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Everett Today
By the People, for the People
Paine Field Airport Welcomes First Commercial Passenger Flight
New Everett airport opens with Alaska Airlines flight to Portland
Published on Mar. 2, 2026
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On March 4, 2019, Paine Field Airport in Everett, Washington welcomed its first commercial passenger flight, an Alaska Airlines Embraer 175 bound for Portland. The event featured speeches by local officials, a ribbon-cutting ceremony, and the unveiling of a statue honoring the airport's namesake, Lieutenant Topliff Olin Paine. The new airport, managed through a public-private partnership between Snohomish County and Propeller Airports, LLC, is expected to serve day and business travelers as well as tourists visiting nearby attractions.
Why it matters
The opening of Paine Field Airport provides a more convenient travel option for residents of northern Puget Sound, reducing the need to drive to Seattle-Tacoma International Airport. It also represents an economic development opportunity for Snohomish County, attracting businesses and tourists to the region.
The details
The Paine Field Airport project was a public-private partnership between Snohomish County and Propeller Airports, LLC, a subsidiary of Propeller Investments. Propeller invested nearly $50 million to build the new terminal facility, which features a passenger lounge, cafe, and views of the Olympic Mountains. The airport is located near several popular attractions, including the Future of Flight Museum and Boeing Tour Center.
- On March 4, 2019, the first commercial passenger flight departed Paine Field Airport at 10:02 a.m., bound for Portland.
- Alaska Airlines planned to run 18 flights daily from Paine Field to destinations including Portland, Las Vegas, Los Angeles, and San Francisco.
- United Airlines flights were scheduled to begin service to San Francisco and Denver on March 31, 2019.
The players
Paine Field Airport
An airport in Everett, Washington that was originally developed as a military base during World War II and the Korean War, before transitioning to commercial and general aviation use.
Propeller Airports, LLC
A subsidiary of Propeller Investments that managed the development and operations of the new passenger terminal at Paine Field Airport through a public-private partnership with Snohomish County.
Cassie Franklin
The mayor of Everett, Washington, who expressed delight that the new airport would showcase the city and Snohomish County.
Dave Somers
The Snohomish County Executive, who stated that the new airport would make the county more attractive to businesses and tourists.
Brett Smith
The CEO of Propeller Airports, LLC, who spoke at the inaugural flight ceremony.
What they’re saying
“This is an exciting time for Snohomish County and the entire Puget Sound region. Today we begin a new era. Through our innovative partnership with Propeller Airports, we have finally realized our dream and the vision of those who built Paine Field 83 years ago. Snohomish County has a new gateway to the world … Paine Field is already the economic engine of the county and adding commercial air service will make us much more attractive to businesses looking to invest and for tourists wanting to visit the Pacific Northwest.”
— Dave Somers, Snohomish County Executive (The Daily Herald)
“This is an exciting time for Snohomish County and the entire Puget Sound region. Today we begin a new era. Through our innovative partnership with Propeller Airports, we have finally realized our dream and the vision of those who built Paine Field 83 years ago. Snohomish County has a new gateway to the world … Paine Field is already the economic engine of the county and adding commercial air service will make us much more attractive to businesses looking to invest and for tourists wanting to visit the Pacific Northwest.”
— Dave Somers, Snohomish County Executive (The Daily Herald)
What’s next
The judge in the case will decide on Tuesday whether or not to allow Walker Reed Quinn out on bail.
The takeaway
The opening of Paine Field Airport represents a significant milestone for Snohomish County, providing a more convenient travel option for residents and an economic development opportunity for the region. The public-private partnership that made this project possible demonstrates how innovative approaches can transform local infrastructure and spur growth.
