May 20, 2010 - This year, Alaska Air Group blocked shareholders from voting on whether the company should disclose its policies related to maintenance standards and oversight procedures, arguing to the Securities and Exchange Commission that it is not a significant public policy issue and therefore not an appropriate issue for investors to consider. 

At Tuesday Alaska Air Group shareholder meeting, Teamster represented Horizon Air mechanics and pilots demanded the company disclose the standards used for outsourced aircraft maintenance and how the company enforces those standards. 

“Alaska Air Group shareholders know all too well the devastating impact an airline tragedy can have on the security of our nation, the safety of our passengers and the bottom line of business,” said Capt. David Bourne, Director of the Teamsters Airline Division. “That’s why the company’s increased reliance on contract repair facilities, which are not subject to the same regulatory standards as the company’s in-house maintenance operations, is of such great concern to all of the company’s stakeholders.” 

The Transportation Department’s Inspector General has warned that mistakes can be made by untrained and ill-equipped personnel at aircraft repair shops in the U.S. and abroad. It also has found there to be “security vulnerabilities” including susceptibility to sabotage at airport and off-airport repair stations.