This specific designation refers to a scheduled passenger flight operated by Alaska Airlines. Generally, such a designation uniquely identifies a particular route and scheduled time, allowing for efficient tracking and management of air travel. For instance, a specific numerical designation might represent a daily flight from Seattle to Anchorage, departing at 8:00 AM. Understanding this system is crucial for passengers, airline personnel, and aviation authorities.
The accurate identification of specific flights plays a vital role in the aviation industry. It ensures clear communication, facilitates effective scheduling and logistics, and contributes significantly to passenger safety. Historically, flight numbers have evolved from simpler systems to the standardized format used today, enabling greater efficiency and global coordination of air traffic. This precise identification enables meticulous record-keeping, which is crucial for analyzing trends, maintaining safety standards, and improving operational efficiency. These records also play a critical role in incident investigations and contribute valuable data to enhance future safety measures.