Alaska Airlines declared on Wednesday that the company is getting ready its second terminal in Seattle for an opening date next year. Through this move, this major airline career is gaining exclusivity over a developing part of the Puget Sound area in Pacific Northwest. Moreover, as its Seattle hub is already its largest operational area, this event is going to boost its activity even further.
Alaska Airlines Will Begin 2018 with Nine Daily Flights from Everett
Starting in the fall of 2018, Alaska Airlines projects to fly Embraer 175 and Boeing 737 fleet from Paine Field in Everett, Washington. This plan is going to introduce a new area which is 31 miles north of Seattle to commercial airline services for the first time. The company will operate on average nine flights on a daily basis. However, the company did not disclose destinations yet. Chief Executive of Alaska Airlines, Brad Tilden, wants this hub to become active as soon as possible.
“As … Sea-Tac Airport nears capacity, the time is right to bring air service to … the North Sound.”
Propeller Airports Plaid an Important Part in New Seattle Terminal
This plan belongs to equity firm Propeller Airports. Back in 2015, Snohomish County, which owns the Paine Field airport, approved this project for the inauguration of a passenger terminal. It was Propeller Airports that covered expenses for the mitigation, design, and environmental research that are necessary for this Alaska Airlines expansion. Propeller is also willing to support the investment in the construction and operation of the terminal. These two segments are projected to cost an estimated $30 million.
On the other hand, the equity firm is going to offer the terminal for lease over the following 30 years. Through this new revenue source, the county is going to receive $430,000 each year together with a 2.5% revenue share. After the first five years of operations, the region is going to receive an additional 2.5% revenue share.
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