(energizing music) >> Hey welcome back, everybody! Jeff Frick here with theCUBE. We are at San Francisco International, Gate 54B if you want to stop by. We're here for the big Alaska Elevated Flying Experience event. They basically took advantage of this opportunity with the Virgin merger to kind of rebrand, rethink, and re-execute the travel experience. We're excited to have with us Ben Minicucci, the President and CEO of Alaska. First off, congratulations on a big event. >> Thank you, thank you so much Jeff. >> And I think you said you're two years into this merger. >> Two-- >> You're getting through it? >> We are. Two years into it, it's been a great experience bringing two great brands together and really, ya know, amplifying the flying experience. Getting a great product. We're unveiling our Airbus with new seating, new first class, premium class main cabin and we're so excited. And more than that, it's just bringing our people together and just enhancing our culture. >> Right, so you talked a lot about people and culture in your opening remarks. >> Right. >> What is it about the culture of Alaska, 85 or 86 year old airline, that makes it special? >> Yeah, you know it's a wonderful culture built on strong values. And what I'll say is, for people who know Alaska, the culture is built on kindness. People who fly us will say, "Your people are kind." And they're empowered to do the right thing. It's two of our biggest values and that's what I love about our people. And when you combine that with a great product on board. 'Cause people really feel great, they're comfortable where they're sitting and, but if our people connect with them, make them feel welcome, and they show kindness then the brand just comes to life. >> That's really interesting 'cause kindness is not something that you necessarily think about. >> With airlines. >> When you're rushing through airports. >> No. >> And you know, grinding on corporate travel, right. >> Right. >> It's tough. So that's pretty interesting. The other thing I thought was interesting in your remarks is really your focus on your partner brands. >> Right. >> Both in the community but as well as Recaro the seat manufacturer who's doing your seats. And even to the wine and Salt and Straw, we were jokin'. >> Right. >> So, you guys are really paying attention to these little details that maybe people don't notice individually but in aggregate really make for a different experience. >> No, and I think what we want to do is partner with brands that share our same values, that share our same values for you know, producing a great product, you know. And their employees love working for them. And they just love the spirit of partnership and doing something good for the community. So we always look for companies and brands that share our own values as well. >> Right, which is interesting 'cause it's such a hyper competitive space. Airline industry's a tough space you got. >> Right. >> Tough margins, you got fuel volatility but a lot of people, a lot more people are flying all the time. >> Right. >> So it's a growing business. So, you know, how do you kind of keep it balan-- >> That's a great question though. >> and compete when a seat mile is a seat mile, right, at the end of the day. >> Yeah, no, it is. >> That's what the wall street guys would tell you. >> You know, the one thing about Alaska, we've been in business for almost 87 years and ya know we're in it for the long haul. So we make decisions based on long-term returns and we do have, we know that price is important. So we do work hard keeping our cost structure low so we can offer low fares but also a product where if people want to pay a little more, they can get into premium class or first class. But we're really an airline that want to make sure that we appeal to all sorts of travelers. From people who are just starting out just traveling in their teens or twenties, or if you're retired, we want to appeal to a wide range of demographic. >> Alright, well Ben, it looks like we're boarding the-- >> Okay good, yes enjoy! >> We're boarding the new airbus so I will let you go. >> Well thank you Jeff, it was a pleasure. >> Thanks for inviting us. >> Okay, thank you so much. >> Alright he's Ben, I'm Jeff. You're watching The Cube! We're at San Francisco International, at the Alaska Airlines Elevated Flight Experience. Thanks for watching, we'll see ya next time. (mellow music)