Alaska Airlines Captains Larry Packer and Blake Gibson piloted the Boeing 737-Max 8 during Saturday’s event, marking a significant milestone for the airline and airshow.
“As a retired U.S. Navy Blue Angel pilot, participating in this event will be profoundly meaningful to me,” Capt. Packer said earlier today. “As I approach retirement, this will be an unforgettable moment in my career at Alaska Airlines.”Gibson also plans to retire in the coming months. Together, they bring over 60 years of experience with Alaska Airlines.
In addition to the flyover, Alaska is proud to announce its new role as a sponsor of the Miramar Airshow, the largest military airshow in the U.S.
“Supporting events like the Miramar Airshow not only brings our community together, but also provides a platform to honor and recognize the dedication and sacrifice of our military,” said David Tucker, managing director of Public Affairs at Alaska Airlines. “This event holds personal significance for me as well – my father served in the U.S. Air Force for 22 years. I’m grateful to the Miramar Airshow for recognizing the tireless efforts of our employees who support the military community every day.”
Alaska Airlines is the leading airline in San Diego, offering the most destinations of any airline, including new routes to Reno and Vail.
As the only national airline based on the West Coast, Alaska has proudly served our guests throughout California for more than 40 years with hubs in San Francisco, Los Angeles and San Diego.