First commercial flight takes off from Paine Field on Monday morning

Paine Field and Boeing Everett manufacturing building

By Diane Hettrick

Paine Field in Everett begins commercial flights on Monday, March 4, 2019.

According to The Seattle Times, "The FAA approved plans by Alaska Airlines and United Airlines to offer a combined 24 daily departures from the two-gate terminal. The $40 million passenger terminal operated by Propeller Airports expects to see 1.4 million people each year, according to a statement from Snohomish County."

The flight path from Paine Field south tends to run in a very narrow band over east Shoreline and west Lake Forest Park. There are already many flights that run down this corridor. Many residents who live under the flight path are bothered by the noise, which can rattle windows and set off car alarms. Others, aviation buffs, say they enjoy the sound.

Most people are pleased at being able to get a flight from Everett instead of making the traffic-congested trek to Sea-Tac.  

Tickets to Portland with Alaska Airlines begin at $44, while those to other locations range from $64 to $114, according to the airline’s website.