Propeller Airports has formally opened Paine Field (PAE) for commercial aviation with an Alaska Airlines flight from the northern Seattle airport to Portland, OR.
Alaska will be joined by United Airlines in flying in and out of PAE at the end of March, giving the airport 24 total daily departures to nine destinations, including Denver International (DEN).
“The first commercial flight from Paine Field is the realization of five years of hard work and more than a decade of commitment by Propeller to the idea of privately developing a commercial airport in a major metro area with a hub that is at capacity,” Brett Smith, CEO of Propeller, says in announcing the inaugural commercial flight. “For the flying public this is about more options with tremendous convenience and less headaches, and importantly to us – it represents a restoration of civility to the airport experience. We’re excited to share that vision with passengers starting today.”
Propeller Airports renovated the airport terminal and will operate PAE, including food & beverage options from Beecher’s Cheese, the legendary Seattle-based restaurant, that will include a restaurant, a grab & go option and Caffe Vita later this month.
Paine Field’s new terminal recently received the National Council on Public Private Partnership’s Innovation Award and has been called “the best airport in the United States” by CNN Travel, thanks to amenities such as automated ticketing kiosks, upscale lounge-style waiting areas, higher end design and food options.
