Alaska Airlines was started in 1932 by Ligneous McGee who first called it McGee Airways. Back then, the company had a simple corporate structure with only one airplane which was flown when there were customers, cargo or mail which needed to be hauled. The company went through financial strains immediately after its inception and so as to remain profitable; it merged with Star Air Service. Star Air Service expanded by acquiring more airlines which were based in Anchorage. The name Alaska Airline was first used in 1944. Currently, it has grown to a fleet of 156.
