To those of you considering applying, your first move should be to find someone that is willing to provide you with a recommendation. Alaska hasn't interviewed in years, so it only stands to reason that they will be very selective. I have heard directly from those involved in the process that they have "set a bar" as far as what qualifications they will require for interviews. While I couldn't get out of him exactly where this "bar" stands (yet), I plan to keep trying. They also will require the magic recommendation. As far as interview calls going out, I'm not sure. I am sure that they haven't started interviewing yet, but they will need to get going on this very soon if they plan to have people ready for classes in Nov and beyond.
So, things are starting to move just a bit here, however even though we are beginning a new hiring push, the numbers aren't going to be huge. Maybe 150 between now and the end of next year. While it's better than it has been in the past several years, they still aren't hiring in such numbers that they can't choose exactly who and what they want. And who and what they want are the types of applicants that have been successful in the past. Successful in the interview, in training, and on the line. This is part of that "bar" I was told about. Read into that what you will.
Good luck to those that are interested.