Imagine a world where flying between Spokane and Seattle is not only faster than it was 80 years ago but also free from the hassles of TSA screenings. Sounds too good to be true? Well, it’s happening. Starting March 9, SeaPort Airlines is launching a revolutionary service: nine-person, TSA-free flights from Spokane’s Felts Field to Seattle, marking the first commercial departure from this airport since 1946. But here’s where it gets controversial—could this be the future of short-haul travel, or is it just a niche solution? Let’s dive in.
The aircraft in question is the Pilatus PC-12, a sleek, nine-passenger plane with two pilots, cabin pressurization, and temperature control. It’s one of four in SeaPort’s new Pacific Northwest fleet, offering four round trips daily between Spokane and Seattle. Kent Craford, CEO of SeaPort’s parent company, Kalinin Companies, paints an enticing picture: ‘You can wake up in Spokane, conduct a full day of business in Seattle, and still make it home for dinner.’ Bold claim, right? But is this convenience truly game-changing, or just a luxury for a few?
Historically, Seattle has been Spokane’s top travel destination. In the 1930s, the flight time was a mere two and a half hours—a stark contrast to today’s three and a half hours. ‘We’ve accepted that transportation will only get worse,’ Craford laments. ‘But why? Flying between these cities was easier 80 years ago.’ And this is the part most people miss—the rise of mega-airports like SeaTac has created a ‘bottleneck,’ with TSA screenings and sprawling layouts adding hours to travel time. For intrastate flights, this often makes driving a more appealing option. But SeaPort’s model bypasses this entirely, operating like a private charter but selling individual seats.
Here’s the kicker: Because the PC-12 carries only nine passengers, SeaPort falls below TSA thresholds, regulated instead by the FAA. Passenger screening is minimal, akin to what you’d experience on a bus or train. ‘It’s about giving people their time back,’ says chief pilot Ian Fisk, a seasoned flyer who’s been in the air since age 15. He calls the PC-12 his ‘sports car,’ capable of flying up to 28,000 feet, above most weather systems, and into smaller airports with ease. ‘It’s fast, quiet, and warm—every seat is a window and aisle seat,’ he adds. ‘And our pilots know customers by name.’ Talk about a personalized experience!
But let’s address the elephant in the room: Is this sustainable? One-way tickets start at $299, which is competitive with last-minute major airline prices. Free parking and a 20-minute check-in process sweeten the deal. Yet, with only 500 daily travelers between Spokane and Seattle, can this model scale? Joey Gunning, director of economic development for Greater Spokane Incorporated, believes so. ‘This isn’t just about pilots and crew,’ he notes. ‘It’s about fuel sales, truck drivers, and broader economic ripple effects.’ Still, skeptics might argue that such a model relies on a niche market. What do you think? Is this the future of regional travel, or a fleeting experiment?
Craford and Spokane Airport CEO David Haring see potential for expansion, whether through new routes in the Pacific Northwest or partnerships with other carriers. ‘Spokane recruited us, and we’re thrilled,’ Craford says. ‘The growth here is palpable.’ Haring adds that aviation is at a ‘dynamic point of change,’ but questions remain. Will this connectivity spread to other regions? Could this model disrupt the dominance of major airlines? One thing’s for sure: SeaPort’s approach challenges the status quo. But is it enough to transform the way we fly? Let us know your thoughts in the comments—this conversation is just taking off.
