#United States #Seattle #Alaska Airlines #Ryan Sather #safety and security

Alaska Air Group Appoints Ryan Sather

In an important move affirming its commitment to safety, Alaska Air Group has named Ryan Sather as the new Vice President of Safety and Security. The company is enhancing its safety protocols across all operations, ensuring that both employees and guests are prioritized in every aspect of its airline functions.

Ryan Sather takes on this pivotal role after a distinguished tenure within the company, which has prepared him to lead safety initiatives effectively. His extensive expertise spans over a decade at Alaska and Horizon, further enriched by his responsibilities across various operational areas, including safety management and system operations control.

In this newly assigned role, Sather will spearhead the development and implementation of long-term strategies addressing safety and security. A key aspect of his leadership will be building a culture that aligns with the company's dedication to maintaining world-class safety standards. Brooke Vatheuer, Senior Vice President of Safety and Audit, emphasized Sather's capability: "Ryan's comprehensive experience in aviation and his innate ability to nurture team relationships will be a tremendous asset as we advance our shared safety objectives."

Sather’s past achievements include leading efforts to meld the operational frameworks of Alaska Airlines and Hawaiian Airlines into a single cohesive unit, effectively managing to secure a joint operating certificate recognized by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA). The integration of these two operations enables Alaska and Hawaiian to present a unified safety system, benefitting a wider network of customers and stakeholders.

Before transitioning to the role of Vice President, Sather showcased his commitment to safety through various projects that fostered a protective environment for employees and guests alike. His leadership style is characterized by a focus on collaboration and results, fostering a supportive atmosphere where teams can thrive.

An alumnus of the U.S. Marine Corps, where he served as a lieutenant colonel for 26 years, Sather brings to Alaska an advanced tactical acumen and an admirable record of performance. His military background complements his aviation career, making him particularly well-suited for the demands of safety protocols in the airline industry.

Sather steps into this significant role following the retirement of Max Tidwell, who dedicated eight years to Alaska Air Group. During Tidwell’s tenure, the corporation navigated numerous industry challenges, including the recent COVID-19 pandemic and the operational hurdles presented by the 2024 grounding of the Boeing MAX fleet. Tidwell's leadership has laid a solid foundation for Sather as he prepares to take on the responsibilities of ensuring Alaska Air Group’s commitment to excellence in safety.

As Sather transitions into his role, his plans include regular assessments of safety procedures, introducing innovative programs and reinforcing the ongoing commitment to the company's safety vision. With his leadership, Alaska Air Group aims to further enhance its reputation as a safe and reliable airline, not just for today but for the future.

Alaska Air Group, which operates not just the Alaska Airlines but also Hawaiian Airlines and Horizon Air, is firmly embedded in the airline industry with extensive reach across North America, Latin America, Asia, and the Pacific. With plans for further expansion into Europe beginning in spring 2026, the company is preparing to challenge itself continuously while prioritizing the safety of all personnel and guests. Interested parties can learn more about Alaska Air Group at alaskaair.com and hawaiianairlines.com.