Alaska Airlines applies to fly from Washington to Portland and San Diego

"Providing residents of the greater Portland area with convenient non-stop service to the nation's capital is the priority for Alaska Airlines in applying for more DCA service, and we're thrilled this day has finally come," said Brad Tilden, Alaska Air Group's president and CEO-elect. "Alaska is also eager to add non-stop service to San Diego in the country without non-stop service to Reagan National." Alaska Airlines plans for four roundtrip flights longer than 1,250 miles that Congress authorized last month, airlines are required to submit their application to the Department of Transportation.

Alaska applies for two of the four flights. The service from Oregon to the greater Washington, D.C., area is limited to a single daily flight into Dulles International Airport, located in Virginia more than 25 miles from downtown D.C. "Oregon is one of the most underserved states for air service to and from Washington, D.C.," said US Sen. Ron Wyden, D-Ore. "With the technology industry becoming a vital part of Oregon's economy and D.C. being the center of tech policy, increased direct access to Washington can only be a boost to our economic prospects. It is great that Alaska Airlines is bidding to provide this really important service for Oregon businesses and residents." "Southwest Washington and greater Portland residents should have direct access to their nation's capital," said US Sen. Maria Cantwell, D-Wash., and chair of the Senate Aviation Subcommittee. "This direct flight would support business growth and jobs in Southwest Washington and Oregon, and it would make the Pacific Northwest more accessible and attractive to East Coast businesses and tourists. That's one reason I fought hard in the FAA bill to increase western flights to Washington, D.C. I will be following up with the DOT to ensure Alaska Airlines' bid is strongly considered." "Oregon residents and our business community need a convenient non-stop flight to the nation's capital, a cause I've fiercely championed behind the scenes for the last several years, " said US Rep. Peter DeFazio, D-Ore. "As Oregon's hometown airline and with their strong Portland hub, Alaska is perfectly suited to serve this route. I urge Oregon residents to join me in sending a letter to the DOT today in support of Alaska Airlines' flight to D.C."