This will the longest commercial flight ever operated from the airport at just over 730 nautical miles

–Amid cheers and applause, the San Luis Obispo County Regional Airport revealed that Alaska Airlines will commence nonstop service between San Luis Obispo (SBP) and Seattle (SEA) next spring. This is a new destination on a new airline, and a major advancement for the airport and the County of San Luis Obispo.

This new service will connect San Luis Obispo into Alaska’s network, increase accessibility to Seattle’s tech industries, and carry visitors into the Central Coast’s thriving wineries and beaches.

“We are pleased to add nonstop service to San Luis Obispo, our 16th California city and a popular destination for our loyal customers,” said John Kirby, the airline’s vice president of capacity planning. “Whether visiting for business, sunshine, art or wine, our valued travelers will have easy access to best SLO County and the entire Central Coast has to offer.”

During a celebratory event earlier this week, Director of Airports Kevin Bumen remarked, “Alaska is a strong airline with a long history of outstanding customer service. We’re thrilled to welcome them to SLO, and to link our community to more than 100 of Alaska’s connections across North America.” He also noted this will the longest commercial flight ever operated from the airport at just over 730 nautical miles.

Several county officials, leaders and key stakeholders attended the airport’s announcement event, including Chuck Davison, President and CEO of Visit San Luis Obispo County. “The announcement of the new Seattle service on Alaska Airlines is the most exciting tourism development since the passage of our Marketing District in 2015,” he said. “Our district provides the funds for Visit San Luis Obispo County to contribute destination-marketing dollars towards specific projects that increase tourism, like securing new regional air service. This flight allows us to introduce our destination to new customers, and based on our recent consumer research study, Seattle is the perfect new market for San Luis Obispo County.”

Visit San Luis Obispo County worked closely with the airport in persuading the sought-after airline to begin service in the County, as did the Economic Vitality Corporation (EVC). “As the voice of the countywide business community, the EVC is ecstatic to see the San Luis Obispo County Regional Airport gain the Alaska Airlines flight to Seattle. The EVC remains an active supporter of the airport, which is increasingly vital to the health of our businesses and communities. Business and leisure travelers, both traveling to and from our county, are eager for more flights, more destinations, and the forthcoming, larger airport terminal. The direct and indirect positive economic impacts of the airport are far-reaching and touch every sector of our county’s economy, making this flight a critical addition to our community,” said EVC president Michael Manchak.

Daily flights begin April 13, 2017. The flight will depart SEA at 8 a.m., arriving at SBP at 10:28 a.m. The outbound flight will leave SBP at 12 p.m. and arrive at SEA at 2:35 p.m. The year-round service will be operated by SkyWest Airlines using Embraer E175 aircraft, featuring 12 seats in First Class, 12 seats in Preferred Plus and 52 seats in the Main Cabin. Onboard amenities include Wi-Fi Internet access, free and premium entertainment direct to customer devices, and in First Class, 110 volt power in every seat.

To purchase tickets, visit alaskaair.com.