April 5, 2021
Retiring Alaska Airlines CEO, proud Husky Brad Tilden, honored with updated UW aircraft livery
Brad Tilden, a UW alum who retired as CEO of Alaska Airlines on March 31, looks at a Horizon Air Q400 aircraft with a special UW-themed livery.Courtesy of Alaska Airlines
The retirement of Alaska Airlines CEO Brad Tilden after a 30-year career with the company — at least in one way — had the University of Washington written all over it.
The team at Alaska’s sister airline, Horizon Air, recently unveiled a special Huskies-themed livery on a Q400 (tail number #N435QX) in honor of Tilden, who earned his MBA at the UW and has maintained a strong partnership with the University for several years. Tilden officially retired March 31.
Retired Horizon Air President Jeff Pinneo, Brad Tilden, Horizon Air President Joe Sprague and Retired Horizon Air President Glenn Johnson at the livery unveiling late last month.Courtesy of Alaska Airlines
“Given Brad’s strong connection to the University of Washington, this felt like a wonderful way Horizon could celebrate him,” Horizon President Joe Sprague said. “Brad always recognized the strong connection these special liveries made with our employees and guests so these seemed like an especially fitting way to honor him and his contributions to the company. Thank you for everything, Brad. Go Dawgs!”
The UW livery was originally painted in Spokane in 2012 and was updated at the same site. The updates include the replacement of the “W” on the side of the fuselage with “Go Dawgs!”; engine covers are now white with purple and gold stripes, and updated Alaska and Horizon logos are on the sides of the fuselage. Inside the plane is a special plaque recognizing Tilden and his support for both the UW and Horizon Air.
Alaska and Horizon are part of a 10-year agreement with the university. Alaska has naming rights of Alaska Airlines Fields at Husky Stadium and Alaska Airlines Arena at Hec Edmundson Pavilion.
A rendering of the UW-themed livery on a Horizon Air Q400 aircraft.
(Note: The information and quote in this story were provided and reproduced with permission from the communications team at Alaska Airlines.)
