Alaska Airlines recently achieved 400,000 passengers carried at Pittsburgh International Airport. Since launching service in September 2018, Alaska has connected Pittsburgh nonstop to Seattle, solidifying the extensive tech and life sciences connections between the cities.

During its tenure in Pittsburgh, Alaska has expanded the Pittsburgh-Seattle route with up to two daily flights and in 2021, the airline became a full member of the Oneworld Alliance, offering travelers more options to the Pacific Northwest and beyond.

Alaska is also famous for its special liveries and has unveiled quite a few during its time at PIT.

Matthew Slafka caught Alaska’s “West Coast Wonders” Boeing 737 MAX 9 aircraft while traveling through Seattle-Tacoma International Airport. Entering service in January 2022, the aircraft features orcas swimming alongside its fuselage, including one jumping out of the water on the tail.

The livery was inspired by the destinations Alaska serves between the Baja Peninsula and Alaska, the same West Coast path orcas take to migrate. It also represents the airline’s environmental sustainability goals to reduce climate impact.

And like orcas, Alaska Airlines calls the Pacific Northwest home. Its headquarters and largest hub are located in Seattle, where aviation enthusiasts are afforded the best opportunity to see the most Alaska Airlines planes—such as this Boeing 737-900ER photographed by Bryce Henry.

Thanks, Matthew and Bryce!

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An Alaska Airlines 737-900ER is serviced by ground crews at the gate at Seattle-Tacoma International Airport. (Photo submitted by Bryce Henry)