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Alaska Air Group ups merger synergy targets as the margins for 2017 compress

Analysis

Alaska Air Group has revised projected synergies from its merger with Virgin America upwards in both costs and revenue as it leverages the power of a larger network with a broader footprint in California, and uses the combined fleet to maximise profitability on transcontinental routes by placing higher gauge aircraft in those markets.

The existing Airbus narrowbodies operated by Virgin America will remain in the combined airline's fleet for the foreseeable future. As a result, those aircraft are being reconfigured to offer standard interiors, including Alaska's first class seat.

Similarly to Virgin America prior to the merger, Alaska has decided that a lie flat seat offering does not fit into its strategy in the contested US transcontinental market. In fact, choosing not to develop a lie flat product could put Alaska in a more favourable position when an (inevitable) economic down cycle occurs.

Despite the more favourable synergy estimates, Alaska will face some margin pressure due to Virgin America's overall lower margin business. However, even though its margins are likely to drop in 2017, Alaska is stressing that its pretax margin performance will best the industry average.

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