Seattle's other airport — yes, another! — revs for takeoff

March 04, 2019 / 7:35 am

Seattle’s new airport — well, Everett's, technically — started launching flights on Monday.

Paine Field was built in 1936 and used by the military during World War II and the Korean War. Since the 1960s, Paine has been a hub for Boeing manufacturing and for private aviation, but a new terminal has updated the field for commercial use.

Alaska Airlines pilot Paul Lang flew the airline’s first 737 out of Paine Field on Monday morning, headed for Portland.

“Immensely exciting, historic,” he said of the moment.

For many travelers in the Seattle area, Paine Field will be a lot closer than Sea-Tac Airport.

Down on the tarmac where it is clear, sunny, and cold.

First flight to PDX starting up now. pic.twitter.com/Ns3pAy7NH7
— Casey Martin (@caseyworks) March 4, 2019

But don’t get too excited about hopping a jet out of Paine. The destinations are limited.

From Paine, Alaska will operate 18 daily flights to West Coast cities. United Airlines starts its service March 31. Southwest Airlines originally had planned service from Paine Field but pulled back last year.

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Casey Martin
Reporter

Casey Martin is a general assignment reporter who has covered everything from political protests to electric scooters. He is almost always out in the field where the news happens. Casey has reported on extremism, houselessness, politics and Seattle’s nightlife.
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