Mr. Elwell will also join the Board of the company’s subsidiaries, Alaska Airlines, Inc. and Horizon Air Industries, Inc. Daniel Elwell is a former military and commercial pilot and served as Deputy and Acting FAA Administrator from June 2017 through November 2020.
On Thursday (January 21, 2021), Alaska Air Group announced the appointment of Daniel Elwell to the company’s Board of Directors, effective immediately. Mr. Elwell will also join the Boards of company subsidiaries Alaska Airlines, Inc. and Horizon Air Industries, Inc. A former military and commercial pilot, Elwell served as the Deputy and Acting FAA Administrator from June 2017 through November 2020, where he was responsible for the safety and efficiency of the world’s largest aerospace system, with over 50,000 daily flights. Additionally, he was responsible for oversight of the FAA’s multi-billion -dollar NextGen air traffic control modernization program. In Thursday’s announcement, Alaska Air Group’s Chairman and CEO, Brad Tilden, said,
“We are thrilled to have someone with Dan's expertise and background in the airline and aviation industry join our board. He has been a pilot, public servant and innovator to advance aviation safety in our country – a value we hold dear. At a both critical and exciting time in our industry, Dan clearly understands the challenges and opportunities ahead, and we welcome his trusted perspective and ideas.”
Mr. Elwell will hold a seat on the Board’s Audit and Innovation Committees and his appointment increases the Group’s number of independent directors from 11 to 12. The complete Board consists of 14 members, with the additional two seats held by Mr. Tilden and Alaska Airlines’ President, Ben Minicucci. Prior to his appointment as FAA Deputy and Acting Director, Mr. Elwell was a Senior Advisor on Aviation to former U.S. Department of Transportation Secretary, Elaine Chao. Between 2013-2015, Elwell served as Senior Vice President for Safety, Security and Operations at Airlines for America (A4A) and from 2008-2013, he served as Vice President of the Aerospace Industries Association (AIA).
Daniel Elwell was a commercial pilot with American Airlines for 16 years, flying DC-10, MD-80, Boeing 757 and 767 aircraft. He also served as Managing Director for International and Government Affairs at American Airlines while maintaining his MD-80 captain proficiency. After graduating from the U.S. Air Force Academy with a B.S. in International Affairs, Elwell earned his pilot wings at Williams Air Force base in Arizona. He retired from the military as a Lieutenant Colonel and Command Pilot with over 6,000 combined civilian and military flight time, including combat service during Operation Desert Storm.
Alaska Airlines and their regional partners serve over 115 destinations in the United States and North America, providing essential service for their guests and critical cargo shipments, while emphasizing Next-Level Care. The carrier has hubs in Seattle, San Francisco, Los Angeles, Portland and Anchorage and is known for low fares, excellent service and sustainability efforts. Along with their Global Partners, Alaska Airlines’ guests can earn and redeem miles on flights to more than 800 global destinations. On March 31, 2021, Alaska Airlines will become a member of the oneworld global alliance. Alaska Airlines and Horizon Air are subsidiaries of the Alaska Air Group (NYSE: ALK).
Source: Alaska Airlines