Alaska Airlines Operates The First Flight From The Seattle Airport

The much anticipated and newest commercial passenger service airport in the United States opened its doors Monday, as Alaska Airlines' first flight departed Paine Field for Portland, Oregon. The airport ushers in a new era of air travel for the northern Seattle metro area, giving residents added choice and ease for their business and leisure travel while boosting the local economy.

The passenger terminal was designed and built through a partnership between Propeller Airports and Snohomish County. In addition to developing, financing and building the new terminal, Propeller will also operate it. United Airlines will begin service on March 31, bringing 24 total daily departures to nine destinations on the West Coast, and as far east as Denver.

"The first commercial flight from Paine Field is the realization of five years of hard work and more than a decade of commitment by Propeller to the idea of privately developing a commercial airport in a major metro area with a hub that is at capacity," said Brett Smith, CEO of Propeller. "For the flying public this is about more options with tremendous convenience and less headaches, and equally important to us – it represents a restoration of civility to the airport experience. We're excited to share that vision with passengers starting today."

"We are so proud to be part of such a strong partnership that delivered a vital new resource to the Puget Sound region: a state-of-the-art passenger terminal that will benefit our economy as much as passengers," said Snohomish County Executive Dave Somers.

"The direct connection to major gateways in the western United States marks a new chapter for the City of Everett. Paine Field will continue to bring jobs and prosperity to the entire region," said Mayor of Everett Cassie Franklin. "We're delighted to be part of this historic day and to welcome the first passengers."

"Paine Field Terminal in Everett here is part of a system of diverse hubs like Sea-Tac, Skagit Regional and Arlington Municipal, where I grew up, that all serve as a lifeline to communities throughout Pacific Northwest," said Congressman Rick Larsen (D-WA). "Building this terminal was only possible through an public-private-partnership model, that Brett Smith and the good folks at Propeller who were heavily involved with the design and executed this project correctly, protected labor rights and as an effective infrastructure development tool.

"Congratulations to the county, to the city, to Propeller, to Alaska Airlines and the entire community that has worked to see this project over the finish line," Larsen said.

(Source: Propeller Airports and Congressman Larsen news releases. Images provided)

FMI: www.flypainefield.com, larsen.house.gov