<PAGE>
INFORMATION CONTAINED IN THIS PROSPECTUS SUPPLEMENT IS SUBJECT TO COMPLETION
PURSUANT TO RULE 424 UNDER THE SECURITIES ACT OF 1933. A REGISTRATION STATEMENT
RELATING TO THESE SECURITIES HAS BEEN DECLARED EFFECTIVE BY THE SECURITIES AND
EXCHANGE COMMISSION PURSUANT TO RULE 415 UNDER THE SECURITIES ACT OF 1933. A
FINAL PROSPECTUS SUPPLEMENT AND PROSPECTUS WILL BE DELIVERED TO PURCHASERS OF
THESE SECURITIES. THIS PROSPECTUS SUPPLEMENT AND THE PROSPECTUS SHALL NOT
CONSTITUTE AN OFFER TO SELL OR THE SOLICITATION OF AN OFFER TO BUY NOR SHALL
THERE BE ANY SALE OF THESE SECURITIES IN ANY STATE IN WHICH SUCH OFFER,
SOLICITATION OR SALE WOULD BE UNLAWFUL PRIOR TO REGISTRATION OR QUALIFICATION
UNDER THE SECURITIES LAWS OF ANY SUCH STATE.
<PAGE>
SUBJECT TO COMPLETION
PRELIMINARY PROSPECTUS SUPPLEMENT DATED JUNE 7, 1995
PROSPECTUS SUPPLEMENT
- ----------------------------
(TO PROSPECTUS DATED MARCH 23, 1994)
$100,000,000
[LOGO]
% CONVERTIBLE SENIOR DEBENTURES DUE 2005
--------------
The % Convertible Senior Debentures due 2005 (the "Debentures") of Alaska
Air Group, Inc. ("Air Group" or the "Company") are convertible at any time prior
to maturity, unless previously redeemed, into shares of the Company's Common
Stock at a conversion price of $ per share (equivalent to a conversion rate of
shares per $1,000 principal amount of Debentures), subject to certain
adjustments. The Common Stock is listed on the New York Stock Exchange under the
symbol "ALK". On June 6, 1995, the last reported sales price of the Common Stock
on the New York Stock Exchange was $16 per share.
Interest on the Debentures is payable on June 15 and December 15 of each
year, commencing December 15, 1995. The Debentures are redeemable at the
Company's option, in whole or in part, at any time on or after June 15, 1998, at
the redemption prices set forth herein. In the event of a Change in Control (as
hereinafter defined), each holder of the Debentures may require the Company to
repurchase all or a portion of such holder's Debentures at 100% of the principal
amount thereof, together with accrued and unpaid interest, if any, to the date
of repurchase. See "Description of the Debentures."
The Debentures will constitute senior unsecured obligations of the Company
and will rank PARI PASSU in right of payment to the Company's other senior
unsecured indebtedness. See "Capitalization" and "Description of the
Debentures." The Company is a holding company and, accordingly, the Debentures
will be effectively subordinated to all existing and future liabilities of the
Company's operating subsidiaries.
-------------------
THESE SECURITIES HAVE NOT BEEN APPROVED OR DISAPPROVED BY THE SECURITIES
AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION OR ANY STATE SECURITIES COMMISSION, NOR HAS
THE SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION OR ANY STATE SECURITIES
COMMISSION PASSED UPON THE ACCURACY OR ADEQUACY OF THIS
PROSPECTUS SUPPLEMENT OR THE PROSPECTUS TO WHICH IT RELATES.
ANY REPRESENTATION TO THE CONTRARY IS A CRIMINAL OFFENSE.
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
PRICE TO UNDERWRITING PROCEEDS TO
PUBLIC (1) DISCOUNT (2) COMPANY (1)(3)
<S> <C> <C> <C>
Per Debenture............................... % % %
Total (4)................................... $ $ $
<FN>
(1) Plus accrued interest, if any, from date of issuance.
(2) The Company has agreed to indemnify the several Underwriters against
certain liabilities under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended. See
"Underwriting."
(3) Before deducting expenses payable by the Company estimated at $ .
(4) The Company has granted the several Underwriters an option, exercisable
within 30 days after the date of this Prospectus Supplement, to purchase up
to an additional $15,000,000 aggregate principal amount of Debentures on
the terms set forth above to cover over-allotments, if any. If such option
is exercised in full, the total Price to Public, Underwriting Discount and
Proceeds to Company will be $ , $ and $ , respectively. See
"Underwriting."
</TABLE>
-------------------
The Debentures are offered by the several Underwriters, subject to prior
sale, when, as and if issued to and accepted by them, subject to approval of
certain legal matters by counsel for the Underwriters and certain other
conditions. The Underwriters reserve the right to withdraw, cancel or modify
such offer and to reject orders in whole or in part. It is expected that
delivery of the Debentures will be made in New York, New York on or about
, 1995.
-------------------
MERRILL LYNCH & CO. GOLDMAN, SACHS & CO.
------------
The date of this Prospectus Supplement is , 1995.
<PAGE>
[MAP INDICATING ALASKA AIRLINES AND HORIZON AIR ROUTES]
IN CONNECTION WITH THIS OFFERING, THE UNDERWRITERS MAY OVER-ALLOT OR EFFECT
TRANSACTIONS WHICH STABILIZE OR MAINTAIN THE MARKET PRICE OF THE DEBENTURES
OFFERED HEREBY AND OF THE OUTSTANDING COMMON STOCK OF THE COMPANY AT LEVELS
ABOVE THOSE WHICH MIGHT OTHERWISE PREVAIL IN THE OPEN MARKET. SUCH TRANSACTIONS
MAY BE EFFECTED ON THE NEW YORK STOCK EXCHANGE OR OTHERWISE. SUCH STABILIZING,
IF COMMENCED, MAY BE DISCONTINUED AT ANY TIME.
S-2
<PAGE>
PROSPECTUS SUPPLEMENT SUMMARY
THE FOLLOWING SUMMARY IS QUALIFIED IN ITS ENTIRETY BY THE DETAILED
INFORMATION AND CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS INCLUDED ELSEWHERE HEREIN OR
INCORPORATED BY REFERENCE INTO THIS PROSPECTUS SUPPLEMENT AND THE ACCOMPANYING
PROSPECTUS. THIS PROSPECTUS SUPPLEMENT SHOULD BE READ IN CONJUNCTION WITH THE
ACCOMPANYING PROSPECTUS DATED MARCH 23, 1994.
THE COMPANY
Air Group is a holding company incorporated in Delaware in 1985. Its
principal subsidiaries are Alaska Airlines, Inc. ("Alaska Airlines") and Horizon
Air Industries, Inc. ("Horizon"). Alaska Airlines, founded in 1932, provides
scheduled air transportation to 37 cities in Alaska, Washington, Oregon, Nevada,
California and Arizona, three cities in Mexico, three cities in the Russian Far
East and many smaller communities in Alaska and California through code-sharing
agreements with local carriers. As of December 31, 1994, Alaska Airlines
operated 23 owned and 49 leased jet aircraft with an average age of six years.
Horizon, a regional commuter carrier founded in 1981, provides scheduled air
transportation to 36 cities in Washington, Oregon, Montana, Idaho and
California, as well as two cities in Canada. Horizon provides interconnecting
passenger traffic to Alaska Airlines through its major hub cities, Seattle,
Portland and Spokane. As of December 31, 1994, Horizon operated five owned and
60 leased aircraft with an average age of nine years.
For the year ended December 31, 1994, Air Group's consolidated operating
revenues were $1.3 billion, of which 89% came from scheduled passenger services,
7% came from freight and mail, and 4% came from mileage plan partners and other
nonpassenger sources. Alaska Airlines carried approximately 9.0 million
passengers in 1994 and accounted for approximately 81% of Air Group's
consolidated 1994 operating revenues. Horizon carried approximately 3.5 million
passengers in 1994 and accounted for the remaining 19% of Air Group's
consolidated 1994 operating revenues.
The Company's strategy is to define strategic markets and then to achieve
strong market positions by offering high-quality service at competitive prices.
The combined route system of Alaska Airlines and Horizon, when viewed as a
whole, blends aspects of both the hub-and-spoke and linear route system
concepts, resulting in an integrated system that provides passengers with more
frequent flights than the Company's competitors in a substantial majority of the
150 nonstop city pairs that the Company serves. Both Alaska Airlines and Horizon
seek to differentiate themselves from their competitors by offering superior
levels of value and service. Alaska Airlines' service has been recognized with a
number of awards, including Airline of the Year awards from CONDE NAST TRAVELER
magazine in five of the last six years and high rankings in consumer magazines
and customer surveys by J.D. Power & Associates and the Zagat's United States
Travel Survey.
THE OFFERING
<TABLE>
<S> <C>
Issue............................. $100,000,000 principal amount of % Convertible Senior
Debentures due 2005.
Interest.......................... Each Debenture will bear interest at a rate of % per
annum. Interest will be paid semiannually on June 15 and
December 15 of each year, commencing December 15, 1995.
See "Description of the Debentures--General" in this
Prospectus Supplement.
Conversion Rights................. Each Debenture will be convertible, at the holder's
option, at any time on or prior to maturity, unless
previously redeemed or otherwise purchased, into Common
Stock at a conversion price of $ per share
(equivalent to a conversion rate of shares per
$1,000 principal amount of Debentures), subject to
certain adjustments. See "Description of the
Debentures-- Conversion" in this Prospectus Supplement.
</TABLE>
S-3
<PAGE>
<TABLE>
<S> <C>
Optional Redemption............... The Debentures will be redeemable, in whole or in part,
at the Company's option at any time on or after June 15,
1998, initially at % of their principal amount, plus
accrued interest, declining to 100% of their principal
amount, plus accrued interest, on or after June 15,
2004. See "Description of the Debentures--Redemption" in
this Prospectus Supplement.
Purchase of Debentures
Upon a Change in Control.......... At the holder's option, the Company will purchase for
cash any Debenture, as of 35 business days after the
occurrence of a Change in Control of the Company, for a
Change in Control Purchase Price equal to 100% of the
principal amount thereof, plus accrued and unpaid
interest, if any, to the Change in Control Purchase
Date. The Change in Control purchase feature of the
Debentures may in certain circumstances have an
antitakeover effect. See "Description of the
Debentures--Purchase of Debentures Upon a Change in
Control" in this Prospectus Supplement for a summary of
these provisions and the definitions of the above
defined terms.
Ranking........................... The Debentures will constitute senior unsecured
obligations of Air Group and will rank PARI PASSU in
right of payment to Air Group's other senior unsecured
indebtedness. See "Description of the
Debentures--Ranking" in this Prospectus Supplement. Air
Group is a holding company and, accordingly, the
Debentures will be effectively subordinated to all
existing and future liabilities of Air Group's operating
subsidiaries, including Alaska Airlines and Horizon.
Use of Proceeds................... The net proceeds to the Company from this offering will
be added to working capital and used for general
corporate purposes, including the redemption or
repurchase of the Company's outstanding 7 1/4% zero
coupon convertible subordinated notes due 2006. Pending
such uses, the net proceeds of this offering will be
invested in short-term, interest-bearing securities. See
"Use of Proceeds" in this Prospectus Supplement.
</TABLE>
S-4
<PAGE>
SUMMARY FINANCIAL AND OPERATING DATA
The following table summarizes selected financial and operating information
for Air Group and its principal subsidiaries, Alaska Airlines and Horizon. The
consolidated financial data for each of the five years ended December 31, 1994,
set forth below, have been taken from the financial data included in Air Group's
Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 1994 incorporated by reference in this
Prospectus Supplement and the related Registration Statement. The financial
statements for the five years ended December 31, 1994 have been examined by
Arthur Andersen LLP, independent public accountants. This summary should be read
in conjunction with the financial statements, including the notes thereto, and
other information contained in the documents incorporated by reference. The
selected financial information for the three month periods ended March 31, 1995
and 1994 is unaudited but includes all adjustments (consisting only of normal
recurring adjustments) that are necessary, in the opinion of management, for a
fair presentation of results of operations for such periods. The airline
business is seasonal in nature and the operating results for the three months
ended March 31, 1995 are not necessarily indicative of results to be expected
for the full year.
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
THREE MONTHS ENDED MARCH 31,
---------------------------------
1995 1994
--------------- ---------------
(DOLLARS IN THOUSANDS)
<S> <C> <C>
CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL DATA:
STATEMENT OF OPERATIONS DATA:
Operating revenues...................... $ 294,573 $ 280,382
Operating expenses...................... 312,874 283,310
Operating income (loss)................. (18,301) (2,928)
Net income (loss)....................... $ (16,340) $ (6,313)
Average primary shares outstanding
(000).................................. 13,400 13,349
Primary earnings (loss) per share (a)... $ (1.22) $ (0.47)
Fully diluted earnings per share........ (b) (b)
BALANCE SHEET DATA (AT END OF PERIOD):
Total assets............................ $1,287,833 $1,191,587
Long-term debt and capital lease
obligations............................ 579,236 593,405
Redeemable preferred stock.............. -- --
Shareholders' equity.................... 175,313 160,919
ALASKA AIRLINES OPERATING DATA (C):
Revenue passenger miles (000,000)....... 1,793 1,536
Available seat miles (000,000).......... 3,182 2,553
Revenue passenger load factor........... 56.4% 60.2%
Yield per passenger mile................ 11.2 CENTS 12.8 CENTS
Operating expenses per available seat
mile................................... 7.8 CENTS 8.9 CENTS
HORIZON AIR OPERATING DATA (C):
Revenue passenger miles (000,000)....... 186 143
Available seat miles (000,000).......... 323 241
Revenue passenger load factor........... 57.7% 59.4%
Yield per passenger mile................ 31.9 CENTS 35.7 CENTS
Operating expenses per available seat
mile................................... 20.6 CENTS 22.9 CENTS
<CAPTION>
YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31,
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
1994 1993 1992 1991 1990
--------------- --------------- --------------- --------------- ---------------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL DATA:
STATEMENT OF OPERATIONS DATA:
Operating revenues......................$1,315,620 $1,128,329 $1,115,378 $1,104,031 $1,046,965
Operating expenses...................... 1,240,622 1,145,102 1,210,219 1,069,405 1,018,546
Operating income (loss)................. 74,998 (16,773) (94,841) 34,626 28,419
Net income (loss).......................$ 22,531 $ (30,918) $ (84,837) $ 10,338 $ 17,167
Average primary shares outstanding
(000).................................. 13,378 13,340 13,309 13,413 13,675
Primary earnings (loss) per share (a)...$ 1.68 $ (2.51) $ (6.87) $ 0.27 $ 0.82
Fully diluted earnings per share........ 1.62 (b) (b) (b) (b)
BALANCE SHEET DATA (AT END OF PERIOD):
Total assets............................$1,315,771 $1,134,954 $1,208,358 $1,225,455 $1,021,404
Long-term debt and capital lease
obligations............................ 589,904 525,418 487,847 499,971 281,759
Redeemable preferred stock.............. -- -- 61,235 60,947 60,665
Shareholders' equity.................... 191,278 166,833 196,724 284,447 279,833
ALASKA AIRLINES OPERATING DATA (C):
Revenue passenger miles (000,000)....... 7,587 5,514 5,537 4,948 4,494
Available seat miles (000,000).......... 12,082 9,426 9,617 8,789 8,380
Revenue passenger load factor........... 62.8% 58.5% 57.6% 56.3% 53.6%
Yield per passenger mile................ 12.2 CENTS 14.3 CENTS 14.5 CENTS 16.7 CENTS 17.8 CENTS
Operating expenses per available seat
mile................................... 8.3 CENTS 9.9 CENTS 10.5 CENTS 10.2 CENTS 10.3 CENTS
HORIZON AIR OPERATING DATA (C):
Revenue passenger miles (000,000)....... 733 560 486 405 357
Available seat miles (000,000).......... 1,165 986 905 786 720
Revenue passenger load factor........... 62.9% 56.8% 53.7% 51.5% 49.6%
Yield per passenger mile................ 33.3 CENTS 37.9 CENTS 40.7 CENTS 42.9 CENTS 43.4 CENTS
Operating expenses per available seat
mile................................... 21.0 CENTS 21.8 CENTS 22.2 CENTS 22.3 CENTS 21.9 CENTS
<FN>
- ------------------------------
(a) For 1992, primary earnings per share includes $(.34) for the $4.6 million
cumulative effect of the postretirement benefits accounting change as of
January 1, 1992.
(b) Antidilutive.
(c) See "Selected Financial and Operating Data" for definition of terms.
</TABLE>
S-5
<PAGE>
THE COMPANY
Air Group is a holding company incorporated in Delaware in 1985. Its
principal subsidiaries are Alaska Airlines and Horizon. Alaska Airlines, founded
in 1932, provides scheduled air transportation to 37 cities in Alaska,
Washington, Oregon, Nevada, California and Arizona, three cities in Mexico,
three cities in the Russian Far East and many smaller communities in Alaska and
California through code-sharing agreements with local carriers. As of December
31, 1994, Alaska Airlines operated 23 owned and 49 leased jet aircraft with an
average age of six years. Horizon, a regional commuter carrier founded in 1981,
provides scheduled air transportation to 36 cities in Washington, Oregon,
Montana, Idaho and California, as well as two cities in Canada. Horizon provides
interconnecting passenger traffic to Alaska Airlines through its major hub
cities, Seattle, Portland and Spokane. As of December 31, 1994, Horizon operated
five owned and 60 leased aircraft with an average age of nine years.
For the year ended December 31, 1994, Air Group's consolidated operating
revenues were $1.3 billion, of which 89% came from scheduled passenger services,
7% came from freight and mail, and 4% came from mileage plan partners and other
nonpassenger sources. Alaska Airlines carried approximately 9.0 million
passengers in 1994 and accounted for approximately 81% of Air Group's
consolidated 1994 operating revenues. Horizon carried approximately 3.5 million
passengers in 1994 and accounted for the remaining 19% of Air Group's
consolidated 1994 operating revenues.
The Company's strategy is to define strategic markets and then to achieve
strong market positions by offering high-quality service at competitive prices.
The combined route system of Alaska Airlines and Horizon, when viewed as a
whole, blends aspects of both the hub-and-spoke and linear route system
concepts, resulting in an integrated system that provides passengers more
frequent flights than the Company's competitors in a substantial majority of the
150 nonstop city pairs that the Company serves. Both Alaska Airlines and Horizon
seek to differentiate themselves from their competitors by offering superior
levels of value and service. Alaska Airlines' service has been recognized with a
number of awards, including Airline of the Year awards from CONDE NAST TRAVELER
magazine in five of the last six years and high rankings in consumer magazines
and customer surveys by J.D. Power & Associates and the Zagat's United States
Travel Survey.
COST AND PRODUCTIVITY IMPROVEMENTS
In response to changing conditions and intense competition, Alaska Airlines
executed a cost reduction and productivity improvement program beginning in 1992
and continuing into 1995. As a result of this program, Alaska Airlines has been
able to significantly reduce its cost per available seat mile ("ASM") from 10.2
cents in 1992 to 8.3 cents in 1994 and to 7.8 cents in the first quarter of
1995. The program embodies the following five key elements:
- Achieving permanent reductions in operating costs
- Improving productivity of equipment
- Improving productivity of employees
- Reducing or eliminating unprofitable flights
- Restructuring the Company's finances to reduce high-cost debt and lease
expense
OPERATING COST REDUCTION. Management reviewed and evaluated every Company
program to eliminate nonessential activities. Vendor contracts were
renegotiated, operating procedures revised, and staffing levels reduced. Without
compromising quality, Alaska Airlines and Horizon reduced their inflight meal
costs by altering menus, emphasizing lighter fare, and discontinuing meals on
shorter flights and on those flights operating outside of regular mealtimes.
Alaska Airlines and Horizon are currently developing an electronic ticketing
program, as well as other more direct methods for ticket distribution, which are
expected to offer improved customer convenience and may reduce distribution
costs.
FLEET PRODUCTIVITY. Recognizing the cost savings that could be achieved by
operating a more efficient fleet, Alaska Airlines undertook a targeted program
of aircraft retirement. Since 1992, Alaska Airlines has
S-6
<PAGE>
retired 25 older Boeing 727-200/100 aircraft while adding 33 new McDonnell
Douglas MD-80 and Boeing 737-400 aircraft, which has resulted in significant
fuel, labor and maintenance cost savings. The new aircraft are 33%-45% more fuel
efficient and have contributed to lower labor costs since they require only two
pilots, compared to the three required by the older aircraft.
While cost reductions were the centerpiece of operating improvements in
1993, productivity improvements were the focus in 1994. By reducing turn times
and increasing the workday, Alaska Airlines increased aircraft utilization,
measured in block hours per day per aircraft, from 8.5 hours in 1992 to 10.3
hours in 1994 and to 10.4 hours in the first quarter of 1995.
EMPLOYEE PRODUCTIVITY. Alaska Airlines has also found ways to significantly
improve employee productivity. From 1992 to 1994, employees per departure
improved 12.8%, passengers per employee increased 44.0% and ASMs per employee
grew 26.2%. During the same period, Horizon also showed increases in ASMs per
employee and passengers per employee.
IMPROVED PROFITABILITY OF ROUTE STRUCTURE. Alaska Airlines reviewed its
route structure to identify nonprofitable flights. Service to Boise, Spokane,
Tucson, Long Beach, Guadalajara and Mexico City was suspended. Marginal routes
were pared, and aircraft were reassigned to core routes in Alaska and
California. The Company also continued to explore new opportunities to expand
its markets. Service was added to Las Vegas, Reno, Sacramento and a number of
smaller communities in Alaska.
FINANCIAL RESTRUCTURING. The Company took advantage of historically low
interest rates to restructure its higher-cost obligations. $61.2 million of the
Company's preferred stock was redeemed in 1993, thereby eliminating preferred
dividends and reducing the Company's after-tax capital costs by more than $4
million per year. In addition, the Company further reshaped its cost structure
by entering into an agreement in late 1994 with International Lease Finance
Corporation that provides lower ownership costs for 20 of Alaska Airlines' 22
Boeing 737-400 aircraft. This new agreement is expected to generate savings of
more than $6 million annually over its 10-year term.
MARKET SHARE
ALASKA AIRLINES
During the first quarter of 1995, Alaska Airlines had the highest share of
nonstop flights along its routes in each of its following major markets:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
WEST COAST U.S. TO
PACIFIC NORTHWEST TO ALASKA WEST COAST MEXICO
- ------------------------------------ ------------------------------------
<S> <C> <C> <C>
ALASKA AIRLINES 61.0% ALASKA AIRLINES 52.9%
MarkAir (1) 15.0% Delta 13.7%
Delta 9.4% AeroMexico 13.7%
United 5.4% Mexicana 12.8%
All Others 9.2% Aero California 6.9%
<CAPTION>
PACIFIC NORTHWEST TO PACIFIC NORTHWEST TO
NORTHERN CALIFORNIA SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA
- ------------------------------------ ------------------------------------
<S> <C> <C> <C>
ALASKA AIRLINES 41.5% ALASKA AIRLINES 72.1%
United/United Shuttle 32.4% United/United Shuttle 14.6%
Southwest 16.3% Delta 10.1%
Reno Air 5.0% MarkAir (1) 3.1%
All Others 4.8% All Others .1%
Source: Official Airline Guide Standard Scheduling Information Manual dated May
4, 1995.
<FN>
- ------------------------
(1) MarkAir has since ceased operating in these markets. See "Recent Operating
Results and Developments."
</TABLE>
S-7
<PAGE>
Approximately 65% of Alaska Airlines' passengers travel from the Pacific
Northwest to other West Coast destinations, 25% travel between the Pacific
Northwest and Alaska or within Alaska, and 10% travel internationally. The most
significant element of Alaska Airlines' route system is its high frequency
service in all the major West Coast markets that it serves.
Alaska Airlines provides extensive service between the Pacific Northwest and
both the Northern California and Southern California markets, as well as within
the Pacific Northwest region. Less than three percent of Alaska Airlines'
service is on intra-California routes.
Over half of the U.S. cities served by Alaska Airlines are located in the
state of Alaska. In each year since 1973, Alaska Airlines has carried more
passengers between Alaska and the U.S. mainland than any other airline. Alaska
Airlines also serves many smaller communities in Alaska and California through
code-sharing agreements with local carriers.
Alaska Airlines serves three resort cities in Mexico: Puerta Vallarta,
Mazatlan and Los Cabos. Traffic in these markets is strongest during the winter
months, which partially offsets the reduced seasonal demand in Alaska, thereby
allowing the Company to better utilize its aircraft fleet. Alaska Airlines
serves the Russian Far East with flights to Magadan, Khabarovsk and Vladivostok,
and plans to begin service this summer to Petropavlosk.
HORIZON
Horizon is the largest regional airline in the Pacific Northwest, and serves
36 cities in Washington, Oregon, Montana, Idaho and California, as well as two
cities in Canada. In 1994, Horizon carried approximately 3.5 million passengers.
Horizon flights are listed under the Alaska Airlines designator code in
airline computer reservation systems. Certain Horizon flights are also listed
under the Northwest designator code. In 1994, 24% of Horizon's passengers
connected to Alaska Airlines flights and another 8% connected to Northwest
Airlines flights. The number of passengers connecting between Alaska Airlines
and Horizon rose 44% in 1994. In contrast to most regional airlines, Horizon
relies much less on connecting traffic, with over half of its passengers having
origins and destinations within the Horizon route system.
SERVICE
The Company generally offers the same low fares as its competitors, but with
more frequent service. The Company, however, believes that both Alaska Airlines
and Horizon offer superior value to their customers by providing a higher level
of customer service and amenities as compared to their major competitors. Unlike
its major competitors, Alaska Airlines continues to offer meal service, advance
seat selection and a first-class cabin. Additionally, Alaska Airlines' fleet,
with an average age of six years, is the youngest of any major U.S. carrier and
is configured to create more legroom for its passengers. The Company also
provides interline services that allow passengers to be ticketed and to check
their baggage to their final destinations on virtually every major airline in
the world.
The Company's mileage program allows customers to earn mileage credits while
flying on Alaska Airlines, as well as Horizon, Northwest Airlines, TWA, SAS,
Qantas and British Airways. Mileage credit can be redeemed for travel on Alaska
Airlines, Horizon or any of the program partners for reward travel worldwide.
Mileage can also be earned from marketing partners such as credit card issuers,
long-distance telecommunications carriers, hotels and car rental firms. In 1994,
the Company generated $34 million in revenues from sales of mileage credits to
nonairline partners.
EMPLOYEES
Alaska Airlines had 6,901 full-time and part-time employees as of December
31, 1994, approximately 87% of whom are represented under collective bargaining
agreements. No material Alaska Airlines labor agreements are amendable until
September 1997.
Horizon had 2,951 full-time and part-time employees as of December 31, 1994,
approximately 20% of whom are represented under collective bargaining
agreements.
S-8
<PAGE>
USE OF PROCEEDS
The net proceeds to the Company from the sale of the Debentures offered
hereby are estimated to be approximately $ (excluding expenses other than
the Underwriters' discount and assuming that the Underwriters' over-allotment
option is not exercised). Such net proceeds will be added to working capital and
used for general corporate purposes, including the redemption or repurchase of
the Company's outstanding 7 1/4% zero coupon convertible subordinated notes due
2006, which the Company may be obligated to repurchase at the option of the
holders thereof on April 18, 1996. Pending such uses, the net proceeds of this
offering will be invested in short-term, interest-bearing securities.
CAPITALIZATION
The following table sets forth Air Group's consolidated capitalization as of
March 31, 1995 and as adjusted to reflect the sale of the Debentures offered
hereby, assuming no exercise of the Underwriters' over-allotment option and
without giving effect to the Underwriters' discount and the payment of expenses,
and does not reflect application of the net proceeds of this offering. See "Use
of Proceeds."
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
MARCH 31, 1995
-----------------------
ACTUAL AS ADJUSTED
---------- -----------
(IN THOUSANDS)
<S> <C> <C>
Indebtedness:
Short-term borrowings.................................................................. $ 4,000 $ 4,000
Current portion of long-term debt and capital lease obligations........................ 72,080 72,080
Notes payable due through 2009......................................................... 325,077 325,077
% convertible senior debentures due 2005............................................. -- 100,000
Convertible subordinated debentures:
7 3/4% due 2005-2010................................................................. 14,354 14,354
6 7/8% due 2000-2014................................................................. 54,041 54,041
7 1/4% zero coupon convertible subordinated notes due 2006............................. 130,085 130,085
Long-term capital lease obligations.................................................... 55,679 55,679
---------- -----------
Total indebtedness................................................................. $ 655,316 $ 755,316
---------- -----------
Shareholders' Equity:
Common stock, par value $1.00 per share (30,000,000 shares authorized; 13,402,186
shares outstanding)................................................................... $ 97,534 $ 97,534
Deferred compensation.................................................................. (4,353) (4,353)
Retained earnings...................................................................... 82,132 82,132
---------- -----------
Total shareholders' equity......................................................... $ 175,313 $ 175,313
---------- -----------
Total capitalization............................................................. $ 830,629 $ 930,629
---------- -----------
---------- -----------
</TABLE>
RECENT OPERATING RESULTS AND DEVELOPMENTS
Air Group incurred a first quarter 1995 net loss of $16.3 million, or $1.22
per share, compared to a net loss of $6.3 million, or $0.47 per share, in the
prior year's first quarter. The operating loss for the quarter was $18.3 million
compared to $2.9 million for the same quarter the prior year. The 1995 results
reflect lower average fares and load factors at both Alaska Airlines and
Horizon.
Alaska Airlines' passenger revenues, which accounted for 86% of its total
operating revenues, increased 1.5% in the first quarter of 1995 on a 17%
increase in passenger traffic. Capacity increased 25% primarily due to increased
flights in the Pacific Northwest-to-California market. The load factor dropped
from 60.2% in the first quarter of 1994 to 56.4% in the first quarter of 1995.
Passenger yields declined 13% to 11.2 cents per passenger mile in the first
quarter of 1995, reflecting increased competition in the West Coast routes.
Operating cost per ASM decreased 13% to 7.8 cents in the first quarter of 1995,
compared to 8.9 cents in the first quarter of 1994.
S-9
<PAGE>
During the fourth quarter of 1994 and the first quarter of 1995, Alaska
Airlines experienced yield declines resulting from low fare offerings across its
system. Although several fare increases have occurred since early February, the
lingering effect of these low fare offerings will have an impact on second
quarter results. In addition, for the past several months industry capacity
increases in Alaska Airlines' West Coast markets have exceeded traffic
increases, resulting in lower load factors.
MarkAir, a significant competitor of Alaska Airlines in the state of Alaska
since 1992, filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy for the second time on April 14,
1995 and ceased operating in all of Alaska Airlines' markets at the end of April
1995.
Horizon's passenger revenues, which accounted for 95% of its total operating
revenues, increased 16% in the first quarter of 1995 on a 30% increase in
passenger traffic. Capacity increased 34% due to the addition of larger-capacity
Fokker F-28 jets and Dornier 328 turboprop aircraft. The load factor dropped
from 59.4% in the first quarter of 1994 to 57.7% in the first quarter of 1995.
Passenger yields declined 11% to 31.9 cents per passenger mile in 1995,
reflecting increased competition and longer passenger trips.
The International Association of Machinists (the "IAM") represents Alaska
Airlines' clerical, office and passenger service employees. On April 17, 1995,
Alaska Airlines and the IAM reached agreement on an amended four-year contract
for these employees; the contract was ratified by the employees in early May. In
April 1995, Horizon's mechanics and related classifications of the Transport
Workers Union of America ratified a new three-year contract.
PRICE RANGE OF COMMON STOCK
The Company's Common Stock is listed on the New York Stock Exchange. The
following table indicates the high and low sales prices of the Common Stock as
reported by the New York Stock Exchange for the periods indicated.
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
HIGH LOW
------- -------
<S> <C> <C>
1993
First Quarter......................... $18 $15 5/8
Second Quarter........................ 17 7/8 14 1/4
Third Quarter......................... 15 12 1/4
Fourth Quarter........................ 17 3/8 12 1/2
1994
First Quarter......................... $18 7/8 $13 5/8
Second Quarter........................ 16 1/8 13 3/4
Third Quarter......................... 17 7/8 14 3/8
Fourth Quarter........................ 18 13 1/8
1995
First Quarter......................... $16 3/4 $13 1/2
Second Quarter (through June 6,
1995)................................ 17 1/4 14 1/2
</TABLE>
S-10
<PAGE>
SELECTED FINANCIAL AND OPERATING DATA
The following table summarizes selected financial and operating information
for Air Group and its principal subsidiaries, Alaska Airlines and Horizon. The
consolidated financial data for each of the five years ended December 31, 1994,
set forth below, have been taken from the financial data included in Air Group's
Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 1994 incorporated by reference in this
Prospectus Supplement and the related Registration Statement. The financial
statements for the five years ended December 31, 1994 have been examined by
Arthur Andersen LLP, independent public accountants. This summary should be read
in conjunction with the financial statements, including the notes thereto, and
other information contained in the documents incorporated by reference. The
selected financial information for the three month periods ended March 31, 1995
and 1994 is unaudited but includes all adjustments (consisting only of normal
recurring adjustments) that are necessary, in the opinion of management, for a
fair presentation of results of operations for such periods. The airline
business is seasonal in nature and the operating results for the three months
ended March 31, 1995 are not necessarily indicative of results to be expected
for the full year.
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
THREE MONTHS ENDED MARCH 31,
---------------------------------
1995 1994
--------------- ---------------
(DOLLARS IN THOUSANDS)
<S> <C> <C>
CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL DATA:
STATEMENT OF OPERATIONS DATA:
Operating revenues................ $ 294,573 $ 280,382
Operating expenses................ 312,874 283,310
Operating income (loss)........... (18,301) (2,928)
Other nonoperating expense, net
(a).............................. (11,636) (8,084)
Income (loss) before income tax
expense and accounting change.... (29,937) (11,012)
Net income (loss)................. $ (16,340) $ (6,313)
Average primary shares outstanding
(000)............................ 13,400 13,349
Primary earnings (loss) per share
(b).............................. $ (1.22) $ (0.47)
Fully diluted earnings per
share............................ (c) (c)
Cash dividends per share.......... -- --
BALANCE SHEET DATA (AT END OF
PERIOD):
Total assets...................... $1,287,833 $1,191,587
Long-term debt and capital lease
obligations...................... 579,236 593,405
Redeemable preferred stock........ -- --
Shareholders' equity.............. 175,313 160,919
Ratio of earnings to fixed
charges.......................... (d) (d)
ALASKA AIRLINES OPERATING DATA:
Revenue passenger miles
(000,000)........................ 1,793 1,536
Available seat miles (000,000).... 3,182 2,553
Revenue passenger load factor..... 56.4% 60.2%
Yield per passenger mile.......... 11.2 CENTS 12.8 CENTS
Operating expenses per available
seat mile........................ 7.8 CENTS 8.9 CENTS
HORIZON AIR OPERATING DATA:
Revenue passenger miles
(000,000)........................ 186 143
Available seat miles (000,000).... 323 241
Revenue passenger load factor..... 57.7% 59.4%
Yield per passenger mile.......... 31.9 CENTS 35.7 CENTS
Operating expenses per available
seat mile........................ 20.6 CENTS 22.9 CENTS
<CAPTION>
YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31,
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
1994 1993 1992 1991 1990
--------------- --------------- --------------- --------------- ---------------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL DATA:
STATEMENT OF OPERATIONS DATA:
Operating revenues................$1,315,620 $1,128,329 $1,115,378 $1,104,031 $1,046,965
Operating expenses................ 1,240,622 1,145,102 1,210,219 1,069,405 1,018,546
Operating income (loss)........... 74,998 (16,773) (94,841) 34,626 28,419
Other nonoperating expense, net
(a).............................. (34,037) (29,039) (30,865) (18,419) (501)
Income (loss) before income tax
expense and accounting change.... 40,961 (45,812) (125,706) 16,207 27,918
Net income (loss).................$ 22,531 $ (30,918) $ (84,837) $ 10,338 $ 17,167
Average primary shares outstanding
(000)............................ 13,378 13,340 13,309 13,413 13,675
Primary earnings (loss) per share
(b)..............................$ 1.68 $ (2.51) $ (6.87) $ 0.27 $ 0.82
Fully diluted earnings per
share............................ 1.62 (c) (c) (c) (c)
Cash dividends per share.......... -- -- $ 0.15 $ 0.20 $ 0.20
BALANCE SHEET DATA (AT END OF
PERIOD):
Total assets......................$1,315,771 $1,134,954 $1,208,358 $1,225,455 $1,021,404
Long-term debt and capital lease
obligations...................... 589,904 525,418 487,847 499,971 281,759
Redeemable preferred stock........ -- -- 61,235 60,947 60,665
Shareholders' equity.............. 191,278 166,833 196,724 284,447 279,833
Ratio of earnings to fixed
charges.......................... 1.36 (d) (d) 1.10 1.32
ALASKA AIRLINES OPERATING DATA:
Revenue passenger miles
(000,000)........................ 7,587 5,514 5,537 4,948 4,494
Available seat miles (000,000).... 12,082 9,426 9,617 8,789 8,380
Revenue passenger load factor..... 62.8% 58.5% 57.6% 56.3% 53.6%
Yield per passenger mile.......... 12.2 CENTS 14.3 CENTS 14.5 CENTS 16.7 CENTS 17.8 CENTS
Operating expenses per available
seat mile........................ 8.3 CENTS 9.9 CENTS 10.5 CENTS 10.2 CENTS 10.3 CENTS
HORIZON AIR OPERATING DATA:
Revenue passenger miles
(000,000)........................ 733 560 486 405 357
Available seat miles (000,000).... 1,165 986 905 786 720
Revenue passenger load factor..... 62.9% 56.8% 53.7% 51.5% 49.6%
Yield per passenger mile.......... 33.3 CENTS 37.9 CENTS 40.7 CENTS 42.9 CENTS 43.4 CENTS
Operating expenses per available
seat mile........................ 21.0 CENTS 21.8 CENTS 22.2 CENTS 22.3 CENTS 21.9 CENTS
<FN>
- ------------------------------
(a) Includes capitalized interest of $0 and $.1 million for the three months
ended March 31, 1995 and 1994, respectively, and $.4 million, $.5 million,
$6.1 million, $8.3 million and $9.0 million for the year ended December
31, 1994, 1993, 1992, 1991 and 1990, respectively.
(b) For 1992, primary earnings per share includes $(.34) for the $4.6 million
cumulative effect of the postretirement benefits accounting change as of
January 1, 1992.
(c) Antidilutive.
(d) For 1993 and 1992, earnings are inadequate to cover fixed charges by $46.3
million and $131.8 million, respectively. For the three months ended March
31, 1995 and 1994, earnings are inadequate to cover fixed charges by $29.9
million and $11.1 million, respectively.
</TABLE>
S-11
<PAGE>
REVENUE PASSENGER MILES--THE NUMBER OF PAYING PASSENGERS ON A FLIGHT
MULTIPLIED BY THE ROUTE MILES OF THAT FLIGHT, SUMMED FOR ALL PASSENGER FLIGHTS.
AVAILABLE SEAT MILES--AIRCRAFT MILES FLOWN MULTIPLIED BY THE NUMBER OF
AVAILABLE SEATS ON THE AIRCRAFT; REPRESENTS THE TOTAL PASSENGER CARRYING
CAPACITY OFFERED.
REVENUE PASSENGER LOAD FACTOR--REVENUE PASSENGER MILES DIVIDED BY AVAILABLE
SEAT MILES; REPRESENTS THE PERCENTAGE OF AVAILABLE SEAT CAPACITY OCCUPIED BY
REVENUE PASSENGERS.
YIELD PER PASSENGER MILE--REPRESENTS THE AVERAGE PASSENGER REVENUE RECEIVED
FOR EACH MILE A PASSENGER IS CARRIED.
OPERATING EXPENSES PER AVAILABLE SEAT MILE--REPRESENTS THE RESULT OF
OPERATING EXPENSES DIVIDED BY AVAILABLE SEAT MILES.
S-12
<PAGE>
DESCRIPTION OF THE DEBENTURES
The following description of the particular terms of the Debentures offered
hereby (referred to in the accompanying Prospectus as the "Convertible Debt
Securities") supplements and, to the extent inconsistent therewith, replaces the
description of the general terms and provisions of the Convertible Debt
Securities set forth in the accompanying Prospectus, to which description
reference is hereby made. Capitalized terms used but not defined herein or in
the accompanying Prospectus have the meanings given to them in the Indenture (as
hereinafter defined) or the Supplemental Indenture (as hereinafter defined).
Section references are to the Supplemental Indenture unless otherwise indicated.
GENERAL
The Debentures will constitute senior unsecured obligations of the Company
limited to $100,000,000 aggregate principal amount, plus such additional amount
not in excess of $15,000,000 as may be purchased by the Underwriters upon
exercise of the over-allotment option. See "Underwriting." The Debentures will
mature on June 15, 2005. The Debentures will constitute a series of Convertible
Senior Debt Securities (as defined in the accompanying Prospectus) and will be
issued under an Indenture, dated as of June , 1995 (the "Indenture"), between
the Company and Harris Trust and Savings Bank, as trustee (the "Trustee"), the
terms of which are more fully described in the accompanying Prospectus, as
supplemented by a Supplemental Indenture, dated as of June , 1995 (the
"Supplemental Indenture"), between the Company and the Trustee. The Debentures
will be issued only in fully registered form in denominations of $1,000 and
integral multiples thereof. Principal, premium, if any, and interest on the
Debentures will be payable at the corporate trust office of Bank of Montreal
Trust Company in New York, New York.
Interest on the Debentures will accrue at the rate of % per annum and
will be payable semiannually on June 15 and December 15 of each year, commencing
December 15, 1995, to the holders of record of Debentures on the June 1 and
December 1 next preceding such interest payment date. Interest on the Debentures
will accrue from the most recent date to which interest has been paid or, if no
interest has been paid, from the original date of issuance.
CONVERSION
The Debentures will be convertible at their principal amount or any portion
thereof that is an integral multiple of $1,000 at any time prior to maturity,
subject to prior redemption at the Company's option on or after June 15, 1998 or
purchase by the Company at the holder's option in the event of any Change in
Control (as hereinafter defined), into shares of Common Stock, at the conversion
price set forth on the front cover page hereof, subject to adjustment as
described below. The Company will not be required to issue fractional shares of
Common Stock, but will pay a cash adjustment in lieu thereof. In the case of any
Debenture or portion thereof called for redemption, conversion rights will
expire at the close of business on the business day immediately preceding the
redemption date. Interest accrued shall not be paid on converted Debentures;
PROVIDED, HOWEVER, that if any Debenture is called for redemption on June 15,
1998, and such Debenture is surrendered for conversion at any time during the 10
business days immediately preceding the date fixed for redemption, interest
shall accrue on such Debenture through the date fixed for redemption and shall
be payable on such redemption date to the person who surrenders such Debenture
for conversion. If any Debenture not called for redemption is converted between
a record date for the payment of interest and the next succeeding interest
payment date, such Debenture must be accompanied by funds equal to the interest
payable on such interest payment date on the principal amount so converted.
(Section 2.4.)
The conversion price is subject to adjustment in certain events, including
(a) the subdivision, combination or reclassification of the Company's
outstanding Common Stock, (b) the issuance by the Company of Common Stock as a
dividend or distribution on the Common Stock, (c) the issuance of rights or
warrants to all holders of Common Stock entitling them to subscribe for or
purchase shares of Common Stock (or securities convertible into or exchangeable
for Common Stock) at a price per share (or having a conversion or exercise price
per share) less than the current market price (as defined in the Supplemental
Indenture) of the Common Stock on the record date, and (d) the distribution by
the Company to all holders of Common Stock of shares of capital stock other than
Common Stock, debt securities or assets or rights or warrants to purchase assets
or securities of the Company (excluding the rights and warrants referred to in
clause (c) and
S-13
<PAGE>
cash dividends or other cash distributions from consolidated current net
earnings or earned surplus or dividends payable in Common Stock but including
Extraordinary Cash Dividends). In the Supplemental Indenture, "current market
price" is defined as the average of the last reported sale price of the Common
Stock on the New York Stock Exchange for 30 consecutive trading days commencing
45 trading days before the date in question. There will be no upward adjustment
in the conversion price except in the event of a reverse stock split. No
adjustment of the conversion price will be required to be made until the
cumulative adjustments require an increase or decrease of at least 1% in the
conversion price as last adjusted. (Section 2.4.)
Certain adjustments to the conversion price to reflect the Company's
issuance of certain rights, warrants, evidences of indebtedness, securities or
other assets to holders of Common Stock may result in constructive distributions
taxable as dividends to U.S. holders of the Debentures. Similarly, if instead of
adjusting the conversion price upon such issuance, the Company elects at such
time to alter the consideration receivable by the holders of the Debentures upon
conversion to include the assets such holders would have been entitled to if
conversion had occurred prior to the record date for such issuance, the
alteration may result in constructive distributions taxable as dividends to U.S.
holders of the Debentures.
Subject to any applicable right of the holders upon a Change in Control, in
case of any reclassification (excluding those referred to above), merger,
consolidation, sale or conveyance by the Company of all or substantially all of
the Company's assets as an entirety, the holder of each outstanding Debenture
shall have the right to convert such Debenture only into the kind and amount of
shares of stock and other securities and property (including cash) receivable in
such transaction by a holder of the number of shares of Common Stock into which
such Debenture was convertible immediately prior to the effective date of the
transaction.
REDEMPTION
The Debentures will be redeemable, in whole or in part, at the Company's
option on not less than 30, nor more than 60, days' prior notice to each holder
of Debentures to be redeemed, at any time on or after June 15, 1998, at the
redemption prices (expressed as percentages of the principal amount) set forth
below, plus accrued and unpaid interest to the redemption date, if redeemed
during the 12-month period beginning June 15 of the calendar years indicated:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
YEAR REDEMPTION PRICE
- ------------------------------------------------ -------------------
<S> <C>
1998............................................ %
1999............................................ %
2000............................................ %
2001............................................ %
2002............................................ %
2003............................................ %
</TABLE>
and, on or after June 15, 2004, at 100% of principal amount. (Section 2.5.)
If less than all the Debentures are to be redeemed, the Trustee shall select
the Debentures or portions thereof to be redeemed by any method the Trustee
deems fair and appropriate. (Section 10.3 of the Indenture.) There is no sinking
fund for the Debentures.
RANKING
The Debentures will constitute senior unsecured obligations of the Company
and will rank PARI PASSU in right of payment to the Company's other senior
unsecured indebtedness. As of the date hereof, the Company had no other senior
unsecured indebtedness. The Company is a holding company and, accordingly, the
Debentures will be effectively subordinated to all existing and future
liabilities of the Company's operating subsidiaries, including Alaska Airlines
and Horizon. As of March 31, 1995, the long-term debt and capital lease
obligations of Alaska Airlines and of Horizon were $438.0 million and $3.6
million, respectively.
PURCHASE OF DEBENTURES UPON CHANGE IN CONTROL
In the event of any Change in Control, each holder will have the right, at
the holder's option, subject to the terms and conditions of the Indenture, to
require the Company to purchase all or any part (provided that
S-14
<PAGE>
the principal amount must be $1,000 or an integral multiple thereof) of the
holder's Debentures on the date that is 35 business days after the occurrence of
such Change in Control (the "Change in Control Purchase Date") at a cash
purchase price (the "Change in Control Purchase Price") equal to 100% of the
principal amount thereof plus accrued and unpaid interest, if any, to the Change
in Control Purchase Date. (Section 2.6.)
Within 15 business days after the Change in Control, the Company shall mail
to the Trustee, who shall mail to each holder (and to beneficial owners as
required by applicable law), a notice regarding the Change in Control, which
notice shall state, among other things: (a) the date of such Change in Control
and, briefly, the events causing such Change in Control, (b) the last date on
which the Change in Control Purchase Notice (as hereinafter defined) must be
given, (c) the Change in Control Purchase Date, (d) the Change in Control
Purchase Price, (e) the name and address of the Paying Agent and the Conversion
Agent, (f) the conversion rate and any adjustments thereto, (g) that Debentures
with respect to which a Change in Control Purchase Notice is given by the holder
may be converted into shares of Common Stock only if the Change in Control
Purchase Notice has been withdrawn in accordance with the terms of the
Indenture, (h) the procedures that holders must follow to exercise these rights,
(i) the procedure for withdrawing a Change in Control Purchase Notice, (j) that
holders who want to convert Debentures must satisfy the procedural requirements
set forth in paragraph 3 of the Debentures, and (k) briefly, the conversion
rights of holders of the Debentures. (Section 2.6.)
To exercise the purchase right, the holder must deliver written notice of
the exercise of such right (a "Change in Control Purchase Notice") to the Paying
Agent or an office or agency maintained by the Company for such purpose in the
Borough of Manhattan, The City of New York, New York prior to the close of
business on the Change in Control Purchase Date. (Section 2.6.) The Change in
Control Purchase Notice shall state (a) the certificate numbers of the
Debentures to be delivered by the holder thereof for purchase by the Company;
(b) the portion of the principal amount of Debentures to be purchased, which
portion must be $1,000 or an integral multiple thereof; and (c) that such
Debentures are to be purchased by the Company pursuant to the applicable
provisions of the Debentures. (Section 2.6.)
Any Change in Control Purchase Notice may be withdrawn by the holder by a
written notice of withdrawal delivered to the Paying Agent or to any other
office or agency mandated by the Company for such purpose prior to the close of
business on the Change in Control Purchase Date. The notice of withdrawal shall
state the principal amount and the certificate numbers of the Debentures as to
which the withdrawal notice relates and the principal amount, if any, that
remains subject to a Change in Control Purchase Notice. (Section 2.6.)
Payment of the Change in Control Purchase Price for a Debenture for which a
Change in Control Purchase Notice has been delivered and not withdrawn is
conditioned on delivery of such Debenture (together with the necessary
endorsements) to the Paying Agent or an office or agency maintained by the
Company for such purpose in the Borough of Manhattan, The City of New York, New
York at any time (whether prior to, on or after the Change in Control Purchase
Date) after the delivery of such Change in Control Purchase Notice. Payment of
the Change in Control Purchase Price for such Debenture will be made promptly
following the later of the Change in Control Purchase Date and the time of
delivery of such Debenture. If the Paying Agent holds, in accordance with the
terms of the Supplemental Indenture, money sufficient to pay the Change in
Control Purchase Price of such Debenture on the business day following the
Change in Control Purchase Date, then, on and after the Change in Control
Purchase Date, such Debenture will cease to be outstanding and interest on such
Debenture will cease to accrue and will be deemed paid, whether or not such
Debenture is delivered to the Paying Agent, and all other rights of the holder
shall terminate (other than the right to receive the Change in Control Purchase
Price upon delivery of such Debenture). (Section 2.6.)
Under the Supplemental Indenture, a "Change in Control" of the Company is
deemed to have occurred at such time as (a) any "person" or "group" (within the
meaning of Section 13(d)(3) or 14(d)(2) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934,
as amended (the "Exchange Act")) other than the Company, any subsidiary of the
Company or any employee benefit plan or stock ownership plan of either the
Company or any
S-15
<PAGE>
subsidiary of the Company, (i) files a Schedule 13D or 14D-1 under the Exchange
Act (or any successor schedule, form or report) disclosing that such person has
become the "beneficial owner" of 50% or more of the Company's capital stock
having the power to vote in the election of directors under ordinary
circumstances ("Voting Stock"), with certain exceptions, (ii) acquires more than
50% of the Company's assets, or (iii) acquires more than 50% of the assets or
Voting Stock of any subsidiary (A) the total assets of which exceed 50% of the
consolidated total assets of the Company and its subsidiaries or (B) the
operating income of which exceeded 50% of the average of the consolidated
operating income of the Company and its subsidiaries for the Company's three
most recently completed fiscal years, or (b) there shall be consummated any
consolidation or merger of the Company (i) in which the Company is not the
resulting or surviving corporation or (ii) pursuant to which any Voting Stock of
the Company would be converted into cash, securities or other property, in each
case other than a consolidation or merger of the Company in which the holders of
such Voting Stock immediately prior to the consolidation or merger have at least
a majority of the Voting Stock, directly or indirectly, of the resulting or
surviving corporation immediately after the consolidation or merger. (Section
1.2.) The Supplemental Indenture does not permit the Company's Board of
Directors to waive the Company's obligation to purchase Debentures at a holder's
option in the event of a Change in Control of the Company. (Section 2.6.)
The Company shall comply with the provisions of Rule 13e-4 and any other
tender offer rules under the Exchange Act that may then be applicable, and will
file a Schedule 13E-4 or any other schedule required thereunder in connection
with any offer by the Company to purchase Debentures at the option of the
holders thereof upon a Change in Control. (Section 2.6.) The Change in Control
purchase feature of the Debentures may in certain circumstances make more
difficult or discourage a takeover of the Company and, thus, the removal of
incumbent management.
If a Change in Control Offer is made, there can be no assurance that the
Company would have funds sufficient to pay the Change in Control Purchase Price
for all the Debentures that might be delivered by holders of Debentures seeking
to exercise the purchase right. In addition, the Company's ability to purchase
Debentures with cash may be limited by the terms of its then existing borrowing
arrangements. The Company's ability to purchase Debentures with cash may also be
limited by the terms of its subsidiaries' then existing debt agreements due to
dividend restrictions, since the Company's source of funds for any such purchase
will be primarily from dividends and other payments from its subsidiaries. No
Debentures may be purchased pursuant to the provisions described above if there
has occurred and is continuing an Event of Default described under "--Certain
Covenants and Events of Default" in this Prospectus Supplement (other than a
default in the payment of the Change in Control Purchase Price with respect to
such Debentures).
Notwithstanding the foregoing, the provisions described above with respect
to a Change in Control will not prevent a takeover or recapitalization of the
Company that would otherwise comply with the provisions described under
"Description of Convertible Debt Securities--Consolidation, Merger or Sale by
the Issuer" in the accompanying Prospectus.
DEFEASANCE
The provisions described under "Description of Convertible Debt
Securities--Covenant Defeasance" in the accompanying Prospectus are not
applicable to the Debentures.
CERTAIN COVENANTS AND EVENTS OF DEFAULT
The provisions of the Indenture that are described in the accompanying
Prospectus under "Description of Convertible Debt Securities--General,"
"--Consolidation, Merger or Sale by the Issuer," "--Events of Default, Notice
and Certain Rights on Default" and "--Payment, Registration, Transfer and
Exchange" will apply to the Debentures. The provisions of the Indenture that are
described in the accompanying Prospectus under "Description of Convertible Debt
Securities--Modification of the Indentures" will also apply to the Debentures;
PROVIDED, HOWEVER, that no modification or amendment of the Indenture may,
without the consent of the holder of each outstanding Debenture affected
thereby, make any change (a) to the definition of the term "Change in Control"
or (b) that adversely affects the right to convert, or the conversion price for,
any Debenture.
S-16
<PAGE>
THE TRUSTEE
Harris Trust and Savings Bank will be the Trustee under the Indenture for
the Debentures. An affiliate of Harris Trust and Savings Bank serves as trustee
with respect to the Company's 7 3/4% Convertible Subordinated Debentures due
2005-2010 and the Company's 7 1/4% zero coupon convertible subordinated notes
due 2006.
S-17
<PAGE>
UNDERWRITING
Subject to the terms and conditions set forth in a purchase agreement (the
"Purchase Agreement") between the Company and the several underwriters listed
below (the "Underwriters"), the Company has agreed to sell to the Underwriters,
and the Underwriters have severally agreed to purchase from the Company, the
respective principal amounts of the Debentures set forth opposite their names
below. The Purchase Agreement provides that the obligations of the Underwriters
are subject to certain conditions precedent and that the Underwriters will be
obligated to purchase all the Debentures if any are purchased.
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
PRINCIPAL
UNDERWRITER AMOUNT
--------------
<S> <C>
Merrill Lynch, Pierce, Fenner & Smith
Incorporated........................................................ $
Goldman, Sachs & Co...........................................................
--------------
Total............................................................... $ 100,000,000
--------------
--------------
</TABLE>
The Underwriters have advised the Company that they propose initially to
offer the Debentures to the public at the public offering price set forth on the
cover page of this Prospectus Supplement, and to certain dealers at such price
less a concession not in excess of % of the principal amount of the
Debentures. The Underwriters may allow, and such dealers may reallow, a discount
not in excess of % of the principal amount of the Debentures to certain other
dealers. After the initial public offering, the public offering price,
concession and discount may be changed.
The Company has granted the Underwriters an option, exercisable for 30 days
after the date of this Prospectus Supplement, to purchase up to an additional
$15,000,000 principal amount of Debentures to cover over-allotments, if any, at
the initial public offering price less the underwriting discount.
The Company has been advised by the Underwriters that the Underwriters
presently intend to make a market in the Debentures offered hereby; however,
they are not obligated to do so. Any market making may be discontinued at any
time, and there can be no assurance that an active public market for the
Debentures will develop.
The Company has agreed not to sell to any person other than the Underwriters
any shares of Common Stock or securities convertible into or exchangeable or
exercisable for Common Stock (other than (a) shares issuable upon conversion of
the Debentures, (b) shares issuable upon the exercise or conversion of currently
outstanding securities of the Company and (c) the grant of certain rights
pursuant to employee benefit plans) without the prior written consent of Merrill
Lynch, Pierce, Fenner & Smith Incorporated, on behalf of the Underwriters, for a
period of 90 days after the date of this Prospectus Supplement.
The Company has agreed to indemnify the several Underwriters against certain
liabilities, including civil liabilities under the Securities Act of 1933, as
amended.
The Underwriters, from time to time, perform investment banking and other
financial services for the Company and its subsidiaries, including Alaska
Airlines and Horizon.
LEGAL OPINIONS
The validity of the Debentures offered hereby will be passed upon for Air
Group by Perkins Coie, Seattle, Washington, and for the Underwriters by Shearman
& Sterling, New York, New York.
EXPERTS
The consolidated financial statements and schedule of Air Group at December
31, 1994 and for each of the three years in the period ended December 31, 1994,
incorporated by reference in this Prospectus Supplement and the related
Registration Statement, have been audited by Arthur Andersen LLP, independent
public accountants, as indicated in their reports with respect thereto, and are
incorporated herein and therein in reliance upon the authority of said firm as
experts in accounting and auditing in giving said reports.
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