Two weeks ago, I wrote about new service from Alaska Airlines beginning next month. I have an update to that post regarding service changes at Missoula (MSO). A Christmas Eve announcement from Alaska will bring mainline jet service between Missoula and Seattle-Tacoma International Airport (SEA).
Missoula to Seattle A-319 Jet Service
Currently, Alaska flies the Bombardier Q400 76 passenger turboprop aircraft between the two airports. The airline has made a commitment to grow the traffic at MSO by replacing two flights daily with Airbus A-319 aircraft. This change to the A-319 is effective on May 21, 2020.
Alaska Airlines really stepped up their game by bringing a mainline jet to Missoula instead of an E-175 regional jet. The three other flights to and from Seattle will remain on the Q400 aircraft. For the jet service, Alaska will be using Airbus A-319 jets for these 387-mile flights.
These flights are now available for purchase.
Missoula to Los Angeles E-175 Jet Service
Alaska will begin year-round service with non-stop jet service to Los Angeles (LAX) on March 19, 2020. this service will use 76 passenger E-175 jets. Los Angeles is also served from Missoula by Allegiant and Delta on a seasonal basis.
Here is the schedule for service between Missoula and Los Angeles.
My Take on This New Jet Service
One of the things that Alaska Airlines does well is to build-up traffic in under-served airport pairings. Alaska sees an opportunity to bring in and develop jet service for Missoula along with Redmond (RMD) in Oregon. The residents of Missoula will now have a choice between the turboprop and A-319 service between MSO and SEA. Growing developing markets is something that Alaska Airlines does well.
