New Seattle flight could give RDU leverage in push for more international service
(Triangle Business Journal – April 28, 2015)
Tuesday’s announcement that Raleigh-Durham International Airport would soon be offering service to Seattle courtesy of Alaska Airlines marks the latest get for the airport, which is working toward expanding its international offerings.
The deal struck between RDU and Alaska Airlines will give travelers access to a daily nonstop flight to and from Seattle on a 163-seat Boeing 737. Service begins on Oct. 1.
As part of the agreement, RDU will spend $250,000 to market the flight over the next two years, says RDU spokeswoman Mindy Hamlin. RDU has also agreed to waive some landing fees. The deal has been in the works since 2007. RDU estimates that more than 146,000 passengers travel between RDU and Seattle each year.
Hamlin says Seattle was one of four cities identified by the Airport Authority as a top destination for RDU travelers. The Airport Authority has also cited San Diego and either Paris or Frankfurt as key destinations.
“This is another piece in the puzzle toward getting another international flight,” says Joe Milazzo executive director of the Regional Transportation Alliance. He says RDU will likely use the addition of another coast-to-coast flight as a selling point in discussions with international carriers. Currently, RDU's only international flight is to London.
“This shows that an airline is willing to dedicate an aircraft for a great amount of time and distance because the Triangle is an attractive market,” Milazzo says.