CWU graduate named new president of Horizon Air

Horizon Air announced last week that it has hired Central Washington University graduate Jason Berry as its new president.

An article posted Friday on TravelIndustryWire.com reported that Berry (’15) will lead strategy, oversee operations, and engage the airline's nearly 3,500 employees, as the airline continues to deliver exceptional regional air service on behalf of Alaska Airlines. Horizon Air provides regional air service for Alaska Airlines.

The 28-year industry veteran, who comes from an aviation family, joined Horizon earlier this year as senior vice president of operations, where he oversaw key aspects of the airline's operations including employees in the regional carrier's four largest workgroups.

“I've had the opportunity to get to know our Horizon team over the past nine months and our employees are truly remarkable,” said Berry, who earned a bachelor’s degree in Information Technology and Administrative Management (ITAM) from Central before pursuing an executive MBA at another institution. “Horizon is an incredibly well-run airline, and our people have a special dedication and heart. The opportunity to lead Horizon is an immense honor.”

Berry replaces Joe Sprague, who is retiring as Horizon president after four years to become a senior advisor at Alaska Airlines. 

Prior to his role at Horizon, Berry spent two years as vice president of cargo at Air Canada. He also previously led Alaska Air Cargo and McGee Air Services. He was named Executive of the Year by Air Cargo World magazine in 2022, and has earned the respect of his colleagues throughout his career.

“Jason is a fantastic leader with a tremendous amount of industry experience and a passion for Horizon and its people," Alaska Airlines CEO Ben Minicucci said. “I look forward to his continuing contributions to Air Group's success and am excited to welcome him to this leadership role.”

In 2019, Berry served as president of Alaska Airlines' wholly owned subsidiary McGee Air Services, where he oversaw all aspects of aviation services ground handling, aircraft grooming, aircraft mobility services, check-in and gate services.

From 2012 until 2019, he led Alaska Air Cargo. In this role, he had direct responsibility for all aspects of cargo operations and compliance. While there, he oversaw the transition of the Boeing 737-400 combi aircraft to next generation 737-700 freighters.