Performance Awards

 

 

 

 

Aggregate Grant
Date Fair Value
(Based on
Probable
Outcome)

 

Aggregate Grant
Date Fair Value
(Based on
Maximum
Performance)

 

Aggregate Grant
Date Fair Value
(Based on
Probable
Outcome)

 

Aggregate Grant
Date Fair Value
(Based on
Maximum
Performance)

 

Aggregate Grant
Date Fair Value
(Based on
Probable
Outcome)

 

Aggregate Grant
Date Fair Value
(Based on
Maximum
Performance)

 

 

Name

 

($)

 

($)

 

($)

 

($)

 

($)

 

($)

 

 

Ben Minicucci

 

994,024

 

1,939,082

 

1,861,136

 

3,722,272

 

2,207,752

 

4,415,504

 

 

Shane Tackett

 

695,552

 

1,356,841

 

1,071,854

 

2,143,708

 

1,087,073

 

2,174,146

 

 

Andrew Harrison

 

695,552

 

1,356,841

 

1,071,854

 

2,143,708

 

1,087,073

 

2,174,146

 

 

Constance von Muehlen (7)

 

 

 

 

 

607,310

 

1,214,620

 

848,911

 

1,697,822

 

 

Andrea Schneider (7)

 

 

 

 

 

428,298

 

856,596

 

475,595

 

951,190

 

(4)
The Non-Equity Incentive Plan Compensation column of the PSUs willSummary Compensation Table above includes compensation awarded under the Performance-Based Pay Plan and Operational Performance Rewards Plan, each as further described in the Compensation Discussion and Analysis.
(5)
The amount reported in the Change in Pension Value and Nonqualified Deferred Compensation Earnings column of the Summary Compensation Table above reflects the year-over-year change in present value of accumulated benefits determined as of December 31 of each year for the Salaried Retirement Plan and the Supplementary Retirement Plan, both defined benefit plans. The number included in this column is an estimate of the current value of future payments under these plans and does not be realized byrepresent value received in the NEOs.  As a result,year presented. For the following reductionsNEOs, company contributions to compensation-related expensethe DC Supplementary Retirement Plan in lieu of the defined-benefit plan are reported in the All Other Compensation column and detailed in the table in Footnote (6) below. Mr. Tackett’s and Ms. Schneider’s pension benefits in the Salaried Retirement Plan were made for each“hard frozen” effective January 1, 2014. This means that the benefit payments due upon the executive’s retirement were fixed based on the executive’s years of service and earnings as of that date. None of the NEOs as follows:   Mr. Tilden – ($1,163,385)received any above-market earnings on their accounts under the nonqualified deferred compensation plans.
(6)
The following table presents detailed information on the types and amounts of compensation reported for 2020, ($1,093,412) for 2019 and ($642,401) for 2018; Mr. Tackett – ($508,848) for 2020, ($395,892) for 2019 and ($133,140) for 2018; Mr. Minicucci – ($508,848) for 2020, ($528,233) for 2019 and ($303,226) for 2018; Mr. Harrison – ($508,848) for 2020, ($528,233) for 2019 and ($303,226) for 2018; and Mr. Beck ($472,506) for 2020. 

In November 2020, the Committee awarded one-time Executive Retention grants of RSUs and stock options to the NEOs (excluding Mr. Pedersen). See the discussion of these awards in the CEO Transition Grants and Executive Retention Grants sections above.

(3)

The amounts reported in Stock Awards column of the table above also include the grant date fair value of performance-based stock unit awards granted in 2018, 2019 and 2020 to the NEOs based on the probable outcome (determined as of the grant date) of the performance-based conditions applicable to the awards. A Monte Carlo simulation is used to determine the probable outcome of the performance-based conditions applicable to the

“All Other Compensation” column of the Summary Compensation Table.

performance stock awards.  Performance-based awards with ROIC targets are initially recorded and reported at target fair value but adjusted in accordance with GAAP based on expected and ultimate vesting.  All 2018, 2019 and 2020 ROIC based PSU awards have been written down to $0 value in accordance with GAAP as the goals are not likely to be met.  The following table presents the aggregate grant date fair value of these performance-based awards included in the Stock Awards column for 2018, 2019 and 2020, and the aggregate grant date value of these awards assuming that the highest level of performance conditions will be achieved.

 

 

 

2018 Performance Awards

 

2019 Performance Awards

 

2020 Performance Awards

 

 

 

 

Aggregate Grant

Date Fair Value

(Based on

Probable

Outcome)

 

Aggregate Grant

Date Fair Value

(Based on

Maximum

Performance)

 

Aggregate Grant

Date Fair Value

(Based on

Probable

Outcome)

 

Aggregate Grant

Date Fair Value

(Based on

Maximum

Performance)

 

Aggregate Grant

Date Fair Value

(Based on

Probable

Outcome)

 

Aggregate Grant

Date Fair Value

(Based on

Maximum

Performance)

 

 

Name

 

($)

 

($)

 

($)

 

($)

 

($)

 

($)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Bradley D. Tilden

 

1,319,472

 

2,581,954

 

1,479,918

 

2,915,766

 

1,590,305

 

3,102,273

 

 

Shane R. Tackett

 

273,513

 

535,120

 

535,889

 

1,055,800

 

695,552

 

1,356,841

 

 

Benito Minicucci

 

854,587

 

1,672,250

 

1,012,330

 

1,994,437

 

994,024

 

1,939,082

 

 

Andrew R. Harrison

 

622,813

 

1,218,736

 

714,962

 

1,408,621

 

695,552

 

1,356,841

 

 

Gary L. Beck (7)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

645,917

 

1,260,016

 

 

Brandon S. Pedersen (8)

 

622,813

 

1,218,736

 

714,962

 

1,408,621

 

 

 

(4)

The Non-Equity Incentive Plan Compensation column of the Summary Compensation Table above includes compensation awarded under the Performance-Based Pay Plan and Operational Performance Rewards Plan, each as further described in the Compensation Discussion and Analysis.

(5)

The amount reported in the Change in Pension Value and Nonqualified Deferred Compensation Earnings column of the Summary Compensation Table above reflects the year-over-year change in present value of accumulated benefits determined as of December 31 of each year for the Salaried Plan and the Supplementary Retirement Plan, both defined benefit plans. The number included in this column is an estimate of the current value of future payments under these plans and does not represent value received in the year presented. For the NEOs, company contributions to the DC Supplementary Retirement Plan in lieu of the defined-benefit plan are reported in the Total column and detailed in the table in Footnote (5) below. Mr. Tilden’s and Mr. Tackett’s pension benefits in the Salaried Plan and Mr. Tilden’s benefits in the Supplementary Plan were “hard frozen” effective January 1, 2014.  This means that the benefit payments due upon his retirement were fixed based on his years of service and earnings as of that date.  The value of the liability calculated for purposes of the Summary Compensation Table above increased in 2019 and 2020 primarily due to decreases in discount rates, but also due to the passage of time.  The value of the liability for Mr. Tilden decreased by $280,000 in 2018, but based on SEC disclosure rules, this decrease is not reported in the Summary Compensation Table above. None of the NEOs received any above-market earnings on their accounts under the nonqualified deferred compensation plans.

(6)

The following table presents detailed information on the types and amounts of compensation reported for the NEOs in the All Other Compensation column of the Summary Compensation Table. Each perquisite and other personal benefit is included in the total and identified and, if it exceeds the greater of $25,000 or 10% of the total amount of perquisites and other benefits for that officer, is quantified in the table below. All reimbursements of taxes with respect to perquisites and other benefits are identified and quantified. Tax reimbursements are provided for travel privileges unique to the airline industry. By providing positive-space travel without tax consequences to the NEOs, we are able to deliver a highly valued benefit at a low cost to the Company. In addition, we believe that this benefit provides the opportunity for the NEOs to connect with the Company’s front-line employees. As noted in the Compensation Discussion and Analysis section, in 2020 we paid each of the NEOs a personal benefit allowance for financial planning services equal to 1% of the executive’s base salary.



 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Personal Travel

 

 

 

 

 

 

Name

 

Company

Contribution

to 401(k)

Account

($)

 

Company

Contribution

to DC-OSRP

Account

($)

 

Life Insurance Premium Over $50K

($)

 

Company Match on Charitable Contributions

($)

 

State

Business

Travel Tax

Reimbursement

($)

 

Personal

Travel

($)

 

Taxes

Paid on

Personal

Travel

($)

 

Other*

($)

 

Total “All Other

Compensation”

($)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Bradley D. Tilden

 

32,677

 

155,824

 

9,504

 

1,000

 

 

2,164

 

1,648

 

1,621

 

204,438

 

 

Shane R. Tackett

 

34,200

 

66,506

 

1,272

 

1,000

 

3,144

 

10,485

 

7,108

 

1,743

 

125,458

 

 

Benito Minicucci

 

15,231

 

115,987

 

3,312

 

1,000

 

23,264

 

4,992

 

3,524

 

1,723

 

169,033

 

 

Andrew R. Harrison

 

17,100

 

77,097

 

3,018

 

 

6,519

 

15,643

 

10,479

 

2,876

 

132,732

 

 

Gary L. Beck

 

17,100

 

59,959

 

12,352

 

1,000

 

 

12,482

 

8,282

 

1,300

 

112,475

 

 

Brandon S. Pedersen (8)

 

 

 

764

 

1,000

 

8,882

 

4,660

 

3,106

 

1,700

 

20,112

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Life Insurance
($)

 

 

 

Personal Travel

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Name

 

Company
Contribution
to 401(k)
Account
($)

 

Company
Contribution
to DC-OSRP
Account
($)

 

Additional 'Life Insurance Premium
($)

 

Taxes Paid on Additional Life Insurance Premium
($)

 

Life Insurance Premium Over $50K
($)

 

Personal
Travel
($)

 

Reimbursement of Taxes
Paid on
Personal
Travel
($)

 

Financial Planning
($)

 

Other*
($)

 

Total “All Other
Compensation”
($)

 

 

Ben Minicucci

 

18,300

 

130,870

 

189

 

123

 

6,192

 

7,471

 

4,847

 

 

29,805

 

197,797

 

 

Shane Tackett

 

36,600

 

90,702

 

341

 

164

 

1,440

 

14,943

 

9,695

 

 

12,543

 

166,428

 

 

Andrew Harrison

 

18,300

 

83,797

 

1,149

 

175

 

3,312

 

37,904

 

24,592

 

450

 

17,772

 

187,451

 

 

Constance von Muehlen

 

18,300

 

29,229

 

269

 

221

 

6,103

 

8,929

 

5,793

 

 

19,675

 

88,519

 

 

Andrea Schneider

 

18,300

 

70,285

 

1,258

 

221

 

6,108

 

21,321

 

13,833

 

 

11,941

 

143,267

 

*Includes the Company’s incremental cost of providing a flight benefit, annual physical, life insurance premium,Company lounge membership and the above-market amountabove market-amount paid for accidental death and dismemberment insurance premiums.premiums, and any company match on charitable contributions, reimbursement for state tax on business travel, 90th anniversary incentive card and travel miles and an annual physical, if applicable.

62


(7)

Mr. Beck was not a NEO prior to 2020, therefore, only 2020(7)

Ms. von Muehlen and Ms. Schneider were not NEOs prior to 2021; therefore, only 2021 and 2022 compensation information is included.

(8)

Mr. Pedersen retired from the Company effective March 2, 2020.  


2020 2022 Grants of Plan-BasedPlan-Based Awards

The following table presents information regarding the incentive awards granted to the NEOs in 2020.2022. Please see the Performance-Based AnnualPBP Short-Term Incentive Pay Plan section in the CD&A for a description of the material terms of the non-equity incentive plan awards reported and the Long-Term Equity-Based PayIncentive Compensation section in the CD&A for a description of the material terms of the equity-based awards reported. Each of the equity-based awards reported below was granted under the Company’s 2016 Performance Incentive Plan (2016 Plan).

 

 

 

 

 

Estimated Further Payouts Under
Non-Equity Incentive Plan
Awards (1)

 

Estimated Future Payouts
Under Equity Incentive Plan
Awards (2)

 

All Other
Stock Awards: (2)

 

All Other
Option
Awards:

 

 

 

 

 

 

Name

 

Grant
Date

 

Threshold
($)

 

Target
($)

 

Maximum
($)

 

Threshold
(#)

 

Target
(#)

 

Maximum
(#)

 

Number of
Shares of
Stock or
Units
(#)

 

Number of
Securities
Under-
lying
Options
(#)

 

Exercise
or Base
Price of
Option
Awards
($/Sh)

 

Grant Date
Fair Value
of Stock
and Option
Awards (1)
($)

 

 

Ben Minicucci

 

 

Stock Options

 

2/7/2022

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

35,810

 

55.36

 

842,151

 

 

RSUs

 

2/7/2022

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

15,110

 

 

 

 

 

836,490

 

 

PSUs

 

2/7/2022

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

8,008

 

30,220

 

60,440

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

2,207,752

 

 

PBP Plan

 

 

 

450,577

 

901,154

 

1,802,308

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Shane Tackett

 

 

Stock Options

 

2/7/2022

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

17,630

 

55.36

 

414,608

 

 

RSUs

 

2/7/2022

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

7,440

 

 

 

 

 

411,878

 

 

PSUs

 

2/7/2022

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

3,943

 

14,880

 

29,760

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

1,087,073

 

 

PBP Plan

 

 

 

250,636

 

501,271

 

1,002,542

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Andrew Harrison

 

 

Stock Options

 

2/7/2022

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

17,630

 

55.36

 

414,608

 

 

RSUs

 

2/7/2022

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

7,440

 

 

 

 

 

411,878

 

 

PSUs

 

2/7/2022

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

3,943

 

14,880

 

29,760

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

1,087,073

 

 

PBP Plan

 

 

 

240,972

 

481,943

 

963,886

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Constance von Muehlen

 

 

Stock Options

 

2/7/2022

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

13,770

 

55.36

 

323,832

 

 

RSUs

 

2/7/2022

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

5,810

 

 

 

 

 

321,642

 

 

PSUs

 

2/7/2022

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

3,079

 

11,620

 

23,240

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

848,911

 

 

PBP Plan

 

 

 

198,287

 

396,574

 

793,148

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Andrea Schneider

 

 

Stock Options

 

2/7/2022

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

7,710

 

55.36

 

181,318

 

 

RSUs

 

2/7/2022

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

3,250

 

 

 

 

 

179,920

 

 

PSUs

 

2/7/2022

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

1,725

 

6,510

 

13,020

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

475,595

 

 

PBP Plan

 

 

 

156,632

 

313,264

 

626,528

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Key: RSUs – Restricted Stock Units; PSUs – Performance Stock Units; PBP – Performance-Based Pay Plan

 

 

 

 

 

Estimated Further Payouts Under

Non-Equity Incentive Plan

Awards (1)

 

 

Estimated Future Payouts

Under Equity Incentive Plan

Awards

 

 

All Other

Stock

 

 

All Other

Option

Awards:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Name

 

Grant

Date

 

Threshold

($)

 

 

Target

($)

 

 

Maximum

($)

 

 

Threshold

(#)

 

 

Target

(#)

 

 

Maximum

(#)

 

 

Awards:

Number of

Shares of

Stock or

Units

(#)

 

 

Number of

Securities

Under-

lying

Options

(#)

 

 

Exercise

or Base

Price of

Option

Awards

($/Sh)

 

 

Grant Date

Fair Value

of Stock

and Option

Awards (2)

($)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Bradley D. Tilden

 

 

 

Stock Options

 

2/11/2020

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

52,010

 

 

 

64.55

 

 

 

702,884

 

 

 

RSUs

 

2/11/2020

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

12,010

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

775,246

 

 

 

PSUs

 

2/11/2020

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

6,008

 

 

 

24,030

 

 

 

48,060

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

1,590,305

 

 

 

Stock Options

 

11/5/2020

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

16,940

 

 

 

39.18

 

 

 

257,632

 

 

 

RSUs

 

11/5/2020

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

19,710

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

772,238

 

 

 

PBP Plan

 

 

 

 

214,442

 

 

 

857,769

 

 

 

1,715,539

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

CBRP Plan

 

 

 

 

0

 

 

 

257,331

 

 

 

514,662

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Shane R. Tackett

 

 

 

Stock Options

 

2/11/2020

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

22,750

 

 

 

64.55

 

 

 

307,453

 

 

 

RSUs

 

2/11/2020

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

5,260

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

339,533

 

 

 

PSUs

 

2/11/2020

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

2,628

 

 

 

10,510

 

 

 

21,020

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

695,552

 

 

 

Stock Options

 

11/5/2020

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

8,470

 

 

 

39.18

 

 

 

128,816

 

 

 

RSUs

 

11/5/2020

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

9,860

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

386,315

 

 

 

PBP Plan

 

 

 

 

105,155

 

 

 

420,619

 

 

 

841,239

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

CBRP Plan

 

 

 

 

0

 

 

 

126,186

 

 

 

252,372

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Benito Minicucci

 

 

 

Stock Options

 

2/11/2020

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

32,510

 

 

 

64.55

 

 

 

439,353

 

 

 

RSUs

 

2/11/2020

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

7,510

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

484,771

 

 

 

PSUs

 

2/11/2020

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

3,755

 

 

 

15,020

 

 

 

30,040

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

994,024

 

 

 

Stock Options

 

11/5/2020

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

63,510

 

 

 

39.18

 

 

 

965,892

 

 

 

RSUs

 

11/5/2020

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

34,500

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

1,351,710

 

 

 

PBP Plan

 

 

 

 

157,067

 

 

 

628,269

 

 

 

1,256,539

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

CBRP Plan

 

 

 

 

0

 

 

 

188,481

 

 

 

376,962

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Andrew R. Harrison

 

 

 

Stock Options

 

2/11/2020

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

22,750

 

 

 

64.55

 

 

 

307,453

 

 

 

RSUs

 

2/11/2020

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

5,260

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

339,533

 

 

 

PSUs

 

2/11/2020

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

2,628

 

 

 

10,510

 

 

 

21,020

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

695,552

 

 

 

Stock Options

 

11/5/2020

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

8,470

 

 

 

39.18

 

 

 

128,816

 

 

 

RSUs

 

11/5/2020

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

9,860

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

386,315

 

 

 

PBP Plan

 

 

 

 

104,820

 

 

 

419,279

 

 

 

838,558

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

CBRP Plan

 

 

 

 

0

 

 

 

125,784

 

 

 

251,567

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Gary L. Beck

 

 

 

Stock Options

 

2/11/2020

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

21,130

 

 

 

64.55

 

 

 

285,559

 

 

 

RSUs

 

2/11/2020

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

4,880

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

315,004

 

 

 

PSUs

 

2/11/2020

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

2,440

 

 

 

9,760

 

 

 

19,520

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

645,917

 

 

 

Stock Options

 

11/5/2020

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

8,470

 

 

 

39.18

 

 

 

128,816

 

 

 

RSUs

 

11/5/2020

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

9,860

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

386,315

 

 

 

PBP Plan

 

 

 

 

93,786

 

 

 

375,144

 

 

 

750,289

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

CBRP Plan

 

 

 

 

0

 

 

 

112,543

 

 

 

225,087

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Brandon S. Pedersen (3)

 

 

 

Stock Options

 

N/A

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

RSUs

 

N/A

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

PSUs

 

N/A

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

PBP Plan

 

N/A

 

 

21,740

 

 

 

86,962

 

 

 

173,923

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

(1)

Key:

RSUs – Restricted Stock Units; PSUs – Performance Stock Units; PBP – Performance-Based Pay Plan and CBRP Plan – COVID Business Recovery Incentive Plan


(1)

The CBRP Plan described in detail in the Compensation and Discussion Analysis was a one-time bonus plan designed to supplement the Company’s broad-based PBP Plan in light of COVID-19 impacts.  The CBRP capped the maximum combined payout under both plans at 100% of target.

(2)

The amounts reported in this column reflects the fair value of these awards on the grant date as determined under the principles used to calculate the value of equity awards for purposes of the Company’s financial statements and may or may not be representative of the value eventually realized by the executive. For a discussion of the assumptions and methodologies used to value the awards reported in this column, please see the discussion of stock awards and option awards contained in Note 12 (Stock-Based Compensation Plans) to the Company’s Consolidated Financial Statements, included as part of the Company’s 2020 Annual Report filed on Form 10-K with the SEC and incorporated herein by reference.

PSU awards with ROIC targets are initially recorded and reported at target fair value but adjusted in accordance with GAAP based on expected and ultimate results. All 2018,2019 and 2020 ROIC-based PSU awards have been written to $0 value in accordance with GAAP asthis column reflect the ROIC threshold goals for each award are not likely to be met due to the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the Company.  As a result, any previously recognized compensation expense for these awards was reversed in the Company’s 2020 financial statements as that was the time it was determined the portion of the awards with the ROIC component would have no value.  The grant date fair value of these awards is included inon the table above, howevergrant date as determined under the principles used to calculate the value of the ROIC componentequity awards for purposes of the PSUs willCompany’s financial statements and may or may not be representative of the value eventually realized by the participants.  Asexecutive. For a result, the following reductions to compensation expense were made for eachdiscussion of the assumptions and methodologies used to value the awards reported in this column, please see the discussion of stock awards and option awards contained in Note 12 (Stock-Based Compensation Plans) to the Company’s Consolidated Financial Statements, included as part of the Company’s 2022 Annual Report filed on Form 10-K with the SEC and incorporated herein by reference.

(2)
PSUs and RSUs granted in 2021 and 2022 to NEOs as follows:   Mr. Tilden – ($1,163,385); Mr. Tackett – ($508,848); Mr. Minicucci – ($508,848); Mr. Harrison – ($508,848); and Mr. Beck ($472,506). 

(3)

Mr. Pedersen retired from the Company effective March 2, 2020, and remained eligible for a prorated payout under the PBP Plan for service during 2020.  He was not eligible to participate in the CBRP Plan.

were subject to clawback in connection with CARES Act restrictions. See the CARES Act section above.


63


Outstanding Equity Awards at 20202022 Fiscal Year End

The following table presents information regarding the outstanding equity awards held by each of the NEOs as of December 31, 2019,2022, including the vesting dates for the portions of these awards that had not vested as of that date. This table does not include the equity awards granted but clawed back prior to December 31, 2022 to maintain compliance with CARES Act restrictions.

 

 

 

Stock Options

 

Stock Awards

 

 

Name

 

Award
Date

 

Number of
Securities
Underlying
Unexer-
cised
Options
Exercisable
(#)

 

Number of
Securities
Underlying
Unexercised
Options
Unexercisable
(#)

 

Option
Exercise
Price
($)

 

Option
Expir-
ation
Date

 

Number
of Shares or
Units of
Stock
That Have
Not Vested
(#)

 

Market
Value of
Shares or
Units
of Stock
That Have
Not
Vested (1)
($)

 

Equity
Incentive
Plan
Awards:
Number of
Unearned
Shares,
Units, or
Other Rights
That Have
Not Vested
(#)

 

Equity
Incentive
Plan
Awards:
Market or
Payout
Value of
Unearned
Shares,
Units, or
Other
Rights
That Have
Not
Vested (1)
($)

 

 

Ben Minicucci

 

 

 

 

5/12/2014

 

2,230

 

0

 

 

48.945

 

5/12/2024

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

2/10/2015

 

9,861

 

0

 

 

65.370

 

2/10/2025

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

2/9/2016

 

12,000

 

0

 

 

65.630

 

2/9/2026

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

2/14/2017

 

10,130

 

0

 

 

96.300

 

2/14/2027

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

2/13/2018

 

24,230

 

0

 

 

66.890

 

2/13/2028

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

10/2/2018

 

680

 

0

 

 

66.260

 

10/2/2028

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

2/14/2019

 

21,517

 

7,173

(2)

 

66.570

 

2/14/2029

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

2/11/2020

 

16,255

 

16,255

(3)

 

64.550

 

2/11/2030

 

7,510

(3)

 

322,479

 

15,020

(11)

 

644,959

 

 

 

 

11/5/2020

 

8,466

 

4,234

(4)

 

39.180

 

11/5/2030

 

4,930

(4)

 

211,694

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

11/5/2020

 

20,324

 

30,486

(5)

 

39.180

 

11/5/2030

 

11,826

(5)

 

507,808

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

2/25/2021

 

7,785

 

23,355

(6)

 

65.560

 

2/25/2031

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

2/7/2022

 

0

 

35,810

(7)

 

55.360

 

2/7/2032

 

8,475

(7)

 

363,917

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Shane Tackett

 

 

 

 

2/10/2015

 

925

 

0

 

 

65.370

 

2/10/2025

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

2/9/2016

 

1,750

 

0

 

 

65.630

 

2/9/2026

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

2/14/2017

 

1,860

 

0

 

 

96.300

 

2/14/2027

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

8/3/2017

 

780

 

0

 

 

84.990

 

8/3/2027

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

2/13/2018

 

7,740

 

0

 

 

66.890

 

2/13/2028

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

9/10/2018

 

3,770

 

0

 

 

68.150

 

9/10/2028

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

2/14/2019

 

11,385

 

3,795

(2)

 

66.570

 

2/14/2029

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

2/11/2020

 

11,375

 

11,375

(3)

 

64.550

 

2/11/2030

 

5,260

(3)

 

225,864

 

10,510

(11)

 

451,299

 

 

 

 

11/5/2020

 

5,646

 

2,824

(4)

 

39.180

 

11/5/2030

 

3,287

(4)

 

141,144

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

2/9/2021

 

4,537

 

13,613

(8)

 

55.740

 

2/9/2031

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

2/7/2022

 

0

 

17,630

(7)

 

55.360

 

2/7/2032

 

3,770

(7)

 

161,884

 

 

 

 

 

 

64


 

 

 

Stock Options

 

Stock Awards

 

 

Name

 

Award
Date

 

Number of
Securities
Underlying
Unexer-
cised
Options
Exercisable
(#)

 

Number of
Securities
Underlying
Unexercised
Options
Unexercisable
(#)

 

Option
Exercise
Price
($)

 

Option
Expir-
ation
Date

 

Number
of Shares or
Units of
Stock
That Have
Not Vested
(#)

 

Market
Value of
Shares or
Units
of Stock
That Have
Not
Vested (1)
($)

 

Equity
Incentive
Plan
Awards:
Number of
Unearned
Shares,
Units, or
Other Rights
That Have
Not Vested
(#)

 

Equity
Incentive
Plan
Awards:
Market or
Payout
Value of
Unearned
Shares,
Units, or
Other
Rights
That Have
Not
Vested (1)
($)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Andrew Harrison

 

 

 

 

2/11/2014

 

840

 

0

 

 

38.755

 

2/11/2024

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

5/12/2014

 

1,500

 

0

 

 

48.945

 

5/12/2024

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

2/10/2015

 

3,145

 

0

 

 

65.370

 

2/10/2025

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

2/9/2016

 

5,483

 

0

 

 

65.630

 

2/9/2026

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

2/14/2017

 

7,410

 

0

 

 

96.300

 

2/14/2027

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

2/13/2018

 

17,660

 

0

 

 

66.890

 

2/13/2028

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

2/14/2019

 

15,210

 

5,070

(2)

 

66.570

 

2/14/2029

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

2/11/2020

 

11,375

 

11,375

(3)

 

64.550

 

2/11/2030

 

5,260

(3)

 

225,864

 

10,510

(11)

 

451,299

 

 

 

 

11/5/2020

 

5,646

 

2,824

(4)

 

39.180

 

11/5/2030

 

3,287

(4)

 

141,144

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

2/9/2021

 

4,537

 

13,613

(8)

 

55.740

 

2/9/2031

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

2/7/2022

 

0

 

17,630

(7)

 

55.360

 

2/7/2032

 

7,440

(7)

 

319,474

 

13,570

(11)

 

582,696

 

 

Constance von Muehlen

 

 

 

 

2/13/2018

 

3,930

 

0

 

 

66.890

 

2/13/2028

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

1/21/2019

 

67

 

23

(9)

 

64.860

 

1/21/2029

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

2/14/2019

 

4,267

 

1,423

(2)

 

66.570

 

2/14/2029

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

2/11/2020

 

2,585

 

0

 

 

64.550

 

2/11/2030

 

 

 

 

 

 

1,278

(11)

 

54,877

 

 

 

 

11/5/2020

 

1,693

 

847

(4)

 

39.180

 

11/5/2030

 

987

(4)

 

42,382

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

4/3/2021

 

1,484

 

0

 

 

69.490

 

4/3/2031

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Andrea Schneider

 

 

 

 

2/11/2013

 

1,596

 

0

 

 

24.400

 

2/11/2023

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

2/11/2014

 

1,540

 

0

 

 

38.755

 

2/11/2024

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

2/10/2015

 

1,830

 

0

 

 

65.370

 

2/10/2025

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

2/9/2016

 

2,180

 

0

 

 

65.630

 

2/9/2026

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

2/14/2017

 

1,780

 

0

 

 

96.300

 

2/14/2027

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

2/13/2018

 

4,390

 

0

 

 

66.890

 

2/13/2028

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

2/14/2019

 

3,735

 

1,245

(2)

 

66.570

 

2/14/2029

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

6/3/2019

 

2,137

 

713

(10)

 

59.070

 

6/3/2029

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

2/11/2020

 

4,265

 

4,265

(3)

 

64.550

 

2/11/2030

 

1,970

(3)

 

84,592

 

3,940

(11)

 

169,184

 

 

 

 

11/5/2020

 

1,693

 

847

(4)

 

39.180

 

11/5/2030

 

987

(4)

 

42,382

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

2/9/2021

 

1,815

 

5,445

(8)

 

55.740

 

2/9/2031

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

2/7/2022

 

0

 

7,710

(7)

 

55.360

 

2/7/2032

 

150

(7)

 

6,441

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Stock Options

 

Stock Awards

 

 

 

Name

 

Award

Date

 

Number of

Securities

Underlying

Unexer-

cised

Options

Exercisable

(#)

 

 

Number of

Securities

Underlying

Unexercised

Options

Unexercisable

(#)

 

Option

Exercise

Price

($)

 

 

Option

Expir-

ation

Date

 

Number

of Shares or

Units of

Stock

That Have

Not Vested

(#)

 

Market

Value of

Shares or

Units

of Stock

That Have

Not

Vested (1)

($)

 

 

Equity

Incentive

Plan

Awards:

Number of

Unearned

Shares,

Units, or

Other Rights

That Have

Not Vested

(#)

 

Equity

Incentive

Plan

Awards:

Market or

Payout

Value of

Unearned

Shares,

Units, or

Other

Rights

That Have

Not

Vested (1)

($)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Bradley D. Tilden

 

 

 

 

 

2/14/12

 

 

23,360

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

19.000

 

 

2/14/22

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

2/11/13

 

 

33,796

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

24.40

 

 

2/11/23

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

2/11/14

 

 

19,220

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

38.755

 

 

2/11/24

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

2/10/15

 

 

13,600

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

65.370

 

 

2/10/25

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

2/9/16

 

 

15,200

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

65.630

 

 

2/9/26

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

2/14/17

 

 

12,000

 

 

 

4,000

 

(2)

 

 

96.30

 

 

2/14/27

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

2/13/18

 

 

18,625

 

 

 

18,625

 

(4)

 

 

66.89

 

 

2/13/28

 

 

9,600

 

(4)

 

 

499,200

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

2/14/19

 

 

10,490

 

 

 

31,470

 

(7)

 

 

66.57

 

 

2/14/29

 

 

11,000

 

(7)

 

 

572,000

 

 

 

21,900

 

(12)

 

 

1,138,800

 

 

 

 

 

2/11/20

 

 

 

 

 

52,010

 

(9)

 

 

64.55

 

 

2/11/30

 

 

12,010

 

(9)

 

 

624,520

 

 

 

24,030

 

(12)

 

 

1,249,560

 

 

 

 

 

11/5/20

 

 

 

 

 

16,940

 

(10)

 

 

39.18

 

 

11/5/30

 

 

19,710

 

(10)

 

 

1,024,920

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Shane R. Tackett

 

 

 

 

 

2/10/15

 

 

925

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

65.370

 

 

2/10/25

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

2/9/16

 

 

1,750

 

 

 

-

 

 

 

 

65.630

 

 

2/9/26

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

2/14/17

 

 

1,395

 

 

 

465

 

(2)

 

 

96.300

 

 

2/14/27

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

8/3/17

 

 

585

 

 

 

195

 

(3)

 

 

84.99

 

 

8/3/27

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

2/13/18

 

 

3,870

 

 

 

3,870

 

(4)

 

 

66.89

 

 

2/13/28

 

 

2,000

 

(4)

 

 

104,000

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

9/10/18

 

 

1,885

 

 

 

1,885

 

(5)

 

 

68.15

 

 

9/10/28

 

 

1,020

 

(5)

 

 

53,040

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

2/14/19

 

 

3,795

 

 

 

11,385

 

(7)

 

 

66.57

 

 

2/14/29

 

 

3,960

 

(7)

 

 

205,920

 

 

 

7,930

 

(12)

 

 

412,360

 

 

 

 

 

2/11/20

 

 

 

 

 

22,750

 

(9)

 

 

64.55

 

 

2/11/30

 

 

5,260

 

(9)

 

 

273,520

 

 

 

10,510

 

(12)

 

 

546,520

 

 

 

 

 

11/5/20

 

 

 

 

 

8,470

 

(10)

 

 

39.18

 

 

11/5/30

 

 

9,860

 

(10)

 

 

512,720

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Benito Minicucci

 

 

 

 

 

2/11/13

 

 

882

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

24.400

 

 

2/11/23

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

2/11/14

 

 

3,520

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

38.755

 

 

2/11/24

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

5/12/14

 

 

2,230

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

48.945

 

 

5/12/24

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

2/10/15

 

 

9,861

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

65.370

 

 

2/10/25

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

2/9/16

 

 

12,000

 

 

 

-

 

 

 

 

65.630

 

 

2/9/26

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

2/14/17

 

 

7,597

 

 

 

2,533

 

(2)

 

 

96.30

 

 

2/14/27

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

2/13/18

 

 

12,115

 

 

 

12,115

 

(4)

 

 

66.89

 

 

2/13/28

 

 

6,250

 

(4)

 

 

325,000

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

10/2/18

 

 

340

 

 

 

340

 

(6)

 

 

66.26

 

 

10/2/28

 

 

180

 

(6)

 

 

9,360

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

2/14/19

 

 

7,172

 

 

 

21,518

 

(7)

 

 

66.57

 

 

2/14/29

 

 

7,490

 

(7)

 

 

389,480

 

 

 

14,980

 

(12)

 

 

778,960

 

 

 

 

 

2/11/20

 

 

 

 

 

32,510

 

(9)

 

 

64.55

 

 

2/11/30

 

 

7,510

 

(9)

 

 

390,520

 

 

 

15,020

 

(12)

 

 

781,040

 

 

 

 

 

11/5/20

 

 

 

 

 

12,700

 

(10)

 

 

39.18

 

 

11/5/30

 

 

14,790

 

(10)

 

 

769,080

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

11/5/20

 

 

 

 

 

50,810

 

(11)

 

 

39.18

 

 

11/5/30

 

 

19,710

 

(11)

 

 

1,024,920

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

(1)
The dollar amounts shown in these columns are determined by multiplying the number of restricted stock or performance stock units, respectively, by $42.94 (the closing price of Alaska Air Group stock on 12/30/22, the last trading day of the year).

(2)
The unvested options under the 2/14/19 grant are scheduled to become fully vested on 2/14/23.
(3)
The RSUs awarded on 2/11/20 are scheduled to become fully vested on 2/11/23. The unvested options under the 2/11/20 grant are scheduled to become vested as follows: Mr. Minicucci – 8,127 on 2/11/23 and 8,128 on 2/11/24; Mr. Tackett – 5,687 on 2/11/23 and 5,688 on 2/11/24; Mr. Harrison – 5,687 on 2/11/23 and 5,688 on 2/11/24; and Ms. Schneider – 2,132 on 2/11/23 and 2,133 on 2/11/24.
(4)
The RSUs awarded on 11/5/20 are scheduled to become fully vested on 11/5/23. The unvested options under the 11/5/20 grant are scheduled to become fully vested on 11/5/23.
(5)
These RSUs which were awarded to Mr. Minicucci on 11/5/20 are scheduled to become fully vested as follows: 3,942 on 11/5/23; 3,942 on 11/5/24 and 3,942 on 11/5/25. These unvested options which were awarded to Mr. Minicucci on 11/5/20 are scheduled to become vested as follows: 10,162 on 11/5/23, 10,162 on 11/5/24 and 10,162 on 11/5/25.
(6)
The unvested options awarded to Mr. Minicucci on 2/25/21 are scheduled to become vested as follows: 7,785 on 2/25/23, 7,785 on 2/25/24 and 7,785 on 2/25/25.
(7)
The RSUs awarded on 2/7/22 are scheduled to become fully vested on 2/7/25. The unvested options under the 2/7/22 grant are scheduled to become vested as follows: Mr. Minicucci – 8,952 on 2/7/23, 8,953 on 2/7/24 on 8,952 on 2/7/25 and 8,953 on 2/7/26; Mr. Tackett – 4,407 on 2/7/23, 4,408 on 2/7/24; 4,407 on 2/7/25; and 4,408 on 2/7/26; Mr. Harrison – 4,407 on 2/7/23, 4,408 on 2/7/24; 4,407 on 2/7/25; and 4,408 on 2/7/26; and Ms. Schneider – 1,927 on 2/7/23, 1,928 on 2/7/24 and 1,927 on 2/7/25 and 1,928 on 2/7/26.
(8)
The RSUs awarded on 2/9/21 are scheduled to become fully vested on 2/9/24. The unvested options under the 2/9/21 grants are scheduled to become vested as follows: Mr. Tackett – 4,538 on 2/9/23, 4,537 on 2/9/24, and 4,538 on 2/9/25; Mr. Harrison – 4,538 on 2/9/23, 4,537 on 2/9/24 and 4,538 on 2/9/25; and Ms. Schneider –1,815 on 2/9/23, 1,815 on 2/9/24 and 1,815 on 2/9/25.

65


 

 

 

Stock Options

 

Stock Awards

 

 

 

Name

 

Award

Date

 

Number of

Securities

Underlying

Unexer-

cised

Options

Exercisable

(#)

 

 

Number of

Securities

Underlying

Unexercised

Options

Unexercisable

(#)

 

Option

Exercise

Price

($)

 

 

Option

Expir-

ation

Date

 

Number

of Shares or

Units of

Stock

That Have

Not Vested

(#)

 

Market

Value of

Shares or

Units

of Stock

That Have

Not

Vested (1)

($)

 

 

Equity

Incentive

Plan

Awards:

Number of

Unearned

Shares,

Units, or

Other Rights

That Have

Not Vested

(#)

 

Equity

Incentive

Plan

Awards:

Market or

Payout

Value of

Unearned

Shares,

Units, or

Other

Rights

That Have

Not

Vested (1)

($)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Andrew R. Harrison

 

 

 

 

 

2/11/14

 

 

840

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

38.755

 

 

2/11/24

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

5/12/14

 

 

1,500

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

48.945

 

 

5/12/24

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

2/10/15

 

 

3,145

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

65.370

 

 

2/10/25

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

2/9/16

 

 

5,483

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

65.630

 

 

2/9/26

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

2/14/17

 

 

5,557

 

 

 

1,853

 

(2)

 

 

96.30

 

 

2/14/27

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

2/13/18

 

 

8,830

 

 

 

8,830

 

(4)

 

 

66.89

 

 

2/13/28

 

 

4,560

 

(4)

 

 

237,120

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

2/14/19

 

 

5,070

 

 

 

15,210

 

(7)

 

 

66.57

 

 

2/14/29

 

 

5,290

 

(7)

 

 

275,080

 

 

 

10,580

 

(12)

 

 

550,160

 

 

 

 

 

2/11/20

 

 

 

 

 

22,750

 

(9)

 

 

64.55

 

 

2/11/30

 

 

5,260

 

(9)

 

 

273,520

 

 

 

10,510

 

(12)

 

 

546,520

 

 

 

 

 

11/5/20

 

 

 

 

 

8,470

 

(10)

 

 

39.18

 

 

11/5/30

 

 

9,860

 

(10)

 

 

512,720

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Gary L. Beck

 

 

 

 

 

2/13/18

 

 

3,050

 

 

 

3,050

 

(4)

 

 

66.890

 

 

2/13/28

 

 

1,580

 

(4)

 

 

82,160

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

2/14/19

 

 

2,195

 

 

 

6,585

 

(7)

 

 

66.570

 

 

2/14/29

 

 

2,290

 

(7)

 

 

119,080

 

 

 

4,580

 

(12)

 

 

238,160

 

 

 

 

 

11/7/19

 

 

585

 

 

 

1,755

 

(8)

 

 

70.930

 

 

11/7/29

 

 

560

 

(8)

 

 

29,120

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

2/11/20

 

 

 

 

 

21,130

 

(9)

 

 

64.550

 

 

2/11/30

 

 

4,880

 

(9)

 

 

253,760

 

 

 

9,760

 

(12)

 

 

507,520

 

 

 

 

 

11/5/20

 

 

 

 

 

8,470

 

(10)

 

 

39.180

 

 

11/5/30

 

 

9,860

 

(10)

 

 

512,720

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Brandon S. Pedersen

 

 

 

 

 

2/10/15

 

 

4,215

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

65.370

 

 

3/2/23

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

2/9/16

 

 

5,483

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

65.630

 

 

3/2/23

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

2/14/17

 

 

5,557

 

 

 

1,853

 

(2)

 

 

96.30

 

 

3/2/23

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

2/13/18

 

 

8,830

 

 

 

8,830

 

(4)

 

 

66.89

 

 

3/2/23

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

2/14/19

 

 

5,070

 

 

 

15,210

 

(7)

 

 

66.57

 

 

3/2/23

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

4,126

 

(12)

 

 

214,552

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

(9)
The unvested options awarded to Ms. von Muehlen on 1/21/19 are scheduled to vest on 1/21/23.
(10)
The unvested options awarded to Ms. Schneider on 6/3/19 are scheduled to vest on 6/3/23.
(11)
The PSUs reported in this column are eligible to vest based on the Company’s performance over three-year periods as described in the Compensation Discussion and Analysis above. The PSUs granted on 2/11/20 are eligible to vest based on the goals set for a three-year performance period ending 12/31/22; the PSUs granted on 2/9/21 are eligible to vest based on the goals set for a three-year performance period ending 12/31/23; and the PSUs granted on 2/7/22 are eligible to vest based on the goals set for a three-year performance period ending 12/31/24.

(1)

The dollar amounts shown in these columns are determined by multiplying the number of restricted stock or performance stock units, respectively, by $52.00 (the closing price of Air Group stock on 12/31/20).

(2)

The unvested options under the 2/14/17 grant have become vested as follows:  Mr. Tilden –4,000 on 2/14/21; Mr. Tackett –465 on 2/14/21; Mr. Minicucci –2,533 on 2/14/21;  Mr. Harrison –1,853 on 2/14/21; and Mr. Pedersen – 1,853 on 2/14/21.(3)The unvested options under the 8/3/17 grant are scheduled to vest as follows: 195 on 8/3/21.

(4)

The RSUs awarded on 2/13/18 became fully vested on 2/13/21.  The unvested options under the 2/13/18 grant have or are scheduled to become vested as follows:  Mr. Tilden –9,312 on 2/13/21 and 9,313 on 2/13/22; Mr. Tackett –1,935 on 2/13/21 and 1,935 on 2/13/22; Mr.  Minicucci – , 6,057 on 2/13/21 and 6,058 on 2/13/22; Mr. Harrison –4,415 on 2/13/21 and 4,415 on 2/13/22; and Mr. Pedersen –4,415 on 2/13/21 and 4,415 on 2/13/22.

(5)

The RSUs awarded to Mr. Tackett on 9/10/18 are scheduled to become fully vested on 9/10/21.  The unvested options under the 9/10/18 grant are scheduled to become vested as follows: 942 on 9/10/21 and 943 on 9/10/22.

(6)

The RSUs awarded to Mr. Minicucci on 10/2/18 are scheduled to become fully vested on 10/2/21.  The unvested options under the 10/2/18 grant are scheduled to become vested as follows:  170 on 10/2/21, and 170 on 10/2/22.

(7)

The RSUs awarded on 2/14/19 are scheduled to become fully vested on 2/14/22.  The unvested options under the 2/14/19 grant have or are scheduled to become vested as follows:  Mr. Tilden –10,490 on 2/14/21, 10,490 on 2/14/22 and 10,490 on 2/14/23; Mr. Tackett –3,795 on 2/14/21, 3,795 on 2/14/22 and 3,795 on 2/14/23; Mr. Minicucci –7,173 on 2/14/21, 7,172 on 2/14/22 and 7,173 on 2/14/23; Mr. Harrison -- 5,070 on 2/14/21, 5,070 on 2/14/22 and 5,070 on 2/14/23; and Mr. Pedersen – 5,070 on 2/14/21, 5,070 on 2/14/22 and 5,070 on 2/14/23.

(8)

The RSUs awarded to Mr. Beck on 11/7/19 are scheduled to become fully vested on 11/7/22.  The vesting of Mr. Beck’s RSUs will be accelerated upon his retirement in accordance with the terms of his grant agreement.  The unvested options awarded to Mr. Beck on 11/7/19 will become vested as follows:  585 on 11/7/21, 585 on 11/7/22 and 585 on 11/7/23.  Under the terms of his option grant agreements, the options will continue to vest and remain exercisable up to three years after his retirement from the company.

(9)

The RSUs awarded on 2/11/20 are scheduled to become fully vested on 2/11/23.  The vesting of Mr. Beck’s RSUs will be accelerated upon his retirement in accordance with the terms of his grant agreement.  The unvested options under the 2/11/20


grant are scheduled to become vested as follows:  Mr. Tilden – 13,002 on 2/11/21, 13,003 on 2/11/22, 13,002 on 2/11/23, and 13,003 on 2/11/24; Mr. Tackett – 5,687 on 2/11/21, 5,688 on 2/11/22, 5,687 on 2/11/23 and 5,688 on 2/11/24; Mr. Minicucci – 8,127 on 2/11/21, 8,128 on 2/11/22, 8,127 on 2/11/23 and 8,128 on 2/11/24; Mr. Harrison – 5,687 on 2/11/21, 5,688 on 2/11/22, 5,687 on 2/11/23 and 5,688 on 2/11/24; and Mr. Beck – 5,282 on 2/11/21, 5,283 on 2/11/22, 5,282 on 2/11/23 and 5,283 on 2/11/24.  Under the terms of Mr. Beck’s option grant agreements, the options will continue to vest and remain exercisable up to three years after his retirement from the company.

(10)

The RSUs awarded on 11/5/20 are scheduled to become fully vested (dependent upon continued service through the vesting periods) as follows:  Mr. Tilden – 6,570 on 11/5/21, 6,570 on 11/5/22, and 6,570 on 11/5/23; Mr. Tackett – 3,286 on 11/5/21, 3,287 on 11/5/22, and 3,287 on 11/5/23; Mr. Minicucci – 4,930 on 11/5/21, 4,930 on 11/5/22 and 4,930 on 11/5/23; Mr. Harrison – 3,286 on 11/5/21, 3,287 on 11/5/22, 3,287 on 11/5/23; and Mr. Beck –3,286 on 11/5/21 and the remaining 6,574 RSUs will be forfeited upon his retirement on 2/12/22 in accordance with the terms of his grant agreement.  The unvested options under the 11/5/20 grant are scheduled to become vested (dependent upon continued service through the vesting periods) as follows:  5,646 on 11/5/21, 5,647 on 11/5/22 and 5,647 on 11/5/23; Mr. Tackett – 2,823 on 11/5/21, 2,823 on 11/5/22 and 2,824 on 11/5/23; Mr. Minicucci – 4,233 on 11/5/21, 4,233 on 11/5/22 and 4,234 on 11/5/23; Mr. Harrison – 2,823 on 11/5/21, 2,823 on 11/5/22 and 2,824 on 11/5/23; and Mr. Beck – 2,823 on 11/5/21 and the remaining 5,647 options will be forfeited upon his retirement on 2/12/22 in accordance with the terms of his grant agreement.

(11)

The RSUs awarded to Mr. Minicucci on 11/5/20 are scheduled to become fully vested as follows:  3,942 on 11/5/21, 3,942 on 11/5/22, 3,942 on 11/5/23; 3,942 on 11/5/24 and 3,942 on 11/5/25.  The unvested options awarded to Mr. Minicucci on 11/5/21 are scheduled to become vested as follows:  10,162 on 11/5/21, 10,162 on 11/5/22, 10,162 on 11/5/23, 10,162 on 11/5/24 and 10,162 on 11/5/25.

(12)

The PSUs reported in this column are eligible to vest based on the Company’s performance over three-year periods as described in the Compensation Discussion and Analysis above. The PSUs granted on 2/14/19 are eligible to vest based on the goals set for a three-year performance period ending 12/31/21 and the PSUs granted on 2/11/20 are eligible to vest based on the goals set for a three-year performance period ending 12/31/22. Due to the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the Company, for the purposes of the Company’s financial statements, the grant date fair value amounts of the portion of the PSUs awarded in 2020, 2019 and 2018 to the ROIC performance metric were reduced as follows:  Mr. Tilden – ($1,163,385) for 2020, ($1,093,412) for 2019 and ($642,401) for 2018; Mr. Tackett – ($508,848) for 2020, ($395,892) for 2019 and ($133,140) for 2018; Mr. Minicucci – ($508,848) for 2020, ($528,233) for 2019 and ($303,226) for 2018; Mr. Harrison – ($508,848) for 2020, ($528,233) for 2019 and ($303,226) for 2018; and Mr. Beck ($472,506) for 2020.


2020 2022 Option ExercisesExercises and Stock Vested

The following table presents information regarding the exercise of stock options by the NEOs during 20202022 and the vesting during 20202022 of other stock awards previously granted to the NEOs.

 

 

 

Option Awards

 

 

Stock Awards

 

 

 

 

 

Number of Shares
Acquired on
Exercise
(#)

 

 

Value Realized
on Exercise (1)
($)

 

 

Number of Shares
Acquired
on Vesting
(#)

 

 

Value Realized
on Vesting (1)
($)

 

 

 

Ben Minicucci

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

20,856

 

 

 

1,073,791

 

 

 

Shane Tackett

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

9,626

 

 

 

504,916

 

 

 

Andrew Harrison

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

11,751

 

 

 

624,750

 

 

 

Constance von Muehlen

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

3,391

 

 

 

179,754

 

 

 

Andrea Schneider

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

3,767

 

 

 

195,787

 

 

 

 

 

Option Awards

 

 

Stock Awards

 

 

 

 

 

Number of Shares

Acquired on

Exercise

(#)

 

 

Value Realized

on Exercise (1)

($)

 

 

Number of Shares

Acquired

on Vesting

(#)

 

 

Value Realized

on Vesting (1)

($)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Bradley D. Tilden

 

 

47,484

 

 

 

1,544,141

 

 

 

17,981

 

 

 

1,171,594

 

 

 

Shane R. Tackett

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

4,100

 

 

 

245,065

 

 

 

Benito Minicucci

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

12,395

 

 

 

806,961

 

 

 

Andrew R. Harrison

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

9,620

 

 

 

626,010

 

 

 

Gary L. Beck

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Brandon S. Pedersen (2)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

19,470

 

 

 

1,023,851

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

(1)
The amounts shown in Value Realized on Exercise column above for option awards are determined by multiplying the number of exercised shares by the difference between the per-share closing price of the Company’s common stock on the date of exercise and the exercise price of the options. The amounts shown in Value Realized Upon Vesting column above for stock awards are determined by multiplying the number of vested units by the per-share closing price of the Company’s common stock on the vesting date.

(1)

The amounts shown in Value Realized on Exercise column above for option awards are determined by multiplying the number of exercised shares by the difference between the per-share closing price of the Company’s common stock on the date of exercise and the exercise price of the options. The amounts shown in Value Realized Upon Vesting column above for stock awards are determined by multiplying the number of vested units by the per-share closing price of the Company’s common stock on the vesting date.

(2)

Mr. Pedersen retired from the Company effective March 2, 2020.

66



Pension and Other Retirement Plans

The Company maintains two primary defined-benefit plans coveringIn light of their tenure, Mr. TildenTackett and Mr. Tackett. TheMs. Schneider participate in the Alaska Air Group, Inc. Retirement Plan for Salaried Employees (the Salaried Retirement Plan) which is a qualified defined-benefit employee retirement pension plan, and Mr. Tilden and Mr. Tackett participate in this plan on the same general terms as other eligible employees. The Alaska Air Group, Inc. 1995 Elected Officers Supplementary Retirement Plan (the Supplementary Retirement Plan) is a nonqualified defined benefit plan, in which Mr. Tilden and Mr. Tackett also participate. Mr. Pedersen, Mr. Minicucci, and Mr. Harrison participate in the defined-contribution plans (as described below) in lieu of these defined-benefit plans.

plan. The following table presents information regarding the present value of accumulated benefits that may become payable to the NEOs under the qualified and nonqualified defined-benefit plans.this plan.

 

Name

 

Plan Name

 

Number of Years
Credited
Service (1)
(#)

 

Present Value of
Accumulated
Benefit (1)

($)

 

Payments During
Last Fiscal Year
($)

 

 

Ben Minicucci

 

Salaried Retirement Plan

 

N/A

 

N/A

 

N/A

 

 

Shane Tackett

 

Salaried Retirement Plan

 

13.058

 

210,094

 

N/A

 

 

Andrew Harrison

 

Salaried Retirement Plan

 

N/A

 

N/A

 

N/A

 

 

Constance von Muehlen

 

Salaried Retirement Plan

 

N/A

 

N/A

 

N/A

 

 

Andrea Schneider

 

Salaried Retirement Plan

 

16.581

 

400,547

 

N/A

 

 

Name

 

Plan Name

 

Number of Years

Credited

Service (1)

(#)

 

Present Value of

Accumulated

Benefit (1)

($)

 

Payments During

Last Fiscal Year

($)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Bradley D. Tilden

 

Salaried Retirement Plan

 

22.844

 

1,973,368

 

N/A

 

 

 

 

Supplementary Retirement Plan

 

14.919

 

3,380,285

 

N/A

 

 

Shane R. Tackett

 

Salaried Retirement Plan

 

13.058

 

455,752

 

N/A

 

 

 

 

Supplementary Retirement Plan

 

N/A

 

N/A

 

N/A

 

 

Benito Minicucci (2)

 

Salaried Retirement Plan

 

N/A

 

N/A

 

N/A

 

 

 

 

Supplementary Retirement Plan

 

N/A

 

N/A

 

N/A

 

 

Andrew R. Harrison (2)

 

Salaried Retirement Plan

 

N/A

 

N/A

 

N/A

 

 

 

 

Supplementary Retirement Plan

 

N/A

 

N/A

 

N/A

 

 

Gary L. Beck (2)

 

Salaried Retirement Plan

 

N/A

 

N/A

 

N/A

 

 

 

 

Supplementary Retirement Plan

 

N/A

 

N/A

 

N/A

 

 

Brandon S. Pedersen (2)

 

Salaried Retirement Plan

 

N/A

 

N/A

 

N/A

 

 

 

 

Supplementary Retirement Plan

 

N/A

 

N/A

 

N/A

 

(1)

(1)

The years of credited service through December 31, 2013, when the Plan was frozen, and the present value of accumulated benefits as of December 31, 2019 assume that each NEO retires at normal retirement age and that benefits are paid out in accordance with the terms of each plan described below. For a description of the material assumptions used to calculate the present value of accumulated benefits shown above, please see Note 8 (Employee Benefits Plans) to the Company’s Consolidated Financial Statements, included as part of the Company’s 2020 Annual Report filed on Form 10-K with the SEC and incorporated herein by reference.

(2)

In lieu of participation in the defined-benefit plans, Mr. Minicucci, Mr. Harrison and Mr. Beck (and during his employment) Mr. Pedersen receive a contribution to their accounts under the Company’s defined-contribution plans. Specifically, in lieu of participation in the Salaried Retirement Plan: Mr. Minicucci, Mr. Harrison, Mr. Beck and Mr. Pedersen (during his employment) each receive a Company match contribution to the AlaskaSaver 401(k) Plan of 50% of their employee contributions up to 6% of their eligible compensation. In lieu of the Supplementary Retirement Plan, Mr. Minicucci, Mr. Harrison, Mr. Beck and Mr. Pedersen also eligible to participate in the Nonqualified Deferred Compensation Plan, which is further described below.

Salaried Retirement Plan was frozen, and the present value of accumulated benefits as of December 31, 2022 assume that each NEO retires at normal retirement age and that benefits are paid out in accordance with the terms of the Salaried Retirement Plan below. For a description of the material assumptions used to calculate the present value of accumulated benefits shown above, please see Note 9 (Employee Benefits Plans) to the Company’s Consolidated Financial Statements, included as part of the Company’s 2022 Annual Report filed on Form 10-K with the SEC and incorporated herein by reference.

Salaried Retirement Plan

The Salaried Retirement Plan is a tax-qualified, defined-benefit retirement pension plan for certain salaried Alaska Airlines employees hired prior to April 1, 2003. Mr. TildenTackett and Mr. TackettMs. Schneider are fully vested in their accrued benefits under the Salaried Retirement Plan. Benefits payable under the Salaried Retirement Plan are generally based on years of credited service with the Company and its affiliates and final average base salaryearnings for the five highest complete and consecutive calendar years of an employee’s last ten complete calendar years of service. The annual retirement benefit at age 62 (normal retirement age under the Salaried Retirement Plan) is equal to 2% of the employee’s final average base salaryearnings times years of credited service (limited to 40 years). Annual benefits are computed on a straight-life annuity basis beginning at normal retirement age. Benefits under the Salaried Retirement Plan are not subject to offset for Social Security benefits.


On June 20, 2011, the Board amended the Salaried Retirement Plan to provide that effective January 1, 2014, the plan would be frozen so that participants in the plans would not accrue any benefits with respect to services performed or compensation earned on or after that date.

The tax lawInternal Revenue Code limits the annual benefits that may be paid from a tax-qualified retirement plan. For 2020,2022, this limit on annual benefits was $230,000.$245,000, and in 2023 it is $265,000.

Supplementary Retirement Plans

In addition

67


2022 Nonqualified Deferred Compensation

The following table presents information regarding the contributions to the benefits described above, Mr. Tilden is eligible to receive retirement benefits under the Supplementary Retirement Plan. This plan is a non-qualified, unfunded, defined-benefit plan. Normal retirement benefits are payable once the officer reaches age 60. Benefits are calculated as a monthly amount on a straight-life annuity basis. In general, the monthly benefit is determined as a percentage (50% to 75% of a participant’s final average monthly base salary) basedand earnings on the officer’s length of service with the Company and length of service as an elected officer.

This benefit amount is subject to offset by the amount of the officer’s Social Security benefits and the amount of benefits paid under the Salaried Retirement Plan to the extent such benefits were accrued after the officer became a participant in the Supplementary Retirement Plan. (There is no offset for any Salaried Retirement Plan benefits accrued for service before the officer became a participant in the Supplementary Retirement Plan.)

Participants in the Supplementary Retirement Plan become fully vested in their benefits under the plan upon attaining age 50 and completing 10 years of service as an elected officer. Plan benefits will also become fully vested upon a change in control of the Company or upon termination of the participant’s employment due to death or disability.

On June 20, 2011, the Board of Directors amended the Supplementary Retirement Plan to provide that, effective January 1, 2014, the plan would be frozen so that participants in the plan would not accrue any benefits with respect to services performed or compensation earned on or after that date. The Board also amended the Supplementary Retirement Plan so that, effective January 1, 2014, officers who previously participated in the Supplementary Retirement Plan, and are then employed by the Company, will be eligible to participate in the DC Supplementary Retirement Plan. Under the DC Supplementary Retirement Plan, the Company contributes up to 12% of Mr. Tilden’s eligible wages.

In lieu of the Supplementary Retirement Plan, the other NEOs participate in the Company’s DC Supplementary Retirement Plan. This plan is a defined-contribution plan. Under this plan, the Company contributes 10% of the eligible wages of Mr. Tackett, Mr. Minicucci, Mr. Harrison, and Mr. Beck, as defined in plan documents, minus the maximum legal Company contribution that the Company made, or could have made,NEOs’ balances under the Company’s qualified defined-contribution plan (the 401(k) plan).nonqualified deferred compensation plans during 2022, and also shows the total deferred amounts for the NEOs as of December 31, 2022.


2020 Nonqualified Deferred Compensation

Under theThe Alaska Air Group, Inc. Nonqualified Deferred Compensation Plan (NDCP) provides the NEOs and other key employees maywith an opportunity to elect to receivedefer a portion of some or all of their annual Performance-Based Pay awards on a deferred basis.payments. The Horizon Air Supplemental Savings Plan (SSP) provides Horizon Air eligible executives with an opportunity to elect to defer up to 50% of their base compensation. Participants under the nonqualified deferred compensation plan have the opportunity to elect among several investment funds, which generally mirror the funds offered under the Company’srelevant Company 401(k) plan (“401(k) Plan”)and the Horizon Air Savings Investment Plan, for purposes of determining the return of their plan assets. In addition, the plan also offers an interest-bearing option with a rate equal to the yield on a Moody’s index of Ba2-rated industrial bonds as of November of the preceding year, rounded to the nearest one-quarter of one percent, for certain prior deferred amounts. Subject to applicable tax laws, amounts deferred under the plannonqualified plans are generally distributed on termination of the participant’s employment, although participants may elect an earlier distribution date and may elect payment in a lump sum or installments.

The following table presents information regarding Deferrals under the contributions to and earningsplans are also reflected on the NEOs’ balancestable below.

Supplementary Retirement Plans

The NEOs participate in the Defined Contribution OSRP Plan (DC OSRP), which is supplemental retirement plan portion of the NDCP. Under the DC OSRP, the Company contributes a percentage of the eligible compensation of Mr. Minicucci, Mr. Tackett, Mr. Harrison, Ms. von Muehlen and Ms. Schneider, as defined in DC OSRP documents, minus the maximum legal Company contribution that the Company made, or could have made, under the Company’s nonqualified deferred401(k) Plan. Under the SSP, Horizon Air eligible executives are also eligible to receive a supplemental retirement benefit in the form of a supplemental matching contribution that is equal to the matching contributions that would have been made on behalf of the employee under the Horizon Air Savings Investment Plan, minus the amount of matching contributions that would have been made under the Horizon Air Savings Investment Plan had the employee contributed the maximum amount of employee contributions that were eligible for a matching contribution.

 

Name

Plan Name

Executive
Contributions
in Last FY
($)

 

Registrant
Contributions
in Last FY (1)
($)

 

Aggregate
Earnings
in Last FY
($)

 

Aggregate
Withdrawals/
Distributions
($)

 

Aggregate
Balance
at Last FYE
($)

 

 

Ben Minicucci

Nonqualified Deferred Compensation Plan

 

102,403

 

(151,249)

 

 

985,957

 

 

 

Horizon Air Supplemental Savings Plan

N/A

 

N/A

 

N/A

 

N/A

 

N/A

 

 

Shane Tackett

Nonqualified Deferred Compensation Plan

 

75,387

 

(128,785)

 

 

559,474

 

 

 

Horizon Air Supplemental Savings Plan

N/A

 

N/A

 

N/A

 

N/A

 

N/A

 

 

Andrew Harrison

Nonqualified Deferred Compensation Plan

 

72,899

 

(177,471)

 

 

913,232

 

 

 

Horizon Air Supplemental Savings Plan

N/A

 

N/A

 

N/A

 

N/A

 

N/A

 

 

Constance von Muehlen

Nonqualified Deferred Compensation Plan

 

17,086

 

(53,864)

 

 

241,753

 

 

 

Horizon Air Supplemental Savings Plan

N/A

 

N/A

 

N/A

 

N/A

 

N/A

 

 

Andrea Schneider

Nonqualified Deferred Compensation Plan

 

61,189

 

(272,234)

 

(240,413)

 

1,268,729

 

 

 

Horizon Air Supplemental Savings Plan

 

 

(34,132)

 

 

154,299

 

(1)
The amounts in this column represent contributions by the Company to the executive’s account made during 2022. These amounts were determined with reference to the executive’s annual incentives awarded for 2021 and have previously been reported in the Summary Compensation Table as 2021 compensation plans during 2020, and also shows the total deferred amounts for the NEOs as of December 31, 2020.executive.

68

 

 

Executive

Contributions

in Last FY

($)

 

Registrant

Contributions

in Last FY (1)

($)

 

Aggregate

Earnings

in Last FY

($)

 

Aggregate

Withdrawals/

Distributions

($)

 

Aggregate

Balance

at Last FYE

($)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Bradley D. Tilden

 

 

 

 

154,152

 

 

 

80,450

 

 

 

 

 

 

1,226,048

 

 

Shane R. Tackett

 

 

 

 

58,562

 

 

 

79,014

 

 

 

 

 

 

463,360

 

 

Benito Minicucci

 

 

 

 

104,485

 

 

 

70,715

 

 

 

 

 

 

932,319

 

 

Andrew R. Harrison

 

 

 

 

80,234

 

 

 

102,840

 

 

 

 

 

 

836,326

 

 

Gary L. Beck

 

 

 

 

52,828

 

 

 

6,837

 

 

 

 

 

 

77,552

 

 

Brandon S. Pedersen (2)

 

 

 

 

136,322

 

 

 

(50,725)

 

 

 

(855,760)

 

 

 

 


(1)

The amounts in this column represent contributions by the Company to the executive’s account made during 2020.  These amounts were determined with reference to the executive’s annual incentives awarded for 2019 and have previously been reported in the Summary Compensation Table as 2019 compensation for the executive.

(2)

Mr. Pedersen retired from the Company effective March 2, 2020.


Potential Payments Upon ChangeChange in Control and Termination

The Company has entered into change-in-control“double-trigger” change in control agreements with Messrs. Tilden,Minicucci, Tackett, Minicucci, Harrison, and Beck.Mses. von Muehlen and Schneider. Under these agreements, if a change ofin control occurs, an “employment period”a guaranteed employment period of three years would go into effect.effect for the CEO and executive vice presidents and two years for Ms. Schneider. During the employment period, these five executives would be entitled to:to receive:

receive the highest monthly salary the executive received at any time during the 12-month period preceding the change in control;

receive an annual incentive payment equal to the higher of the executive’s target Performance-Based Pay Plan incentive or the average of the executive’s annual incentive payments for the three years preceding the year in which the change in control occurs;

continue to accrue age and service credit under our qualified and non-qualified defined benefit retirement plans; and

participate in fringe benefit programsbenefits that are at least as favorable as those in which the executive was participating prior to the change in control.

control; and
if the change in control occurs after April 1, 2023 and to the extent any of the executive’s awards clawed back to comply with the CARES Act have not been replaced, shares of common stock of the Company or its successor, equity awards, and/or a cash payment equal to the fair market value of equity awards forfeited in accordance with CARES Act requirements, which would vest as described below.

If the executive’s employment is terminated by the Company or its successor without cause or by the executive for “good reason”good reason during the employment period (or, in certain circumstances, if such a termination occurs prior to and in connection with a change in control), the executive would be entitled to receive a lump-sum paymentreceive:

compensation equal to the value of the payments and benefits identified above that the executive would have received had he or she continued to be employed for the entire employment period. period, paid in a lump sum and including, if applicable, the value of equity awards clawed back to comply with the CARES Act that have not been replaced as described above; and
certain fringe benefits, including lifetime travel benefits for the executive and eligible family members.

The amount an executive would be entitled to receive upon a qualifying termination within the employment period after the change in control would be reduced on a pro-rata basis for any time the executive workedwas employed by the successor during the employment period. (The terms “cause,” “good reason” and “change in control” are each defined in the change-in-control agreements.) In  the event that

If change in control benefits under these theagreements exceed the threshold amount that would trigger an excise tax under Section 280G of the Internal Revenue Code, the executive would receive the larger of the following amounts:

1.

The “safe harbor amount,” which is equal to the level at which excise taxes are triggered

(1)
The “safe harbor amount,” which is one dollar less than the level at which excise taxes are triggered; or

2.

The full change in control benefits if, after receipt of the full change in control benefits and payment of the excise tax, the after-tax amount is greater than the safe harbor amount from #1

(2)
The full change in control benefits if, after receipt of the full change in control benefits and payment of the excise tax, the after-tax amount is greater than the safe harbor amount from #1.

In addition, if the executive’s employment is terminated by the Company or its successor without cause or by the executive for good reason in connection with a change in control, the executive’s outstanding and unvested stock options, restricted stock units and the target number of performance stock units held by the NEOs maywould become vested upon certain terminations of employment under the terms of our awards granted under the 2016 Plan. Under the 2016 Plan, awards will not vest in connection with a change in control unless a termination of employment without cause or for good reason also occurs or an acquirer does not assume outstanding awards. Finally, the executive’s unvested benefits under the Supplementary Retirement Plan would vest on a change in control whether or not the executive’s employment was terminated. The outstanding equity plans. awards held by the executives as of December 31, 2022, are described above under the Outstanding Equity Awards

69


at Fiscal Year End section of this Proxy Statement and each executive’s accrued benefits under our retirement plans are described above under “Pension and Other Retirement Plans.”

In the event the executive’s employment terminates by reason of death, disability or retirement (as defined in our equity award agreements), whether or not subsequent to a change in control, (i) restricted stock units would become fully vested;vested under the terms of our equity plans; (ii) a prorated portion of the performance stock units would vest at the conclusion of the performance period based on the Company’s actual performance during the performance period and the portion of the performance period in which the executive was employed; and (iii) stock options would become fully vested upon death or disability and vested to the extent they would have vested in the next three years upon retirement. Stock options would remain exercisable for three years following termination of employment due to death, disability or retirement or until their expiration date, whichever comes first.

If a change in control occurs and the executive’s employment is terminated by the Company without cause or by the executive for good reason (in either case within six months before or 24 months after the change in control), the executive’s restricted stock units and stock options would fully vest, and the executive’s performance stock units would vest at the target level. Under the 2016 Performance Incentive Plan, awards will not vest solely because a change in control occurs. However, the awards will vest on a change in control if they are not assumed by the acquirer. Finally, the executive’s unvested benefits under the Supplementary Retirement Plan would vest on a change in control whether or not the executive’s employment was terminated.Calculations

Estimated Benefits

In the tables below, we have estimated the potential cost to the Company of providing the benefits shown to each of our Named Executive Officers as if the executive’s employment had terminated due to retirement, death or disability, change in control, or other termination not in relation to change in control on December 31, 2020.2022. The value of accelerated vesting shown in the "Equity Acceleration" column below assumes any performance share units pay at target. As described above, except for the equity acceleration value, the


amount an executive would be entitled to receive under the change-in-control agreements would be reduced on a pro-rata basis for any time the executive worked during the employment period.

These calculations are estimates for proxy disclosure purposes only. Actual payments may differ based on factors such as transaction price, timing of employment termination and payments, methodology for valuing stock options, changes in compensation, and other factors.

Termination Without Cause

In certain not-for-cause termination scenarios the NEOs may be eligible to receive cash compensation and travel benefits based on a compensation multiple (2x for CEO, 1.5x for other NEOs) and historical earnings under the Executive Severance Guidelines. If the value of the severance arrangements exceeds a certain level, the Company will seek shareholder ratification of such arrangements.

Retirement

 

Name

 

Cash
Severance
($)

 

Enhanced
Retirement
Benefit
($)

 

Benefit
Continuation
($)

 

Air Travel
Benefit (1)
($)

 

Equity
Acceleration (2)

($)

 

Total
($)

 

 

Ben Minicucci

 

0

 

0

 

0

 

5,444

 

1,536,446

 

1,541,890

 

 

Shane Tackett

 

0

 

0

 

0

 

11,732

 

0

 

11,732

 

 

Andrew Harrison

 

0

 

0

 

0

 

23,706

 

0

 

23,706

 

 

Constance von Muehlen

 

0

 

0

 

0

 

6,487

 

45,567

 

52,054

 

 

Andrea Schneider

 

0

 

0

 

0

 

15,462

 

136,599

 

152,061

 

Death or Disability

 

Name

 

Cash
Severance
($)

 

Enhanced
Retirement
Benefit
($)

 

Benefit
Continuation
($)

 

Air Travel
Benefit (1)
($)

 

Equity
Acceleration (3)
($)

 

Total
($)

 

 

Ben Minicucci

 

0

 

0

 

0

 

5,444

 

1,536,446

 

1,541,890

 

 

Shane Tackett

 

0

 

0

 

0

 

11,732

 

539,510

 

551,242

 

 

Andrew Harrison

 

0

 

0

 

0

 

23,706

 

697,100

 

720,806

 

 

Constance von Muehlen

 

0

 

0

 

0

 

6,487

 

45,567

 

52,054

 

 

Andrea Schneider

 

0

 

0

 

0

 

15,462

 

136,599

 

152,061

 

70


Change in Control Termination (Double-Trigger)

 

Name

 

Cash
Severance (4)
($)

 

Enhanced
Retirement
Benefit (5)
($)

 

Benefit
Contin-
uation (6)
($)

 

Air Travel Benefit (1)
($)

 

Equity
Acceleration (7)
($)

 

Excise
Tax (8)
($)

 

Cutback
Due to
Modified
Cap
($)

 

Total
($)

 

 

Ben Minicucci

 

4,350,000

 

249,774

 

34,272

 

5,444

 

1,536,446

 

0

 

0

 

6,175,936

 

 

Shane Tackett

 

2,983,501

 

246,696

 

34,496

 

11,732

 

539,510

 

0

 

0

 

3,815,935

 

 

Andrew Harrison

 

2,921,210

 

198,630

 

41,820

 

23,706

 

1,279,796

 

0

 

0

 

4,465,162

 

 

Constance von Muehlen

 

2,340,001

 

84,435

 

21,993

 

6,487

 

45,567

 

(377,413)

 

0

 

2,121,070

 

 

Andrea Schneider

 

1,403,500

 

121,806

 

32,071

 

15,462

 

136,599

 

0

 

0

 

1,709,438

 

Termination Without Cause (Outside of Change in Control)

 

Name

 

Cash
Severance (9)
($)

 

Enhanced
Retirement
Benefit
($)

 

Benefit
Contin-
uation (9)
($)

 

Air Travel Benefit (1)
($)

 

Outplacement (9)
($)

 

Equity
Acceleration (2)
($)

 

Total
($)

 

 

Ben Minicucci

 

2,691,701

 

0

 

13,566

 

5,444

 

25,000

 

1,536,446

 

4,272,157

 

 

Shane Tackett

 

1,447,723

 

0

 

10,175

 

11,732

 

25,000

 

0

 

1,494,630

 

 

Andrew Harrison

 

1,460,605

 

0

 

10,175

 

23,706

 

25,000

 

0

 

1,519,486

 

 

Constance von Muehlen

 

1,014,556

 

0

 

10,730

 

6,487

 

25,000

 

45,567

 

1,102,340

 

 

Andrea Schneider

 

1,046,133

 

0

 

10,175

 

15,462

 

25,000

 

136,599

 

1,233,369

 

(1)
Mr. Minicucci and Ms. Schneider are entitled to lifetime, confirmed travel benefits upon separation in all scenarios above, by virtue of their age and officer tenure with the Company. The terminationother NEOs are entitled to lifetime, confirmed travel benefits following the consummation of employment calculations assume that noa double-trigger change in control and, in the event of severance or other terminationnot-for-cause, to 1.75 times the average value of employment payment will be limitedtheir travel benefits over the prior three years.

(2)
The amounts in this column represent the “in-the-money” value of unvested stock options and the face value of unvested restricted circumstances described above based on a stock price of $42.94 (the closing price of our common stock on the last trading day of 2022) for retirement eligible executives (Minicucci, von Muehlen and Schneider). These amounts include the value of performance shares at the target number of shares prorated by the Company’s obligationscompleted portion of the performance period. The value of the extended term of the options is not reflected in the table because we have assumed that the executive’s outstanding stock options would be cashed out by the acquiring company pursuant to a change in control.

(3)
The following amounts represent the “in-the-money” value of unvested stock options and the face value of unvested restricted circumstances described above based on a stock price of $42.94. The value of the extended term of the options is not reflected in the table because we have assumed that the executive’s outstanding stock options would be cashed out by the acquiring company pursuant to a change in control.

(4)
The amounts in this column represent the sum of (a) the executive’s highest rate of base salary during the preceding 12 months and (b) the higher of the executive’s target incentive or his or her average incentive for the three preceding years, multiplied by the number of years in the employment period.
(5)
The amounts in this column represent the sum of (a) the matching contribution the executive would have received under our qualified defined contribution plan had the executive continued to contribute the maximum allowable amount during the employment period, and (b) the contribution the executive would have received under our nonqualified defined contribution plan had the executive continued to participate in the plan during the employment period.
(6)
The amounts in this column represent the estimated cost of (a) 18 months of premiums under our medical, dental and vision programs, and (b) three years of continued participation in life, disability, accidental death insurance and other fringe benefit programs.
(7)
The amounts in this column represent the “in-the-money” value of unvested stock options and the face value of unvested restricted circumstances described above based on a stock price of $42.94 The value of the extended term of the options is not reflected in the table because we have assumed that the executive’s outstanding stock options would be cashed out by the acquiring company pursuant to a change in control. These amounts assume full acceleration of performance shares upon a change in control at the target number of shares.
(8)
As noted above, benefits under the provisionschange in control agreements may be reduced in certain circumstances to the extent they would trigger an excise tax under Section 280G of the Coronavirus Aid, Relief and Economic Security Act.

Retirement

 

 

 

Cash

Severance

($)

 

Enhanced

Retirement

Benefit

($)

 

Benefit

Continuation

($)

 

Lifetime

Airfare

Benefit (1)

($)

 

Equity

Acceleration (2)

($)

 

Total

($)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Bradley D. Tilden

 

 

0

 

 

 

0

 

 

 

0

 

 

 

5,442

 

 

 

4,512,724

 

 

 

4,518,166

 

 

 

Shane R. Tackett

 

 

0

 

 

 

0

 

 

 

0

 

 

 

26,555

 

 

 

1,671,563

 

 

 

1,698,118

 

 

 

Benito Minicucci

 

 

0

 

 

 

0

 

 

 

0

 

 

 

9,943

 

 

 

4,501,040

 

 

 

4,510,983

 

 

 

Andrew R. Harrison

 

 

0

 

 

 

0

 

 

 

0

 

 

 

36,693

 

 

 

2,155,501

 

 

 

2,192,194

 

 

 

Gary L. Beck

 

 

0

 

 

 

0

 

 

 

0

 

 

 

10,807

 

 

 

1,105,425

 

 

 

1,116,232

 

 

 

Brandon S. Pedersen*

 

 

0

 

 

 

0

 

 

 

0

 

 

 

20,034

 

 

 

1,154,766

 

 

 

1,174,800

 

 

Death or Disability

 

 

 

Cash

Severance

($)

 

Enhanced

Retirement

Benefit

($)

 

Benefit

Continuation

($)

 

Lifetime

Airfare

Benefit (1)

($)

 

Equity

Acceleration (2)

($)

 

Total

($)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Bradley D. Tilden

 

 

 

0

 

 

 

 

 

0

 

 

 

 

 

0

 

 

 

 

 

5,442

 

 

 

 

 

4,512,724

 

 

 

 

 

4,518,166

 

 

 

 

Shane R. Tackett

 

 

 

0

 

 

 

 

 

0

 

 

 

 

 

0

 

 

 

 

 

26,555

 

 

 

 

 

1,671,563

 

 

 

 

 

1,698,118

 

 

 

 

Benito Minicucci

 

 

 

0

 

 

 

 

 

0

 

 

 

 

 

0

 

 

 

 

 

9,943

 

 

 

 

 

4,761,594

 

 

 

 

 

4,771,537

 

 

 

 

Andrew R. Harrison

 

 

 

0

 

 

 

 

 

0

 

 

 

 

 

0

 

 

 

 

 

36,693

 

 

 

 

 

2,155,501

 

 

 

 

 

2,192,194

 

 

 

 

Gary L. Beck

 

 

 

0

 

 

 

 

 

0

 

 

 

 

 

0

 

 

 

 

 

10,807

 

 

 

 

 

1,105,425

 

 

 

 

 

1,116,232

 

 

 

ChangeInternal Revenue Code. The amounts in Control

 

 

 

Cash

Severance(3) ($)

 

Enhanced

Retirement

Benefit(4)

($)

 

Benefit

Contin-

uation(5)

($)

 

Lifetime

Airfare

Benefit(4)

($)

 

Equity

Acceleration(6)($)

 

Excise

Tax

($)

 

Cutback

Due to

Modified

Cap

($)

 

Total

($)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Bradley D. Tilden

 

4,704,958

 

560,487

 

21,625

 

5,442

 

8,040,571

 

0

 

0

 

13,333,083

 

 

Shane R. Tackett

 

2,719,501

 

278,286

 

27,739

 

26,555

 

3,042,945

 

0

 

(388,610)

 

5,706,416

 

 

Benito Minicucci

 

3,658,563

 

359,148

 

17,774

 

9,943

 

7,100,998

 

0

 

0

 

11,146,426

 

 

Andrew R. Harrison

 

2,977,925

 

292,003

 

31,998

 

36,693

 

3,802,665

 

0

 

0

 

7,141,284

 

 

Gary L. Beck

 

2,374,433

 

209,782

 

21,143

 

10,807

 

2,014,905

 

0

 

0

 

4,631,070

 


Termination Not in Relation to Change in Control

(Other than Death, Disability or Retirement)

 

Name

 

Cash

Severance

($)

 

Enhanced

Retirement

Benefit

($)

 

Benefit

Contin-

uation

($)

 

Lifetime

Airfare

Benefit

($)

 

Equity

Acceleration

($)

 

 

Total (6)

($)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Bradley D. Tilden

 

 

 

0

 

 

 

 

 

0

 

 

 

 

 

0

 

 

 

 

 

0

 

 

 

 

 

0

 

 

 

 

 

0

 

 

 

 

Shane R. Tackett

 

 

 

0

 

 

 

 

 

0

 

 

 

 

 

0

 

 

 

 

 

0

 

 

 

 

 

0

 

 

 

 

 

0

 

 

 

 

Benito Minicucci

 

 

 

0

 

 

 

 

 

0

 

 

 

 

 

0

 

 

 

 

 

0

 

 

 

 

 

0

 

 

 

 

 

0

 

 

 

 

Andrew R. Harrison

 

 

 

0

 

 

 

 

 

0

 

 

 

 

 

0

 

 

 

 

 

0

 

 

 

 

 

0

 

 

 

 

 

0

 

 

 

 

Gary L. Beck

 

 

 

0

 

 

 

 

 

0

 

 

 

 

 

0

 

 

 

 

 

0

 

 

 

 

 

0

 

 

 

 

 

0

 

 

 

*Mr. Pedersen retired from the Company on March 2, 2020 and is therefore only included in the Retirement Termination table.  The table above showsthis column represent the value of the benefits Mr. Pedersen actually receivedthat would have been reduced upon such a termination of the NEO’s employment.

(9)
In the event of Termination Without Cause, Messrs. Minicucci, Tackett, Harrison, and Mses. Schneider and von Muehlen would be potentially eligible for benefits outlined by the Alaska Air Group, Inc. Executive Severance Benefits Guidelines (Amended and Restate April 30, 2022). The benefits outlined in connection with his retirement (with equity awards valued based on stock price asthe table are guidelines; they do not create any rights in favor of March 2, 2020.

(1)

All employees who retire with more than ten years of service are entitled to flight benefits on Alaska Airlines and Virgin America. Flight benefits for the Named Executive Officers are for positive-space travel, for which the Company also provides a tax reimbursement. Messrs. Tilden, Tackett, Minicucci, Harrison, Beck, and Pedersen qualify for these benefits under the applicable termination scenarios shown above. In this column, we show the present value of this benefit, calculated using a discount rate equal to 120% of the long-term AFR for December 2020 and Code Section 417(e) mortality for 2021, described above in the section titled “Pension and Other Retirement Benefits.” Other assumptions include that the lifetime average annual usage is equal to actual average annual usage amounts in 2018 through 2020, and that the annual value of the benefit is equal to the annual incremental cost to the Company, which will be the same as the average of the incremental cost incurred to provide air travel benefits to the executive in those years as disclosed under All Other Compensation in the Summary Compensation Table.

any officer or employee, and they remain subject to the discretion of the Committee.

(2)

The following amounts represent the “in-the-money” value of unvested stock options and the face value of unvested restricted stock units and performance stock units in the circumstances described above based on a stock price of $52.00. These amounts include the value of performance shares at the target number of shares prorated by the completed portion of the performance period as of December 31, 2020. The value of the extended term of the options is not reflected in the table because we have assumed that the executive’s outstanding stock options would be cashed out by the acquiring company pursuant to a change in control.

(3)

The following values represents the sum of (a) the executive’s highest rate of base salary during the preceding 12 months and (b) the higher of the executive’s target incentive or his average incentive for the three preceding years, multiplied by the number of years in the employment period.

(4)

The following values represent the sum of (a) the matching contribution the executive would have received under our qualified defined contribution plan had the executive continued to contribute the maximum allowable amount during the employment period, and (b) the contribution the executive would have received under our nonqualified defined contribution plan had the executive continued to participate in the plan during the employment period.

(5)

The following values represent the estimated cost of (a) 18 months of premiums under our medical, dental and vision programs, and (b) three years of continued participation in life, disability, accidental death insurance and other fringe benefit programs.

(6)

The following amounts represent the “in-the-money” value of unvested stock options and the face value of unvested restricted stock units and performance stock units in the circumstances described above based on a stock price of $52.00. The value of the extended term of the options is not reflected in the table because we have assumed that the executive’s outstanding stock options would be cashed out by the acquiring company pursuant to a change in control. These amounts assume full acceleration of performance shares upon a change in control at the target number of shares.  As noted above, outstanding equity awards under the 2016 Performance Incentive Plan would also accelerate if a change in control occurs and the awards are not assumed by the acquirer.  In that case, the value of each NEO’s outstanding awards that would accelerate is the same as the value reflected for the NEO in this column.


71


CEO Pay Ratio

We are providing the following information about the relationship of the median annual total compensation of the Company’s employees and the annual total compensation of Mr. Tilden,Minicucci, the Company’s CEO, pursuant to Section 953(b) of the Dodd-Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act, and Item 402(u) of Regulation S-K.

For 2020,2022, the Company’s last completed fiscal year:

the median of the annual total compensation of all employees of the Company (other than the CEO) was $61,404;$67,269; and

the annual total compensation of the CEO was $6,092,052.

$6,501,458 (which includes the value of equity that was subsequently clawed back due to CARES Act executive compensation limits and adjustments fornon-discriminatory benefits).

Based on this information, for 20202022 the ratio of the annual total compensation of the CEO to the median of the annual total compensation of all employees was 99.2196.65 to 1. The Company believes this ratio is a reasonable estimate calculated in a manner consistent with Item 402(u) of Regulation S-K.

To identify the median of the annual total compensation of all company employees, we used the following

methodology, assumptions and estimates:

Selection of Determination Date. SEC rules require the Company to select a date within the last three months of the fiscal year. We selected December 31, 20202022 as the date upon which the “median employee”median employee would be identified.identified.

Determination of Adjusted Employee Population.We determined that, as of December 31, 2020,2022, the

employee population for purposes of this disclosure, after taking into consideration certain adjustments

permitted by SEC rules (as described below), consisted of 21,68424,961 individuals. This population includes all employees, whether employed on a full-time, part-time, temporary or seasonal basis. However, as permitted under SEC rules, we excluded non-U.S. employees as they make up less than 5% of the Company’s total employee population. As of December 31, 2020,2022, the Company’s subsidiaries employed 5648 employees in Canada, one (1) employee2 employees in Costa Rica and 91Belize, and 109 employees in Mexico, as compared to a total global employee population of 21,83225,120 (i.e., 21,68424,961 U.S., 148159 non-U.S.). The Company did not employ any other non-U.S. employees as of December 31, 2020.2022.

Identification of Median Employee.To identify the median employee from the Company’s adjusted employee population outlined above, after excluding the CEO, we compared the amount of gross earnings of these employees as reflected in payroll records. We identified the median employee using this compensation measure, which was consistently applied to all employees included in the calculation. We then identified the employee whose wages fell at the midpoint of the distribution.

Calculation of Annual Total Compensation. Once the median employee was identified, all of the elements of such employee’s compensation for 20202022 were combined in accordance with the requirements of Item 402(c)(2)(x) of Regulation S-K (i.e., the same rules used to determine the CEO’sCEO.s total compensation for 20202022 as reported in the Summary Compensation Table), resulting in annual total compensation of $61,404,$67,269, including the estimated value of such employee’s non-discriminatory benefits (estimated for the employee and such employee’s eligible dependents at $8,382)$7,653).

With respect

As described in the Compensation Impacts related to COVID-19; CARES Act Impacts section above, The CARES Act imposed limitsor caps on the compensation that may be paid to the Company’s executives until April 1, 2023regardless of circumstances. As a result, the Company recouped $3,349,450 of unvested equity from Mr. Minicucci during 2022. So, while the summary compensation table reflects the equity awards that were granted in the year, a significant portion of that award value was recouped in the form of unvested equity returned to the annual total compensation of the CEO, we used the amount reported in the “Total” column of the 2020 Summary Compensation Table included in this Proxy Statement plus the estimated value of the CEO’s non-discriminatory benefits for a total amount of $6,092,052.Company.

The Company believes the methodology, assumptions and estimates described above to be reasonable given the specific employee population. Companies are permitted under SEC rules to exercise significant flexibility and discretion in determining the methodology used to comply with the requirements of this disclosure. As acknowledged by the SEC, this flexibility could reduce the comparability of disclosed pay ratios across companies. Therefore, the pay ratio may not necessarily be be representative of or comparable to pay ratios disclosed by other companies in theairline industry or otherwise.

72



Pay vs. Performance

Pay vs. Performance Table Discussion and Analysis

In accordance with Item 402(v) of Regulation S-K, we are providing the following information regarding the relationship between the total compensation of our principal executive officer (PEO) and our other named executive officers (referred to as Non-PEO NEOs) and our financial performance for the fiscal years shown in the table. For further information on our pay-for-performance philosophy and how our executive compensation aligns with the Company’s performance, refer to the Compensation Discussion and Analysis section of this proxy statement.

Pay vs. Performance Table

 

Value of Initial Fixed $100 Investment Based On:

 

 

Year

Summary Compensation Table Total for PEO #1(1&2)

Summary Compensation Table Total for PEO #2(1&2)

Compensation Actually Paid to PEO #1(1&3)

Compensation Actually Paid to PEO #2(1&3)

Average Summary Compensation Table Total for Non-PEO NEOs(4)

Average Compensation Actually Paid to Non-PEO NEOs(5)

Total Shareholder Return(6)

Peer Group Total Shareholder Return(7)

Net Income (millions)(8)

Company Selected Measure (Adjusted Pre-Tax Margin)(9)

2022

N/A

$6,487,981

$0

$3,004,559

$3,000,762

$1,834,114

$63.74

$53.09

$58

7.60%

2021

$873,333

$5,130,162

$1,027,753

$2,381,082

$2,442,646

$1,254,528

$77.34

$67.94

$478

-5.60%

2020

$6,077,957

N/A

$1,571,752

$0

$2,768,356

$1,278,102

$77.19

$69.23

($1,324)

-49.10%

(1)
PEOs and NEOs included in these columns reflect the following:

AUDIT COMMITTEE MATTERS Year

 PEO #1

 PEO #2

 Non-PEO NEOs

2022

Mr. Minicucci

 Mr. Tackett, Mr. Harrison, Ms. Schneider, Ms. von Muehlen

2021

Mr. Tilden

Mr. Minicucci

 Mr. Tackett, Mr. Harrison, Ms. Schneider, Ms. von Muehlen

2020

Mr. Tilden

 Mr. Minicucci, Mr. Tackett, Mr. Pedersen, Mr. Harrison, Mr. Beck

(2)
Amounts reflect the total compensation for our PEOs, as reported in the Summary Compensation Table for the applicable fiscal year.
(3)
Amounts reflect the “compensation actually paid” (CAP) to our PEOs, as computed in accordance with Item 402(v) of SEC Regulation S-K. As provided in Item 402(v), the adjustments in the table below were made to each PEO’s total compensation reported in the Summary Compensation Table for each year to determine the compensation actually paid to each PEO for purposes of this disclosure.
(4)
Amounts reflect the average compensation for our non-PEO NEOs, as reported in the Summary Compensation Table for the applicable fiscal year.
(5)
Amounts reflect the average CAP to our Non-PEO NEOs, as computed in accordance with Item. As provided in Item 402(v) of SEC Regulation S-K. As provided in Item 402(v), the adjustments in the table below were made to average the Non-PEO NEO's total compensation reported in the Summary Compensation Table for each year to determine the average compensation actually paid to Non-PEOs for purposes of this disclosure.
(6)
The amounts in this column assume the investment of $100 in December 31, 2019 on Alaska Air Group’s common shares traded on the NYSE and the reinvestment of all dividends since that date.
(7)
The amounts in this column assume the investment of $100 on December 31, 2019 in the Dow Jones U.S. Airlines Index and the reinvestment of all dividends since that date.
(8)
Amounts reflect Alaska Air Group’s net income as reported in our audited financial statements for the applicable year.
(9)
Amounts reflect Alaska Air Group’s adjusted pre-tax margin for each fiscal year. While we use numerous financial and non-financial performance measures to evaluate performance under our compensation programs, adjusted pre-tax margin is the financial performance measure that, in Alaska Air Group’s assessment, represents the most important performance measure (that is not otherwise required to be disclosed in the table) used to link compensation actually paid to the NEOs to company performance for the most recently completed fiscal year. See Appendix A for the calculation of adjusted pre-tax margin.

The following table details the total equity award adjustments for each applicable year, including the amounts added (or subtracted, as applicable) for each PEO and non-PEO NEOs, as computed in

73


accordance with Item 402(v). In general, the adjustments for equity awards provided in Item 402(v) are as follows:

Subtract the amounts reported in the “Stock Awards” and “Option Awards” columns of the Summary Compensation Table for the applicable fiscal year,
Add the fiscal year-end value of option and stock awards granted in the covered fiscal year which were outstanding and unvested at the end of the covered fiscal year,
Add the change in value (which may be a negative number) as of the end of the covered fiscal year as compared to the value at the end of the prior fiscal year for option and stock awards which were granted in prior fiscal years and were outstanding and unvested at the end of the covered fiscal year,
Add the vesting date value of option and stock awards which were granted and vested during the same covered fiscal year,
Add the change in value (which may be a negative number) as of the vesting date as compared to the value at the end of the prior fiscal year for option and stock awards which were granted in prior fiscal years and vested in the covered fiscal year,
Subtract as to any option and stock awards which were granted in prior fiscal years and were forfeited during the covered fiscal year, the value of such awards as of the end of the prior fiscal year,
Plus the dollar value of any dividends or other earnings paid during the covered fiscal year on outstanding and unvested awards.
Plus, as to any option or stock award that was materially modified during the covered fiscal year, the amount by which the value of the award as of the date of the modification exceeds the value of the original award on the modification date (none of the option or stock awards held by the named executive officers were materially modified during the fiscal years covered by the table).

In making each of these adjustments, the “value” of an option or stock award is the fair value of the award on the applicable date determined in accordance with FASB ASC Topic 718 using the valuation assumptions we then used to calculate the fair value of our equity awards. For more information on the valuation of our equity awards, please see the notes to our financial statements that appear in our Annual Report on Form 10-K each fiscal year and the footnotes to the Summary Compensation Table that appears in our annual Proxy Statement.

 

 

PEO 2: Mr. Minicucci

 

PEO 1: Mr. Tilden

 

NEO Average

 

 

2022

2021

 

2021

2020

 

2022

2021

2020

Summary Compensation Table Total

 

$6,487,981

$5,130,162

 

$873,333

$6,077,957

 

$3,000,762

$2,442,646

$2,768,356

Less: Reported Fair Value of Equity Awards

 

$3,886,393

$3,518,540

 

$119,975

$4,098,304

 

$1,539,584

$1,424,174

$1,942,540

Add: Year-End Fair Value of Equity Awards Granted in the Year (10)

 

$943,089

$541,300

 

$95,343

$3,394,837

 

$471,845

$222,921

$1,853,380

Add: Change in Fair Value of Equity Awards Granted in Prior Years that Vested in the Year

 

($21,200)

$201,271

 

$159,037

($30,708)

 

$21,053

$46,010

($53,893)

Add: Change in Fair Value of Outstanding and Unvested Equity Awards

 

($518,918)

$26,889

 

$20,015

($3,115,171)

 

($119,961)

$7,208

($1,030,503)

Less: Fair Value at the End of the Prior Year of Equity Awards that Failed to Meet Vesting Conditions in the Year

 

$0

$0

 

$0

$0

 

$0

$0

$292,520

Less: Reported Change in the Actuarial Present Value of Pension Benefits (11)

 

$0

$0

 

$0

$656,859

 

$0

$40,083

$24,178

Add: Service Cost and Prior Service Cost for Pension Benefits (12)

 

$0

$0

 

$0

$0

 

$0

$0.00

$0

Compensation Actually Paid

 

$3,004,559

$2,381,082

 

$1,027,753

$1,571,752

 

$1,834,114

$1,254,528

$1,278,102

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(10)
Amounts do not include year-end fair value of equity award granted in the year that were subsequently clawed back due to the CARES Act executive compensation limits. More details on clawbacks are available in section Compensation Discussion and Analysis Section.
(11)
Amounts reflect the changes in the actuarial present value of pension benefits, as reported in the Summary Compensation Table.
(12)
As described in the Retirement Benefits/Deferred Compensation section above, the tax-qualified defined benefit plan was frozen on January 1, 2014 at its then-current benefit levels and no associated service costs have been incurred since that date. Amounts reflect $0 of the actuarial present value of each named executive officer’s benefit under all such plans attributable to services rendered during the covered fiscal year, and $0 of the entire cost of benefits granted (or credit for benefits reduced) in the plan amendment (or initiation) during the covered fiscal year that are attributed by the benefit formula to services rendered in periods prior to the amendment.

Most Important Company Performance Measures for Determining Executive Compensation

In accordance with Item 402(v) requirements, we are providing the following unranked list of the financial performance measures used by Alaska Air Group we consider most important to link the compensation actually paid to the NEOs to company performance during fiscal year 2022:

Adjusted Pre-Tax Margin
Relative TSR
ROIC

Pay vs. Performance Table Discussion and Analysis

In accordance with Item 402(v) requirements, we are providing the following charts to describe the relationships between information presented in the Pay vs. Performance table. The following charts show the relationship between the compensation actually paid to our NEOs and the Company's financial performance, in each case presented in the tables below: 1) TSR of both Alaska Air Group and the Dow Jones U.S. Airlines Index; 2) Alaska Air Group’s Net Income; and 3) Alaska Air Group’s Adjusted Pre-Tax Margin.

CAP vs. TSR

CAP vs. Net Income

CAP vs. Adjusted Pretax Margin

CAP vs. TSR

img48386705_22.jpg 

 

CAP vs. Net Income

75


img48386705_23.jpg 

CAP vs. Adjusted Pretax Margin

img48386705_24.jpg 

CAP vs. TSR $77 $77 $64 $69 $68 $53 $1.6M $1.3M $1.0M $2.4M $1.3M $3.0 $1.8M 2020 2021 2022 Compensation Actually Paid (Mr. Tilden) Compensation Actually Paid (Mr. Minicucci) Avg. Compensation Actually Paid (Non-CEO NEO) Company TSR Peer Group TSR CAP vs. Net Income -$1,324.M $478.M $58.M $1.6M $1.3M $1.0M $2.4M $1.3M $3.0M $1.8M 2020 2021 2022 Compensation Actually Paid (Mr. Tilden) Compensation Actually Paid (Mr. Minicucci) Avg. Compensation Actually Paid (Non-CEO NEO) Net Income(millions) CAP vs. Adjusted Pretax Margin -49.10% -5.60% 7.60% $1.6M $1.3M $1.0M $2.4M $1.3M $3.0M $1.8M 2020 2021 2022 Compensation Actually Paid (Mr. Tilden) Compensation Actually Paid (Mr. Minicucci) Avg. Compensation Actually Paid (Non-CEO NEO) Adjusted Pretax Margin

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Proposal 3:Advisory Vote on Frequency of Future Advisory Vote on Named Executive Officer Compensation

As described in Proposal 2 above, the Company’s shareholders are being provided the opportunity to cast an advisory vote on the compensation of the Company’s named executive officers.

This Proposal 3 affords shareholder the opportunity to cast an advisory vote on how often the Company should include an advisory vote on executive compensation in its proxy materials for future annual shareholder meetings (or special shareholder meeting for which the Company must include executive compensation information in the proxy statement for that meeting). Under this Proposal 3, shareholders may vote to have the advisory vote on executive compensation held every one year, every two years or every three years.

After careful consideration, our Board of Directors believes that advisory votes on executive compensation should be conducted every year so that shareholders may annually express their views on the Company’s executive compensation program. The Compensation and Leadership Development Committee, which administers the Company’s executive compensation program, values the opinions expressed by shareholders in these votes and will consider the outcome of these votes when making future compensation decisions for our named executive officers.

This proposal on the frequency of future advisory votes on executive compensation is advisory only and will not be binding on the Company or our Board. In voting on this proposal, you will be able to indicate your preference regarding the frequency of future advisory votes on executive compensation by specifying a choice of one year, two years or three years. If you do not have a preference regarding the frequency of future advisory votes on executive compensation, you should abstain from voting on the proposal. Shareholders are not voting to approve or disapprove the Board’s recommendation. Although non-binding, the Board and the Compensation and Leadership Development Committee will carefully review the voting results. Notwithstanding the Board’s recommendation and the outcome of the shareholder vote, the Board may in the future decide to conduct advisory votes on executive compensation on a more or less frequent basis and may vary practice based on factors such as discussions with shareholders and the adoption of material changes to the Company’s executive compensation program.

THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS RECOMMENDS THAT YOU VOTE TO HOLD FUTURE ADVISORY VOTES ON EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION EVERY ONE YEAR (AS OPPOSED TO EVERY TWO YEARS OR EVERY THREE YEARS).

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AUDIT COMMITTEE MATTERS

Proposal 4: Ratification of the AppointmentAppointment of the Company’s Independent Registered Public Accountants

The Audit Committee has selected KPMG LLP (KPMG) as the Company’s independent registered public accountants (the independent accountants) for fiscal year 2021,2023, and the Board is asking stockholdersshareholders to ratify that selection. Although current law, rules, and regulations, as well as the charter of the Audit Committee, require the Audit Committee to engage, retain, and supervise the independent accountants, the Board considers the selection of the independent accountants to be an important matter of stockholdershareholder concern and is submitting the selection of KPMG for ratification by stockholdersshareholders as a matter of good corporate practice.

The affirmative vote of holders of a majority of the shares of common stock represented at the Annual Meeting, in person and by proxy, and entitled to vote on the matter is required to ratify the selection of KPMG as the Company’s independent accountants for the current fiscal year.

THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS RECOMMENDS THAT YOU VOTE FOR THE RATIFICATION OF THE COMPANY’S INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTANTS.

Independent Registered Public Accountants

Selection of Independent Accountants for the Current Fiscal Year

The Audit Committee has selected, and is recommending that stockholdersshareholders ratify, KPMG LLP (KPMG) as the Company’s independent accountants for the 20212023 fiscal year. KPMG also served as the Company’s independent accountants for fiscal year 2019 and 2020.since 2004. Representatives of KPMG are expected to attend the Company’s annual meeting of stockholdersAnnual Meeting to respond to questions from stockholdersshareholders and will have the opportunity to make a statement if they wish to do so.

Fees Paid to Independent Accountants

During fiscal years 20202022 and 2019,2021, the Company retained KPMG as its independent accountants. Below are the fees paid for the services described during each of the two years:

20202022

Audit Fees for the Company’s Annual Financial Statements and Quarterly Reviews (1)

$2,608,1102,120,000

Audit-Related Fees (2)

$33,000258,000

Tax Fees

$0

All Other Fees

$0

Total Fees for 20202022

$2,641,1102,378,000

20192021

Audit Fees for the Company’s Annual Financial Statements and Quarterly Reviews (1)

$1,982,0401,825,604

Audit-Related Fees (2)

$28,20033,000

Tax Fees

$0

All Other Fees

$0

Total Fees for 20192021

$2,010,2401,858,604

(1)
Audit fees represent the arranged fees for the years presented, including the annual audit of internal controls as mandated under Sarbanes-Oxley Section 404. Audit fees also include fees of $25,000 and $18,000 for consent services associated with SEC registration statements in the respective year, as well as $310,000 and $107,464 related to additional accounting matters and out-of-pocket expenses reimbursed during the respective year.

(1)

Audit fees represent the arranged fees for the years presented, including the annual audit of internal controls as mandated under Sarbanes-Oxley Section 404. Audit fees also include fees of $307,575 in 2020 related to the implementation of a new revenue accounting system, comfort letter and consent services associated with SEC registration statements and $97,122 in 2019 related to the implementation of the new lease accounting standard, and out-of-pocket expenses reimbursed during the respective year.

(2)
Includes fees paid for professional services in connection with (i) the audit of passenger facility charges and examination of related controls in both years, (ii) agreed-upon procedures for the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services in both years, and (iii) agreed-upon procedures for the West Coast International Alliance reporting requirements in 2022.

(2)

Includes fees paid for professional services in connection with (i) the audit of passenger facility charges and examination of related controls and (ii) agreed-upon procedures for the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services in all years.


78


Independent AccountantAccountant Engagement Policy

The Audit Committee has established and annually reviews an Independent Accountant Engagement Policy designed to ensure that the Company’s independent accountants perform services independently and with the highest integrity and professionalism. In addition to certain specific prohibited services, the Audit Committee considers whether any service provided by the independent accountants may impair the firm’s independence in fact or appearance.

The policy provides that any engagement of the Company’s outside accountant must be consistent with principles determined by the SEC, namely, whether the independent accountants are capable of exercising impartial judgment on all issues encompassed within the accountants’ engagement.

Permitted services under the policy include audit services, audit-related services, certain tax services and certain other services not prohibited by SEC rules or other federal regulations. Before retaining its independent accountants for non-audit services, the Audit Committee considers factors such as whether the services might compromise the accountants’ independence, whether the accountants are the best provider for the services, and whether the proportion of audit to non-audit services is appropriate.

All services must be pre-approved by the Audit Committee except for certain services other than audit, review, or attestation services that meet the “de minimis exception” under Regulation S-X Rule 2-01 of the rules of the SEC, namely:

the aggregate amount of fees paid for all such services is not more than 5% of the total fees paid by the Company to its accountants during the fiscal year in which the services are provided;

such services were not recognized by the Company at the time of the engagement to be non-audit services; and

such services are promptly brought to the attention of the Audit Committee and approved prior to the completion of the audit.

During fiscal years 20202022 and 2019,2021, there were no such services that were performed pursuant to the “de minimis exception.”


Audit CommitteeCommittee Report

The following report of the Audit Committee shall not be deemed to be soliciting material or to be filed with the SEC under the Exchange Act or incorporated by reference in any document so filed.

Review of the Company’s Audited Financial Statements

The Audit Committee has reviewed and discussed with management and KPMG, the Company’s independent accountants, the Company’s audited financial statements included in the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2020. The Committee believes that management maintains an effective system of internal controls that results in fairly presented financial statements.2022.

The Audit Committee has discussed with KPMG the matters required to be discussed by Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (PCAOB) Auditing Standard 1301 (Communications with Audit Committees), as amended, as adopted by the PCAOB.PCAOB and the SEC.

The Audit Committee has also received and reviewed the written disclosures and the KPMG letter required by PCAOB Rule 3526, Communicating with Audit Committees Concerning Independence, and has discussed with KPMG their independence.

Based on the review and discussions described above, the Audit Committee recommended to the Board of Directors that the audited financial statements be included in Alaska Air Group’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2020.2022.

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Audit Committee Charter

The Audit Committee has adopted a written charter, which is posted on the Company’s website at www.alaskaair.com under About Alaska/Investor Relations. It describes the roles of the Audit Committee and the independent accountants (for which the Audit Committee approves the appointment and compensation and whom the Committee oversees). In addition, it describes the Audit Committee’s relationship to internal audit and the Committee’s responsibilities with regard to assessing the Company’s internal controls and enterprise risk.

Audit Committee Independence and Financial Expertise

All members of the Audit Committee meet the independence, financial literacy and experience requirements of the NYSE and of the SEC. The SEC requires that at least one member qualify as a “financial expert” as defined pursuant to the Sarbanes-Oxley Act.

Mr. Yeaman’s prior experience as a chief financial officer of a public company and Ms. Bedient’s prior experience as a public company chief financial officer and former partner of a global accounting firm qualifies each of themhim as a financial expert.

Audit Committee of the Board of Directors

Eric K. Yeaman, Chair

Patricia M. Bedient, Member

Daniel K. Elwell, Member (since January 2021)

Dhiren R. Fonseca, Member

Susan J. Li, Member, until she steps down as a board member on May 4, 2023

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2016 PERFORMANCE INCENTIVE PLAN AMENDMENT AND RESTATEMENTSECURITIES OWNERSHIP

Proposal 4: Approval of the Alaska Air Group, Inc.

Amended and Restated 2016 Performance Incentive Plan

Amended and Restated 2016 Performance Incentive Plan Highlights

The Company maintains the Alaska Air Group, Inc. 2016 Performance Incentive Plan (the “2016 Plan”) for the purpose of promoting its success through the issuance of equity- and cash-based awards that are designed to attract, motivate, retain and reward employees.  The Board is seeking stockholder approval of the amendments to the 2016 Plan described below.  The Board approved these amendments to the 2016 Plan on March 18, 2021 (the “Amendment Effective Date”).  

As of March 18, 2021, 2,634,923 shares of the Company’s common stock remained available for new award grants under the 2016 Plan (or 1,154,714 shares if the fungible-share ratio for “full-value awards” (as defined below) currently in effect for the 2016 Plan is applied.  The Board believes that increasing the number of shares of the Company’s common stock available for grant under the 2016 Plan by an additional 2,700,000 million shares will allow the Company to continue to grant awards under the 2016 Plan that are payable in shares of common stock for an additional five (5) years.  Please see the disclosure under “Specific Benefits Under the 2016 Plan” below.

The amended and restated 2016 Plan reflects the following amendments that are subject to stockholder approval of this proposal:

Increase in Aggregate Share Limit.  The 2016 Plan currently limits the aggregate number of shares of the Company’s common stock that may be delivered pursuant to all awards granted under the 2016 Plan to 5,756,807 shares, plus the number of shares subject to awards granted under the Company’s 2008 Performance Incentive Plan (the “2008 Plan”) and outstanding as of May 12, 2016 which expire, or for any reason are cancelled or terminated, after May 12, 2016 without being exercised.  As of March 18, 2021, a total of 2,398,667 shares of common stock were subject to outstanding awards granted under the 2016 Plan and, as noted above, only 2,634,923 shares of common stock were then available for new award grants under the 2016 Plan (or 1,154,714 shares applying the fungible-share ratio for full-value awards currently in effect under the plan).  The proposed amendment and restatement would increase the number of shares of the Company’s common stock that may be delivered pursuant to awards granted under the 2016 Plan by an additional 2.7 million shares.

Extension of Plan Term.  The 2016 Plan is currently scheduled to expire on February 9, 2026.  The proposed amendment and restatement would extend the Company’s ability to grant new awards under the 2016 Plan through March 17, 2031.

Changes in Certain Share Counting Rules.  The 2016 Plan currently provides that “full-value awards” will be counted against the plan’s share limit as 1.7 shares for every one share actually issued in connection with such award.  In order to simplify the administration of the 2016 Plan, the proposed amendment and restatement would remove this provision and provides that all types of awards will count on a one-for-one basis against the share limit.  

Removal of Limit on Certain Types of Awards; Section 162(m) of the Internal Revenue Code.  The Tax Cut and Jobs Act of 2017 removed the performance-based compensation deductibility exception under Section 162(m) of the Internal Revenue Code.  Given this change in the tax code, the proposed amendment and restatement would remove certain limits from the plan on the maximum number of options, stock appreciation rights, and performance-based awards that may be granted in any fiscal year to any one participant since those limits had previously been included to satisfy the requirements of Section 162(m).  Furthermore, provisions of the 2016 Plan that provided flexibility to grant performance-based compensation intended to satisfy the compensation deductibility exception under Section 162(m) of the Code have been removed from the plan since that deductibility exception is no longer applicable to any new award grant.  The Company may continue to grant performance-based awards under the 2016 Plan; only the provisions related to the performance-based compensation exception of Section 162(m) have been removed since that exception no longer applies to new award grants.


Except as noted above, the key terms of the amended and restated 2016 Plan are substantially the same as those initially approved by stockholders for the 2016 Plan.

The 2016 Plan is administered by a committee of independent directors.

The 2016 Plan does not allow the repricing of stock options without stockholder approval.

The 2016 Plan does not allow for reload options.

The Company does not pay tax gross-ups related to plan awards.

The term of the 2016 Plan is 10 years (measured from the date of Board approval of the amended and restated plan on March 18, 2021).

Accelerated vesting in connection with a change in control requires a double trigger: 1) the consummation of a merger or acquisition and 2) actual or constructive termination of the holder’s employment (or a termination of the award on the transaction as described below under “Assumption or Termination of Awards”). 

In addition, the Company has adopted the following practices and policies:

The Company has a track record of using its incentive plan responsibly, as evidenced by its low 3-year average burn rate of 0.6%.

The administrative committee’s long-standing practice has been to vest equity performance units upon completion of a three-year performance period and to vest stock options over a four-year period.

The Board has adopted many strong governance practices, including a clawback policy that covers equity awards.

General

At the Annual Meeting, stockholders will be asked to approve the amendments described above to the 2016 Plan.  The amended and restated 2016 Plan was adopted, subject to stockholder approval, by the Board of Directors on March 18, 2021.

The Company believes that stock-based awards incentivize employees to create stockholder value and promote the success of the Company, and that incentive compensation plans like the amended and restated 2016 Plan are an important attraction, retention and motivation tool for participants.

If stockholders do not approve this 2016 Plan proposal, the current share limits of the 2016 Plan will remain in effect, the plan term will not be extended, and the other amendments described above will not be effective.

Summary Description of the 2016 Performance Incentive Plan

The principal terms of the 2016 Plan are summarized below.  The following summary is qualified in its entirety by the full text of the 2016 Plan, which appears as Exhibit A to this Proxy Statement.  Capitalized terms are as defined in Exhibit A.

Purpose.  The purpose of the 2016 Plan is to promote the success of the Company by providing an additional means for us to attract, motivate, retain and reward selected employees and other eligible persons through the grant of awards and to enhance the alignment of the interests of the selected participants with the interests of the Company’s stockholders.

Administration.  The Board or one or more committees appointed by the Board will administer the 2016 Plan.  The Board has delegated general administrative authority for the 2016 Plan to the Compensation and Leadership Development Committee.  The Board or another committee (within its delegated authority) may delegate some or all of its authority with respect to the 2016 Plan to another committee of directors, and certain limited authority to grant awards to employees may be delegated to one or more officers of the Company.  (The appropriate acting body, be it the board of directors, a committee within its delegated authority, or an officer within his or her delegated authority, is referred to in this proposal as the “Administrator”).

The Administrator has broad authority under the 2016 Plan, including, without limitation, the authority:

to select eligible participants and determine the type(s) of award(s) that they are to receive;


to grant awards and determine the terms and conditions of awards, including the price (if any) to be paid for the shares or the award and, in the case of share-based awards, the number of shares to be offered or awarded;

to determine any applicable vesting and exercise conditions for awards (including any applicable performance-based and/or time-based vesting or exercisability conditions) and the extent to which such conditions have been satisfied, or determine that no delayed vesting or exercise is required, to determine the circumstances in which any performance-based goals (or the applicable measure of performance) will be adjusted and the nature and impact of any such adjustment, to establish the events (if any) on which exercisability or vesting may accelerate (including specified terminations of employment or service or other circumstances), and to accelerate or extend the vesting or exercisability or extend the term of any or all outstanding awards (subject in the case of options and stock appreciation rights to the maximum term of the award);

to cancel, modify, or waive the Company’s rights with respect to, or modify, discontinue, suspend, or terminate any or all outstanding awards, subject to any required consents;

subject to the other provisions of the 2016 Plan, to make certain adjustments to an outstanding award and to authorize the conversion, succession or substitution of an award;

to determine the method of payment of any purchase price for an award or shares of the Company’s common stock delivered under the 2016 Plan, as well as any tax-related items with respect to an award, which may be in the form of cash, check, or electronic funds transfer, by the delivery of already-owned shares of the Company’s common stock or by a reduction of the number of shares deliverable pursuant to the award, by services rendered by the recipient of the award, by notice and third party payment or cashless exercise on such terms as the Administrator may authorize, or any other form permitted by law;

to modify the terms and conditions of any award, establish sub-plans and agreements and determine different terms and conditions that the Administrator deems necessary or advisable to comply with laws in the countries where the Company or one of its subsidiaries operates or where one or more eligible participants reside or provide services;

to approve the form of any award agreements used under the 2016 Plan; and

to construe and interpret the 2016 Plan, make rules for the administration of the 2016 Plan, and make all other determinations for the administration of the 2016 Plan.

No Repricing.  In no case (except due to an adjustment to reflect a stock split or other event referred to under “Adjustments” below, or any repricing that may be approved by stockholders) will the Administrator (1) amend an outstanding stock option or stock appreciation right to reduce the exercise price or base price of the award, (2) cancel, exchange, or surrender an outstanding stock option or stock appreciation right in exchange for cash or other awards for the purpose of repricing the award, or (3) cancel, exchange, or surrender an outstanding stock option or stock appreciation right in exchange for an option or stock appreciation right with an exercise or base price that is less than the exercise or base price of the original award.

Eligibility.  Persons eligible to receive awards under the 2016 Plan include officers or employees of the Company or any of its subsidiaries, directors of the Company, and certain consultants and advisors to the Company or any of its subsidiaries.  As of March 12, 2021, approximately 21,000 officers and employees of the Company and its subsidiaries (including all of the Company’s named executive officers), and each of the Company’s 12 non-employee directors, are considered eligible under the 2016 Plan.

Authorized Shares; Limits on Awards.  Currently, the maximum number of shares of the Company’s common stock that may be issued or transferred pursuant to all awards under the 2016 Plan (including awards that have previously been granted and settled under the 2016 Plan) equals the sum of: (1) 5,756,807 shares, plus (2) the number of any shares subject to stock options granted under the 2008 Plan and outstanding as of May 12, 2016 which expire, or for any reason are cancelled or terminated, after May 12, 2016 without being exercised, plus (3) the number of any shares subject to restricted stock and restricted stock unit awards granted under the 2008 Plan that are outstanding and unvested as May 12, 2016 which are forfeited, terminated, cancelled, or otherwise reacquired after May 12, 2016 without having become vested (with any


shares taken into account based on the premium share-counting rule discussed below for full-value awards as then in effect).  

If stockholders approve this 2016 Plan proposal, the maximum number of shares of the Company’s common stock that may be issued or transferred on or after the Amendment Effective Date pursuant to awards (including awards outstanding on the Amendment Effective Date, but exclusive of awards granted and settled prior to the Amendment Effective Date) granted under the 2016 Plan will be the sum of (1) 6,253,381 shares (which represents the sum of 2,700,000 shares, plus 1,154,714 shares (i.e. the number of shares available for new grants of full-value awards under the 2016 Plan on the Amendment Effective Date, giving effect to the fungible-share ratio applicable to such awards in effect immediately prior to the Amendment Effective Date), plus 2,398,667 shares (i.e. the number of shares subject to outstanding 2016 Plan awards on the Amendment Effective Date), plus (2) the number of any shares subject to stock options granted under the 2008 Plan and outstanding on the Amendment Effective Date, which expire, or for any reason are cancelled or terminate after the Amendment Effective Date without being exercised. As of March 12, 2021, 234,398 shares were subject to options then outstanding under the 2008 Plan.

Shares issued in respect of any “full-value award” granted under the 2016 Plan are currently counted against the plan’s overall share limit as 1.7 shares for every one share actually issued in connection with the award.  For example, if the Company granted a bonus of 100 shares of its common stock under the 2016 Plan, 170 shares would be counted against the share limit with respect to that award.  For this purpose, a “full-value award” generally means any award granted under the 2016 Plan other than a stock option or stock appreciation right.  If stockholders approve this 2016 Plan proposal, all awards granted under the 2016 Plan will be counted against the plan’s share limit as one share for every one share actually issued in connection with the award.

The following other limits are also contained in the 2016 Plan.  These limits are in addition to, and not in lieu of, the share limit for the plan described above and, in the case of share-based limits, are applied on a one-for-one basis:

The maximum number of shares that may be delivered pursuant to options qualified as incentive stock options granted under the plan is 6,000,000shares.

Currently, the maximum number of shares subject to those options and stock appreciation rights that are granted under the plan during any one calendar year to any one individual is 1,200,000 shares.  If stockholders approve this 2016 Plan proposal, this limit will be removed since the limit had previously been included to satisfy the requirements of Section 162(m).

The maximum grant date fair value for awards granted to a Non-Employee Director under the 2016 Plan during any one calendar year is $300,000.  For purposes of this limit, the "grant date fair value" of an award means the value of the award on the date of grant of the award determined using the equity award valuation principles applied in the Company’s financial reporting.  This limit does not apply to, and will be determined without taking into account, any award granted to an individual who, on the grant date of the award, is an officer or employee of the Company or one of its subsidiaries.  This limit applies on an individual basis and not on an aggregate basis to all non-employee directors as a group.

Shares that are subject to or underlie awards which expire or for any reason are cancelled or terminated, are forfeited, fail to vest, or for any other reason are not paid or delivered under the 2016 Plan will not be counted against the plan’s share limit and will again be available for subsequent awards under the 2016 Plan.  Except as described below, to the extent that shares are delivered pursuant to the exercise of a stock appreciation right or stock option granted under the 2016 Plan, the number of underlying shares as to which the exercise related shall be counted against the share limit.  (For purposes of clarity, if a stock appreciation right relates to 100,000 shares and is exercised at a time when the payment due to the participant is 15,000 shares, 100,000 shares shall be charged against the share limit with respect to such exercise.)  Shares that are exchanged by a participant or withheld by the Company as full or partial payment in connection with any award under the 2016 Plan, as well as any shares exchanged or withheld to satisfy the tax withholding obligations related to any award, will be counted against the plan’s share limit and will not be available for subsequent awards under the 2016 Plan. To the extent that an award is settled in cash or a form other than shares, the shares that would have been delivered had there been no such cash or other settlement will not be counted against the plan’s hare limit and will again be available for subsequent awards under the 2016 Plan.  In the


event that shares are delivered in respect of a dividend equivalent right, the actual number of shares delivered with respect to the award shall be counted against the share limit.  (For purposes of clarity, if 1,000 dividend equivalent rights are granted and outstanding when the Company pays a dividend, and 50 shares are delivered in payment of those rights with respect to that dividend, 50 shares shall be counted against the share limit.)  Except as otherwise provided by the Administrator, shares delivered in respect of dividend equivalent rights shall not count against any individual award limit under the 2016 Plan other than the aggregate share limit.  In addition, the 2016 Plan generally provides that shares issued in connection with awards that are granted by or become obligations of the Company through the assumption of awards (or in substitution for awards) in connection with an acquisition of another company will not count against the shares available for issuance under the 2016 Plan.  The Company may not increase the applicable share limits of the 2016 Plan by repurchasing shares of common stock on the market (by using cash received through the exercise of stock options or otherwise).

Types of Awards.  The 2016 Plan authorizes stock options, stock appreciation rights, and other forms of awards granted or denominated in the Company’s common stock or units of the Company’s common stock, as well as cash bonus awards.  The 2016 Plan retains flexibility to offer competitive incentives and to tailor benefits to specific needs and circumstances.  Any award may be structured to be paid or settled in cash.

A stock option is the right to purchase shares of the Company’s common stock at a future date at a specified price per share (the “exercise price”).  The per share exercise price of an option generally may not be less than the fair market value of a share of the Company’s common stock on the date of grant.  The maximum term of an option is ten years from the date of grant.  An option may either be an incentive stock option or a nonqualified stock option.  Incentive stock option benefits are taxed differently from nonqualified stock options, as described under “Federal Income Tax Consequences of Awards Under the 2016 Plan” below.  Incentive stock options are also subject to more restrictive terms and are limited in amount by the U.S. Internal Revenue Code and the 2016 Plan.  Incentive stock options may only be granted to employees of the Company or a subsidiary.

A stock appreciation right is the right to receive payment of an amount equal to the excess of the fair market value of share of the Company’s common stock on the date of exercise of the stock appreciation right over the base price of the stock appreciation right.  The base price will be established by the Administrator at the time of grant of the stock appreciation right and generally may not be less than the fair market value of a share of the Company’s common stock on the date of grant.  Stock appreciation rights may be granted in connection with other awards or independently.  The maximum term of a stock appreciation right is ten years from the date of grant.

The other types of awards that may be granted under the 2016 Plan include, without limitation, stock bonuses, restricted stock, performance stock, stock units, restricted stock units, deferred shares or phantom stock (which are contractual rights to receive shares of stock, or cash based on the fair market value of a share of stock), dividend equivalents which represent the right to receive a payment based on the dividends paid on a share of stock over a stated period of time, or similar rights to purchase or acquire shares, and cash awards.  

Any awards under the 2016 Plan (including awards of stock options and stock appreciation rights) may be fully-vested at grant or may be subject to time- and/or performance-based vesting requirements.

Dividend Equivalents; Deferrals.  The Administrator may provide for the deferred payment of awards, and may determine the other terms applicable to deferrals.  The Administrator may provide that awards under the 2016 Plan (other than options or stock appreciation rights), and/or deferrals, earn dividends or dividend equivalents based on the amount of dividends paid on outstanding shares of Common Stock, provided that any dividends and/or dividend equivalents as to the portion of an award that is subject to unsatisfied vesting requirements will be subject to termination and forfeiture to the same extent as the corresponding portion of the award to which they relate in the event the applicable vesting requirements are not satisfied (or, in the case of a restricted stock or similar award where the dividend must be paid as a matter of law, the dividend payment will be subject to forfeiture or repayment, as the case may be, if the related vesting conditions are not satisfied).

Assumption and Termination of Awards.  If an event occurs in which the Company does not survive (or does not survive as a public company in respect of its common stock), including, without limitation, a dissolution, merger, combination, consolidation, conversion, exchange of securities, or other reorganization, or a sale of all or substantially all of the business, stock or assets of the Company, awards then-outstanding under the 2016 Plan will not automatically become fully vested pursuant to the provisions of the 2016 Plan so long as such


awards are assumed, substituted for or otherwise continued.  However, if awards then-outstanding under the 2016 Plan are to be terminated in such circumstances (without being assumed or substituted for), such awards would generally become fully vested (with any performance goals applicable to the award deemed met at the “target” performance level), subject to any exceptions that the Administrator may provide for in an applicable award agreement.  The Administrator also has the discretion to establish other change in control provisions with respect to awards granted under the 2016 Plan.  For example, the Administrator could provide for the acceleration of vesting or payment of an award in connection with a corporate event or in connection with a termination of the award holder’s employment.  For the treatment of outstanding equity awards held by the Named Executive Officers in connection with a termination of employment and/or a change in control of the Company, please see “Potential Payments Upon Change in Control and Termination” above in this Proxy Statement.

Transfer Restrictions.  Subject to certain exceptions contained in Section 5.6 of the 2016 Plan, awards under the 2016 Plan generally are not transferable by the recipient other than by will or the laws of descent and distribution and are generally exercisable, during the recipient’s lifetime, only by the recipient.  Any amounts payable or shares issuable pursuant to an award generally will be paid only to the recipient or the recipient’s beneficiary or representative.  The Administrator has discretion, however, to establish written conditions and procedures for the transfer of awards to other persons or entities, provided that such transfers comply with applicable federal and state securities laws and are not made for value (other than nominal consideration, settlement of marital property rights, or for interests in an entity in which more than 50% of the voting securities are held by the award recipient or by the recipient’s family members).

Adjustments.  As is customary in incentive plans of this nature, each share limit and the number and kind of shares available under the 2016 Plan and any outstanding awards, as well as the exercise or purchase prices of awards, and performance targets under certain types of performance-based awards, are subject to adjustment in the event of certain reorganizations, mergers, combinations, recapitalizations, stock splits, stock dividends, or other similar events that change the number or kind of shares outstanding, and extraordinary dividends or distributions of property to the stockholders.

No Limit on Other Authority.  The 2016 Plan does not limit the authority of the Board of Directors or any committee to grant awards or authorize any other compensation, with or without reference to the Company’s common stock, under any other plan or authority.

Termination of or Changes to the 2016 Plan.  The Board of Directors may amend or terminate the 2016 Plan at any time and in any manner.  Stockholder approval for an amendment will be required only to the extent then required by applicable law or deemed necessary or advisable by the Board of Directors.  Unless terminated earlier by the Board of Directors and subject to any extension that may be approved by stockholders, the authority to grant new awards under the 2016 Plan is currently scheduled to terminate on February 10, 2026.  If stockholders approve this 2016 Plan proposal, the authority to grant new awards under the 2016 Plan will terminate on March 17, 2031.  Outstanding awards, as well as the Administrator’s authority with respect thereto, generally will continue following the expiration or termination of the plan.  Generally speaking, outstanding awards may be amended by the Administrator (except for a repricing), but the consent of the award holder is required if the amendment (or any plan amendment) materially and adversely affects the holder.

U.S. Federal Income Tax Consequences of Awards under the 2016 Plan

The U.S. federal income tax consequences of the 2016 Plan under current federal law, which is subject to change, are summarized in the following discussion of the general tax principles applicable to the 2016 Plan.  This summary is not intended to be exhaustive and, among other considerations, does not describe the deferred compensation provisions of Section 409A of the U.S. Internal Revenue Code to the extent an award is subject to and does not satisfy those rules, nor does it describe state, local, or international tax consequences.

With respect to nonqualified stock options, the company is generally entitled to deduct and the participant recognizes taxable income in an amount equal to the difference between the option exercise price and the fair market value of the shares at the time of exercise.  With respect to incentive stock options, the company is generally not entitled to a deduction nor does the participant recognize income at the time of exercise, although the participant may be subject to the U.S. federal alternative minimum tax.


The current federal income tax consequences of other awards authorized under the 2016 Plan generally follow certain basic patterns: (1) nontransferable restricted stock subject to a substantial risk of forfeiture results in income recognition equal to the excess of the fair market value over the price paid (if any) only at the time the restrictions lapse (unless the recipient elects to accelerate recognition as of the date of grant); (2) bonuses, stock appreciation rights, cash and stock-based performance awards, dividend equivalents, stock units, and other types of awards are generally subject to tax at the time of payment; and (3) compensation otherwise effectively deferred is taxed when paid.  In each of the foregoing cases, the Company will generally have a corresponding deduction at the time the participant recognizes income.

If an award is accelerated under the 2016 Plan in connection with a “change in control” (as this term is used under the U.S. Internal Revenue Code), the Company may not be permitted to deduct the portion of the compensation attributable to the acceleration (“parachute payments”) if it exceeds certain threshold limits under the U.S. Internal Revenue Code (and certain related excise taxes may be triggered).  Furthermore, under Section 162(m) of the Code, the aggregate compensation in excess of $1,000,000 payable to current or former named executive officers (including amounts attributable to equity-based and other incentive awards) may not be deductible by the Company in certain circumstances.

Specific Benefits under the 2016 Performance Incentive Plan

The Company has not approved any awards that are conditioned upon stockholder approval of the 2016 Plan.  The Company is not currently considering any other specific award grants under the 2016 Plan, other than the annual grants of shares to non-employee directors described in the following paragraph.  If the amended and restated 2016 Plan had been in existence in fiscal 2020, the Company expects that its award grants for fiscal 2020 would not have been substantially different from those actually made in that year under the current version of the 2016 Plan.  For information regarding stock-based awards granted to the Company’s named executive officers during fiscal 2020, see the material under the heading “Executive Compensation.”

As described under “2020 Director Compensation” in this Proxy Statement, the Company’s current compensation policy for non-employee directors provides for each director to receive an annual award of shares of the Company’s common stock (or deferred stock units payable in shares), with the number of shares subject to each award to be determined by dividing $105,000 by the closing price of the Company’s common stock on the grant date (or the immediately preceding trading day if the grant date is not a trading day) as described above.  Assuming, for illustrative purposes only, that the price of the common stock used for the conversion of the dollar amount set forth above into shares is $68.02 (the closing price of the Company’s stock on March 12, 2021), the number of shares that would be allocated to the Company’s twelve non-employee directors as a group pursuant to the annual grant formula is approximately 185,160.  This figure represents the aggregate number of shares that would be subject to the annual grants under the director equity grant program for calendar years 2022 through 2031 (the ten remaining years in the term of the 2016 Plan, assuming this 2016 Plan proposal is approved) based on that assumed stock price.  This calculation also assumes that there are no new eligible directors, there continue to be twelve eligible directors seated and there are no changes to the awards granted under the director equity grant program.

The following paragraphs include additional information to help you assess the potential dilutive impact of the Company’s equity awards and the 2016 Plan.  The 2016 Plan and the 2008 Plan are the Company’s only equity compensation plans (other than the Company’s Employee Stock Purchase Plan (the “ESPP”)).  The Company may not grant any new awards under the 2008 Plan.  The Company does not have equity awards outstanding under any other plans.  The ESPP generally provides for broad-based participation by employees of the Company (and certain of its subsidiaries) and affords employees who elect to participate an opportunity to purchase shares of the Company’s common stock at a discount.  Certain information regarding the number of shares of Company common stock available for issuance under the ESPP is included under the heading “Equity Compensation Plan Information” below.  The discussion that follows in this “Specific Benefits” section does not include any shares that have been purchased under, may be purchased in the current purchase period under, or that remain available for issuance or delivery under the ESPP.

“Overhang” refers to the number of shares of the Company’s common stock that are subject to outstanding awards or remain available for new award grants.  The following table shows the total number of shares of the Company’s common stock that were subject to outstanding restricted stock unit awards granted under the 2016 Plan, that were subject to outstanding stock options granted under the 2016 Plan, and that were available for new award grants under the 2016 Plan as of December 31, 2020 and as of March 12, 2021.  In


this 2016 Plan proposal, the number of shares of the Company’s common stock subject to restricted stock unit awards granted during any particular period or outstanding on any particular date is presented in this proposal based on the actual number of shares of the Company’s common stock covered by those awards and without applying the current provision of the 2016 Plan for counting these awards against the plan’s share limit as 1.7 shares for every share actually issued pursuant to the award. For awards subject to performance-based vesting requirements, the number of shares presented is based on the target level of performance, although the Company’s performance awards generally may vest up to 200% of the target level if the maximum performance goals are achieved.  As to the number of shares of the Company’s common stock subject to restricted stock unit awards outstanding on a particular date, the information is presented including the crediting of dividend equivalents on the award through that date, to the extent dividend equivalents are payable in shares of common stock.

 

 

 

As of

 

As of

 

 

 

December 31, 2020

 

March 12, 2021

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Shares subject to outstanding restricted stock unit awards

   (including vested but deferred RSUs and excluding

   performance-based vesting awards)

 

 

 

901,834

 

 

 

 

 

997,398

 

 

 

Shares subject to outstanding performance-based vesting

   restricted stock unit awards

 

 

 

310,860

 

 

 

 

 

363,728

 

 

 

Shares subject to outstanding stock options

 

 

 

1,104,794

 

 

 

 

 

1,048,894

 

 

 

Shares available for new award grants (1)

 

 

 

1,610,024

 

 

 

 

 

1,152,652

 

 

(1) These figures give effect to the fungible-share ratio for full-value awards in effect under the 2016 Plan.

The weighted-average number of shares of the Company’s common stock issued and outstanding in each of the last three fiscal years was 123,229,644 shares issued and outstanding in 2018; 123,278,145 shares issued and outstanding in 2019; and 123,449,715 shares issued and outstanding in 2020.  The number of shares of the Company’s common stock issued and outstanding as of December 31, 2020 and March 12, 2021 was 133,567,534 and 133,738,559 shares, respectively.

“Burn rate” refers to the number of shares that are subject to awards that we grant over a particular period of time. The total number of shares of the Company’s common stock subject to awards that the Company granted under the 2016 Plan in each of the last three fiscal years, and to date (as of March 12, 2021) for 2021, are as follows:

241,996 shares in 2018 (which was 0.2% of the weighted-average number of shares of the Company’s common stock issued and outstanding in 2018), of which 54,926 shares were subject to restricted stock unit awards (excluding performance-based vesting awards), 830 shares were subject to performance-based vesting restricted stock unit awards, and 186,240 shares were subject to stock options;

531,314 shares in 2019 (which was 0.5% of the weighted-average number of shares of the Company’s common stock issued and outstanding in 2019), of which 177,346 shares were subject to restricted stock unit awards (excluding performance-based vesting awards), 108,243 shares were subject to performance-based vesting restricted stock unit awards, and 245,725 shares were subject to stock options;

1,155,539 shares in 2020 (which was 1.3% of the weighted-average number of shares of the Company’s common stock issued and outstanding in 2020), of which 639,555 shares were subject to restricted stock unit awards (excluding performance-based vesting awards), 121,525 shares were subject to performance-based vesting restricted stock unit awards, and 394,459  shares were subject to stock options; and

382,447 shares in 2021 through March 12, 2021 (which was 0.5% of the number of shares of the Company’s common stock issued and outstanding on March 12, 2021), of which 124,557 shares were subject to restricted stock unit awards (excluding performance-based vesting awards), 133,130 shares were subject to performance-based vesting restricted stock unit awards, and 149,920 shares were subject to stock options.


Thus, the total number of shares of the Company’s common stock subject to awards granted under the 2016 Plan per year over the last three fiscal years (2018, 2019 and 2020) has been, on average, 0.6% of the weighted-average number of shares of the Company’s common stock issued and outstanding for the corresponding year, and this percentage is generally consistent with the Company’s 2021 awards under the 2016 Plan through March 12, 2021 (which, as noted above, cover 0.5% of the number of shares of the Company’s common stock issued and outstanding shares on March 12, 2021).  Performance-based vesting awards have been included above in the year in which the award was granted.  

The total number of shares of our common stock that were subject to awards granted under the 2016 Plan that terminated or expired, and thus became available for new award grants under the 2016 Plan, in each of the last three fiscal years, and to date (as of March 12, 2021) in 2021, are as follows: 93,705 in 2018, 74,457 in 2019, 139,334 in 2020, and 77,358 in 2021.  

The number of shares credited as dividend equivalents under the 2016 Plan with respect to then-outstanding stock unit awards, to the extent the dividend equivalents are credited on such awards and payable in shares of the Company’s common stock, in each of the last three fiscal years, and to date (as of March 12, 2021) in 2021, are as follows: 0 in 2018, 0 in 2019, 9,574 in 2020, and 0 in 2021.

The Compensation and Leadership Development Committee anticipates that the 2.7 million additional shares requested for the 2016 Plan in this 2016 Plan proposal (together with the shares currently available for new award grants under the 2016 Plan on the Annual Meeting date and assuming usual levels of shares becoming available for new awards as a result of forfeitures of outstanding awards) will provide the Company with flexibility to continue to grant equity awards under the 2016 Plan for approximately five (5) years, depending on the factors described below (reserving sufficient shares to cover potential payment of performance-based awards at maximum payment levels and covering dividend equivalents that may be credited with respect to the awards based on the Company’s recent dividend payments).  However, this is only an estimate, in the Company’s judgment, based on current circumstances.  The total number of shares that are subject to the Company’s award grants in any one year or from year-to-year may change based on a number of variables, including, without limitation, the value of the Company’s common stock (since higher stock prices generally require that fewer shares be issued to produce awards of the same grant date fair value), changes in competitors’ compensation practices or changes in compensation practices in the market generally, changes in the number of employees, changes in the number of directors and officers, whether and the extent to which vesting conditions applicable to equity-based awards are satisfied, acquisition activity and the need to grant awards to new employees in connection with acquisitions, the need to attract, retain and incentivize key talent, the number of dividend equivalent rights outstanding, the extent to which they provide for settlement in stock and the amount and frequency of the Company’s dividend payments, the type of awards the Company grants, and how the Company chooses to balance total compensation between cash and equity-based awards.

The closing market price for a share of the Company’s common stock as of March 12, 2021 was $68.02 per share.

Aggregate Past Grants Under the 2016 Plan

As of March 12, 2021, awards covering 3,512,784 shares of the Company’s common stock have been granted under the 2016 Plan.  (This number of shares includes shares subject to awards that expired or terminated without having been exercised and paid and became available for new award grants under the 2016 Plan.)  The following table shows information regarding the distribution of all awards among the persons and groups identified below, option exercises and restricted stock units vesting prior to that date, and option and unvested restricted stock unit holdings as of that date, with performance-based restricted stock unit awards included at the “target” level of performance.  The number of shares subject to past option grants includes all options that were awarded, including those that may have expired prior to exercise.


 

 

 

Options

 

 

Stock Awards

 

 

 

 

Number

of Shares

Subject

 

 

Number of

Shares

 

 

Number of Shares

Underlying Options as of

March 12, 2021

 

 

Number of

Shares

 

 

Number

of Shares

Vested

 

 

Number of

Shares

Outstanding

 

 

 

 

to Past

Option

Grants

 

 

Acquired

on

Exercise

 

 

Exercisable

 

 

Unexercisable

 

 

Subject to

Past

Awards

 

 

as of

March 12,

2021

 

 

and Unvested

as of

March 12, 2021

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Bradley D. Tilden

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

CEO and Director

 

 

164,160

 

 

0

 

 

 

77,919

 

 

 

86,241

 

 

 

142,226

 

 

 

31,924

 

 

 

90,480

 

 

Shane R. Tackett

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

EVP and CFO

 

 

78,700

 

 

0

 

 

 

23,412

 

 

 

55,288

 

 

 

74,279

 

 

 

10,339

 

 

 

60,270

 

 

Benito Minicucci

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

President and Director

 

 

190,890

 

 

0

 

 

 

51,114

 

 

 

139,776

 

 

 

153,714

 

 

 

23,524

 

 

 

117,420

 

 

Andrew R. Harrison

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

EVP and CCO

 

 

94,720

 

 

0

 

 

 

36,482

 

 

 

58,238

 

 

 

91,363

 

 

 

18,816

 

 

 

63,230

 

 

Gary L. Beck

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

EVP and COO

 

 

46,820

 

 

0

 

 

 

14,832

 

 

 

31,988

 

 

 

36,660

 

 

 

2,289

 

 

 

31,930

 

 

Brandon R. Pedersen

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Former EVP and CFO

 

 

45,350

 

 

0

 

 

 

30,795

 

 

 

14,555

 

 

 

44,003

 

 

 

23,539

 

 

 

4,126

 

 

Total for All Current Named Executive

   Officers as a Group (5 persons):

 

 

575,290

 

 

0

 

 

 

203,759

 

 

 

371,531

 

 

 

498,242

 

 

86,92

 

 

 

363,330

 

 

Patricia M. Bedient

 

0

 

 

0

 

 

0

 

 

0

 

 

 

10,425

 

 

 

10,425

 

 

0

 

 

James A. Beer

 

0

 

 

0

 

 

0

 

 

0

 

 

 

9,286

 

 

 

9,286

 

 

0

 

 

Marion C. Blakey

 

0

 

 

0

 

 

0

 

 

0

 

 

 

9,003

 

 

 

9,003

 

 

0

 

 

Raymond L. Conner

 

0

 

 

0

 

 

0

 

 

0

 

 

 

5,619

 

 

 

5,619

 

 

0

 

 

Daniel K, Elwell

 

0

 

 

0

 

 

0

 

 

0

 

 

 

525

 

 

 

525

 

 

0

 

 

Dhiren R. Fonseca

 

0

 

 

0

 

 

0

 

 

0

 

 

 

7,800

 

 

 

7,800

 

 

0

 

 

Kathleen T. Hogan

 

0

 

 

0

 

 

0

 

 

0

 

 

 

4,732

 

 

 

4,732

 

 

0

 

 

Jessie J. Knight, Jr.

 

0

 

 

0

 

 

0

 

 

0

 

 

 

1,366

 

 

 

1,366

 

 

0

 

 

Susan J. Li

 

0

 

 

0

 

 

0

 

 

0

 

 

 

6,786

 

 

 

6,786

 

 

0

 

 

Helvi K. Sandvik

 

0

 

 

0

 

 

0

 

 

0

 

 

 

8,246

 

 

 

8,246

 

 

0

 

 

J. Kenneth Thompson

 

0

 

 

0

 

 

0

 

 

0

 

 

 

10,245

 

 

 

10,245

 

 

0

 

 

Eric K. Yeaman

 

0

 

 

0

 

 

0

 

 

0

 

 

 

6,660

 

 

 

6,660

 

 

0

 

 

Total for all Current Non-Executive

   Directors as a Group (12 persons):

 

N/A

 

 

N/A

 

 

N/A

 

 

N/A

 

 

 

71,630

 

 

 

71,630

 

 

0

 

 

Each other person who has received

   5% or more of the options, warrants

   or rights under the Plan

 

0

 

 

0

 

 

0

 

 

0

 

 

0

 

 

0

 

 

0

 

 

All employees, including all current

   officers who are not executive officers

   or directors, as a group

 

 

473,540

 

 

 

3,560

 

 

 

149,308

 

 

 

278,946

 

 

 

1,921,218

 

 

 

659,115

 

 

 

961,543

 

The non-executive directors (other than Ms. Blakey) listed in the table above and Messrs. Tilden and Minicucci are each nominees for re-election as a director at the Annual Meeting.


Equity Compensation Plan Information

The Company currently maintains three equity compensation plans: the 2016 Plan, the 2008 Plan and the ESPP.  No new awards may be granted under the 2008 Plan.

The following table sets forth, for each of the Company’s equity compensation plans, the number of shares of common stock subject to outstanding awards, the weighted-average exercise price of outstanding options, and the number of shares remaining available for future award grants as of December 31, 2020.

 

Plan category

 

Number of shares of

Common Stock to be

issued upon exercise

of outstanding options,

warrants and rights

 

 

 

Weighted-average

exercise price of

outstanding options,

warrants and rights

 

 

 

Number of shares of

Common Stock

remaining available for

future issuance under

equity compensation

plans (excluding

shares reflected in the

first column)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Equity compensation plans approved by

   security holders

 

 

2,590,514

 

(1)

 

$

60.54

 

(2)

 

 

5,822,058

 

(3)

 

Equity compensation plans not approved

   by security holders

 

N/A

 

 

 

N/A

 

 

 

N/A

 

 

 

Total

 

 

2,590,514

 

 

 

$

60.54

 

 

 

 

5,822,058

 

 

(1)

Of these shares, 209,036 and 901,834 were subject to options then outstanding under the 2008 Plan and 2016 Plan, 1,902 were subject to outstanding restricted, performance and deferred stock unit awards granted under the 2008 Plan and 1,479,644 were subject to outstanding restricted, performance and deferred stock unit awards granted under the 2016 Plan. Outstanding performance awards are reflected in the table assuming that the target level of performance will be achieved.

(2)

This number does not reflect the 1,481,546 shares that were subject to outstanding stock unit awards granted under the 2008 and 2016 Plans.

(3)

Of the aggregate number of shares that remained available for future issuance, no shares were available under the 2008 Plan 2,964,484 shares were available under the 2016 Plan and 2,857,574 shares were available under the ESPP. Due to some administrative corrections, the number of shares available for issuance under the 2016 Plan as of December 31, 2020 is 71,316 lower than the corresponding number reflected in the version of this table that appeared in the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for 2020.  As of December 31, 2020, full-value shares issued under the 2016 Plan were counted against the share limit as 1.7 shares for every one share issued. This table does not give effect to that rule.  Giving effect to the fungible-share ratio, 1,610,024 shares were remaining under the 2016 Plan as of December 31, 2020.  As noted above, the proposed amendment and restatement of the 2016 Plan provides for shares issued pursuant to full-value awards to be counted against the plan’s share limit on a one-for-one basis. Subject to certain express limits of the 2016 Plan, shares available for award purposes under the 2016 Plan generally may be used for any type of award authorized under that plan including options, stock appreciation rights, and other forms of awards granted or denominated in shares of our common stock including, without limitation, stock bonuses, restricted stock, restricted stock units and performance shares.

Vote Required for Approval of the Amended and Restated 2016 Performance Incentive Plan

The Board of Directors believes that the adoption of the amended and restated 2016 Plan will promote the interests of the Company and its stockholders and will help the Company and its subsidiaries continue to be able to attract, retain and reward persons important to our success.

All members of the Board of Directors and all of the Company’s executive officers are eligible for awards under the 2016 Plan and thus have a personal interest in the approval of the amended and restated 2016 Plan.

Approval of the amended and restated 2016 Plan requires the affirmative vote of a majority of the common stock present, or represented, and entitled to vote at the Annual Meeting.

THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS RECOMMENDS THAT YOU VOTE FOR THE APPROVAL OF THE AMENDED AND RESTATED 2016 PERFORMANCE INCENTIVE PLAN AS DESCRIBED ABOVE AND SET FORTH IN EXHIBIT A HERETO.


SECURITIES OWNERSHIP

Securities Ownership of Certain Beneficial Owners and Management

Securities Ownership of Management

This table below shows how much Alaska Air Group common stock is owned as of March 12, 2021,10, 2023, by each director and nominee, each of the Company’s Named Executive Officers, and all Company directors and executive officers as a group. Except as otherwise indicated and subject to applicable community property laws, the persons named in the table below have sole voting and investment power with respect to all shares of common stock beneficially owned.

 

Name

Number of Shares
of Common
Stock Owned (1)

 

Options
Exercisable
within
60 Days

 

Total
Shares
Beneficially
Owned (2)

 

Percent of
Outstanding
Shares (3)

 

 

Patricia M. Bedient

53,687

 

 

 

53,687

 

*

 

 

James A. Beer

11,609

 

 

 

11,609

 

*

 

 

Raymond L. Conner

11,120

 

 

 

11,120

 

*

 

 

Daniel K. Elwell

4,437

 

 

 

4,437

 

*

 

 

Dhiren R. Fonseca

12,447

 

 

 

12,447

 

*

 

 

Kathleen T. Hogan

8,644

 

 

 

8,644

 

*

 

 

Jessie J. Knight, Jr.

7,333

 

 

 

7,333

 

*

 

 

Susan J. Li

10,698

 

 

 

10,698

 

*

 

 

Adrienne Lofton

3,371

 

 

 

3,371

 

*

 

 

Helvi K. Sandvik

16,874

 

 

 

16,874

 

*

 

 

J. Kenneth Thompson

29,907

 

 

 

29,907

 

*

 

 

Eric K. Yeaman

18,791

 

 

 

18,791

 

*

 

 

Ben Minicucci

119,506

 

165,515

 

285,021

 

*

 

 

Shane R. Tackett

21,283

 

68,195

 

89,478

 

*

 

 

Andrew R. Harrison

19,247

 

92,508

 

111,755

 

*

 

 

Constance E. von Muehlen

7,600

 

15,472

 

23,072

 

*

 

 

Andrea L. Schneider

18,788

 

32,484

 

51,272

 

*

 

 

All Company directors and executive officers
   as a group (20 persons)

415,989

 

439,874

 

855,863

 

*

 

* Less than 1%

 

Name

 

Number of Shares

of Common

Stock Owned (1)

 

Options

Exercisable

within

60 Days

 

Total

Shares

Beneficially

Owned (2)

 

Percent of

Outstanding

Shares (3)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Patricia M. Bedient

 

 

 

49,775

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

49,775

 

 

 

 

*

 

 

James A. Beer

 

 

 

7,697

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

7,697

 

 

 

 

*

 

 

Marion C. Blakey

 

 

 

21,221

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

21,221

 

 

 

 

*

 

 

Raymond L. Conner

 

 

 

7,208

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

7,208

 

 

 

 

*

 

 

Daniel K. Elwell

 

 

 

525

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

525

 

 

 

 

*

 

 

Dhiren R. Fonseca

 

 

 

8,535

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

8,535

 

 

 

 

*

 

 

Kathleen T. Hogan

 

 

 

4,732

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

4,732

 

 

 

 

*

 

 

Jessie J. Knight, Jr.

 

 

 

2,221

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

2,221

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Susan J. Li

 

 

 

6,786

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

6,786

 

 

 

 

*

 

 

Helvi K. Sandvik

 

 

 

12,962

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

12,962

 

 

 

 

*

 

 

J. Kenneth Thompson

 

 

 

34,995

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

34,995

 

 

 

 

*

 

 

Eric K. Yeaman

 

 

 

14,879

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

14,879

 

 

 

 

*

 

 

Bradley D. Tilden

 

 

 

173,266

 

 

 

 

 

159,735

 

 

 

 

 

333,001

 

 

 

 

*

 

 

Shane R. Tackett

 

 

 

10,669

 

 

 

 

 

26,087

 

 

 

 

 

36,756

 

 

 

 

*

 

 

Benito Minicucci

 

 

 

101,909

 

 

 

 

 

79,607

 

 

 

 

 

181,516

 

 

 

 

*

 

 

Andrew R. Harrison

 

 

 

18,799

 

 

 

 

 

47,450

 

 

 

 

 

66,249

 

 

 

 

*

 

 

Gary L. Beck

 

 

 

3,558

 

 

 

 

 

14,832

 

 

 

 

 

18,390

 

 

 

 

*

 

 

All Company directors and executive officers

   as a group (22 persons)

 

 

 

529,652

 

 

 

 

 

376,756

 

 

 

 

 

906,408

 

 

 

 

*

 

(1)
Consists of the aggregate total of shares of common stock held by the reporting person either directly or indirectly, including 401(k) Plan holdings.

*

Less than 1%

(1)

Consists of the aggregate total of shares of common stock held by the reporting person either directly or indirectly, including 401(k) Plan holdings.

The number of shares of common stock owned and total shares beneficially owned reported for non-employee directors include underlying common shares to be issued upon the director’s resignation from the Board in connection with deferred stock units (DSUs) granted as part of their annual compensation. The aggregate number of DSUs granted to date: Ms. Bedient, 25,539; Mr. Beer, 6,903; Ms. Blakey, 12,049;10,815; Mr. Elwell, 2,346; Ms. Hogan, 3,539;7,451; Mr. Knight, 9,912; Ms. Li, 3,539;7,451; Ms. Sandvik, 5,568;7,134; Mr. Thompson, 24,803;23,789; and Mr. Yeaman, 2,983.

In May 2020, upon recognition that DSUs issued from 2008 through 2019 had not been properly credited dividend equivalents

(2)
Total beneficial ownership is determined in accordance with the rules of the SEC and represents the sum of the Number of Shares of Common Stock Owned and Options Exercisable within 60 Days columns. This table excludes shares of common stock payable upon vesting of PSUs or RSUs, none of which will vest within 60 days following the record date, and which are described in the 2022 Grants of Plan Based Awards table.
(3)
We determined applicable percentage ownership based on 126,464,546 shares of the Company’s Stock Deferral Plan for Non-Employee Directors, the Board approved a grantcommon stock outstanding as of DSUs to each director with outstanding DSUs representing the accrued value of dividend equivalents on those awards.  The number of DSUs issued for accrued dividend equivalents through the March 5, 2020 quarterly dividend payment date were as follows: Ms. Bedient, 2,625; Mr. Beer, 117; Ms. Blakey, 1,203; Ms. Sandvik, 446, Mr. Thompson, 2,445 and Mr. Yeaman, 293.


10, 2023.

(2)

Total beneficial ownership is determined in accordance with the rules of the SEC and represents the sum of the Number of Shares of Common Stock Owned and Options Exercisable within 60 Days columns. This table excludes shares of common stock payable upon vesting of PSUs, none of which will vest within 60 days following the record date, and which are described in the 2020 Grants of Plan Based Awards table.

(3)

We determined applicable percentage ownership based on 124,388,615 shares of the Company’s common stock outstanding as of March 12, 2021.

81


More Than 5% Beneficial Owners

The table below identifies those persons known by us to have beneficial ownership of more than 5% of the Company’s outstanding common stock, as of March 12, 2021.10, 2023.

Beneficial Owner
Name and Address

 

Number of
Shares Owned

 

 

Percent of
Outstanding Shares (1)

The Vanguard Group (2)

 

 

14,571,902

 

 

 

 

11.43

 

%

100 Vanguard Blvd.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Malvern, Pennsylvania 19355

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

BlackRock, Inc. (3)

 

 

7,283,093

 

 

 

 

6.14

 

%

55 East 52nd Street

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

New York, New York 10055

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Victory Capital Management Inc. (4)

 

 

6,955,712

 

 

 

5.46

 

%

4900 Tiedeman Rd. 4th Floor

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Brooklyn, OH 44144

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Beneficial Owner

Name and Address

 

Number of

Shares Owned

 

Percent of

Outstanding Shares (1)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The Vanguard Group (2)

 

 

 

12,641,851

 

 

 

 

10.16

%

 

100 Vanguard Blvd.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Malvern, Pennsylvania 19355

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

BlackRock, Inc. (3)

 

 

 

9,247,416

 

 

 

 

7.43

%

 

55 East 52nd Street

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

New York, New York 10055

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

T. Rowe Price Associates, Inc. (4)

 

 

 

9,163,490

 

 

 

 

7.35

%

 

100 E. Pratt Street

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Baltimore, Maryland 21202

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

(1)
We determine applicable percentage ownership based on 127,464,546 shares of the Company’s common stock outstanding as of March 10, 2023.
(2)
A Schedule 13G/A filed on February 9, 2023 by The Vanguard Group reported shared voting power over 149,753 shares,sole dispositive power over 14,189,455 shares and shared dispositive power over 382,447 shares as of December 31, 2022.
(3)
A Schedule 13G/A filed on February 6, 2023 by BlackRock, Inc. reported sole voting power over 6,926,011 shares and sole dispositive power over 7,283,093 as of December 31, 2022.
(4)
A Schedule 13G filed on February 2, 2023 by Victory Capital Management Inc. reported sole voting power over 6,820,079 shares and sole dispositive power over 6,955,712 shares as of December 31, 2022.

(1)

We determine applicable percentage ownership based on more than 124,388,615 shares of the Company’s common stock outstanding as of March 12, 2021.

(2)

A Schedule 13G filed on February 6, 2021 by The Vanguard Group reported shared voting power over 136,391 shares, sole dispositive power over 12,78,636 shares and shared dispositive power over 363,215 shares.

(3)

A Schedule 13G filed on January 28, 2021 by BlackRock, Inc. reported sole voting power over 8,253,774 shares and sole dispositive power over 9,247,416 shares.

(4)

A Schedule 13G filed on February 16, 2021 by T. Rowe Price Associates, Inc. reported sole voting power over 3,834,012 shares and sole dispositive power over 9,163,490 shares.

Delinquent Section 16(a) Reports

Section 16(a) of the Exchange Act requires the Company’s directors and certain of its officers to send reports of their ownership of Company common stock and changes in such ownership to the SEC and the NYSE. The Company assists its directors and officers by preparing forms for filing. SEC regulations also require the Company to identify in this Proxy Statement any person subject to this requirement who failed to file a report on a timely basis. Based on a review of copies of reports furnished to the Company and written representations that no other reports were required, the Company believes that everyone subject to Section 16(a) filed the required reports on a timely basis during accept that Ms. Helvi Sandvik did not timely file a Form 4 to reportbasis.

82


EQUITY COMPENSATION PLAN INFORMATION

The Company currently maintains three equity compensation plans: the acquisition2016 Plan, the 2008 Plan and the Employee Stock Purchase Plan. No new awards may be granted under the 2008 Plan.

The following table sets forth, for each of the Company's equity compensation plans, the number of shares on March 23, 2020 until March 27, 2020of common stock subject to outstanding awards, the weighted-average exercise price of outstanding options, and Mr. Jessie J. Knight, Jr. did not timely file a Form 4 to report the acquisitionnumber of shares remaining available for future award grants as of December 31, 2022.

Plan category

Number of shares
of Common Stock
to be issued upon
exercise of outstanding
options, warrants
and rights

 

Weighted-average
exercise price of
outstanding
options, warrants
and rights

 

Number of shares
of Common Stock
remaining available
for future issuance
under equity
compensation
plans (excluding
shares reflected in
the first column)

 

Equity compensation plans approved by
   security holders

1,969,447

(1)

$61.45

(2)

12,076,777

(3)

Equity compensation plans not approved
   by security holders

N/A

 

N/A

 

N/A

 

Total

1,969,447

 

$61.45

 

12,076,777

 

(1) Of these shares, 117,963 and 1,112,794 were subject to options then outstanding under the 2008 Plan and

2016 Plan respectively, 51,056 were subject to outstanding deferred stock unit awards granted under the 2008 Plan and 687,634 were subject to outstanding restricted, performance and deferred stock unit awards granted under the 2016 Plan. Outstanding performance awards are reflected in the table assuming that the target level of performance will be achieved. This table does not reflect participants' rights to purchase shares under the ESPP during the offering period that was in progress on November 20, 2020 until November 30, 2020.  December 31, 2022.



(2) This number does not reflect the 738,690 shares that were subject to outstanding stock unit awards

granted under the 2008 and 2016 Plans.

(3) Of the aggregate number of shares that remained available for future issuance, 5,266,117 shares were

available under the 2016 Plan and 6,810,660 shares were available under the ESPP. Subject to certain

express limits of the 2016 Plan, shares available for award purposes under the 2016 Plan generally may be

used for any type of award authorized under that plan including options, stock appreciation rights, and other

forms of awards granted or denominated in shares of our common stock including, without limitation, stock

bonuses, restricted stock, restricted stock units and performance shares. As noted above, no new award

grants may be made under the 2008 Plan

83


QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS

Questions and Answers about the Meeting

Why am I receiving the Annual Meeting Materials?

You are receiving the Annual Meeting Materials from us because you owned Alaska Air Group common stock as of March 12, 2021,10, 2023, the record date for the Annual Meeting. This Proxy Statement describes matters on which you may vote and provides you with other important information so that you can make informed decisions.

You may own shares of Alaska Air Group common stock in several different ways. If your stock is represented by one or more stock certificates registered in your name or if you have a Direct Registration Service (DRS) advice evidencing shares held in book entry form, then you have a stockholdershareholder account with the Company’s transfer agent, Computershare Trust Company, N.A. (Computershare), and you are a stockholdershareholder of record. If you hold your shares in a brokerage, trust, or similar account, then you are the beneficial owner but not the stockholdershareholder of record of those shares. Employees of the Company’s subsidiaries who hold shares of stock in one or more of the Company’s 401(k) retirement plans are beneficial owners.

What other business may be properly brought before the meeting, and what discretionary authority is granted?

Under the Company’s Bylaws, as amended December 9, 2015, a stockholdershareholder may bring business before the meeting or for publication in the Company’s 20212023 Proxy Statement only if the stockholdershareholder gave written notice to the Company on or before November 30, 2020,February 4, 2023 and complied with the other requirements included in Article II of the Company’s Bylaws.

The Company has not received valid notice that any business other than that described or referenced in this Proxy Statement will be brought before the Annual Meeting.

Can I attend the Annual Meeting, and what do I need for access?

Participation in the Annual Meeting is limited to Air Group stockholdersshareholders as of March 12, 202110, 2023 and persons holding valid proxies from stockholdersshareholders of record. The Annual Meeting will be hosted live via the Internet only at www.proxyvote.com.www.virtualshareholdermeeting.com/alk2023. After accessing the Internet site, stockholdersshareholders will be permitted to vote and submit questions during the Annual Meeting.

To be admitted access to the Annual Meeting, please use the 16-digit control number included with your proxy materials to enter the Annual Meeting website. Instructions on how to attend and participate via the Internet, including how to demonstrate proof of stock ownership, are posted at www.proxyvote.com.  www.virtualshareholdermeeting.com/alk2023.

Each stockholdershareholder of record or beneficial stockholder,shareholder, including institutional holders, may designate one person to represent his or her shares at the meeting. If multiple representatives request access on behalf of the same stockholder,shareholder, the first person to register for the Annual Meeting with the appropriate 16-digit control number and proper delegation of voting authority will be allowed to participate in the meeting.


84


Questions and Answers about the Meeting

How many shares must be present to hold the meeting?

A majority of the Company’s outstanding shares entitled to vote as of the record date, or 62,194,30863,732,274 shares, must be present in person or represented by proxy in order to hold the meeting and conduct business (i.e., to constitute a quorum). Shares are counted as present or represented at the meeting if the stockholdershareholder of record attends the meeting; if the beneficial owner attends with a “legal proxy” from the record holder; or if the record holder or beneficial owner has submitted a proxy or voting instructions whether by returning a proxy card or a

voting instruction form by mail, phone or Internet, without regard to whether the proxy or voting instructions actually casts a vote or withholds or abstains from voting.

Is a list of stockholders entitled to vote at the Annual Meeting available?

A list of stockholders of record entitled to vote at the Annual Meeting will be available Monday through Friday from April 1, 2021 through May 7, 2021 between the hours of 9 a.m. and 4 p.m., Pacific Time, at the offices of the Corporate Secretary, 19300 International Blvd., Seattle, WA 98188. A stockholder of record may examine the list for any legally valid purpose related to the Annual Meeting.

How can I reduce the number of Annual Meeting Materials I receive?

If you are a stockholdershareholder of recordreceiving multiple copies of the Annual Meeting Materials either because you have multiple stockholdershareholder of record accounts or because you share an address with other stockholdersshareholders of record, and you would like to discontinue receiving multiple copies, you can contact the Company’s transfer agent, Computershare, by telephone at (877) 282-1168 or send a written request to Computershare, P.O. Box 505000, Louisville, KY 40233-5000.

If you are a beneficial stockholdershareholder, but not a stockholdershareholder of record, and you share an address with other stockholdersshareholders of record, the number of Annual Meeting Materials you receive is already reduced because your broker, bank or other institution is permitted to deliver a single copy of this material for all stockholdersshareholders at your address unless a stockholdershareholder has requested separate copies. If you would like to receive separate copies, please contact your broker, bank or institution and update your preference for future meetings.

Can I receive future materials via the Internet?

If you vote on the Internet, simply follow the prompts for enrolling in electronic proxy delivery service. This will reduce the Company’s printing and postage costs, as well as the number of paper documents you will receive.

StockholdersShareholders of recordmay enroll in that service at the time they vote their proxies via www.proxyvote.com or at any time after the Annual Meeting by logging into your online account atwww.computershare.com/investor and updating your delivery preferences.

Beneficial owners, other than employee participants in one of the Company 401(k) plans, may enroll for electronic proxy delivery by contacting your broker.

Employee participants in one of the Company’s 401(k) plans may not elect to receive the Notice of Availability of Annual Meeting Materials via electronic delivery at this time.

If you already receive the Notice via the Internet, you will continue to receive them that way until you instruct otherwise through one of the methods referenced above.



How can I submit a proposal for next year’s annual meeting?Annual Meeting?

The Company expects to hold its next annual meetingAnnual Meeting on or about May 5, 2022.2, 2024.

If you wish to submit a proposal for inclusion in the proxy materialsfor that meeting, you must send the proposal to the Corporate Secretary at the address below. The proposal must be

85


received at the Company’s corporate offices no later than November 29, 202126, 2023 to be considered for inclusion. Among otherThe proposal must also comply with the requirements set forth inof Rule 14a-8 under the SEC’s proxy rules and the Company’s Bylaws, you must have continuously held a minimum of either $2,000 in market value or 1% of the Company’s outstanding stock for at least one year by the date of submitting the proposal, and you must continueExchange Act to own such stock through the date of the meeting.be included.

If you intend to nominate candidates for election as directors or present a proposal at the meeting without including it in the Company’s 20222024 proxy statement, you must provide notice of such proposal to the Company no earlier than the close of business on January 5, 20222024 and no later than the close of business on February 4, 2022.2024.

If you intend to nominate candidates for election as directors to be included in the Company’s 20222024 proxy statement, you must provide notice of such nomination to the Company no earlier than the close of business on October 29, 202126, 2023 and no later than November 29, 2021.25, 2023. The Company’s Bylaws, available on www.alaskaair.com under About Alaska/Investor Relations, outline requirements and procedures for giving the notice. If you would like to submit a proposal or nominate a candidate for director, send your submission to:

Corporate Secretary

Alaska Air Group, Inc.

P.O. Box 68947

Seattle, WA 98168

Further, any shareholders who intends to solicit proxies in support of director nominees other than the Board’s nominees at our 2024 Annual Meeting must provide written notice setting forth the information required by Rule 14a-19 under the Exchange Act no later than March 5, 2024. The notice requirement under Rule 14a-19 is in addition to the applicable notice requirements under our Bylaws as described above.



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Questions and Answers about Voting

What am I voting on and what does the Board of Directors recommend?

You are being asked to vote on the following:

1.
Election of the 1311 director nominees named in this Proxy Statement;
THE BOARD RECOMMENDS A VOTE ‘FOR’ PROPOSAL 1.

2.
Approval (on an advisory basis) of the compensation of the Company’s Named Executive Officers;
THE BOARD RECOMMENDS A VOTE ‘FOR’ PROPOSAL 2.

3.
Approval (on an advisory basis) on Frequency of Future Advisory Vote on Named Executive Officer Compensation;
4.
Ratification of the appointment of KPMG LLP as the Company’s independent accountants for fiscal year 2021;2023; and
THE BOARD RECOMMENDS A VOTE ‘FOR’ PROPOSAL 3.

4. Approval of the amended and restated 2016 Performance Incentive Plan;
THE BOARD RECOMMENDS A VOTE ‘FOR’ PROPOSAL 4.

    THE BOARD RECOMMENDS A VOTE OF '1 YEAR' FOR.

When you sign and mail the proxy card or submit your proxy by phone or the Internet, you appoint each of Mr. Bradley D. TildenBenito Minicucci and Mr. Kyle B. Levine, or their respective substitutes or nominees, as your representatives at the meeting. (When we refer to the “named proxies,” we are referring to Mr. TildenMinicucci and Mr. Levine.) If you sign and submit your proxy or vote via telephone or the Internet, your shares will be voted even if you cannot attend the meeting.

How many votes must the 1311 nominees for director receive to be elected?

The Company’s Bylaws (as amended December 9, 2015) require that each director be elected annually by a majority of votes cast with respect to that director. This means that the number of votes “for” a director must exceed the number of votes “against” that director. In the event that a nominee who already serves as a director receives more “against” votes for his or her election than “for” votes, the Board must consider such director’s resignation following a recommendation by the Board’s Governance and Nominating Committee. The majority voting standard does not apply, however, in the event that the number of nominees for director exceeds the number of directors to be elected. In such circumstances, directors will instead be elected by a plurality of the votes cast, meaning that the persons receiving the highest number of “for” votes, up to the total number of directors to be elected at the Annual Meeting, will be elected.

With regard to the election of directors, the Board intends to nominate the 1311 persons identified as its nominees in this Proxy Statement. Because the Company has not received notice from any stockholdershareholder of an intent to nominate directors at the Annual Meeting, each of the directors must be elected by a majority of votes cast.

“Abstain” votes and broker non-votes are not treated as votes cast with respect to a director and therefore will not be counted in determining the outcome of the election of directors.

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What happens if a director candidate nominated by the Board of Directors is unable to stand for election?

TheIf any nominee is unable or unwilling for good cause to stand for election or serve as a director if elected, the Board of Directors may reduce the number of seats on the Board or it may designate a substitute nominee. If the Board designates a substitute, shares represented by proxies held by the named proxies will be voted for the substitute nominee.


Questions and Answers about Voting

Not including the election of directors, how many votes must the proposals receive in order to pass?

Votes to Approve (on an advisory basis) the Compensation of the Company’s Named Executive Officers

A majority of the shares present in person or represented by proxy at the Annual Meeting and entitled to vote on the proposal must be voted “for” the proposal in order for it to pass. “Abstain” votes are deemed present and entitled to vote and are included for purposes of determining the number of shares constituting a majority of shares present and entitled to vote. Accordingly, an abstention, because it is not a vote “for,” will have the effect of a negative vote. In addition, broker non-votes are not considered entitled to vote for purposes of determining whether the proposal has been approved by stockholdersshareholders and therefore will not be counted in determining the outcome of the vote on the proposal.

Votes With respect to RatifyProposal 3, however, if no frequency option receives the Appointmentaffirmative vote of KPMG LLP as the Company’s Independent Accountants for Fiscal Year 2021

Aat least a majority of the shares present in person or represented by proxy at the Annual Meeting and entitled to vote on the proposal must be voted “for” the proposal in order for it to pass. “Abstain” votes are deemed present and entitled to vote and are included for purposes of determining the number of shares constituting a majority of shares present and entitled to vote. Accordingly, an abstention, because it is not a vote “for,” will have the effect of a negative vote.

Votes to Amend and Restate the Company’s 2016 Performance Incentive Plan

A majority of the shares present in person or represented by proxy at the Annual Meeting, and entitled to vote onthen our Board of Directors will consider the proposal must be voted “for”option receiving the proposal in order for it to pass. “Abstain” votes are deemed present and entitled to vote and are included for purposes of determining thehighest number of shares constituting a majorityvotes as the preferred option of shares present and entitled to vote. Accordingly, an abstention, because it is not a vote “for,” will have the effect of a negative vote.shareholders.

How are votes counted?

Voting results will be tabulated by Broadridge. Broadridge will also serve as the independent inspector of election.

Is my vote confidential?

The Company has a confidential voting policy as a part of its Corporate Governance Guidelines, which is available at www.alaskaair.com under About Alaska/Investor Relations under Governance/Governance Documents.


Questions and Answers about Voting

Who pays the costs of proxy solicitation?

The Company pays for distributing and soliciting proxies and reimburses brokers, nominees, fiduciaries and other custodians their reasonable fees and expenses in forwarding proxy materials to beneficial owners. The Company has engaged Georgeson LLC (Georgeson) to assist in the solicitation of proxies for the meeting. It is intended that proxies will be solicited by the following means: additional mailings, personal interview, mail, phone and electronic means. Although no precise estimate can be made at this time, we anticipate that the aggregate amount we will spend in connection with the solicitation of proxies will be approximately $25,000,$40,000, the majority of which has been incurred to date. This amount

includes fees payable to Georgeson, but excludes salaries and expenses of the Company’s officers, directors and employees.

How do I vote my shares?

StockholdersShareholders of recordcan vote by mail, by phone or via the Internet as described below.

Beneficial owners whose stock is held in a brokerage account can vote by using the voting instruction form provided by the broker or by phone or the Internet as described below.

Beneficial owners whose stock is held by a bank, and who have the power to vote or to direct the voting of the shares, can vote using the proxy or the voting information form provided by the bank or, if made available by the bank, by phone or the Internet as described below.

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Beneficial owners whose stock is held in trustunder an arrangement that provides the beneficial owner with the power to vote or to direct the voting of the shares can vote in accordance with the provisions of such arrangement.

Beneficial owners whose stock is held in trust in one of the Company’s 401(k) retirement planscan vote by telephone or via the Internet, or by mailing the voting instruction form provided by the trustee as described below.

Beneficial owners other than those who beneficially own stock held in trust in one of the Company’s 401(k) retirement plans can vote at the meeting provided that he or she obtains a “legal proxy” from the person or entity holding the stock for him or her (typically a broker, bank, or trustee). A beneficial owner can obtain a legal proxy by making a request to the broker, bank, or trustee. Under a legal proxy, the bank, broker, or trustee confers all of its rights as a record holder to grant proxies or to vote at the Annual Meeting.



Vote by Internet

Prior to the Annual Meeting – Stockholdersshareholders of record and beneficial owners of the Company’s common stock can vote via the Internet at www.proxyvote.com24 hours a day until 11:59 p.m. Eastern Time on Wednesday, May 5, 2021.3, 2023. To allow sufficient time for voting by the trustee, shares held by participants in the Company’s 401(k) plans can vote via the Internet 24 hours a day until 11:59 p.m. Eastern Time on Tuesday,Monday, May 3, 2021.  1, 2022.

Voting via the Internet is permitted regardless of whether stockholdersshareholders receive the Annual Meeting Materials through the mail or via the Internet. Instructions for voting are provided along with your notice, proxy card or voting instruction form. If you vote on the Internet, please do not mail your proxy card if you received one (unless you intend for it to revoke your prior Internet vote). Your Internet vote will authorize the named proxies to vote your shares in the same manner as if you marked, signed and returned your proxy card.

During the Annual Meeting – StockholdersShareholders of record and beneficial owners (with a legal proxy from the bank, broker or trustee) of the Company’s common stock, other than shares held by participants in the Company’s 401(k) plans, can vote via the Internet during the Annual Meeting by visiting www.proxyvote.comwww.virtualshareholdermeeting.com/alk2023 and following the instructions provided along with your notice, proxy card or voting instruction form. Because shares held by participants in the Company’s 401(k) plans must be voted by trustee, these shares may not be voted during the Annual Meeting.

Voting by Internet is fast and convenient, and your vote is immediately confirmed and tabulated. By using the Internet to vote, you help Alaska Air Group conserve natural resources and reduce postage and proxy tabulation costs.

Vote by phone

Prior to the Annual Meeting – StockholdersShareholders of record and beneficial owners of the Company’s common stock can vote by phone. Instructions are provided along with your notice, proxy card or voting instruction form. If you vote by phone, do not mail your proxy card if you received one (unless you intend for it to revoke your prior vote submitted by phone). Your vote by phone will authorize the named proxies to vote your shares in the same manner as if you marked, signed and returned your proxy card.

Voting by phone is fast and convenient and your vote is immediately confirmed and tabulated. By using the phone to vote, you help Alaska Air Group conserve natural resources and reduce postage and proxy tabulation costs.

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Vote by mail

Prior to the Annual Meeting – If you received the Annual Meeting Materials by mail, simply sign and date the enclosed proxy card or voting instruction form and mail it in the enclosed prepaid and addressed envelope. If you mark your choices on the card or voting instruction form, your shares will be voted as you instruct.


How will my shares be voted if I return a blank proxy or voting instruction form?

If you sign and return a proxy card without giving specific voting instructions, your shares will be voted in accordance with the recommendations of the Board of Directors shown above and as the named proxies may determine in their discretion with respect to any other matters properly presented for a vote during the meeting or any postponement or adjournment of the meeting.

If my shares are held in a brokerage account, how will my shares be voted if I do not return voting instructions to my broker?

If you own shares beneficially through a brokerage account and you do not submit voting instructions to your broker, your broker may generally vote your shares in its discretion on matters designated as routine under NYSE rules. However, a broker cannot vote shares held in street name on matters designated as non-routine by the NYSE, unless the broker receives voting instructions from the street name (beneficial) owner.

The proposal to ratify the appointment of the Company’s independent accountants for fiscal year 20212023 is considered routine under NYSE rules. Each of the other proposals to be submitted for a vote is considered non-routine under applicable NYSE rules. Accordingly, if you hold your shares in street name through a brokerage account and you do not submit voting instructions to your broker, your broker may exercise its discretion to vote your shares on the proposal to ratify the appointment of the Company’s independent accountants but will not be permitted to vote your shares on any of the other proposals. If your broker exercises this discretion, your shares will be counted as present for the purpose of determining a quorum at the Annual Meeting and will be voted on the proposal to ratify the Company’s independent accountants in the manner instructed by your broker, but your shares will not be voted (i.e., they will constitute “broker non-votes”) on each of the other proposals at the Annual Meeting.

For a description of the effect of broker non-votes on the proposals, see How many votes must the 1311 nominees for director have to be elected? and Not including the election of directors, how many votes must the proposals receive in order to pass?


What if I change my mind after I submit my proxy?

StockholdersShareholders of record and beneficial owners, except for persons who beneficially own shares held in trust in one of the Company’s 401(k) retirement plans, may revoke a proxy and change a vote by delivering a later-dated proxy or by voting at the Annual Meeting. The later-dated proxy may be delivered by phone, Internet or mail and need not be delivered by the same means used in delivering the prior proxy submission.

StockholdersShareholders of record and beneficial owners, except for persons beneficially owning shares in one of the Company’s 401(k) retirement plans, may submit a new vote at a later date or time by:

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voting by phone or the Internet before 11:59 p.m. Eastern Time on Wednesday, May 5, 20213, 2023 (your latest phone or Internet proxy will be counted);

signing and delivering a proxy card with a later date; or

voting during the Annual Meeting via the Internet. (If you hold your shares beneficially through a broker, you must have a legal proxy and 16-digit control number from the broker in order to vote during the Annual Meeting. Please also note that attendance at the Annual

Meeting, in and of itself, without voting during the Annual Meeting, will not cause your previously granted proxy to be revoked.)

Persons beneficially owning shares in one of the Company’s 401(k) retirement plans cannot vote in person at the Annual Meeting and must vote in accordance with instructions from the trustees. Subject to these qualifications, such holders have the same rights as other record and beneficial owners to change their votes by phone or the Internet, however, in all cases your vote must be submitted by 11:59 p.m. Eastern Time on Tuesday,Monday, May 3, 2021.1, 2023.

StockholdersShareholders of record can request a new proxy card by contacting Broadridge at 1-800-579-1639 or sendmaterial@proxyvote.com.

StockholdersShareholders with shares held by a broker, trustee or bank can obtain a new voting instruction form by contacting your broker, trustee or bank.

StockholdersShareholders whose shares are held in one of the Company’s 401(k) retirement plans can obtain a new voting instruction form by contacting the trustee of such plan. You can obtain information about how to contact the trustee from the Company’s Assistant Corporate Secretary at 206-392-5380.

If you sign and date the proxy card or voting instruction form and submit it in accordance with the accompanying instructions and in a timely manner, any earlier proxy card or voting instruction form will be revoked and your new choices will be voted.

How are shares voted that are held in the Company’s 401(k) plan?

On the record date, 2,304,5231,991,341 shares were held in trust for Alaska Air Group 401(k) plan participants. The trustees, Vanguard Fiduciary Trust Company (Vanguard) and Fidelity Management Trust Company (Fidelity), provided Notice of Proxy and Access instructions to each participant who held shares through the Company’s 401(k) plans on the record date. The trustees will vote only those shares for which instructions are received from participants. If a participant does not indicate a preference as to a matter, including the election of directors, then the trustees will not vote the participant’s shares on such matters.

To allow sufficient time for voting by the trustee, please provide voting instructions no later than 11:59 p.m. Eastern Time on Monday, May 3, 2021.1, 2023. Because the shares must be voted by the trustee, those who hold shares through the 401(k) plans may not vote those shares at the Annual Meeting.

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Where can I find the voting results of the Annual Meeting?

We will publish the voting results in a current report on Form 8-K to be filed on or before May 12, 2021.10, 2023. You can read or print a copy of that report at www.alaskaair.com under About Alaska/Investor Relations or by going directly to the SEC EDGAR files at www.sec.gov.

What does it mean if I receive more than one proxy card, voting instruction form or email notification from the Company?

It means that you hold Alaska Air Group stock in more than one account. Please complete and submit all proxies to ensure that all your shares are voted or vote by Internet or phone using each of the identification numbers.

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APPENDIX A

Reconciliation of Non-GAAP Financial Measures


EXHIBIT A

The following table reconciles the Company's reported GAAP adjusted pre tax margin for the twelve months ended December 2022.

 

Year Ended December 31, 2022

 

Mainline

 

Regional

 

Horizon

 

Consolidating & Other(a)

 

Air Group Adjusted(b)

 

Special Items(c)

 

Consolidated

Operating Revenue

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Passenger revenue

7,454

 

1,354

 

-

 

-

 

8,808

 

-

 

8,808

CPA revenue

-

 

-

 

359

 

(359)

 

-

 

-

 

-

Mileage Plan other revenue

538

 

52

 

-

 

-

 

590

 

-

 

590

Cargo and other revenue

244

 

-

 

-

 

4

 

248

 

-

 

248

Total Operating Revenue

8,236

 

1,406

 

359

 

(355)

 

9,646

 

-

 

9,646

Operating Expenses

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Operating expenses, excluding fuel

5,216

 

1,085

 

383

 

(356)

 

6,328

 

580

 

6,908

Fuel expense

2,195

 

397

 

-

 

-

 

2,592

 

76

 

2,668

Total Operating Expenses

7,411

 

1,482

 

383

 

(356)

 

8,920

 

656

 

9,576

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Non-operating Income (Expense)

30

 

-

 

(22)

 

1

 

9

 

-

 

9

Income (Loss) Before Income Tax

855

 

(76)

 

(46)

 

2

 

735

 

(656)

 

79

Pretax Margin

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

7.6%

 

 

 

0.8%

(a) Includes consolidating entries, Air Group parent company, McGee Air Services, and other immaterial business units.

(b) The Air Group Adjusted column represents the financial information that is reviewed by management to assess performance of

operations and determine capital allocations and excludes certain charges.

(c) Includes special items, mark-to-market fuel-hedge accounting adjustments, and Payroll Support Program grant wage offsets.

A-1


img48386705_25.jpg 

SCAN TO VIEW MATERIALS & VOTE ALASKA AIR GROUP, INC.

2016 PERFORMANCE INCENTIVE PLAN

(as amended and restated effective March 18, 2021)

1.

PURPOSE OF PLAN

PO BOX 68947SEATTLE, WA 98168 ALASKA AIR GROUP, INC. The purpose of this Alaska Air Group, Inc. 2016 Performance Incentive Plan (this “Plan”) of Alaska Air Group, Inc., a Delaware corporation (the “Corporation”), is to promote the success of the Corporation by providing an additional means through the grant of awards to attract, motivate, retain and reward selected employees and other eligible persons and to enhance the alignment of the interests of the selected participants with the interests of the Corporation’s stockholders.

2.

ELIGIBILITY

The Administrator (as such term is defined in Section 3.1) may grant awards under this Plan only to those persons that the Administrator determines to be Eligible Persons.  An “Eligible Person” is any person who is either: (a) an officer (whether or not a director) or employee of the Corporation or one of its Subsidiaries; (b) a director of the Corporation or one of its Subsidiaries; or (c) an individual consultant or advisor who renders or has rendered bona fide services (other than services in connection with the offering or sale of securities of the Corporation or one of its Subsidiaries in a capital-raising transaction or as a market maker or promoter of securities of the Corporation or one of its Subsidiaries) to the Corporation or one of its Subsidiaries and who is selected to participate in this Plan by the Administrator; provided, however, that a person who is otherwise an Eligible Person under clause (c) above may participate in this Plan only if such participation would not adversely affect either the Corporation’s eligibility to use Form S-8 to register under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the “Securities Act”), the offering and sale of shares issuable under this Plan by the Corporation or the Corporation’s compliance with any other applicable laws.  An Eligible Person who has been granted an award (a “participant”) may, if otherwise eligible, be granted additional awards if the Administrator shall so determine.  As used herein, “Subsidiary” means any corporation or other entity a majority of whose outstanding voting stock or voting power is beneficially owned directly or indirectly by the Corporation; and “Board” means the Board of Directors recommends a vote FOR all the nominees listed and a vote FOR Proposals 2 and 4 and1 YEAR on Proposal 3. 1.Election of the Corporation.

3.

PLAN ADMINISTRATION

3.1

The Administrator.  This Plan shall be administered by and all awards under this Plan shall be authorized by the Administrator.  The “Administrator” means the Board or one or more committees (or subcommittees, as the case may be) appointed by the Board or another committee (within its delegated authority) to administer all or certain aspects of this Plan.  Any such committee shall be comprised solely of one or more directors or such number of directors as may be required under applicable law.  A committee may delegate some or all of its authority to another committee so constituted.  The Board or a committee comprised solely of directors may also delegate, to the extent permitted by applicable law, to one or more officers of the Corporation, its authority under this Plan.  The Board or another committee (within its delegated authority) may delegate different levels of authority to different committees or persons with administrative and grant authority under this Plan.  Unless otherwise provided in the Bylaws of the Corporation or the applicable charter of any Administrator: (a) a majority of the members of the acting Administrator shall constitute a quorum, and (b) the vote of a majority of the members present assuming the presence of a quorum or the unanimous written consent of the members of the Administrator shall constitute action by the acting Administrator.


3.2

Powers of the Administrator.  Subject to the express provisions of this Plan, the Administrator is authorized and empowered to do all things necessary or desirable in connection with the authorization of awards and the administration of this Plan (in the case of a committee or delegation to one or more officers, within any express limits on the authority delegated to that committee or person(s)), including, without limitation, the authority to:

(a)

determine eligibility and, from among those persons determined to be eligible, determine the particular Eligible Persons who will receive an award under this Plan;

(b)

grant awards to Eligible Persons, determine the price (if any) at which securities will be offered or awarded and the number of securities to be offered or awarded to any of such persons (in the case of securities-based awards), determine the other specific terms and conditions of awards consistent with the express limits of this Plan, establish the installment(s) (if any) in which such awards shall become exercisable or shall vest (which may include, without limitation, performance and/or time-based schedules), or determine that no delayed exercisability or vesting is required, establish any applicable performance-based exercisability or vesting requirements, determine the circumstances in which any performance-based goals (or the applicable measure of performance) will be adjusted and the nature and impact of any such adjustment, determine the extent (if any) to which any applicable exercise and vesting requirements have been satisfied, establish the events (if any) on which exercisability or vesting may accelerate (which may include, without limitation, retirement and other specified terminations of employment or services, or other circumstances), and establish the events (if any) of termination, expiration or reversion of such awards;

(c)

approve the forms of any award agreements (which need not be identical either as to type of award or among participants);

(d)

construe and interpret this Plan and any agreements defining the rights and obligations of the Corporation, its Subsidiaries, and participants under this Plan, make any and all determinations under this Plan and any such agreements, further define the terms used in this Plan, and prescribe, amend and rescind rules and regulations relating to the administration of this Plan or the awards granted under this Plan;

(e)

cancel, modify, or waive the Corporation’s rights with respect to, or modify, discontinue, suspend, or terminate any or all outstanding awards, subject to any required consent under Section 8.6.5;

(f)

accelerate, waive or extend the vesting or exercisability, or modify or extend the term of, any or all such outstanding awards (in the case of options or stock appreciation rights, within the maximum term of such awards) in such circumstances as the Administrator may deem appropriate (including, without limitation, in connection with a retirement or other termination of employment or services, or other circumstances) subject to any required consent under Section 8.6.5;

(g)

adjust the number of shares of Common Stock subject to any award, adjust the price of any or all outstanding awards or otherwise waive or change previously imposed terms and conditions, in such circumstances as the Administrator may deem appropriate, in each case subject to Sections 4 and 8.6 (and subject to the no repricing provision below);

(h)

determine the date of grant of an award, which may be a designated date after but not before the date of the Administrator’s action to grant the award (unless otherwise


designated by the Administrator, the date of grant of an award shall be the date upon which the Administrator took the action granting an award);

(i)

determine whether, and the extent to which, adjustments are required pursuant to Section 7.1 hereof and take any other actions contemplated by Section 7 in connection with the occurrence of an event of the type described in Section 7;

(j)

acquire or settle (subject to Sections 7 and 8.6) rights under awards in cash, stock of equivalent value, or other consideration (subject to the no repricing provision below); and

(k)

determine the fair market value of the Common Stock or awards under this Plan from time to time and/or the manner in which such value will be determined.

3.3

Prohibition on Repricing.  Notwithstanding anything to the contrary in Section 3.2 and except for an adjustment pursuant to Section 7.1 or a repricing approved by stockholders, in no case may the Administrator (1) amend an outstanding stock option or SAR to reduce the exercise price or base price of the award, (2) cancel, exchange, or surrender an outstanding stock option or SAR in exchange for cash or other awards for the purpose of repricing the award, or (3) cancel, exchange, or surrender an outstanding stock option or SAR in exchange for an option or SAR with an exercise or base price that is less than the exercise or base price of the original award.

3.4

Binding Determinations.  Any determination or other action taken by, or inaction of, the Corporation, any Subsidiary, or the Administrator relating or pursuant to this Plan (or any award made under this Plan) and within its authority hereunder or under applicable law shall be within the absolute discretion of that entity or body and shall be conclusive and binding upon all persons.  Neither the Board nor any other Administrator, nor any member thereof or person acting at the direction thereof, shall be liable for any act, omission, interpretation, construction or determination made in good faith in connection with this Plan (or any award made under this Plan), and all such persons shall be entitled to indemnification and reimbursement by the Corporation in respect of any claim, loss, damage or expense (including, without limitation, attorneys’ fees) arising or resulting therefrom to the fullest extent permitted by law and/or under any directors and officers liability insurance coverage that may be in effect from time to time.  Neither the Board nor any other Administrator, nor any member thereof or person acting at the direction thereof, nor the Corporation or any of its Subsidiaries, shall be liable for any damages of a participant should an option intended as an ISO (as defined below) fail to meet the requirements of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended (the “Code”), applicable to ISOs, should any other award(s) fail to qualify for any intended tax treatment, should any award grant or other action with respect thereto not satisfy Rule 16b-3 promulgated under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, or otherwise for any tax or other liability imposed on a participant with respect to an award.

3.5

Reliance on Experts.  In making any determination or in taking or not taking any action under this Plan, the Administrator may obtain and may rely upon the advice of experts, including employees and professional advisors to the Corporation.  No director, officer or agent of the Corporation or any of its Subsidiaries shall be liable for any such action or determination taken or made or omitted in good faith.

3.6

Delegation.  The Administrator may delegate ministerial, non-discretionary functions to individuals who are officers or employees of the Corporation or any of its Subsidiaries or to third parties.


4.

SHARES OF COMMON STOCK SUBJECT TO THE PLAN; SHARE LIMITS

4.1

Shares Available.  Subject to the provisions of Section 7.1, the capital stock that may be delivered under this Plan shall be shares of the Corporation’s authorized but unissued Common Stock and any shares of its Common Stock held as treasury shares.  For purposes of this Plan, “Common Stock” shall mean the common stock of the Corporation and such other securities or property as may become the subject of awards under this Plan, or may become subject to such awards, pursuant to an adjustment made under Section 7.1.

4.2

Share Limits.  Effective as of the date of this amended and restated version of this Plan first set forth above (the “Amendment Effective Date”) and subject to Section 4.3, the maximum number of shares of Common Stock that may be delivered on and after the Amendment Effective Date pursuant to awards (including awards outstanding on the Amendment Effective Date) granted to Eligible Persons under this Plan (the “Share Limit”) is equal to the sum of the following:  

(1)

6,253,381 shares (which represents the sum of 2,700,000 shares, plus the number of shares available for new grants of full-value awards under this Plan on the Amendment Effective Date (giving effect to the fungible-share ratio applicable to such awards in effect immediately prior to the Amendment Effective Date), plus the number of shares subject to outstanding Plan awards on the Amendment Effective Date), plus  

(2)

the number of any shares subject to stock options granted under the Corporation’s 2008 Performance Incentive Plan and outstanding on the Amendment Effective Date, which expire, or for any reason are cancelled or terminated, after the Amendment Effective Date without being exercised.

The following limits also apply with respectDirectors to awards granted under this Plan:

(a)

The maximum number of shares of Common Stock that may be delivered pursuant to options qualified as incentive stock options granted under this Plan is 6,000,000 shares.

(b)

The maximum number of shares of Common Stock subject to those awards that are granted under this Plan during any one calendar year to an individual who, on the grant date of the award, is a non-employee director is the number of shares that produce a grant date fair value for the award that, when combined with the grant date fair value of any other awards granted under this Plan during that same calendar year to that individual in his or her capacity as a non-employee director, is $300,000.  For purposes of this Section 4.2(b), a “non-employee director” is an individual who, on the grant date of the award, is a member of the Board who is not then an officer or employee of the Corporation or one of its Subsidiaries.  For purposes of this Section 4.2(b), “grant date fair value” means the value of the award as of the date of grant of the award and as determined using the equity award valuation principles applied in the Corporation’s financial reporting.  The limits of this Section 4.2(b) do not apply to, and shall be determined without taking into account, any award granted to an individual who, on the grant date of the award, is an officer or employee of the Corporation or one of its Subsidiaries.  The limits of this Section


4.2(b) apply on an individual basis and not on an aggregate basis to all non-employee directors as a group.

Each of the foregoing numerical limits is subject to adjustment as contemplated by Section 4.3, Section 7.1, and Section 8.10.

4.3

Awards Settled in Cash, Reissue of Awards and Shares.  Except as provided in the next sentence, shares that are subject to or underlie awards granted under this Plan which expire or for any reason are cancelled or terminated, are forfeited, fail to vest, or for any other reason are not paid or delivered under this Plan shall not be counted against the Share Limit and shall be available for subsequent awards under this Plan.  Shares that are exchanged by a participant or withheld by the Corporation as full or partial payment in connection with any award under this Plan, as well as any shares exchanged by a participant or withheld by the Corporation or one of its Subsidiaries to satisfy the tax withholding obligations related to any award, shall be counted against the Share Limit and shall not be available for subsequent awards under this Plan.  To the extent that an award granted under this Plan is settled in cash or a form other than shares of Common Stock, the shares that would have been delivered had there been no such cash or other settlement shall not be counted against the Share Limit and shall be available for subsequent awards under this Plan.  In the event that shares of Common Stock are delivered in respect of a dividend equivalent right granted under this Plan, the number of shares delivered with respect to the award shall be counted against the Share Limit.  (For purposes of clarity, if 1,000 dividend equivalent rights are granted and outstanding when the Corporation pays a dividend, and 50 shares are delivered in payment of those rights with respect to that dividend, 50 shares shall be counted against the Share Limit).  To the extent that shares of Common Stock are delivered pursuant to the exercise of a stock appreciation right or stock option granted under this Plan, the number of underlying shares as to which the exercise related shall be counted against the Share Limit, as opposed to only counting the shares issued.  (For purposes of clarity, if a stock appreciation right relates to 100,000 shares and is exercised at a time when the payment due to the participant is 15,000 shares, 100,000 shares shall be charged against the Share Limit with respect to such exercise.)  Except as otherwise provided by the Administrator, shares delivered in respect of a dividend equivalent right shall not count against any individual award limit under this Plan other than the aggregate Share Limit.  Refer to Section 8.10 for application of the foregoing share limits with respect to assumed awards.  

4.4

No Fractional Shares; Minimum Issue.Unless otherwise expressly provided by the Administrator, no fractional shares shall be delivered under this Plan.  The Administrator may pay cash in lieu of any fractional shares in settlements of awards under this Plan.  The Administrator may from time to time impose a limit (of not greater than 100 shares) on the minimum number of shares that may be purchased or exercised as to awards (or any particular award) granted under this Plan unless (as to any particular award) the total number purchased or exercised is the total number at the time available for purchase or exercise under the award.

5.

AWARDS

5.1

Type and Form of Awards.  The Administrator shall determine the type or types of award(s) to be made to each selected Eligible Person.  Awards may be granted singly, in combination or in tandem.  Awards also may be made in combination or in tandem with, in replacement of, as alternatives to, or as the payment form for grants or rights under any other employee or compensation plan of the Corporation or one of its Subsidiaries.  The types of awards that may be granted under this Plan are:

5.1.1

Stock Options.  A stock option is the grant of a right to purchase a specified number of shares of Common Stock during a specified period as determined by the Administrator.  An option may be intended as an incentive stock option within the


meaning of Section 422 of the Code (an “ISO”) or a nonqualified stock option (an option not intended to be an ISO).  The award agreement for an option will indicate if the option is intended as an ISO; otherwise it will be deemed to be a nonqualified stock option.  The maximum term of each option (ISO or nonqualified) shall be ten (10) years.  The per share exercise price for each option shall be not less than 100% of the fair market value of a share of Common Stock on the date of grant of the option.  When an option is exercised, the exercise price for the shares to be purchased shall be paid in full in cash or such other method permitted by the Administrator consistent with Section 5.4.

5.1.2

Additional Rules Applicable to ISOs.  To the extent that the aggregate fair market value (determined at the time of grant of the applicable option) of stock with respect to which ISOs first become exercisable by a participant in any calendar year exceeds $100,000, taking into account both Common Stock subject to ISOs under this Plan and stock subject to ISOs under all other plans of the Corporation or one of its Subsidiaries (or any parent or predecessor corporation to the extent required by and within the meaning of Section 422 of the Code and the regulations promulgated thereunder), such options shall be treated as nonqualified stock options.  In reducing the number of options treated as ISOs to meet the $100,000 limit, the most recently granted options shall be reduced first.  To the extent a reduction of simultaneously granted options is necessary to meet the $100,000 limit, the Administrator may, in the manner and to the extent permitted by law, designate which shares of Common Stock are to be treated as shares acquired pursuant to the exercise of an ISO.  ISOs may only be granted to employees of the Corporation or one of its subsidiaries (for this purpose, the term “subsidiary” is used as defined in Section 424(f) of the Code, which generally requires an unbroken chain of ownership of at least 50% of the total combined voting power of all classes of stock of each subsidiary in the chain beginning with the Corporation and ending with the subsidiary in question).  No ISO may be granted to any person who, at the time the option is granted, owns (or is deemed to own under Section 424(d) of the Code) shares of outstanding Common Stock possessing more than 10% of the total combined voting power of all classes of stock of the Corporation, unless the exercise price of such option is at least 110% of the fair market value of the stock subject to the option and such option by its terms is not exercisable after the expiration of five years from the date such option is granted.   If an otherwise-intended ISO fails to meet the applicable requirements of Section 422 of the Code, the option shall be a nonqualified stock option.  

5.1.3

Stock Appreciation Rights.  A stock appreciation right or “SAR” is a right to receive a payment, in cash and/or Common Stock, equal to the excess of the fair market value of a specified number of shares of Common Stock on the date the SAR is exercised over the “base price” of the award, which base price shall be set forth in the applicable award agreement and shall be not less than 100% of the fair market value of a share of Common Stock on the date of grant of the SAR.  The maximum term of a SAR shall be ten (10) years.

5.1.4

Other Awards; Dividend Equivalent Rights.  The other types of awards that may be granted under this Plan include: (a) stock bonuses, restricted stock, performance stock, stock units, restricted stock units, deferred shares, phantom stock or similar rights to purchase or acquire shares, whether at a fixed or variable price (or no price) or fixed or variable ratio related to the Common Stock, and any of which may (but need not) be fully vested at grant or vest upon the passage of time, the occurrence of one or more events, the satisfaction of performance criteria or other conditions, or any combination thereof; or (b) cash awards.  The types of cash awards that may be granted under this Plan include the opportunity to receive a payment for the achievement of one or more goals established by the Administrator, on such terms as the Administrator may provide, as well as discretionary cash awards.  Dividend


equivalent rights may be granted as a separate award or in connection with another award under this Plan; provided, however, that dividend equivalent rights may not be granted as to a stock option or SAR granted under this Plan.  In addition, any dividends and/or dividend equivalents as to the portion of an award that is subject to unsatisfied vesting requirements will be subject to termination and forfeiture to the same extent as the corresponding portion of the award to which they relate in the event the applicable vesting requirements are not satisfied.

5.2

Award Agreements.  Each award shall be evidenced by a written or electronic award agreement or notice in a form approved by the Administrator (an “award agreement”), and, in each case and if required by the Administrator, executed or otherwise electronically accepted by the recipient of the award in such form and manner as the Administrator may require.  

5.3

Deferrals and Settlements.  Payment of awards may be in the form of cash, Common Stock, other awards or combinations thereof as the Administrator shall determine, and with such restrictions (if any) as it may impose.  The Administrator may also require or permit participants to elect to defer the issuance of shares or the settlement of awards in cash under such rules and procedures as it may establish under this Plan.  The Administrator may also provide that deferred settlements include the payment or crediting of interest or other earnings on the deferral amounts, or the payment or crediting of dividend equivalents where the deferred amounts are denominated in shares.

5.4

Consideration for Common Stock or Awards.  The purchase price (if any) for any award granted under this Plan or the Common Stock to be delivered pursuant to an award, as applicable, may be paid by means of any lawful consideration as determined by the Administrator, including, without limitation, one or a combination of the following methods:

services rendered by the recipient of such award;

cash, check payable to the order of the Corporation, or electronic funds transfer;

notice and third party payment in such manner as may be authorized by the Administrator;

the delivery of previously owned shares of Common Stock;

by a reduction in the number of shares otherwise deliverable pursuant to the award; or

subject to such procedures as the Administrator may adopt, pursuant to a “cashless exercise” with a third party who provides financing for the purposes of (or who otherwise facilitates) the purchase or exercise of awards.

In no event shall any shares newly-issued by the Corporation be issued for less than the minimum lawful consideration for such shares or for consideration other than consideration permitted by applicable state law.  The Corporation will not be obligated to deliver any shares unless and until it receives full payment of the exercise or purchase price therefor and any related withholding obligations under Section 8.5 and any other conditions to exercise or purchase have been satisfied.  Unless otherwise expressly provided in the applicable award agreement, the Administrator may at any time eliminate or limit a participant’s ability to pay any purchase or exercise price of any award or shares by any method other than cash payment to the Corporation.

5.5

Definition of Fair Market Value.  For purposes of this Plan, “fair market value” shall mean, unless otherwise determined or provided by the Administrator in the circumstances, the closing price (in regular trading) for a share of Common Stock on the New York Stock Exchange (the “Exchange”) for the date in question or, if no sales of Common Stock were reported on the Exchange on that date, the closing price (in regular trading) for a share of Common Stock on the Exchange on the last day preceding the date in question on which sales of Common Stock were reported on the Exchange.  The Administrator may, however,


provide with respect to one or more awards that the fair market value shall equal the closing price (in regular trading) for a share of Common Stock on the Exchange on the last trading day preceding the date in question or the average of the high and low trading prices of a share of Common Stock on the Exchange for the date in question or the most recent trading day.  If the Common Stock is no longer listed or is no longer actively traded on the Exchange as of the applicable date, the fair market value of the Common Stock shall be the value as reasonably determined by the Administrator for purposes of the award in the circumstances.  The Administrator also may adopt a different methodology for determining fair market value with respect to one or more awards if a different methodology is necessary or advisable to secure any intended favorable tax, legal or other treatment for the particular award(s) (for example, and without limitation, the Administrator may provide that fair market value for purposes of one or more awards will be based on an average of closing prices (or the average of high and low daily trading prices) for a specified period preceding the relevant date).  

5.6

Transfer Restrictions.

5.6.1

Limitations on Exercise and Transfer.  Unless otherwise expressly provided in (or pursuant to) this Section 5.6 or required by applicable law: (a) all awards are non-transferable and shall not be subject in any manner to sale, transfer, anticipation, alienation, assignment, pledge, encumbrance or charge; (b) awards shall be exercised only by the participant; and (c) amounts payable or shares issuable pursuant to any award shall be delivered only to (or for the account of) the participant.

5.6.2

Exceptions.  The Administrator may permit awards to be exercised by and paid to, or otherwise transferred to, other persons or entities pursuant to such conditions and procedures, including limitations on subsequent transfers, as the Administrator may, in its sole discretion, establish in writing.  Any permitted transfer shall be subject to compliance with applicable federal and state securities laws and shall not be for value (other than nominal consideration, settlement of marital property rights, or for interests in an entity in which more than 50% of the voting interests are held by the Eligible Person or by the Eligible Person’s family members).

5.6.3

Further Exceptions to Limits on Transfer.  The exercise and transfer restrictions in Section 5.6.1 shall not apply to:

(a)

transfers to the Corporation (for example, in connection with the expiration or termination of the award),

(b)

the designation of a beneficiary to receive benefits in the event of the participant’s death or, if the participant has died, transfers to or exercise by the participant’s beneficiary, or, in the absence of a validly designated beneficiary, transfers by will or the laws of descent and distribution,

(c)

subject to any applicable limitations on ISOs, transfers to a family member (or former family member) pursuant to a domestic relations order if received by the Administrator,

(d)

if the participant has suffered a disability, permitted transfers or exercises on behalf of the participant by his or her legal representative, or

(e)

the authorization by the Administrator of “cashless exercise” procedures with third parties who provide financing for the purpose of (or who otherwise facilitate) the exercise of awards consistent with applicable laws and any limitations imposed by the Administrator.


5.7

International Awards.  One or more awards may be granted to Eligible Persons who provide services to the Corporation or one of its Subsidiaries outside of the United States.  Any awards granted to such persons may be granted pursuant to the terms and conditions of any applicable sub-plans, if any, appended to this Plan and approved by the Administrator from time to time.  The awards so granted need not comply with other specific terms of this Plan, provided that stockholder approval of any deviation from the specific terms of this Plan is not required by applicable law or any applicable listing agency.

6.

EFFECT OF TERMINATION OF EMPLOYMENT OR SERVICE ON AWARDS

6.1

General.  The Administrator shall establish the effect (if any) of a termination of employment or service on the rights and benefits under each award under this Plan and in so doing may make distinctions based upon, inter alia, the cause of termination and type of award.  If the participant is not an employee of the Corporation or one of its Subsidiaries, is not a member of the Board, and provides other services to the Corporation or one of its Subsidiaries, the Administrator shall be the sole judge for purposes of this Plan (unless a contract or the award otherwise provides) of whether the participant continues to render services to the Corporation or one of its Subsidiaries and the date, if any, upon which such services shall be deemed to have terminated.

6.2

Events Not Deemed Terminations of Service.  Unless the express policy of the Corporation or one of its Subsidiaries, or the Administrator, otherwise provides, or except as otherwise required by applicable law, the employment relationship shall not be considered terminated in the case of (a) sick leave, (b) military leave, or (c) any other leave of absence authorized by the Corporation or one of its Subsidiaries, or the Administrator; provided that, unless reemployment upon the expiration of such leave is guaranteed by contract or law or the Administrator otherwise provides, such leave is for a period of not more than three months.  In the case of any employee of the Corporation or one of its Subsidiaries on an approved leave of absence, continued vesting of the award while on leave from the employ of the Corporation or one of its Subsidiaries may be suspended until the employee returns to service, unless the Administrator otherwise provides or applicable law otherwise requires.  In no event shall an award be exercised after the expiration of any applicable maximum term of the award.

6.3

Effect of Change of Subsidiary Status.  For purposes of this Plan and any award, if an entity ceases to be a Subsidiary of the Corporation a termination of employment or service shall be deemed to have occurred with respect to each Eligible Person in respect of such Subsidiary who does not continue as an Eligible Person in respect of the Corporation or another Subsidiary that continues as such after giving effect to the transaction or other event giving rise to the change in status unless the Subsidiary that is sold, spun-off or otherwise divested (or its successor or a direct or indirect parent of such Subsidiary or successor) assumes the Eligible Person’s award(s) in connection with such transaction.

7.

ADJUSTMENTS; ACCELERATION

7.1

Adjustments.  Subject to Section 7.2, upon (or, as may be necessary to effect the adjustment, immediately prior to): any reclassification, recapitalization, stock split (including a stock split in the form of a stock dividend) or reverse stock split; any merger, combination, consolidation, conversion or other reorganization; any spin-off, split-up, or similar extraordinary dividend distribution in respect of the Common Stock; or any exchange of Common Stock or other securities of the Corporation, or any similar, unusual or extraordinary corporate transaction in respect of the Common Stock; then the Administrator shall equitably and proportionately adjust (1) the number and type of shares of Common Stock (or other securities) that thereafter may be made the subject of awards (including the specific share limits, maximums and numbers of shares set forth elsewhere in this Plan), (2) the number, amount and type of shares of Common Stock (or other securities or property) subject to any outstanding awards,


(3) the grant, purchase, or exercise price (which term includes the base price of any SAR or similar right) of any outstanding awards, and/or (4) the securities, cash or other property deliverable upon exercise or payment of any outstanding awards, in each case to the extent necessary to preserve (but not increase) the level of incentives intended by this Plan and the then-outstanding awards.

Without limiting the generality of Section 3.4, any good faith determination by the Administrator as to whether an adjustment is required in the circumstances pursuant to this Section 7.1, and the extent and nature of any such adjustment, shall be conclusive and binding on all persons.

7.2

Corporate Transactions - Assumption and Termination of Awards.  Upon any event in which the Corporation does not survive, or does not survive as a public company in respect of its Common Stock (including, without limitation, a dissolution, merger, combination, consolidation, conversion, exchange of securities, or other reorganization, or a sale of all or substantially all of the business, stock or assets of the Corporation, in any case, in connection with which the Corporation does not survive or does not survive as a public company in respect of its Common Stock), then the Administrator may make provision for a cash payment in settlement of, or for the termination, assumption, substitution or exchange of any or all outstanding awards or the cash, securities or property deliverable to the holder of any or all outstanding awards, based upon, to the extent relevant under the circumstances, the distribution or consideration payable to holders of the Common Stock upon or in respect of such event.  Upon the occurrence of any event described in the preceding sentence, in connection with which the Administrator has made a provision for the award to be terminated (and the Administrator has not made a provision for the substitution, assumption, exchange or other continuation or settlement of the award): (1) unless otherwise provided in the applicable award agreement, each then-outstanding option and SAR shall become fully vested, all shares of restricted stock then outstanding shall fully vest free of restrictions, and each other award granted under this Plan that is then outstanding shall become payable to the holder of such award (with any performance goals applicable to the award in each case being deemed met, unless otherwise provided in the award agreement, at the “target” performance level); and (2) each award (including any award or portion thereof that, by its terms, does not accelerate and vest in the circumstances) shall terminate upon the related event; provided that the holder of an option or SAR shall be given reasonable advance notice of the impending termination and a reasonable opportunity to exercise his or her outstanding vested options and SARs (after giving effect to any accelerated vesting required in the circumstances) in accordance with their terms before the termination of such awards (except that in no case shall more than ten days’ notice of the impending termination be required and any acceleration of vesting and any exercise of any portion of an award that is so accelerated may be made contingent upon the actual occurrence of the event).

Without limiting the preceding paragraph, in connection with any event referred to in the preceding paragraph or any change in control event defined in any applicable award agreement, the Administrator may, in its discretion, provide for the accelerated vesting of any award or awards as and to the extent determined by the Administrator in the circumstances.

One-Year Terms Nominees: 1a.Patricia M. Bedient1b.James A. Beer1c.Raymond L. Conner 1d.Daniel K. Elwell1e.Dhiren R. Fonseca1f.Kathleen T. Hogan 1g.Adrienne R. Lofton 1h.Benito Minicucci1i.Helvi K. Sandvik1j.J. Kenneth Thompson1k.Eric K. Yeaman For purposes of this Section 7.2, an award shall be deemed to have been “assumed” if (without limiting other circumstances in which an award is assumed) the award continues after an event referred to above in this Section 7.2, and/or is assumed and continued by the surviving entity following such event (including, without limitation, an entity that, as a result of such event, owns the Corporation or all or substantially all of the Corporation’s assets directly or through one or more subsidiaries (a “Parent”)), and confers the right to purchase or receive, as applicable and subject to vesting and the other terms and conditions of the award, for each share of Common Stock subject to the award immediately prior to the event, the consideration (whether cash, shares, or other securities or property) received in the event by the stockholders of the Corporation for each share of Common Stock sold or exchanged in


such event (or the consideration received by a majority of the stockholders participating in such event if the stockholders were offered a choice of consideration); provided, however, that if the consideration offered for a share of Common Stock in the event is not solely the ordinary common stock of a successor corporation or a Parent, the Administrator may provide for the consideration to be received upon exercise or payment of the award, for each share subject to the award, to be solely ordinary common stock of the successor corporation or a Parent equal in fair market value to the per share consideration received by the stockholders participating in the event.

The Administrator may adopt such valuation methodologies for outstanding awards as it deems reasonable in the event of a cash or property settlement and, in the case of options, SARs or similar rights, but without limitation on other methodologies, may base such settlement solely upon the excess if any of the per share amount payable upon or in respect of such event over the exercise or base price of the award. In the case of an option, SAR or similar right as to which the per share amount payable upon or in respect of such event is less than or equal to the exercise or base price of the award, the Administrator may terminate such award in connection with an event referred to in this Section 7.2 without any payment in respect of such award.

In any of the events referred to in this Section 7.2, the Administrator may take such action contemplated by this Section 7.2 prior to such event (as opposed to on the occurrence of such event) to the extent that the Administrator deems the action necessary to permit the participant to realize the benefits intended to be conveyed with respect to the underlying shares.  Without limiting the generality of the foregoing, the Administrator may deem an acceleration and/or termination to occur immediately prior to the applicable event and, in such circumstances, will reinstate the original terms of the award if an event giving rise to an acceleration and/or termination does not occur.

Without limiting the generality of Section 3.4, any good faith determination by the Administrator pursuant to its authority under this Section 7.2 shall be conclusive and binding on all persons.

7.3

Other Acceleration Rules.  The Administrator may override the provisions of Section 7.2 by express provision in the award agreement and may accord any Eligible Person a right to refuse any acceleration, whether pursuant to the award agreement or otherwise, in such circumstances as the Administrator may approve.  The portion of any ISO accelerated in connection with an event referred to in Section 7.2 (or such other circumstances as may trigger accelerated vesting of the award) shall remain exercisable as an ISO only to the extent the applicable $100,000 limitation on ISOs is not exceeded.  To the extent exceeded, the accelerated portion of the option shall be exercisable as a nonqualified stock option under the Code.

7.4

Definition of Change in Control.  With respect to a particular award granted under this Plan, a “Change in Control” shall be deemed to have occurred as of the first day, after the date of grant of the particular award, that any one or more of the following conditions shall have been satisfied:

(i)

the consummation of:

(A)

any consolidation or merger of the Corporation in which the Corporation is not the continuing or surviving corporation or pursuant to which shares of common stock of the Corporation would be converted into cash, securities or other property, other than a merger of the Corporation in which the holders of common stock of the Corporation immediately prior to the merger have


the same proportionate ownership of common stock of the surviving corporation immediately after the merger; or

(B)

any sale, lease, exchange or other transfer (in one transaction or a series of related transactions) of all, or substantially all, the assets of the Corporation.

(ii)

at any time during a period of twenty-four (24) months, fewer than a majority of the members of the Board are Incumbent Directors.  For these purposes, “Incumbent Directors” means (A) individuals who constitute the Board at the beginning of such period; and (B) individuals who were nominated or elected by all of, or a committee composed entirely of, the individuals described in (A); and (C) individuals who were nominated or elected by individuals described in (B).

(iii)

any Person (meaning any individual, entity or group within the meaning of Section 13(d)(3) or 14(d) of the Exchange Act) shall, as a result of a tender or exchange offer, open market purchases, privately-negotiated purchases or otherwise, become the beneficial owner (within the meaning of Rule 13d-3 under the Exchange Act), directly or indirectly, of the then-outstanding securities of the Corporation ordinarily (and apart from rights accruing under special circumstances) having the right to vote in the election of members of the Board (“Voting Securities” to be calculated as provided in paragraph (d) of Rule 13d-3 in the case of rights to acquire common stock of the Corporation) representing 20% or more of the combined voting power of the then-outstanding Voting Securities.

(iv)

approval by the stockholders of the Corporation of any plan or proposal for the liquidation or dissolution of the Corporation.

Unless the Board shall determine otherwise, a Change of Control shall not be deemed to have occurred by reason of any corporate reorganization, merger, consolidation, transfer of assets, liquidating distribution or other transaction entered into solely by and between the Corporation and any affiliate thereof, provided such transaction has been approved by at least two-thirds (2/3) of the Incumbent Directors (as defined above) then in office and voting.

8.

OTHER PROVISIONS

8.1

Compliance with Laws.  This Plan, the granting and vesting of awards under this Plan, the offer, issuance and delivery of shares of Common Stock, and/or the payment of money under this Plan or under awards are subject to compliance with all applicable federal, state, local and foreign laws, rules and regulations (including but not limited to state and federal securities law and federal margin requirements) and to such approvals by any listing, regulatory or governmental authority as may, in the opinion of counsel for the Corporation, be necessary or advisable in connection therewith.  The person acquiring any securities under this Plan will, if requested by the Corporation or one of its Subsidiaries, provide such assurances and representations to the Corporation or one of its Subsidiaries as the Administrator may deem necessary or desirable to assure compliance with all applicable legal and accounting requirements.

8.2

No Rights to Award.  No person shall have any claim or rights to be granted an award (or additional awards, as the case may be) under this Plan, subject to any express contractual rights (set forth in a document other than this Plan) to the contrary.

8.3

No Employment/Service Contract.  Nothing contained in this Plan (or in any other documents under this Plan or in any award) shall confer upon any Eligible Person or other participant any right to continue in the employ or other service of the Corporation or one of its Subsidiaries, constitute any contract or agreement of employment or other service or affect an employee’s status as an employee at will, nor shall interfere in any way with the right of the Corporation or


one of its Subsidiaries to change a person’s compensation or other benefits, or to terminate his or her employment or other service, with or without cause.  Nothing in this Section 8.3, however, is intended to adversely affect any express independent right of such person under a separate employment or service contract other than an award agreement.

8.4

Plan Not Funded.  Awards payable under this Plan shall be payable in shares or from the general assets of the Corporation, and no special or separate reserve, fund or deposit shall be made to assure payment of such awards.  No participant, beneficiary or other person shall have any right, title or interest in any fund or in any specific asset (including shares of Common Stock, except as expressly otherwise provided) of the Corporation or one of its Subsidiaries by reason of any award hereunder.  Neither the provisions of this Plan (or of any related documents), nor the creation or adoption of this Plan, nor any action taken pursuant to the provisions of this Plan shall create, or be construed to create, a trust of any kind or a fiduciary relationship between the Corporation or one of its Subsidiaries and any participant, beneficiary or other person.  To the extent that a participant, beneficiary or other person acquires a right to receive payment pursuant to any award hereunder, such right shall be no greater than the right of any unsecured general creditor of the Corporation.

8.5

Tax Withholding.  Upon any exercise, vesting, or payment of any award, or upon the disposition of shares of Common Stock acquired pursuant to the exercise of an ISO prior to satisfaction of the holding period requirements of Section 422 of the Code, or upon any other tax withholding event with respect to any award, arrangements satisfactory to the Corporation shall be made to provide for any taxes the Corporation or any of its Subsidiaries may be required or permitted to withhold with respect to such award event or payment. Such arrangements may include (but are not limited to) any one of (or a combination of) the following:

(a)

The Corporation or one of its Subsidiaries shall have the right to require the participant (or the participant’s personal representative or beneficiary, as the case may be) to pay or provide for payment of the amount of any taxes which the Corporation or one of its Subsidiaries may be required or permitted to withhold with respect to such award event or payment.

(b)

The Corporation or one of its Subsidiaries shall have the right to deduct from any amount otherwise payable in cash (whether related to the award or otherwise) to the participant (or the participant’s personal representative or beneficiary, as the case may be) the amount of any taxes which the Corporation or one of its Subsidiaries may be required or permitted to withhold with respect to such award event or payment.

(c)

In any case where a tax is required to be withheld in connection with the delivery of shares of Common Stock under this Plan, the Administrator may in its sole discretion (subject to Section 8.1) require or grant (either at the time of the award or thereafter) to the participant the right to elect, pursuant to such rules and subject to such conditions as the Administrator may establish, that the Corporation reduce the number of shares to be delivered by (or otherwise reacquire) the appropriate number of shares, valued in a consistent manner at their fair market value or at the sales price in accordance with authorized procedures for cashless exercises, necessary to satisfy the applicable withholding obligation on exercise, vesting or payment.  In no event shall the shares withheld exceed the minimum whole number of shares required for tax withholding under applicable law to the extent the Corporation determines that withholding at any greater level would result in an award otherwise classified as an equity award under ASC Topic 718 being classified as a liability award under ASC Topic 718.     


8.6

Effective Date, Termination and Suspension, Amendments.

8.6.1

Effective Date.  This Plan is effective as of February 10, 2016, the date of its approval by the Board (the “Effective Date”).  This Plan shall be submitted for and subject to stockholder approval no later than twelve months after the Effective Date.  Unless earlier terminated by the Board and subject to any extension that may be approved by stockholders, this Plan shall terminate at the close of business on March 17, 2031.  After the termination of this Plan either upon such stated termination date or its earlier termination by the Board, no additional awards may be granted under this Plan, but previously granted awards (and the authority of the Administrator with respect thereto, including the authority to amend such awards) shall remain outstanding in accordance with their applicable terms and conditions and the terms and conditions of this Plan.

8.6.2

Board Authorization.  The Board may, at any time, terminate or, from time to time, amend, modify or suspend this Plan, in whole or in part. No awards may be granted during any period that the Board suspends this Plan.

8.6.3

Stockholder Approval.  To the extent then required by applicable law, or deemed necessary or advisable by the Board, any amendment to this Plan shall be subject to stockholder approval.

8.6.4

Amendments to Awards.  Without limiting any other express authority of the Administrator under (but subject to) the express limits of this Plan, the Administrator by agreement or resolution may waive conditions of or limitations on awards to participants that the Administrator in the prior exercise of its discretion has imposed, without the consent of a participant, and (subject to the requirements of Sections 3.2 and 8.6.5) may make other changes to the terms and conditions of awards.  Any amendment or other action that would constitute a repricing of an award is subject to the no-repricing provisions of Section 3.3.

8.6.5

Limitations on Amendments to Plan and Awards.  No amendment, suspension or termination of this Plan or amendment of any outstanding award agreement shall, without written consent of the participant, affect in any manner materially adverse to the participant any rights or benefits of the participant or obligations of the Corporation under any award granted under this Plan prior to the effective date of such change.  Changes, settlements and other actions contemplated by Section 7 shall not be deemed to constitute changes or amendments for purposes of this Section 8.6.

8.7

Privileges of Stock Ownership.  Except as otherwise expressly authorized by the Administrator, a participant shall not be entitled to any privilege of stock ownership as to any shares of Common Stock not actually delivered to and held of record by the participant.  Except as expressly required by Section 7.1 or otherwise expressly provided by the Administrator, no adjustment will be made for dividends or other rights as a stockholder for which a record date is prior to such date of delivery.

8.8

Governing Law; Severability.

8.8.1

Choice of Law.  This Plan, the awards, all documents evidencing awards and all other related documents shall be governed by, and construed in accordance with the laws of the State of Delaware, notwithstanding any Delaware or other conflict of law provision to the contrary.

8.8.2

Severability.  If a court of competent jurisdiction holds any provision invalid and unenforceable, the remaining provisions of this Plan shall continue in effect.


8.9

Captions.  Captions and headings are given to the sections and subsections of this Plan solely as a convenience to facilitate reference.  Such headings shall not be deemed in any way material or relevant to the construction or interpretation of this Plan or any provision thereof.

8.10

Stock-Based Awards in Substitution for Stock Options or Awards Granted by Other Corporation.  Awards may be granted to Eligible Persons in substitution for or in connection with an assumption of employee stock options, SARs, restricted stock or other stock-based awards granted by other entities to persons who are or who will become Eligible Persons in respect of the Corporation or one of its Subsidiaries, in connection with a distribution, merger or other reorganization by or with the granting entity or an affiliated entity, or the acquisition by the Corporation or one of its Subsidiaries, directly or indirectly, of all or a substantial part of the stock or assets of the employing entity.  The awards so granted need not comply with other specific terms of this Plan, provided the awards reflect adjustments giving effect to the assumption or substitution consistent with any conversion applicable to the common stock (or the securities otherwise subject to the award) in the transaction and any change in the issuer of the security.  Any shares that are delivered and any awards that are granted by, or become obligations of, the Corporation, as a result of the assumption by the Corporation of, or in substitution for, outstanding awards previously granted or assumed by an acquired company (or previously granted or assumed by a predecessor employer (or direct or indirect parent thereof) in the case of persons that become employed by the Corporation or one of its Subsidiaries in connection with a business or asset acquisition or similar transaction) shall not be counted against the Share Limit or other limits on the number of shares available for issuance under this Plan.

8.11

Non-Exclusivity of Plan.  Nothing in this Plan shall limit or be deemed to limit the authority of the Board or the Administrator to grant awards or authorize any other compensation, with or without reference to the Common Stock, under any other plan or authority.

8.12

No Corporate Action Restriction.  The existence of this Plan, the award agreements and the awards granted hereunder shall not limit, affect, or restrict in any way the right or power of the Corporation or any Subsidiary (or any of their respective shareholders, boards of directors or committees thereof (or any subcommittees), as the case may be) to make or authorize: (a) any adjustment, recapitalization, reorganization or other change in the capital structure or business of the Corporation or any Subsidiary, (b) any merger, amalgamation, consolidation or change in the ownership of the Corporation or any Subsidiary, (c) any issue of bonds, debentures, capital, preferred or prior preference stock ahead of or affecting the capital stock (or the rights thereof) of the Corporation or any Subsidiary, (d) any dissolution or liquidation of the Corporation or any Subsidiary, (e) any sale or transfer of all or any part of the assets or business of the Corporation or any Subsidiary, (f) any other award, grant, or payment of incentives or other compensation under any other plan or authority (or any other action with respect to any benefit, incentive or compensation), or (g) any other corporate act or proceeding by the Corporation or any Subsidiary.  No participant, beneficiary or any other person shall have any claim under any award or award agreement against any member of the Board or the Administrator, or the Corporation or any employees, officers or agents of the Corporation or any Subsidiary, as a result of any such action.  Awards need not be structured so as to be deductible for tax purposes.

8.13

Other Company Benefit and Compensation Programs.  Payments and other benefits received by a participant under an award made pursuant to this Plan shall not be deemed a part of a participant’s compensation for purposes of the determination of benefits under any other employee welfare or benefit plans or arrangements, if any, provided by the Corporation or any Subsidiary, except where the Administrator expressly otherwise provides or authorizes in writing.  Awards under this Plan may be made in addition to, in combination with, as


alternatives to or in payment of grants, awards or commitments under any other plans, arrangements or authority of the Corporation or its Subsidiaries.

8.14

Clawback Policy.  The awards granted under this Plan are subject to the terms of the Corporation’s recoupment, clawback or similar policy as it may be in effect from time to time, as well as any similar provisions of applicable law, any of which could in certain circumstances require repayment or forfeiture of awards or any shares of Common Stock or other cash or property received with respect to the awards (including any value received from a disposition of the shares acquired upon payment of the awards).

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! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! Against ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! Abstain ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! VOTE BY INTERNET Before The Meeting - Go to www.proxyvote.com or scan the QR Barcode above Use the Internet to transmit your voting instructions and for electronic delivery of information up until 11:59 P.M. Eastern Time or on May 6, 20203, 2023 (11:59 P.M. Eastern Time on May 4, 20201, 2023 for the Employee Plans). Have your proxy card in hand when you access the web site and follow the instructions to obtain your records and to create an electronic voting instruction form. During The Meeting - Go to www.virtualshareholdermeeting.com/alk2020alk2023 You may attend the Meeting via the Internet and vote during the Meeting. Have the information that is printed in the box marked by the arrow available and follow the instructions. VOTE BY PHONE - 1-800-690-6903 Use any touch-tone telephone to transmit your voting instructions up until 11:59 P.M. Eastern Time on May 6, 20203, 2023 (11:59 P.M. Eastern Time or on May 4, 20201, 2023 for the Employee Plans). Have your proxy card in hand when you call and then follow the instructions. VOTE BY MAIL Mark, sign and date your proxy card and return it in the postage-paid envelope we have provided or return it to Vote Processing, c/o Broadridge, 51 Mercedes Way, Edgewood, NY 11717. V02705-P83264 For Against 2.Approve (on an advisory basis) the compensation of the !! Company's Named Executive Officers. 1 Year2 Years3 Years 3.Advisory vote to approve the frequency of the !!! advisory vote to approve the compensation of the Company's Named Executive Officers. For Against 4.Ratify the appointment of KPMG LLP as the Company's independent registered public accountants for the fiscal !! year 2023. Abstain ! Abstain ! Abstain ! Please sign exactly as your name(s) appear(s) hereon. When signing as attorney, executor, administrator, or other fiduciary, please give full title as such. Joint owners should each sign personally. All holders must sign. If a corporation or partnership, please sign in full corporate or partnership name by authorized officer.


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Important Notice Regarding the Availability of Proxy Materials for the Annual Meeting: The Proxy Statement and Form 10-K are available at www.proxyvote.com. V02706-P83264 ALASKA AIR GROUP, INC. ANNUAL MEETING OF STOCKHOLDERS MAY 4, 2023, 11:00 A.M. PACIFIC TIME THIS PROXY IS SOLICITED ON BEHALF OF THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS The stockholder hereby appoints Benito Minicucci and Kyle B. Levine, or either of them, as proxies, each with the power to appoint his substitute, and hereby authorizes them to represent and to vote, as designated on the reverse side of this card, all of the shares of Common Stock of Alaska Air Group, Inc. that the stockholder is entitled to vote at the Annual Meeting of Stockholders. If applicable, the undersigned has the right to give voting instructions to Vanguard Fiduciary Trust Company, Trustee of Alaska Air Group, Inc. Alaskasaver Plan, the Alaska Airlines, Inc. COPS, MRP and Dispatch 401(k) Plan, and the Horizon Air Industries, Inc. Savings Investment Plan, and/or Fidelity Management Trust Company, as Trustee of the Alaska Airlines, Inc. Pilots Investment and Savings Plan, at the Annual Meeting of Stockholders. This form, when properly executed, will be voted as directed. If voting instructions are not received by the proxy tabulator by 11:59 p.m., Eastern Time, May 1, 2023, these shares will not be voted by the Trustees. The Annual Meeting of Stockholders is to be held online at www.virtualshareholdermeeting.com/alk2023 at 11:00 a.m. Pacific Time on Thursday, May 7, 20204, 2023 and at any adjournment or postponement thereof. When this proxy is properly executed, the shares to which the proxy relates will be voted as directed. If no such directions are made, this proxy will be voted FOR all the nominees listed and FOR Proposals 2, and 3, and AGAINST Proposals 4 and 5.1 YEAR on Proposal 3. Please mark, sign, date and return this proxy card promptly using the enclosed reply envelope or by voting over the Internet or by telephone. Continued and to be signed on reverse side.

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