form8-k.htm



UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
WASHINGTON, DC 20549


FORM 8-K


CURRENT REPORT PURSUANT
TO SECTION 13 OR 15(D) OF THE
SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934

August 4, 2010
(Date of earliest event reported)

ALASKA AIR GROUP, INC.
(Exact Name of Registrant as Specified in Its Charter)

Delaware
(State or Other Jurisdiction of Incorporation)

1-8957
91-1292054
(Commission File Number)
(IRS Employer Identification No.)


19300 International Boulevard, Seattle, Washington
98188
(Address of Principal Executive Offices)
(Zip Code)

(206) 392-5040
(Registrant’s Telephone Number, Including Area Code)


(Former Name or Former Address, if Changed Since Last Report)

Check the appropriate box below if the Form 8-K filing is intended to simultaneously satisfy the filing obligation of the registrant under any of the following provisions (see General Instruction A.2. below):

o      Written communications pursuant to Rule 425 under the Securities Act (17 CFR 230.425)

o      Soliciting material pursuant to Rule 14a-12 under the Exchange Act (17 CFR 240.14a-12)

o      Pre-commencement communications pursuant to Rule 14d-2(b) under the Exchange Act (17 CFR 240.14d-2(b))

o      Pre-commencement communications pursuant to Rule 13e-4(c) under the Exchange Act (17 CFR 240.13e-4(c))

 
 

 

 
 
ITEM 8.01.  Other Events
Bill Ayer, chairman and chief executive officer of Alaska Air Group, has adopted a plan for trading Alaska Air Group shares in accordance with the guidelines specified by Rule 10b5-1 under the Securities and Exchange Act of 1934.

Under the plan, Ayer will sell Alaska Air Group shares according to a prearranged five-month trading schedule beginning in August 2010 when certain conditions are met. The shares will be sold on the open market at prevailing market prices as part of a portfolio diversification plan. Ayer will continue to hold a sizable stake in Alaska Air Group.

Rule 10b5-1 permits corporate officers, directors and others to adopt written, pre-arranged stock trading plans when they are not in possession of material, non-public information. These plans allow insiders to have shares sold for their accounts over a period of time regardless of any material, non-public information they may receive after adopting their plans.

In accordance with 10b5-1 rules, Ayer will have no discretion over sales under his plan.
 

Signatures
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned thereunto duly authorized.

ALASKA AIR GROUP, INC.                                                                           
Registrant

Date: August 9, 2010

/s/ Brandon S. Pedersen                                                                                
Brandon S. Pedersen
Vice President/Finance and Chief Financial Officer