Its a great deal for PDX. We'll see how Jet Blue does with the NYC runs. Alaska has completely ignored the possibility of a PDX-NYC area non-stop.

As for SEA the flight SEA-JFK is going to draw some from the SEA-EWR flights. Add this to the Independence Air competition coming on SEA-IAD and it adds some intrigue.

Let's also not forget the increase in flights from MDW to SEA and the addition of a MDW-PDX flight on Southwest as well.

Bottom line is too early to tell for these routes. Alaska used to be PDX's airline of choice....but the complete ignorance towards the market the past few years and substitution of Horizon for more and more routes is going to cost it some passengers in the end. Instead of Alaska for SFO/SJC/OAK/BUR/ONT we're stuck with Horizon on about 50% - 100% of the flights now to these markets.

The competition in Seattle is becoming fierce. For years Alaska has gotten away with premium fares on the transcons....but thats going to change now with the additional competition.

While I have wanted Alaska to succeed, you have to admit they've completely ignored the PDX market for new routes.