Alaska Air Group appointed Justin Neff to oversee strategic sourcing and supply chains for Alaska Airlines and Horizon Air, according to a June 3 press release.
As VP of strategic sourcing and supply chain management, Neff will implement best practices in sourcing and aircraft management, engine acquisitions and maintenance support agreements as the carrier focuses on cost efficiency.
Neff previously served as president of airport and aviation solutions company McGee Air Services, which provides services like aircraft cleaning and ground handling. At McGee — an Alaska Air Group company — Neff built a recruiting and training program.
He has also served as managing director of engines, components, material and leasing at Alaska Airlines, as well as managing director of supply chain, according to the release. Prior to Alaska Airlines, Neff worked in IT contracting and procurement for construction engineering company Black & Veatch.
Neff succeeds Ann Ardizzone, who is taking on a new role as VP of special projects.
Alaska Airlines has been honing in on supply chain quality control after a door plug blew out of a B737 aircraft in January, causing nearly a third of its fleet to be grounded for most of January. A Federal Aviation Administration investigation found multiple deficiencies in manufacturing quality control from Boeing.
In response, Boeing acknowledged the deficiency, slowed production and pledged to not let the safety mishap repeat. Meanwhile, Alaska Airlines President and CEO Ben Minicucci said in a Q1 earnings call that the airline has enhanced in-person oversight of its 737 production line alongside ongoing conversations about production quality and schedule.
