Alaska Airlines Discontinuing Eureka And Redding Service

Alaska Airlines today announced it is discontinuing all flights from Eureka and Redding, Calif., to Los Angeles, effective April 17, 2011. The Alaska flights are operated by Horizon Air. "We tried...

SEATTLE, March 10, 2011 /PRNewswire/ — Alaska Airlines today announced it is discontinuing all flights from Eureka and Redding, Calif., to Los Angeles, effective April 17, 2011. The Alaska flights are operated by Horizon Air.

"We tried a variety of alternatives over the past several years to improve the financial performance of these markets. Unfortunately, we saw no significant change," said Andrew Harrison, Alaska Air Group’s vice president of planning and revenue management. "It’s never possible to leave a city without a sense of disappointment. Many have invested considerable time and effort in trying to make these markets viable. In particular, I would like to thank our customers who supported us and the Horizon employees in Eureka and Redding who provided such great service."

Customers with tickets on the affected flights will be reaccommodated on other airlines or offered a full refund. Passengers with questions can call 1-800-ALASKAAIR (800-252-7522 or TTY/TDD line 800-392-0228).

Harrison said the number of passengers flying between Eureka and Redding and Los Angeles is insufficient for Alaska Airlines to operate the flights profitably and led to the decision to discontinue service. Eureka and Redding are among the smallest intra-California markets that Alaska Air Group serves.

Horizon Air has operated flights from Redding since 1992 and from Eureka since 1994.

Alaska Airlines and Horizon Air, subsidiaries of Alaska Air Group (NYSE: ALK), together serve more than 90 cities through an expansive network in Alaska, the Lower 48, Hawaii, Canada and Mexico. On Jan. 1, Horizon shifted to a capacity purchase agreement (CPA) business model, which is the regional airline industry standard. Under this arrangement, Horizon operates and maintains its aircraft while Alaska is responsible for scheduling, marketing and pricing all flights. The change also includes the eventual rebranding of all Horizon aircraft to feature the Alaska brand. For more news and information, visit the Newsroom at alaskaair.com/newsroom.

SOURCE Alaska Airlines