The Houston Airport System welcomed Alaska Airlines as the newest carrier to operate at George Bush Intercontinental Airport (IAH). A crowd of more than 100 people applauded as the first customers stepped off Alaska Airlines’ inaugural flight from Seattle.

“We are excited to bring a new airline to Houston and we realize that adding new flights during the current economy is a real blessing,” said Houston Airport System interim director Eric Potts. “Alaska Airlines is the first domestic carrier that the Houston Airport System has added in several years. We hope this is a sign of an upward trend for the industry.”

Potts presented Alaska Airlines officials with a proclamation from Houston Mayor Bill White to celebrate September 23 as “Alaska Airlines Day” in the fourth largest city in the United States.

Alaska operates the flights with Boeing 737-800 aircraft, accommodating 16 passengers in first class and 141 passengers in the main cabin. Flights offer Alaska’s Northern Bites meals-for-purchase service, which allows coach passengers to buy a meal onboard. Inflight service includes Alaska Airlines’ digEplayer, a personal entertainment system with movies, television shows and music.

New Daily Service

  * Flight 731 departs Houston at 4:30 p.m. (CT) and arrives in Seattle at 7:05 p.m. (PT)
  * Flight 730 departs Seattle at 9:00 a.m. (PT) and arrives in Houston at 3:20 p.m. (CT)

To learn more about Alaska Airlines introductory fares, go to

www.alaskaairlines.com

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George Bush Intercontinental Airport is the eighth largest airport in the United States and is celebrating its 40th Anniversary this year. Opened in 1969, Intercontinental has grown into a major global gateway with more than 40 million passengers annually. The airport is operated by the Houston Airport System - the fourth largest airport system in the U.S. and the sixth largest airport system in the world.