SkyWest Airlines plays a crucial role in connecting travelers to various destinations across North America, primarily operating as a regional carrier for major airlines like Alaska Airlines, United Airlines, Delta Air Lines, and American Airlines. But where exactly does SkyWest fly on behalf of Alaska Airlines? This article explores SkyWest’s expanding network within the Alaska Airlines partnership, highlighting new routes and the aircraft used.
SkyWest’s Growing Role in Alaska Airlines’ Network
In 2014, Alaska Airlines significantly expanded its partnership with SkyWest, adding new routes from its Northwest hubs. Utilizing new Embraer E175 jets, SkyWest began offering daily non-stop service between Seattle and Milwaukee, Seattle and Oklahoma City, and Portland and St. Louis. This expansion reflects a strategic move to connect “long, thin routes”—destinations too far for smaller regional aircraft but not yet demanding enough for larger mainline jets.
The Embraer E175: Comfort and Convenience
The 76-seat Embraer E175 offers a comfortable flying experience with 12 first-class seats and 64 coach seats, boasting cabin dimensions comparable to a Boeing 737. Passengers enjoy amenities like Wi-Fi, streaming entertainment, and 110-volt power in every first-class seat. Food and beverage options include hot meals, picnic packs, Northwest microbrews, and wine.
New Routes and Schedules
The introduction of the E175 opened up several key routes, providing daily non-stop service between:
- Seattle (SEA) and Milwaukee (MKE): Departing Seattle at 9:35 a.m. and arriving in Milwaukee at 3:10 p.m.; departing Milwaukee at 3:50 p.m. and arriving in Seattle at 5:55 p.m.
- Seattle (SEA) and Oklahoma City (OKC): Departing Seattle at 10:30 a.m. and arriving in Oklahoma City at 4:00 p.m.; departing Oklahoma City at 4:40 p.m. and arriving in Seattle at 6:30 p.m.
- Portland (PDX) and St. Louis (STL): Departing Portland at 10:15 a.m. and arriving in St. Louis at 3:55 p.m.; departing St. Louis at 4:35 p.m. and arriving in Portland at 6:45 p.m.
All times are based on local time zones.
A Strategic Partnership for Growth
The collaboration between Alaska Airlines and SkyWest allows Alaska to expand its reach and offer more destinations to its customers. SkyWest benefits from flying under the Alaska brand and contributes to the airline’s growing network. This partnership has enabled Alaska Airlines to significantly increase its daily departures from major hubs like Seattle and Portland, solidifying its position as a leading carrier in the Northwest. SkyWest continues to be a significant partner, operating a substantial number of flights for Alaska Airlines to numerous cities across the United States. So, when you book a flight on Alaska Airlines, there’s a good chance you might be flying on a SkyWest-operated Embraer E175.
Conclusion
SkyWest Airlines plays a vital role in expanding Alaska Airlines’ network, connecting passengers to a growing list of destinations. By utilizing the Embraer E175, SkyWest offers a comfortable and convenient travel experience on these routes. The ongoing partnership between the two airlines demonstrates a commitment to providing comprehensive air service across the country.
