Houston welcomes Alaska Airlines to George Bush Intercontinental Airport

"We are excited to bring a new airline to Houston and we realize that adding new flights during the current economy is a real blessing," said Houston Airport System interim director Eric Potts. "Alaska Airlines is the first domestic carrier that the Houston Airport System has added in several years. We hope this is a sign of an upward trend for the industry."

Potts presented Alaska Airlines officials with a proclamation from Houston Mayor Bill White to celebrate September 23 as "Alaska Airlines Day" in the fourth largest city in the United States.

"We're pleased to bring Alaska's award-winning service and low prices to our customers in Houston and Seattle," said Steve Jarvis, Alaska Airlines vice president of marketing, sales and customer experience. "This new daily service provides oil and energy business travelers with convenient connections between Houston, Alaska, and Calgary, Alberta."

Alaska operates the flights with Boeing 737-800 aircraft, accommodating 16 passengers in first class and 141 passengers in the main cabin. Flights offer Alaska's Northern Bites meals-for-purchase service, which allows coach passengers to buy a meal onboard. Inflight service includes Alaska Airlines' digEplayer, a personal entertainment system with movies, television shows and music.

New Daily Service

• Flight 731 departs Houston at 4:30 p.m. (CT) and arrives in Seattle at 7:05 p.m. (PT)

• Flight 730 departs Seattle at 9:00 a.m. (PT) and arrives in Houston at 3:20 p.m. (CT)

Source: Houston Airport System