Gulfstream action at Long Beach Airport (LGB/KLGB) today

 G-III (c/n 348) N357PR taxies on "Delta."

 G-III (c/n 348) N357PR operated by From the Heart Church Ministries Inc., rolls for take-off on Rwy 30 as we enjoy a lovely SoCal afternoon.

Netjets G450 (c/n 4010) N425QS captured on short final to Rwy 30.

 

(Photos by Michael Carter)

6th Royal Australian Air Force C-17A flies at Long Beach

The 6th C-17A (F-251/0211) A41-211 destined for the Royal Australian Air Force returns to Long Beach Airport (LGB/KLGB) this afternoon following a successful first flight on October 24, 2012.

 

(Photo by Michael Carter) 

Blythe, California and its busy (Ha, Ha) Municiple Airport

Back from PHX Slide Fest 2012 where everyone had a fantastic time. It was very nice to see some old friends and make some new ones.

 

I drove to Phoenix which is a six hour drive from Long Beach but it was a very easy no fuss, no muss drive. Just before I crossed the border leaving California and entering Arizona, I stopped at Blythe Municple Airport to see what I might find. 

 

As I drove toward the lone hanger at the airport I saw that an Ameriflight Beech 99A was parked on the ramp in gorgeous sun just waiting to be photographed. I checked with a gentleman seated in front of the ops office if it would be okay to walk out on the ramp to take few photos and he mumbled softly that it would be fine. 

 

I headed out onto the ramp and got my photos and thought to myself how nice it would be if every airport was this accessible to take photos.  

 

Below are the results of my short stay at Blythe (BLH/KBLH), California Municple Airport.

 

 The entrance to Blythe Municiple Airport (BLH/KBLH).

 The just slightly under utilized passenger terminal.

 Ameriflight Beech 99A (c/n U-105) N34AK rests in the morning sun.

 

(Photos by Michael Carter)   

Heading to Phoenix, AZ for "PHX slide fest 2012" tomorrow

Off to Phoenix tomorrow morning (a six hour drive) to take part in the slide fest being put on by Joe Fernandez and Jarrod Wilkening.

I Will make every effort to make a few updates during the trip and show but if I don't you know I am having a blast and looking at far to many K64 Kodachrome slides!

(APF Editor and Chief Michael Carter)

Honolulu (HNL/PHNL) classic props

 A little air conditioning following a flight from a neighbor island.

 Beech H18 Tri-gear (BA-665) N933T operated by Kamaka Air taxies to the ramp on October 2, 2012.

 Kamaka Air Beech E18S (BA-281) N231H basks in the island morning sun. 

 The last few packages being loaded for a flight to one of the neighbor islands.

 Positive climb, gear up as Kamaka Air C-117D "Super DC-3C" (c/n 43375) N9796N climbs into the Hawaiian skies on October 2, 2012. 

Rhoades Aviation Convair 640(F) (c/n 463) N587CA receives some TLC on the Honolulu ramp on October 2, 2012.

 

(Photos by Michael Carter)

G550 (c/n 5386) N536GA tbr N5092 taxies to Rwy 30 at Long Beach Airport (LGB/KLGB) as it departs on a customer acceptance flight at 08:44 pst on October 17, 2012.

 

(Photo by Michael Carter)

G550 (c/n 5380) N506SA, ex N380GA taxies to Rwy 30 at Long Beach Airport (LGB/KLGB) on October 17, 2012 as it readies to depart to Savannah-Hilton Head International Airport (SAV/KSAV) for onward delivery to its new owner.

 

(Photo by Michael Carter)

Interjet commences service to John Wayne Orange County Airport

Interjet A320-214 (c/n 5163) XA-VCT touches down on Rwy 19R on October 11, 2012 as it arives on the inaugural flight from Mexico City.

(Photo by John Wayne Airport)

Last Thursday October 11, 2012 Interjet inaugurated daily service to Mexico from John Wayne Orange County Airport (SNA/KSNA). The flights to Mexico City (MEX/MMMX) and Guadalajara (GDL/MMGL) represent the company's fourth U.S. gateway as Mexico's second largest air carrier continues to make a strong impact in the popular U.S.-Mexico travel market. Interjet already flies from Miami (MIA/KMIA), New York (JFK/KJFK) and San Antonio (SAT/KSAT) to Mexico City.


Pictured l-r: Alan L. Murphy, Airport Director, John Wayne Airport; Jose Luis Garza, CEO, Interjet; Alejandra Garcia Williams, Consul General to Mexico in Santa Ana; John M. W. Moorlach, Chairman, Orange County Board of Supervisors   "Interjet is very pleased to commence service from Orange County to two Mexican gateways - Mexico City and Guadalajara - which are popular destinations for Southern California business and leisure travelers. In addition, Interjet's Orange County flights to Mexico City provide the most convenient same-day connections to over 23 Mexican gateways served by Interjet which will make travel to Mexico even easier. We look forward to providing our Southern California friends with the quality service and appealing amenities that travelers from other parts of the U.S. already enjoy," said Jose Luis Garza, Interjet's CEO. In addition to its U.S. gateways, Interjet's international route structure currently includes Guatemala, Cuba, and San José, Costa Rica.

"The OC tourism industry is absolutely thrilled with the new service by Interjet to two cities in Mexico. As John Wayne Airport, Orange County continues to expand its air service to new international markets; Mexico is a natural and critical market for the region's success," said Gary Sherwin, Chairman of the Orange County Visitor's Association. “We welcome Interjet to the OC family and look forward to extending our famous OC lifestyle brand to all of its passengers and providing them with an exceptional experience."

Passengers arriving on the first two flights into Orange County today were greeted by Airport employees and representatives from the Orange County tourism industry. Each passenger received goodie bags filled with items representing sites to see and places to visit in Orange County as well as Disney Ears and a one-day pass to Disneyland Resort parks. All items were donated by Anaheim/Orange County Visitor and Convention Bureau, Destination Irvine, Disneyland Resort, Knott's Berry Farm, Laguna Beach Conference & Visitor Bureau, Legoland & SEALife Aquarium, Medieval Times, Mission San Juan Capistrano, OC Parks, Orange County Great Park, Orange County Visitor’s Association, San Diego Zoo, Sea World Parks, South Coast Plaza, The Outlets of Orange and Visit Buena Park.

The new Orange County to Mexico City service departs from John Wayne Airport at 10:30 am Monday through Friday, arriving at the Benito Juarez International Airport at 4:05 pm. On Saturday and Sunday, flights from Orange County depart at 3:15 pm, arriving in Mexico City at 8:50 pm. Flights leave Mexico City at 7:45 am, arriving in Orange County at 9:30 am Monday through Friday, and at 12:30 pm arriving in Orange County at 2:15 pm on Saturday and Sunday. Daily service to Guadalajara's Miguel Hidalgo y Costilla International Airport departs John Wayne Airport at 1:35 pm, arriving at 6:45 pm; flights from Guadalajara depart at 11:15 am and arrive at 12:35 pm.

"We are honored that Interjet has chosen John Wayne Airport as its first destination on the West Coast," stated Alan L. Murphy, Airport Director, John Wayne Airport. "Orange County's strong tourism and business sectors - along with our terrific international arrival facilities - make John Wayne Airport a great choice for convenient, nonstop service from Mexico."

Interjet earned its reputation as one of Mexico's most successful airlines based on numerous passenger-pleasing flight and service features. Interjet is known for its high quality service at competitively affordable prices as well as its excellent safety record. With 35 new A320 aircraft, the airline has put the customer first with such decisions as removing 30 seats to create maximum comfort for 150 guests as well as serving complimentary snacks and premium beverages during flights between Mexico and Orange County. Interjet also offers transferable tickets, an appealing frequent flier loyalty program, in-flight entertainment program, an unrestricted 20 percent discount year-round for seniors, a unique take-off/landing camera and women-only toilets on all airplanes. In contrast with other carriers, there is no extra charge for passengers to select seats or check up to two 55-pound bags per ticket. Interjet does not overbook its flights and has no hidden fees in the ticket purchase prices; the price offered by the airline is what the customer pays, including all taxes.

(JWA Press Release)

The photos below are of Interjet A320-214 (c/n 3286) XA-MXM as it arrives at John Wayne Orange County Airport from Mexico City on October 15, 2012.

 

 (Photos by Michael Carter)

L.A. County Sheriffs Department add "Super Puma" to Aero Bureau fleet

Eurocopter AS332L1 "Super Puma" (c/n 9007) N950SG returns to Long Beach Airport (LGB/KLGB) following a proving run flight on October 10, 2012. 
(Photo by Michael Carter)

 

A trio of smaller, faster and more powerful Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department helicopters are poised to take flight over Southern California.

Three previously-owned Eurocopter AS 332L1 Super Puma helicopters have been acquired by Los Angeles County for $31 million to staff the sheriff’s department’s Aero Bureau. The total acquisition, including training and parts, was $47 million, Los Angeles County Sheriff’s spokeswoman Nicole Nishida said.

 

The helicopters are the latest in a long line of aircraft used for the Department’s Air Rescue-5 program, the rescue unit of the Aero Bureau. Since 1955, the Aero Bureau began with a Bell 47, making the Los Angeles Sheriff’s Department one of the first law enforcement agencies on the West Coast to use helicopters. Piston-engine Sikorsky H-34 (military S-58) helicopters were acquired in the 1970’s, followed by turbine-powered Sikorsky S-58T’s.

The three new helicopters will replace three former United States Navy Sikorsky SH-3H Sea Kings that the department acquired in 1998 as parts and support for these aircraft became more expensive and difficult to obtain, according to Nishida. “They look fantastic in person,” Nishida said. “They’re very sleek looking and are a little bit smaller than the old ones.”

 

The Super Puma is in fact about 25% smaller than the helicopters they are replacing, but carry the same number of people, sheriff’s officials said. They will be employed primarily as rescue aircraft, but their duties will also include SWAT insertions and extractions, Homeland Security support, maritime missions and personnel transport after natural disasters.

Once they are delivered, Nishida says these helicopters will be fully equipped the latest law enforcement technology. The choppers will be fitted with external hoists; nose-mounted, forward-looking infrared cameras – a first for a department rescue helicopter; night-vision compatible cockpits and multi-patient medical interiors.

 

For safety, these helicopters will be equipped with Enhanced Ground Proximity Warning System/Terrain Awareness and Warning System (EGPWS/TAWS). The cockpits of these Super Pumas will also be equipped with GPS, instrument flight rules (IFR) capability and weather radar.

“The Super Pumas are equipped with advanced technological enhancements that will enable the Air Rescue 5 personnel to maintain the highest operational capability and the ability to fly in nearly all weather conditions,” Sheriff Lee Baca said in a statement.

 

(KCBS News - Los Angeles)

New G550 takes to the skies from Long Beach Airport

G550 (c/n 5386) N536GA tbr N5092 taxies onto Rwy 30 at Long Beach Airport (LGB/KLGB) as it prepares to depart on a short pre-delivery test flight on October 16, 2012 at 10:16 pst.

 

(Photo by Michael Carter)

Pan Am Beech A60 "Duke"

Beech A60 "Duke" (c/n P-170) N710PA "Clipper Caroline" is owned by former Pan Am employee Frank Martin. The aircraft is currently based at Long Beach Airport (LGB/KLGB) where it is captured resting in the afternoon sun on October 16, 2012.

 

(Photo by Michael Carter)

Antonov Design Bureau AN-124-100M-150 "Ruslan" visits Long Beach Airport

 Rests on taxiway "Bravo" near the old Douglas commercial blast fence.

Antonov Desigh Bureau AN-124-100M-150 (c/n 19530501006) UR-82002 "Ruslan" arrived at Long Beach Airport (LGB/KLGB) from Winnipeg International (YWG/CYWG) at 07:23 pst on October 16, 2012 transporting a satellite destined for Boeings Sea Launch project.

 

(Photos by Michael Carter) 

Southwest Airlines hires ex FAA head Randy Babbitt

Southwest Airlines proudly welcomes J. Randolph "Randy" Babbitt as Senior Vice President of Labor Relations to direct and oversee the carrier's labor related activities. Babbitt will report directly to Chief Operating Officer Mike Van de Ven and have responsibility for all negotiation, communication, and ongoing relationships between the Company and the eleven organizations that represent 87 percent of Southwest Employees.


"For more than 40 years, Southwest has thrived because of our regard for labor organizations as partners," Van de Ven said. "Randy's unique skills and experience at various levels in our industry can only strengthen those partnerships to ensure our Employees continue to play an important role in Southwest's success."

Mike Ryan, Southwest's Vice President of Labor Relations, and the Labor Relations Team will report to Babbitt.

Babbitt began his aviation career as a pilot, flying 25 years for Eastern Airlines. A skilled negotiator, he served as President and CEO for US ALPA, the world's largest professional organization of airline pilots. While at ALPA, he championed the "One Level of Safety" initiative implemented in 1995 to improve safety standards across the industry. He also promoted the international expansion of ALPA through a merger with the Canadian Air Line Pilots Association in 1997.

Babbitt later served as the FAA's sixteenth administrator from June 2009 through December 2011 after more than eight years on the agency's Management Advisory Council providing guidance to other Administrators on a range of topics ranging from air traffic modernization to regulatory policy and safety oversight within the airline industry and the FAA. He was recognized by Aviation Week & Space Technology magazine with the Laurels Award for outstanding achievement in the Commercial Air Transport category.

(Southwest Airlines Press Release)

Bizjets In Hawaii

While in Hawaii I did keep my eyes open for any Gulfstream movements and I was not disappointed.

 

In Kaua'i I spotted G450 (c/n 4157) N451BH and G550 (c/n 5097) N806AC at Lihue Airport (LIH/PHLI) on September 30, 2012.

 

At Honolulu International (HNL/PHNL) on October 3, 2012 I spotted G-IISP (c/n 193) N227LA, G-II (c/n 257) N1159B, and G-IV (c/n 1147) N820MS.

 

I also photographed the two aircraft below:

 

 G-V (c/n 578) N410LM

Global Express XRS (c/n 9368) VH-TGG which arrived from Essendon Airport (Essendon North) (MEB/YMEN) Victoria, Australia just a couple hours before I took this photo.

 

(Photos by Michael Carter)   

Hawaiian Airlines DC-9-51 spends her retirement years at at Honolulu International Airport

 

I was in Hawaii recently and meet with HNL Rarebirds blog editor Ivan Nishimura who was very kind to show me around the westside of Honolulu International Airport (HNL/PHNL) where there are lots of classic aircraft to be seen and photographed. I can't thank Ivan enough for his kindness.

 

I will be sharing my photos with you in my future posts and sure hope you enjoy them as much as I did spotting and photographing these lovely classic aircraft. I will of course post photos of my favorite aircraft operating in the Hawaiian Islands the McDonnell Douglas MD-95 better known as the Boeing 717-200.  

 

One of the biggest surprises for me, was finding this McDonnell Douglas DC-9-51 late of Hawaiian Airlines. I had no idea that the carrier had donated this aircraft to local trade school Pacific Aerospace Training Center in 2003 which is associated with Honolulu Community College and the University of Hawaii. She wears no registration just her old fleet no. "69" on the nose gear door and has been re-named "Keahole" and sports the trade schools name.

 

 

McDonnell Douglas DC-9-51 (47763/879) N699HA/69 "Maile" was delivered new to Hawaiian Airlines on July 11, 1978 and spent her entire career with the carrier until her retirement in in January 2002.

 

(Photo by Michael Carter)



Travis AFB C-17A visits Long Beach

USAF C-17A (P-162) 06-6162 "Spirit of Suisun City" - Travis AFB also made her way into Long Beach Airport (LGB/KLGB) operating as a support aircraft for the damaged C-17A which arrived an prior to this lovely ladies arrival.

 

(Photo by Michael Carter)

Damaged C-17A arrives home at Long Beach Airport for repairs

 A major patch under the cockpit section appears to be a giant black mustach. 

 One main gear hangs from the bottom of the aircraft as she performs a fly-by just prior to landing.

 Look very closely and you can see that the forward entry door has been patched over and there is no main gear door on the aft set of wheels.

USAF C-17A (P-189) 07-7189 based at Charleston AFB was severely damaged during combat operations this past August in Afghanistan. The aircraft was patched up and made airworthy enough to enable it to limp its way home to Long Beach where she was built, and where she will recieve her major repairs. During the flight home she could fly at only 12,500 at a speed of 250 knots.  

 

(Photos by Michael Carter)

Some recent Gulfstream action at Long Beach and Orange County Airports

 G-V (c/n 527) N5SA at Long Beach Airport October 12, 2012.

 G-V (c/n 568) N168CE at John Wayne Orange County Airport (SNA/KSNA) on October 13, 2012.

 G550 (c/n 5300) B-90609 at Long Beach Airport (LGB/KLGB) on October 12, 2012.

 G550 (c/n 5380) N380GA tbr N506SA holds short of Rwy 30 at Long Beach Airport (LGB/KLGB) on October 11, 2012.

G550 (c/n 5399) N399GA arrives at Long Beach Airport (LGB/KLGB) from Savannah-Hilton Head International Airport (SAV/KSAV) on October 12, 2012.

 

(Photos by Michael Carter) 

Alaska Airlines orders 50 737 Max and NG aircraft

Alaska Airlines has placed a firm order for 20 Boeing 737 MAX 8s, 17 MAX 9s and thirteen 737-900ERs, the Seattle-based airline and Boeing announced today. Worth $5 billion at list prices, the contract covers the largest order in Alaska Airlines’ history and raises the carrier’s firm order count for 737s to 75. The airline also holds options on another 69 737NGs and MAXs, potentially stretching deliveries to 2024.

(Photo Alaska Airlines)

The latest contract extends Alaska’s firm delivery positions to 2022. Its commitments call for delivery of airplanes attached to existing and new orders for 737NGs to start late this month and continue through 2017. It expects delivery of the the first 737 MAX 8 in 2018, followed by the first 737 MAX 9 in 2019. Alaska now flies 120 Boeing 737s and becomes the third U.S. airline to order the MAX.

Alaska said it plans to use two-thirds of its new order to replace older airplanes over the next decade, including nearly all of its 737-400s by the end of 2017. The airline now expects to dispose of six aircraft in the fourth quarter of 2013, ending the year with 127 Boeing aircraft in the mainline fleet.

With this latest order, Boeing has now raised its total sales tally for the MAX family to 858 airplanes.

(Gregory Polek - AINonline News)

Delta Airlines announes Seattle expansion

Delta Air Lines and Alaska Airlines will expand international service and customer enhancements in Seattle, growth that benefits customers of both airlines thanks to the alliance between the two carriers.

The growth and customer enhancements include:

•Proposed new nonstop Delta service between Seattle-Tacoma International Airport and Shanghai Pu Dong International Airport, pending approval by the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT).

•Proposed new nonstop Delta service between Seattle and Haneda Airport in Tokyo, pending DOT approval.

•The deployment of Delta's flagship Boeing 747-400 jet on flights between Seattle and Narita Airport in Tokyo, featuring a fully upgraded interior with full flat-bed seats in BusinessElite, individual in-flight entertainment in every seat throughout the aircraft, expanded overhead bins and other amenities.

•Newly upgraded Boeing 767-300 aircraft on Delta's flights between Seattle and Paris, Beijing and Osaka, Japan, also offering full flat-bed seats in BusinessElite and upgraded amenities.

•Additional nonstop Delta service between Seattle and John F. Kennedy International Airport in New York.

•Upgraded BusinessElite service on all Delta Seattle-JFK flights to match the product and amenities of Delta's JFK service from Los Angeles and San Francisco.

•Sea-Tac airport improvements including a new Delta Sky Club, new power ports throughout Delta's facilities, expanded ticket counters, lobby renovations and other improvements.

•An ongoing partnership between Delta and Alaska that includes codesharing in Seattle and shared customer benefits including reciprocal lounge access and frequent flier programs.

"Delta's expansion in Seattle will link this important West Coast city even closer with key markets in Asia, boosting its economy, creating jobs and providing benefits to travelers across the Pacific Northwest region," said Richard Anderson, Delta's chief executive. "This kind of international growth is possible only because of our partnership with Alaska, and customers of both our airlines will benefit from this newly strengthened relationship."

"About 1,200 travelers connect on Alaska and Delta flights in Seattle every day," Alaska Airlines CEO Brad Tilden said. "We're very pleased to offer them a seamless flying experience, highlighted by our renowned customer service. We're also looking forward to providing travelers with new flying options to Asia on Delta that will feature significantly enhanced onboard amenities."

Expanded Asia Service

Delta today filed an application with the DOT to offer daily nonstop service between Seattle and Shanghai, effective June 17, 2013. The proposed new flight will be Delta's second route between Seattle and China, following Beijing service which began in 2010.

Delta plans to operate the Shanghai flight with 208-seat Boeing 767-300ER aircraft featuring 36 full flat-bed seats in BusinessElite, 29 seats in Economy Comfort and 143 Economy class seats. The aircraft features in-flight entertainment in every seat throughout the aircraft.

The proposed schedule for the new route:

Effective: June 17, 2013


Aircraft: Boeing 767-300ER


Departs: Seattle at 2:45 p.m

Arrive: Shanghai at 6:20 p.m. (next day)


Effective: June 19, 2013 

Aircraft: Boeing 767-300ER

Depart: Shanghai at 12:20 p.m.

Arrive: Seattle at 8:35 a.m.

In addition, Delta filed an application this summer to begin nonstop service between Seattle and Haneda Airport in Tokyo. DOT is currently considering Delta's Seattle-Haneda application along with competing Haneda requests by other carriers. The proposed Seattle-Haneda flight would complement Delta's existing service between Seattle and Narita Airport in Tokyo.

The Haneda flight would be operated with Boeing 767-300ER aircraft, and would begin service March 31, 2013.

The proposed schedule for the new route:

Depart: Seattle at 7:35 p.m.

Arrive: Tokyo-Haneda at 10 p.m. (next day)

Effective: March 30, 2013

Aircraft: Boeing 767-300ER

Seattle at 7:35 p.m.

Tokyo-Haneda at 10 p.m. (next day)

March 30, 2013

Boeing 767-300ER

Depart: Tokyo-Haneda at 12 a.m.

Arrive: Seattle at 5 p.m.

Effective: April 1, 2013

Aircraft: Boeing 767-300ER

The proposed Shanghai and Tokyo-Haneda flights add to Delta's growing Asian gateway in Seattle. The airline also operates nonstop service to Beijing, Tokyo-Narita and Osaka, Japan.

In addition, Delta offers nonstop service to Paris and Amsterdam from Seattle. By next summer the airline will operate more than 40 daily flights to 15 destinations worldwide from Seattle.

The partnership between Delta and Alaska is a major factor in enabling Delta to operate international flights from Seattle. The new Haneda service, for example, will benefit from easy connections to 55 U.S. cities on Delta and Alaska's domestic networks.

Improved In-Flight Experience

Delta also announced it will deploy its flagship Boeing 747-400 aircraft on flights between Seattle and Tokyo-Narita.

The 376-seat aircraft features 48 full flat-bed seats in BusinessElite, 42 Economy Comfort seats and 286 economy seats, and has been retrofitted to feature significant upgrades in its onboard experience, including individual in-flight entertainment in every seat throughout the aircraft, expanded overhead bins and other amenities.

Delta will be the only U.S. passenger airline operating the iconic Boeing 747 in Seattle. Dubbed the "Queen of the Skies," the 747 is one of the world's most recognizable aircraft due to the graceful curve of its upper deck.

The aircraft will begin flying the Tokyo route on June 1, 2013.

In addition to bringing the 747 to Seattle, Delta will deploy Boeing 767-300 jets with fully upgraded interiors on flights to Paris, Beijing and Osaka, Japan, effective Oct. 28. Those aircraft feature the same in-flight amenities as the Boeing 747, including full flat-bed seats in BusinessElite, expanded overhead bin space and individual in-flight entertainment throughout the aircraft.

New York Expansion

Delta will add a fifth daily nonstop flight between Seattle and New York-JFK, effective June 1, 2013. In addition to providing convenient service and an additional option for New York-bound travelers, the flight offers another opportunity for connections to international flights via Delta's hub at JFK.

From JFK, Delta flies to more than 40 international destinations in Europe, Africa, Latin America and Asia on a seasonal and year-round basis.

In addition, Delta is upgrading its Seattle-JFK flights to offer its BusinessElite service in June 2013, matching what the airline offers on trans-continental flight from Los Angeles and San Francisco to New York. Delta's BusinessElite service provides an accelerated and streamlined trip with shorter lines, early boarding and priority baggage service, as well as comfortable seats, world-class dining, state-of-the-art entertainment and complimentary access to more than 50 Delta Sky Club locations and 150 partner lounges worldwide.

Delta's upgraded Seattle-New York service will be operated with Boeing 757-200ER and Boeing 767-300ER aircraft.

Strategic Partnership

The international expansion and customer enhancements in Seattle are driven by a strategic partnership between Delta and Alaska that benefits customers of both carriers and creates more competition and travel options for consumers in the Pacific Northwest region.

Under an extensive codesharing agreement, Delta customers can access more than 50 markets beyond Seattle via Alaska's domestic hub, while Alaska customers in the Pacific Northwest have access to more than 60 domestic Delta destinations, including extensive options over Delta's Atlanta and Minneapolis-St. Paul hubs.

The two carriers review connecting flight schedules and make timing adjustments to shorten passenger connection times. And customers of both carriers enjoy reciprocal access to Delta's Sky Club and Alaska's Board Room airport lounges, as well as reciprocal frequent flier benefits.

From its Seattle hub, Alaska provides service to more than 70 cities throughout North America. Delta, meanwhile, offers international service from Seattle to five cities: Amsterdam, Paris, Tokyo, Beijing and Osaka, Japan.

More than 200,000 international passengers connected between Alaska and Delta flights during the past year.

"Our partnership combines Delta's industry-leading international network and Alaska's hub in Seattle, creating more travel choices and competition in one of the nation's most important markets," Anderson said. "It's another example of innovative thinking that exemplifies how both Delta and Alaska do business every day."

(Delta Airlines Press Release)