Alaska Airlines "Honor Flight"

 

Patient has it's virtue.  Nothing could be truer as in the case of Alaska Airlines. It took them 10 years but through Congressional action they  now have a direct flight from Portland International to Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport.

 

A reception celebrating this achievement took place last evening (August 27, 2012) in downtown Portland. Hundreds of guests were invited for this milestone event. Brad Tilden, Chief Executive Officer of Alaska/Horizon was the key-note speaker along with Bill Wyatt of the Port of Portland, and Congressmen Kurt Schrader and Bill Wyatt.

 

The most interesting part of the evening was the introduction of several couples, husband and wives of World War II veterans.  Many of these unions have survived over several decades. One marriage in particular has lasted for 70 years.  They will be part of the group taking the inaugural flight back to Washington D.C. to view the World War II memorial and other sites in the city courtesy of Alaska Airlines.

 

Alaska Airlines has over 100 flights a day leaving PDX.  They serve 2.5 million passengers a year and are the largest carrier for our Portland airport.

 

As a footnote:

 

Brad Tilden, CEO of Alaska,  has access to a private plane and remarked about the convenience of using our Troutdale Airport.  At the entrance to the reception was Captain Rick who learned how to fly from Troutdale Airport. Both of them commented how much the city and in particular our downtown has improved.

Mayor Jim Kight with CEO of Alaska Airlines Brad Tilden and Suzanne Waldrop Alaska Airline
employee

Our master of ceremonies for the Alaska Airlines event
Bill Wyatt, Executive Director Port of Portland