Photos of the Week: Pacific Views

We’ve got a little construction project going on here at the airport, in case you hadn’t heard.

It’s going to open in 2025, and we cannot wait to show Pittsburgh — and the world — how awesome it is.

But we aren’t the only U.S. airport that’s building and upgrading. As critical national infrastructure, commercial airports are behind in modernizing to keep up with the growing number of people boarding flights these days.

Among other airports with big projects is Seattle-Tacoma International Airport, which has a whole slew of plans to improve and update their facilities, some of which have already been completed.

One of those big steps already taken was the N Concourse Modernization, a $712 million project completed in 2021 that added eight gates, expanded the interior space, beefed up concessions and features more artwork evoking the Pacific Northwest in addition to improved accessibility and technology.

Matt Slafka got a chance to shoot a pic of the new building recently. You’ll notice nothing but Alaska Airlines aircraft on the ramp; the airline is the only one using that terminal. In fact, savvy travelers know that Alaska’s Flight 412 — its nonstop route to Pittsburgh — operates out of the N Concourse.

Speaking of that flight, Seattle is a popular connecting point for Pittsburghers traveling to Hawaii. SeaTac has more than a dozen flights departing for Honolulu on a typical day.

We’re not sure if that’s the route longtime Allegheny County Airport Authority staffer Brian Colella took, but really all that matters is that he was thinking of us on approach to the Aloha State and sent us this beautiful photo of the pristine Pacific Ocean and one of Hawaii’s incredible islands.

Thanks, Matt and Brian!

Our readers continue to pass along shots of unique aircraft, international airports, historical events, gorgeous views and even family vacation photos for this feature. We love them! Keep them coming — you can click here for submission guidelines.

A window view of Hawaii and the Pacific Ocean from an inbound flight. (Photo submitted by Brian Colella)