Newest Commercial Airport in the U.S. Opens near Seattle

A second airport servicing Seattle opened this week to fanfare that included an inaugural flight on Alaska Airlines. America’s much anticipated and newest commercial passenger service airport is ushering in a new era of air travel for the northern Seattle metro area, giving residents and travelers added choice and ease for their business and leisure travel while boosting the local economy.

The $40-million, two-gate passenger terminal was designed and built through a partnership between Propeller Airports and Snohomish County. 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 airfield formerly operated by aircraft manufacturer Boeing is being touted as a regional alternative to busy Seattle-Tacoma International Airport.

Alaska Airlines and United Airlines will initially operate a combined 24 daily flights from the airport in Everett, Washington. Alaska Airlines will fly to Portland, Las Vegas, Los Angeles, Orange County, Phoenix, San Diego, San Francisco and San Jose; United will fly to San Francisco and Denver starting on March 31. Both airlines will operate Embraer 175 jets from the airport.

“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,” said Brett Smith, CEO of Propeller.

Alaska Airlines ran the new airport’s first departure, headed for Portland, Oregon.

“The opening of a brand-new commercial air terminal at Paine Field is history in the making. We’re extremely proud to be a part of a growing, thriving Pacific Northwest and West Coast,” said Andrew Harrison, Alaska Airlines’ chief commercial officer. “From Everett, our guests can travel more easily and more quickly to eight terrific West Coast cities, and then continue on to nearly anywhere else they’d like to go, especially with our 15 Global Partners that fly to 900 destinations around the world.”

All Alaska flights at Paine Field are operated by Horizon Air with the Embraer 175 aircraft, which features a three-class cabin, including an exceptional first class, and premium class with complimentary cocktails, wine and craft beer, plus extra legroom.

“Every seat on the E175 is either a window or an aisle – there are no middle seats. Guests can enjoy more than 500 free movies and TV shows on their own devices, free texting, and new, West Coast-inspired fresh food items and beverage selections onboard. It’s all a part of Alaska’s award-winning service and focus on offering low fares, great value and outstanding service to our guests,” added Harrison.