Be Careful What You Wish For
The Pendleton City Council and Airport Authority may be rethinking their endorsement of another airline to provide essential air service to the community now that Horizon launched its short-lived Bombardier Q400 service between Pendleton to Seattle, replacing the 37-seat Q200s it previously flew to Portland. However, Pendleton will not have the 76-aircraft for long as Horizon is scheduled to be replaced in EAS market on December 1 when service will be picked up by SeaPort Airlines using a Pilatus PC-12, nine-seat, single-engine aircraft flights to Portland. Horizon noted tat SeaPort Airlines’ single-engine aircraft flights to Portland will arrive at a general aviation facility away from the airport’s main terminal forcing customers to buy separate tickets and transfer their own luggage between terminals which will be connected by a shuttle bus. It will also mean they will have to check in and clear security a second time. Pendleton passengers will still be able to fly the Q400s by driving to Walla Walla or Pasco, Wash, said the airline, which proposed three different bids to retain the service.

AK Finally Gets Wish
Thirty years ago, at the dawn of deregulation, Alaska Airlines cast about for a new route and its number one choice was Seattle-Minneapolis. But, with the uncertainties surrounding deregulation and the increased competition from other airlines, it begged off until yesterday when it inaugurated service between the two cities with twice daily flights. Alaska is offering a special one-way fare of $130 for travel through Feb. 12, 2009, to kick off the airline's newest route. Alaska Airlines will operate the new flights with Boeing 737-800s, accommodating 16 passengers in first class and 141 in the main cabin.
"Minneapolis/St. Paul represents one of the largest metropolitan areas in the United States not previously served by Alaska Airlines from Seattle," said Steve Jarvis, vice president marketing, sales and customer experience. "We look forward to acquainting Twin Cities-area passengers traveling to Seattle and throughout the Pacific Northwest with Alaska's special brand of award-winning customer service."