It appears that Alaska Airlines has taken the next step to start possible commercial flight service at Paine Field, located at Everett, WA. “This is a required step if the carrier were to begin jet service out of the regional airport at some point in the future,” the airline stated in a press release. The key word is “were.”
“We continue to believe that our flights at Sea-Tac Airport and in Bellingham best serve the Puget Sound region’s needs for affordable air travel, particularly in light of the significant investments both airports have made recently to improve their facilities,” said Andrew Harrison, Alaska Airlines’ vice president of planning and revenue management. “That said, if one or more other airlines begin operations at Paine Field, we would commence service alongside these carriers. Submitting a schedule with the FAA along with a request for authorization to serve Paine is a necessary step in the process.”
In this case, it is pretty obvious that Alaska is referring to Allegiant. Is Alaska really only taking a defensive position here or are they testing the waters to gauge reaction from the public? Public flights at Paine Field is a political hot-topic; There are many wealthy folks who live in the surrounding area, who have a strong voice against additional air traffic.
PAINE FIELD COMMERCIAL FIGHTS BACKGROUND STORIES:
- FAA Approves Commercial Service to Paine Field. But Will Airlines Come? (12.12.12)
- Alaska Airlines is Out But Allegiant Still Wants to Fly From Paine Field (09.19.12)
- Opinion: Commercial Flights Should Commence at Paine Field (04.05.11)
- Is Seattle Ready for a Second Airport? (01.05.10)
“Alaska Airlines’ proposed schedule in the first year of operations would include 14 weekly round-trip flights to Las Vegas, Honolulu and Maui, Hawaii, using Boeing 737-800 jet aircraft.,” Alaska’s press release stated. “Alaska would also fly 21 weekly round-trip flights to Portland, Ore., with Bombardier Q400 turboprop aircraft.”
Alaska would plan to expand operations stating they they would fly 49 weekly round-trip flights, including, “28 round-trips to Las Vegas, Honolulu, Maui, Los Angeles, Phoenix and San Diego with 737-800s, plus 21 weekly round-trips to Portland using Q400s.”
| Summary of proposed service for the first year 35 round-trip flights a week: | ||
| City pair | Weekly Frequency | Aircraft |
| Everett-Honolulu | 4 | 737-800 |
| Everett-Las Vegas | 7 | 737-800 |
| Everett-Maui | 3 | 737-800 |
| Everett-Portland | 21 | Q400 |
| Summary of proposed service by the fifth year 49 round-trip flights a week: | ||
| City pair | Weekly Frequency | Aircraft |
| Everett-Honolulu | 4 | 737-800 |
| Everett-Las Vegas | 7 | 737-800 |
| Everett-Los Angeles | 7 | 737-800 |
| Everett-Maui | 3 | 737-800 |
| Everett-Phoenix | 4 | 737-800 |
| Everett-Portland | 21 | Q400 |
| Everett-San Diego | 3 | 737-800 |
Flight information from Alaska Airlines.
This seems like quite a bit of potential traffic to just be getting ready, but better off to be prepared right?
One of the biggest hurdles left is there is no terminal at Paine Field and the airport has stated they would not pay to build one. Could/would Alaska and Allegiant work together to build a terminal together? Highly doubtful.
As of now, Allegiant has no comment. Your move Allegiant.
I love Virgin Airline and I don’t know if I can give up their awesomeness for Alaska Air.