DOT Taps Alaska to Launch Los Angeles-Washington, D.C. Service; Will Be Los Angeles’ Only Nonstop Route to Reagan National

Nonstop flights between California and the nation’s capital will begin June 7, the U.S. Department of Transportation announced today when it awarded Alaska Airlines authority to launch daily nonstop roundtrip service between Los Angeles International and Washington, D.C.’s Reagan National Airport.

"To say we’re excited about this opportunity would be an understatement," said Alaska CEO Bill Ayer. "Los Angeles is the largest city in the country without nonstop service to Reagan. This will fill a huge void in the nation’s transportation network and we’re proud to be the carrier to do it."

Ayer said the airline will celebrate the new service with double Mileage Plan miles and an introductory fare of $89 each way through June 30.

"Sincere thanks go to Governor Schwarzenegger, Senators Feinstein and Boxer, Reps. Mary Bono and Jane Harman and many other members of the Southern California Congressional delegation who encouraged DOT to open this link, and to the many local elected officials who encouraged DOT to approve our application."

He also credited the grassroots efforts of business and community leaders throughout the region, as well as the thousands of letters of support received from customers and employees for the success of the airline’s application.

Nine carriers, counting Alaska, applied for a collective 27 new daily roundtrips at DCA. DOT awarded slots for just six of them. Alaska had applied for four — two each from Seattle and Los Angeles. Called "beyond- the-perimeter slots," they are highly coveted because Reagan National has a limited number of them available to serve markets more than 1,250 miles away.

Alaska plans to use 120-seat Boeing 737-700 aircraft on the flight. Flights will depart LAX at 12:30 p.m. and arrive in the nation’s capital at 8:31 p.m. Westbound flights depart Reagan at 8:15 a.m., arriving in LAX at 11:50 a.m.

SOURCE: Alaska Airlines