Photo: SeaPort Airlines
SeaPort Airlines, a family-owned aviation company, will launch daily commuter flights between Portland and Seattle starting May 20. The announcement marks the return of the airline under a new leadership team to Pacific Northwest skies following the previous company’s closure in 2016. The new SeaPort, a sister company of 28-year-old regional airline Alaska Seaplanes headquartered in Juneau, Alaska, will soon offer daily roundtrip flights between the two cities, with flights every 45 minutes at peak times during the day. Thousands of people travel between Portland and Seattle per day, with over 90% of those trips on I-5.
SeaPort will offer scheduled service out of a small terminal on the Atlantic Aviation campus, adjacent to the main terminal, the general aviation fixed base operator (FBO) at Portland International Airport (PDX), and Boeing Field at King County International Airport (BFI). Travelers will have access to nearby parking and can avoid TSA bottlenecks at both airports. SeaPort offers all the ease and convenience of private flying but available to the public for the price of a single seat on a scheduled flight.
“By flying through our private terminal at PDX and Seattle’s Boeing Field just minutes from downtown, our customers will avoid the snarl of both I-5 and SeaTac Airport. This commuter shuttle service will make the travel experience quicker, easier and more predictable compared to navigating clogged freeways and an over-subscribed global-scale international airport in Seattle,” said Kent Craford, Chairman and CEO of Kalinin Holdings, SeaPort’s parent company. “It’s a significant economic boost for our two great Northwest cities and travelers who will now have a trusted alternative to make business connections in the region.”
“We congratulate SeaPort Airlines on launching a new era of commuter air service that strengthens Portland’s business community and regional economy,” said Andrew Hoan, President & CEO of the Portland Metro Chamber. “More than just a new flight route, this is an investment in the infrastructure that keeps our region connected and competitive. By delivering a smarter, faster travel option, SeaPort is advancing innovation, accessibility and opportunity for Portlanders and the broader Pacific Northwest.”
“Strong regional connectivity is a win for our travelers,” said Chris Czarnecki, Director of Aviation Business and Properties at the Port of Portland. “With the relaunch of flights to Boeing Field, we’re adding an airport to our map and giving travelers a new option to reach Portland.”
Craford co-founded the original SeaPort Airlines in 2008, which was immediately popular for its delivery of fast high frequency commuter air service, but departed the company in 2009 after a falling out with the primary investor. In 2011, he and two partners acquired Alaska Seaplanes, a small floatplane company in Juneau, and grew it over 15 years into the primary regional airline of Southeast Alaska, which today with sister companies employs over 300 people and operates two dozen aircraft. After Craford’s 2009 departure, the original SeaPort pursued an ill-fated expansion into government subsidy markets ending in Chapter 7 bankruptcy in 2016.
“It’s about time, and after over a decade I’m thrilled to announce the return of the new and improved SeaPort Airlines to the Pacific Northwest,” adds Craford. “While the name is the same, our company is totally different. We are deeply experienced, well-funded and in this for the long haul. We’re here to give you your time back. Arrive at the airport 20 minutes before your flight, park right by the door, walk in and go. Do your business on the other end and still get back home in time for dinner. Same-day, roundtrip travel is possible again.”
SeaPort will operate a fleet of Pilatus PC-12 aircraft, a modern, high-speed and pressurized plane that can carry nine passengers and cargo. The aircraft are designed and built in Switzerland. SeaPort is led by deeply experienced Alaska pilot managers, adept at navigating air travel in Southeast Alaska, one of North America’s harshest environments.
To book a flight on SeaPort beginning May 20, visit www.flyseaportair.com.
Source: SeaPort Airlines