Alaska Airlines has appointed 30-year aviation industry veteran Constance von Muehlen as the carrier’s new Chief Operating Officer effective April 3, 2021. She will join Alaska’s Executive Committee and report to Ben Minicucci, who will become CEO on March 31, 2021.
On Monday (March 22, 2021), Alaska Airlines announced the appointment of Constance von Muehlen as Chief Operating Officer (COO), effective April 3, 2021. Ms. von Muehlen is a 30-year aviation industry veteran with deep experience in safety, compliance and operations. She will join the company’s Executive Committee and serve as the Board Chair of wholly-owned subsidiary, McGee Air Services. Von Muehlen will report directly to Ben Minicucci, who will become the airline’s Chief Executive Officer on March 31, 2021. Constance von Muehlen succeeds Alaska Airlines’ current COO, Gary Beck, who will retire after an impressive 47-year career in the aviation industry.
Having received her leadership training flying Blackhawk helicopters as a Captain in the U.S Army, von Muehlen brings 30 years of safety compliance and operational excellence to the role. As Alaska’s COO, she will oversee day-to-day ground and air operations for the company with a focus on delivering on the carrier’s commitment to delivering a genuine, caring, safe, reliable and hassle-free experience for all guests. Most recently, von Muehlen served as Alaska Airlines’ SVP of Maintenance and Engineering, where she was responsible for the operational performance of the carrier’s mainline Airbus and Boeing fleet. Previously, she served as COO of Horizon Air, overseeing customer service, inflight, pilot, maintenance and systems operations control teams.
In Monday’s announcement, Alaska Airline’s future Chief Executive Officer, Ben Minicucci, said,
“Constance is a deeply trusted leader who brings out the best in people. She unlocks the potential of each individual to drive a solution-oriented team approach. Constance has an impressive ability to manage complexity, simplify systems and see around corners to meet the future demands of our business. As we welcome guests back to the skies following the COVID-19 crisis, I can't think of a better person to oversee our recovery.”
Prior to joining the airline in 2011 as Director of Engine Maintenance, von Muehlen worked in aviation maintenance for 20 years, including service as General Manager of Pratt & Whitney’s Saint-Hubert, Quebec service canter and Director of Airframe Maintenance at Air Canada. Constance von Muehlen holds a B.S. degree from Johns Hopkins University, a certificate in Executive Leadership Training from the Darden School at the University of Virginia, and an executive MBA from the Foster School of Business at the University of Washington.
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, Inc. (NYSE: ALK).
Source: Alaska Airlines