Alaska Airlines is planning to operate two new routes from San Diego, Eugene and Washington Dulles. Starting from June 15, both the routes will be operated on a daily basis offering more choice to travelers and strengthening the airline's presence in Southern California.
Flights to Eugene will be served by SkyWest Airlines with the Embraer E175, while Alaska Airlines will fly to Washington Dulles with its own Boeing 737 MAX 9s
Commenting on the carrier's expansion at San Diego, Neil Thwaites, Regional Vice President of California, Alaska Airlines said: “Our guests in San Diego told us they wanted more nonstops; we’re excited to add service on both the West and East Coasts, including the nation’s capital, Florida’s vibrant Gulf Coast, as well as to beautiful Eugene, Oregon. We know it’s important that we keep California connected, and our guests will now have three more non-stop destinations to choose from as they plan out their travel."
Alaska Airlines currently has 47 737 MAX 9s in its fleet, with a further 40 on order. Each aircraft seats a total of 178 passengers.
Alaska Air will face head on competition with Allegiant Air on Eugene route and with United Airlines on Washington Dulles routes. United operates twice daily flights on this route.
Thrilled at the launch of two new routes, Kimberly Becker, President, San Diego County Regional Airport Authority said: “We appreciate Alaska Airlines growing its service at SAN and their continued partnership. The timing is excellent, and our community will benefit from the addition of these new nonstop routes between our sunny Southern California region and the East Coast and the Pacific Northwest.”
Apart from the San Diego route, Alaska Airlines also added Tampa (TPA) to its route network from San Diego. The winter seasonal service will commence on October 5, and will join Orlando (MCO) and Fort Lauderdale (FLL) that the airline already serves from San Diego.
Alaska Airlines will be the only carrier connecting San Diego and Tampa non-stop. Flights between the two cities will be operated by the Boeing 737.