Alaska Air Group reports first quarter loss

Alaska Air Group reported a first quarter 2009 net loss of $19.2 million, compared to a net loss of $37.3 million in the first quarter of 2008. Excluding mark-to-market fuel hedge gains of $10 million ($6.2 million after tax), the company reported a net loss of $25.4 million compared to a net loss of $37.7 million in first quarter 2008.