UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

FORM 8-K

CURRENT REPORT PURSUANT
TO SECTION 13 OR 15(D) OF THE
SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934

December 16, 2004
(Date of earliest event reported)

ALASKA AIR GROUP, INC.

Delaware
(State or Other Jurisdiction of Incorporation)

(206) 392-5040

     Check the appropriate box below if the Form 8-K filing is intended to simultaneously satisfy the filing obligation of the registrant under any of the following provisions (see General Instruction A.2. below):

     o Written communications pursuant to Rule 425 under the Securities Act (17 CFR 230.425)

     o Soliciting material pursuant to Rule 14a-12 under the Exchange Act (17 CFR 240.14a-12)

     o Pre-commencement communications pursuant to Rule 14d-2(b) under the Exchange Act (17 CFR 240.14d-2(b))

     o Pre-commencement communications pursuant to Rule 13e-4(c) under the Exchange Act (17 CFR 240.13e-4(c))

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ITEM 8.01. Other Events

On December 16, 2004, Alaska Airlines, Inc. issued the attached release (exhibit 99.1) concerning the status of pilot contract negotiations on its internal website.

ITEM 9.01. Financial Statements and Other Exhibits

Exhibit 99.1     Internal release updating the status of pilot contract negotiations.

Signature

Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned thereunto duly authorized.

Date: December 16, 2004

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