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1959 ANNUAL REPORT 
  -  PNA ROUTES 
-- CONNECTING AIRLINES 
 To the Stockholders of Pacific Northern Airlines: 
During 1959, Pacific Northern again established new records in 
total revenues, revenue ton miles and revenue passenger miles, and 
further strengthened its position as the leading airline serving 
Alaska. Total revenues for the year amounted to $11 ,481,000, an 
increase of $1 ,113,000 over last year. Revenue ton miles increased 
substantially from 15,937,000 in the preceding year to 17,013,000 
in 1959, and revenue passenger miles increased to 113,389,000 
from 105,595,000 for the previous year. 
In spite of these increases, net earnings fell $55,000 below last 
year, due primarily to a strike in Alaska's important construction 
industry and an unsatisfactory commercial fishing yield. Because 
of these factors, revenues fell off during the last quarter of the year 
when certain expenses, such as depreciation, interest and opera- 
tional costs, could not be reduced proportionately. The Company 
petitioned the Civil Aeronautics Board for increased rates of mail 
compensation effective from October 23, 1959. In the opinion of 
management, final settlement of this claim will result in 1959 net 
earnings of $338,000, or 32c per share, compared to 37c per share 
in 1958. 
Management confidently considers that neither of these eco- 
nomic factors is likely to recur, and that the continued growth of 
Alaska's economy will not be interrupted during the coming year. 
On the whole, 1959 was a year of satisfactory progress for 
Pacific Northern. The Company's growth last year and during the 
preceding five years is best illustrated by the following tabulation: 
Calendar Total Revenue Revenue 
Year Revenues Ton Miles Passenger Miles 
1959 $11,481,000 17,013,000 113,389,000 
1958 10,368,000 15,937,000 105,595,000 
1957 10,030,000 15,564,000 105,820,000 
1956 9,608,000 14,211,000 92,103,000 
1955 7,538,000 12,671,000 76,110,000 
1954 6,475,000 10,440,000 59,610,000 
During the year, Pacific Northern flew its one millionth passen- 
ger, marking the first time an airline has reached that significant 
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milestone in Alaska service. It is interesting to note that although 
it took almost 25 years before the 500,000th passenger was carried 
in the fall of 1956, the rapid growth of Alaska made it possible to 
tally up the second 500,000 passengers in only three years, and the 
Company expects to carry the second million passengers within the 
next five years. 
Pacific Northern continued its unbroken record of 28 years with- 
out a passenger fatality, thus again qualifying for the annual award 
of the National Safety Council. 
The Company in May, 1959 inaugurated a new route from 
Seattle direct to Kodiak, Alaska, and the new service has been well 
patronized. This route represents an addition of 1,441 route miles 
and brings the Company's system to a total of 5,061 unduplicated 
route miles, all permanently certificated for persons, property and 
mail. This route now links the 13th Naval District Headquarters in 
Seattle and the Headquarters of the 17th Na val District in Kodiak, 
which embraces all of the Northwestern sea frontier northward to 
the Arctic Ocean and westward along the Aleutian Chain to Japan. 
The route provides considerable savings in distance and time for 
access to this vast area and to the large commercial fishing opera- 
tions of the Kodiak Archipelago and Shumagin Islands. 
During the year, the Company added two Lockheed Constella- 
tions to its flight equipment and profitably retired by sale its 
remaining DC-4 aircraft and one DC-3. The Company's aircraft 
now consist of three DC-3's which are used exclusively between 
Alaskan points, and six Lockheed Constellations which are em- 
ployed primarily in overseas operations between Portland-Seattle 
and Alaska. No further acquisition of piston-engine equipment is 
contemplated. 
Extensive evaluation studies have been made regarding various 
types of jet and turbo-prop aircraft in relation to the Company's 
flight equipment replacement planning. Thus far no definite de- 
cision has been reached in this matter. It is recognized that no 
problem currently posed is of greater importance than the proper 
selection of new equipment, not only from the immediate stand- 
point, but with respect to the changing circumstances of the future. 
 Jet aircraft design is experiencing rapid technological changes, and 
modifications and improvements already are being incorporated in 
aircraft types now in production with resultant improvements in 
operating performance and economy. The Company keenly appre- 
ciates the advantages of an early decision on the selection of new 
equipment. It firmly believes, however, that its conservative ap- 
proach to the situation and its careful appraisal of the special 
problems involved will best ensure Pacific Northern's profitable 
entry into the jet era. 
Commercial and industrial activities in Alaska are expected to 
reach record highs during 1960, which should be reflected in ex- 
panded airline traffic and earnings. The petroleum industry has 
reported successful explorations near Anchorage and drilling of 
these fields will be accelerated. New construction projects, as well 
as those backlogged because of the 1959 strike, will establish a 
new peak in building activity and employment for the year. 
Advance bookings indicate that 1960 will be the biggest year 
for tourist travel to Alaska. During January and February, many 
of Pacific Northern's summer flights have been completely booked 
by travel groups. This situation has never existed in prior years and 
reflects the great increase in tourism engendered by nationwide 
interest in the new status of Alaska as a state. 
During 1959, Pacific Northern provided more schedules and 
carried more Alaskan traffic than any other airline serving the 
49th State. The Company's routes extend to virtually all of the 
areas in Alaska which are experiencing rapid growth in population 
and where major efforts are focused on petroleum exploration, pulp 
and timber enterprises, defense installations, construction projects 
and commercial developments. In fact, the richest natural re- 
sources of the huge state are located along the routes of PNA, and 
it is these areas which also offer the best attractions for tourists 
and for commercial opportunity. These inherent route advantages 
assure an active share by Pacific Northern in Alaska's vigorous 
development. 
PRESIDENT AND 
GENERAL MANAGER 
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PEAT, MARWICK, MITCHELL & Co. 
The Board of Directors 
CERTIFIED PUBLIC ACCOUNTANTS 
STU.A.RT BUILDING 
SEATTLE 11 
WASHINGTON 
ACCOUNTANTS' REPORT 
Pacific Northern Airlines, Inc.: 
We have examined the balance sheet of Pacific Northern Airlines, Inc. 
as of December 31, 1959 and the related statement of earnings and retained 
earnings for the year then ended. Our examination was made in accordance with 
generally accepted auditing standards, and accordingly included such tests of the 
accounting records and such other auditing procedures as we considered necessary 
in the circumstances, It was not practicable to confirm amounts due from 
certain United States Government agencies by communication with them, but we 
satisfied ourselves as to these amounts by means of other auditing procedures. 
In our opinion, subject to the finalization of retroactive mail pay as 
mentioned in note 1, the accompanying balance sheet and statement of earnings and 
retained earnings present fairly the financial position of Pacific Northern 
Airlines, Inc. at December 31, 1959 and the results of its operations for the 
year then ended, in conformity with generally accepted accounting principles 
applied on a consistent basis, except for the changes described in note 2 (which 
we approve). 
Seattle, Washington 
March 11, 1960 
 PACIFIC NORTHERN AIRLINES, INC. 
(AN ALASKA CORPORATION) 
Statement of Earnings and Retained Earnings 
Year ended December 31, 1959 
OPERATING REVENUES: 
Passenger . 
Mail ( note 1 ) 
Cargo and excess baggage 
Other transport service 
Incidental revenues, net . 
Total operating revenues 
OPERATING EXPENSES: 
Flying operations 
Maintenance and repairs (note 2) 
Aircraft and traffic servicing 
Passenger service 
Promotion and sales 
General and administrative 
Depreciation and amortization ( note 2) 
Operating profit 
NON-OPERATING INCOME: 
Gains on disposal of flight equipment and other 
assets ( note 4) 
Other 
NON-OPERATING EXPENSES: 
Interest, net . 
Provision for obsolescence in inventories of 
Constellation aircraft maintenance materials 
Federal and state taxes on income ( notes 1 and 4) 
Net earnings 
Special charge, amortization of property acquisition 
adjustment 
Retained earnings January 1, 1959 . 
Retained earnings, December 31, 1959 . 
See accompanying notes to financial statements. 
$7,015,239 
3,242,550 
1,068,774 
28,602 
126,033 
11,481,198 
$ 3,201,612 
2,191,572 
2,178,730 
755,458 
778,962 
780,838 
948,888 10,836,060 
645,138 
202,711 
219 202,930 
848,068 
153,241 
29,688 182,929 
5 
665,139 
326,705 
338,434 
43,340 
295,094 
1,281,331 
$ 1,576,425 
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PACIFIC NORTHERN AIRLINES, INC. 
Balance Sheet, December 31, 1959 
Current assets: 
Cash 
Receivables : 
Traffic 
ASSETS 
United States Government agencies ( note 1 ) 
Other 
Less allowance for doubtful receivables . 
Maintenance and operating supplies, at average cost 
Less allowance for obsolescence 
Prepaid expenses, principally insurance 
Total current assets 
Accrual of estimated retroactive mail pay (less provision 
for applicable income taxes) ( note 1 ) . 
Investments, principally cash surrender value of life 
insurance 
Operating properties and equipment, at cost 
(notes 2, 3 and 4): Assets 
Flight equipment $ 7,207,105 
Ground equipment 654,036 
Buildings and improvements to leased 
property 136,834 
Replacement parts for flight equipment 540,910 
Construction work in progress . 16,891 
$ 8,555,776 
Deferred charges, net of amortization: 
Route extension and development . 
Preoperating expenses-Constellation aircraft . 
Preoperating expenses-airport hangar building 
Other 
See accompanying notes to financial statements. 
$ 589,297 
564,628 
343,405 
1,497,330 
28,642 
471,403 
29,688 
Allowances for 
depreciation, 
amortization 
and overhauls 
$ 2,940,305 
448,764 
118,490 
224,232 
$ 3,731,791 
5,674 
21,773 
8,055 
10,359 
$ 236,685 
1,468,688 
441,715 
116,565 
2,263,653 
164,000 
44,729 
4,823,985 
45,861 
$ 7,342,228 
(AN ALASKA CORPORATION) 
LIABILITIES 
Current liabilities: 
Note payable to bank, unsecured 
Current installments on long-term debt 
Accounts payable: 
Trade 
Airline traffic accounts 
Collections as agents 
Accrued wages, taxes, etc. 
Federal and state taxes on income, estimated . 
Air travel plan deposits 
Unearned transportation revenue 
Total current liabilities 
Long-term debt: 
Chattel mortgage notes to bank, non-current 
portion ( note 3) . 
Stockholder equity: 
Common stock-$1.00 par value per share. 
Authorized 2,000,000 shares; issued and 
outstanding 1,068,109 shares 
Paid-in surplus-no change during 1959 
Retained earnings, all of which are restricted (note 3) . 
Contingent liabilities and commitments (notes 5, 6 and 7) 
See accompanying notes to financial statements. 
$ 555,1~7 
541,448 
133,955 
1,068,109 
584,905 
1,653,014 
1,576,425 
$ 200,000 
944,676 
1,230,570 
195,494 
79,750 
21,250 
149,891 
2,821,631 
1,291,158 
7 
3,229,439 
$ 7,342,228 
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Notes to Financial Statements 
(1) U. S. MAIL PAY: 
The Company is a certificated air carrier sub- 
ject to regulation by the Civil Aeronautics Board. 
Under the provisions of the Federal Aviation Act, 
the Company is entitled to a reasonable return on 
investment after income taxes. Since October 23, 
1959 the Company has been receiving mail pay 
based on temporary rates which are subject to 
final negotiation and settlement. Management be- 
lieves, based on past experience, that there will 
be a favorable retroactive adjustment to October 
23, 1959 when rates are finally reviewed and 
settled and has accrued such estimated adjust- 
ment in the amount of $353,000 through De- 
cember 31, 1959. The effect on net earnings of 
accrual of such estimated additional mail pay is 
$164,000, after reduction for applicable income 
taxes of $189,000 ( assessable in year of receipt) . 
These amounts have been included in their re- 
spective categories in the statement of earnings. 
(2) ALLOWANCES FOR DEPRECIATION AND 
OVERHAULS-FLIGHT EQUIPMENT: 
Effective January 1, 1959 the Company adopted 
the accounting procedure of excluding from the de- 
preciable bases of Constellation aircraft amounts 
estimated to represent the cost of built-in over- 
hauls of engines and of amortizing such costs 
over the service lives of the engines. Prior to 1959 
the procedure was followed of depreciating en- 
gine costs, less allowances for residual values, 
over the lives of the related aircraft. Also effec- 
tive January 1, 1959, the depreciable bases of air- 
frames were revised through redetermination of 
residual values thereof. In addition, the estimated 
useful lives of Constellation aircraft were ad- 
justed to provide for approximate common retire- 
ment dates. The effect of these changes in ac- 
counting procedure upon the financial statements 
is not considered to be of material significance. 
(3) LONG-TERM DEBT: 
The Company is indebted under a Loan Agree- 
ment which had a balance at December 31, 1959 
amounting to $2,235,834, of which $944,676 rep- 
resents principal payments due within one year 
and is included in current liabilities. Substan- 
tially all of the Company's flight equipment is 
pledged as collateral under the Loan Agreement. 
Among other provisions, the Loan AgTeement to- 
gether with amendments thereto require that the 
Company shall maintain specified amounts of 
working capital and shall not declare or pay any 
dividends or purchase, redeem or otherwise ac- 
quire for value any of its capital stock. 
(4) DEFERRED INCOME TAXES: 
In accordance with a requirement of the uni- 
form system of accounts prescribed by the Civil 
Aeronautics Board, the Company includes in in- 
come gains on trade-ins of flight equipment 
whereas for income tax purposes the gains must 
be applied as a reduction of the cost of the flight 
equipment acquired in the related purchase trans- 
action. In 1958 and 1959 gains of approximately 
$145,000 and $173,000, respectively, were in- 
cluded in income. The Company has adopted de- 
ferred tax accounting procedures to provide for 
the estimated effect on income of future years of 
the resulting difference between book and taxable 
income and, accordingly, has provided for de- 
ferred tax reserves of approximately $36,000 and 
$43,000. Such amounts have been included in the 
allowance for depreciation and are being credited 
against income tax provisions over the lives of 
the applicable flight equipment. 
(5) LONG-TERM LEASES: 
On June 1, 1959 the Company executed a fifty- 
year lease with the Port of Seattle requiring the 
construction of an airport hangar building on the 
leased premises at Seattle-Tacoma International 
Airport. Concurrent with the execution of the 
above lease agreement the Company assigned the 
lease to a third party under an agreement where- 
by such third party is to construct the facility 
and lease it back to the Company. The Company 
is required under the lease-back agreement to pay 
one year's rent ( $187,920 ) in advance prior to 
occupancy and thereafter to pay corresponding 
rent on a monthly basis with an option to pur- 
chase the facility at the end of the twenty-five 
year lease-back period. The Company is also re- 
quired to pay the ground rentals under the lease 
with the Port of Seattle of $500 a month until 
the earlier of building completion or May 31, 
1960; $1 ,530.92 per month from that date through 
May 31 , 1969 and thereafter at such amount or 
at a newly negotiated rate. The Company is fur- 
ther required to pay all taxes relating to the 
premises and improvements thereon. 
On December 30, 1959 the Company sold all of 
its terminal buildings and facilities in the State 
of Alaska at book value and concurrently ex- 
ecuted an agreement to lease such properties for 
a period of fifteen years at the monthly rental of 
$4,000, with an option to renew under certain 
conditions. The agreement also gives the Com- 
pany an option to repurchase the properties upon 
expiration of the lease. 
(6) RETIREMENT PLANS: 
The Company has two contributory retirement 
plans covering ( 1) flight officers and ( 2) other 
employees of the Company. During 1959 the Com- 
pany charged to operating expenses and other 
accounts provisions totaling $174,712 of which 
$33,886 was for past service benefits. The un- 
funded past service benefits of both plans have 
been estimated by the Company's independent actu- 
aries to aggregate $260,642 at December 31, 1959. 
(7) CONTINGENT LIABILITIES: 
At December 31, 1959 the Company was con- 
tingently liable for claims arising in the normal 
course of business in which it is or may be a 
defendant, but in the opinion of legal counsel the 
ultimate liability, if any, would not materially 
affect the financial statements. 
 PACIFIC NORTHERN AIRLINES, INC. 
Directors 
G. P. O'GRADY 
J. A. CUNNINGHAM 
PAUL PORZELT 
R. A. ROWAN 
M. B. KIRKPATRICK 
C. W. NELSON 
A. G. WOODLEY 
Officers 
A. G. WOODLEY 
H. A. OLSEN 
J. A. CUNNINGHAM 
J. H . FOSTER 
FELIX AUBUCHON 
T. D. STUART 
C. W. NELSON 
M. E. DIAMOND 
D. B. HART 
GENERAL COUNSEL 
GENERAL OFFICES 
CITY TICKET OFFICES 
AUDITORS 
TRANSFER AGENT 
REGISTRAR 
COMMON STOCK LISTED 
Washington, D. C. 
Seattle, Washington 
New York, New York 
Los Angeles, California 
Anchorage, Alaska 
Seattle, Washington 
Seattle, Washington 
President and General Manager 
Vice President-Traffic and Sales 
Vice President-Operations 
Vice President- Engineering and Maintenance 
Vice President-Alaska Operations 
Vice President- Industrial Relations 
Secretary-Treasurer 
Assistant Secretary 
Assistant Secretary 
G. P. O1 
GRADY, 1625 EYE STREET, N. W. , WASHINGTON , D.C . 
400 NORTON BUILDING , SEATTLE, WASHINGTON 
ANCHORAGE 
HOMER 
KETCHIKAN 
KODIAK 
CORDOVA 
KENAI 
PEAT, MARWICK, MITCHELL & CO . 
JUNEAU 
PORTLAND 
SEATTLE 
BANKERS TRUST COMPANY, NE,'V YORK, NEW YORK 
MANUFACTURERS TRUST COMPANY, NEW YORK, NEW YORK 
AMERICAN STOCK EXCHANGE 
PACIFIC COAST STOCK EXCHANGE