To mark its 40th anniversary in San Diego, Alaska Airlines executives said Thursday that the carrier will soon offer a new nonstop flight to Mexico.
The nonstops to Loreto begin in December. The twice-a-week service will be Alaska’s 50th nonstop from San Diego International Airport.
“As San Diego’s airline, we’re proud to offer more nonstop destinations from San Diego than any other airline and to be the leading carrier serving Mexico from the market,” said Darren Scott, managing director of network at the airline.
The flights will be aboard Embraer E175s, operated by SkyWest Airlines.
Alaska Airlines first departed San Diego on Dec. 1, 1986. Alaska’s network, after acquiring Hawaiian Airlines, includes destinations in the U.S., Mexico and Latin America, with nonstop service to all four major Hawaiian Islands.
Fliers can get in on the anniversary celebration, thanks to a giveaway, with 40 awards of Atmos Rewards Gold status for 40 years up for grabs. One grand-prize winner also will receive 1 million Atmos Rewards points.
San Diego Mayor Todd Gloria called Alaska’s addition of its 50th local nonstop destination “an exciting milestone for our city.”
“More nonstop service means more opportunities for San Diegans to travel, more visitors supporting our local economy and stronger connections with important partners like Mexico,” he said.
Neil Thwaites, Alaska Airlines’ vice president of global sales and California commercial performance, said his company is the only carrier with both a pilot and flight attendant base in the region.
“Some of the employees who helped launch our first flight from San Diego are still with Alaska today, a testament to their dedication and to our enduring commitment to this community,” Thwaites said. “As we celebrate 40 years in San Diego, we’re grateful to our employees and loyal guests who choose Alaska every day.”
