Indianapolis Airport Announces New Airline, New Nonstop Flight to Pacific Northwest Region
Tickets are on sale now, flights scheduled to begin May 2017
INDIANAPOLIS (Aug. 3, 2016) — The Indianapolis Airport Authority was flying high today as officials announced Alaska Airlines will become the newest air-service carrier out of the Indianapolis International Airport (IND), bringing with it a long-awaited nonstop flight to Seattle-Tacoma International Airport (SEA).
“Today’s announcement has been more than two years in the making, and the result of collaboration among a number of community partners, all focused on giving Indianapolis a direct connection with a vibrant industry sector in the Pacific Northwest, and a highly anticipated leisure-travel option,” said Mario Rodriguez, executive director of the IAA.
The IAA worked closely with the Indiana Economic Development Corporation, the City of Indianapolis, Visit Indy, the Indy Chamber and representatives from the local tech industry to bring Alaska Airlines to Indianapolis.
“The establishment of the Indianapolis to Seattle route speaks volumes about the state of the Hoosier economy,” said Victor Smith, Indiana Secretary of Commerce. “Seattle is a prime destination for entrepreneurs and executives in the tech sector, which is growing in Indiana at a rate three times faster than the national average. Today’s announcement underscores a new opportunity for more efficient and productive business travel to the West Coast, enhancing our efforts to spark innovation and create more quality, high-skilled Hoosier jobs while attracting and retaining top talent in Indiana.”
The new, nonstop service is the first year-round flight to Seattle in the airport’s history. Tickets for Seattle flights will go on sale today and can be purchased at www.alaskaair.com with the inaugural flight taking off on May 17, 2017.
Seattle, and particularly the airport’s immediate community, provides easy access to well known attractions such as the Seattle Space Needle and the Museum of Flight – in addition to mountain tours, whale watching, beaches, islands, high-end spas, wine tours, whitewater rafting, and a long list of activities and destination for all interests.
“Nonstop service from Seattle to Indianapolis is a welcome convenience for visitors coming here from the Pacific Northwest,” said Leonard Hoops, president and chief executive officer of Visit Indy. “It also makes Indy more attractive to meeting and convention decision-makers whose events draw attendees from that region and internationally. We applaud Alaska Airlines and our partners at IND and IEDC for opening new doors and making Indy an even more accessible destination.”
IAA Board President Kelly Flynn said this is an excellent time for Alaska Airlines to join the IAA’s roster of carriers. “We’ve seen record passenger numbers in 2016, and history-setting numbers for the past three months,” said Kelly. “These are excellent indicators that passenger demand will be ready to fill the inaugural flight in May 2017.”
The Alaska Airlines flights will operate daily and fly nonstop between Indianapolis International Airport and Seattle-Tacoma International Airport, also known as Sea-Tac Airport. Passengers will find flight availability and the lowest fares at www.alaskaair.com.
Additionally, Alaska Airlines offers an award-winning loyalty program and is ranked “Highest in Customer Satisfaction Among Traditional Carriers in North America” by the J.D. Power North American Airline Satisfaction Study for nine consecutive years. On board, customers can watch free and premium entertainment downloaded direct to customer devices, enjoy Pacific Northwest-inspired food and beverages, as well as custom, leather seats with power outlets to charge laptops and personal devices for each customer.
“We want to thank the Indianapolis Airport Authority, local business leaders, city officials and the greater central Indiana community for their support and partnership in bringing Alaska Airlines to the Hoosier state,” said John Kirby, vice president of capacity planning with Alaska Airlines. “Circle City residents will enjoy the benefits of our award-winning customer service, loyalty program, and power outlets in every seat.”
IND generates an annual economic impact in Central Indiana of more than $4.5 billion without relying on state or local taxes to fund its operations. About 10,000 people work at the airport each day. IND serves more than 8 million business and leisure travelers each year and averages 143 daily flights, seasonally and year-round, to 43 nonstop destinations. Home of the world's second-largest FedEx Express operation and the nation’s eighth largest cargo facility, IND is committed to becoming the airport system of choice for both passenger and cargo service. For more information, visit IND’s Facebook page at Indianapolis International Airport and Twitter page at @INDairport.
For Alaska Airlines’ official announcement, visit www.alaskaair.com/newsroom