HJR 37-ALASKA AIRLINES 70TH ANNIVERSARY   CHAIR KOTT announced that the only order of business before the committee would be HOUSE JOINT RESOLUTION NO. 37, Congratulating Alaska Airlines on its 70th Anniversary. Number 0011 JUDY OHMER, Staff to Representative Kott, Alaska State Legislature, testified on behalf of the sponsor, Representative Kott. She explained that HJR 37 is a congratulatory resolution to honor Alaska Airlines on its 70th year of service. Alaska Airlines has been a vital part of the state's development. [Much of Alaska Airlines' importance] is related to the fact that it connects people and communities of remote and rural Alaska to other parts of the state as well as the Lower 48 and some international destinations. MS. OHMER pointed out that Alaska Airlines has an impressive history in both Alaska and other parts of the world. The airline began with a single-engined, three-passenger Stinson from which they have developed into a fleet of airplanes that serve over 80 different airports. Alaska Airlines says that it will serve 84 airports by April. Ms. Ohmer noted that Alaska Airlines was crucial in the construction of the pipeline. Furthermore, Alaska Airlines was part of the Berlin Airlift at the close of World War II. The airline took part in Operation Magic Carpet, during which 40,000 Yemenite Jews were airlifted into Israel after World War II. This was a very dangerous operation. MS. OHMER noted that history illustrates that Alaska Airlines is a pioneer in the area of superior customer service and emerging technology. Some of the [cutting edge] technology that Alaska Airlines is using is the Global Positioning System (GPS) and the Head-Up Guidance System (HGS), as well as the use of the Internet to book travel and sell tickets. Alaska Airlines was the first airline to use the Internet in the aforementioned manner. Alaska Airlines was also the first airline to use electronic ticketing and check-in. Moreover, Alaska Airlines is the first airline authorized to land jets on gravel runways. With their current equipment, Alaska Airlines can take off runways that are [only] 600 feet. MS. OHMER informed the committee that commercial aviation history always includes a section on an airline in Alaska's hinterland that continued to survive and thrive when the giant [airlines] disappeared. Ms. Ohmer related her belief that the spirit of Alaska Airlines mirrors that of Alaska in that the "can do" attitude and "neighbors helping neighbors" attitude is a fact of life. Ms. Ohmer related a few stories about Alaska Airlines, and noted that Alaska Airlines' colorful history can be pulled up on their website. She highlighted the skill of Alaska Airlines by pointing out that recently Delta Airlines asked Alaska Airlines to carry in the Olympic flame. Number 0116 MS. OHMER pointed out that HJR 37 carries no fiscal impact. In regard to why this isn't a citation, she related [the sponsor's] belief that this is the most symbolic way to acknowledge Alaska Airlines and illustrate appreciation for it. REPRESENTATIVES PORTER and KOTT noted that their daughters work for Alaska Airlines. Number 0132 REPRESENTATIVE McGUIRE moved to report HJR 37 out of committee with individual recommendations and the accompanying zero fiscal note. There being no objection, HJR 37 was reported from the House Rules Standing Committee.