Alaska Airlines (AS, Seattle Tacoma International) has established its own groundhandling subsidiary - McGee Air Services - with the firm to provide aircraft cleaning and airport support services.

Led by Dean DuVall, the unit will operate independently and will provide airline services to Alaska Airlines. It will also compete for Alaska contracts in select cities.

"Alaska Airlines leads the industry in on-time performance and customer service and we've recognized the need to have more options when it comes to ground handling, aircraft cleaning and wheelchair services," Alaska Airlines COO, Ben Minicucci, said. "Having more airline services options will help Alaska provide a superior air travel product for customers at competitive costs."

As it develops the infrastructure and processes, McGee Air Services will then consider serving other airlines.