Alaska Airlines Partners With Sam Darnold to Boost Global Growth

Alaska Air Group ALK, operating as Alaska Airlines, has entered into a multi-year partnership with Seattle quarterback Sam Darnold. The partnership is expected to strengthen the airline’s brand presence and deepen its connection with customers in the Pacific Northwest. The campaign leverages Seattle’s strong sports culture to promote Alaska’s growing global network while featuring employees, loyalty benefits and unique guest experiences. The initiative could further enhance customer engagement and reinforce Alaska’s position as a hometown carrier.

The partnership also supports Alaska’s international expansion from Seattle, particularly with the launch of new nonstop routes to Paris and Athens. These additions, along with existing services to major international destinations, are helping establish Seattle as a broader global gateway. Alaska’s expanding network, combined with its oneworld alliance and global partnerships, gives Atmos Rewards members access to more than 1,000 destinations.

Furthermore, the campaign highlights Alaska’s efforts to build a more premium travel proposition through international business-class Suites, upgraded onboard amenities and complimentary Starlink Wi-Fi for Atmos Rewards members. Such initiatives could improve customer loyalty and help the airline attract higher-value travelers as competition intensifies across the U.S. airline industry.

Nevertheless, Alaska continues to face an uncertain operating environment, with macroeconomic weakness, geopolitical tensions and intense industry competition potentially affecting travel demand and costs. While the airline’s international expansion and enhanced customer proposition provide growth opportunities, maintaining profitability will depend on effectively managing these external pressures and executing its broader network and brand strategy.

Share Price Performance

ALK’s shares have declined 32.6% over the past year against the Transportation - Airline industry’s 0.2% growth.

ALK’s Zacks Rank

ALK currently carries a Zacks Rank #3 (Hold).

Stocks to Consider

Investors interested in the Zacks Transportation sector may consider Expeditors International of Washington, Inc. EXPD and Teekay Tankers Ltd TNK. 

EXPD  currently sports a Zacks Rank #1 (Strong Buy). You can see the complete list of today’s Zacks #1 Rank stocks here.

Expeditors has an expected earnings growth rate of 29% for 2026.  The company has an encouraging earnings surprise history. Its earnings outpaced the Zacks Consensus Estimate in each of the trailing four quarters, delivering an average beat of 17.15%.

Teekay Tankers currently carries a Zacks Rank #2 (Buy).

TNK has an expected earnings growth rate of more than 100% for the current year. The company has an encouraging earnings surprise history. Its earnings topped the Zacks Consensus Estimate in each of the trailing four quarters, delivering an average beat of 10.93%.

Beyond Nvidia: AI's Second Wave Is Here

The AI revolution has already minted millionaires. But the stocks everyone knows about aren't likely to keep delivering the biggest profits. AI’s second wave is moving from infrastructure to implementation and these companies are at the forefront of this transition, positioned to become what Amazon and Google were to the internet era.

Want the latest recommendations from Zacks Investment Research? Today, you can download 7 Best Stocks for the Next 30 Days. Click to get this free report

This article originally published on Zacks Investment Research (zacks.com).

Zacks Investment Research