Alaska Airlines Adds 50th Nonstop Destination From San Diego International Airport

SAN DIEGO, CA — To mark its 40th anniversary serving San Diego, Alaska Airlines executives announced Thursday the carrier will soon offer nonstop flights to Loreto, Mexico, the company's 50th 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 Alaska Airlines. "Launching our 50th nonstop destination from San Diego as we celebrate 40 years of serving the region is a meaningful way to thank our guests for choosing Alaska and Hawaiian and trusting us to connect them to the places they want to go."

Flights to historic Loreto, in Baja California Sur, will begin in December with twice-weekly flights through April aboard Alaska's E175 aircraft, operated by SkyWest Airlines.

"Alaska Airlines has been connecting San Diego to the world for 40 years, and the addition of its 50th nonstop destination is an exciting milestone for our city," said San Diego Mayor Todd Gloria. "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. I'm grateful for Alaska's continued investment in San Diego and look forward to building on this partnership for many years to come."

Alaska Airlines first departed San Diego on Dec. 1, 1986, and four decades later, Alaska has grown to a network that -- together with Hawaiian Airlines -- features destinations in the U.S., Mexico and Latin America, including nonstop service to all four major Hawaiian Islands.

To mark the anniversary, the carrier will begin a months-long celebration with an anniversary giveaway: 40 winners will receive Atmos Rewards Gold status for 40 years, and one grand-prize winner will also receive 1 million Atmos Rewards points to explore destinations across Alaska's network.

"We're proud to be San Diego's leading airline, with deep roots in the community, the most extensive network, and the only carrier with both a pilot and flight attendant base in the region," said Neil Thwaites, Alaska Airlines' vice president of global sales and California commercial performance. "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. As we celebrate 40 years in San Diego, we're grateful to our employees and loyal guests who choose Alaska every day."

— City News Service