(Kalinin Companies Chairman and CEO Kent Craford, who Co-Founded the First SeaPort Airlines in 2008, Stands by one of the Company’s PC-12 Aircraft, Now Being Used for SeaPort’s New Service from Redmond to Portland, Seattle and Spokane | Photo courtesy of SeaPort Airlines)
A new seasonal, twice-weekly service from Redmond to Portland, Seattle and Spokane has been launched, with the aim of avoiding the crowds and significantly cutting travel time, while boosting flyer convenience.
Portland-based SeaPort Airlines is running the flights using its Pilatus PC-12 commuter aircraft on Friday and Monday, through Labor Day, between Redmond Airport (RDM) and PDX, with continuing service to Boeing Field Seattle (BFI) and Spokane’s Felts Field (SFF).
The PC-12 is widely known as a versatile, single-engine turboprop, and the nine-seater Swiss-made planes fall outside of TSA jurisdiction, allowing use of smaller Business Aviation terminals such as Skyservice Redmond, the Fixed Base Operator (FBO) for Redmond Municipal Airport, located on the north side of the runways.
SeaPort Airlines CEO Kent Craford, who was at Roberts Field recently to officially introduce the new Central Oregon service, said: “Avoid the long unpredictable drive, the big airlines, big parking garages and big TSA hands.
“If you live in Central Oregon, hop over to Portland or Seattle for a fun weekend getaway. Or a full work week, and get back to Bend in time for dinner Friday evening.
“It’s the key to the SeaPort difference – airports that are the right size for regional travel.
“Who needs the overhead and delays of larger airports when you’re just taking a quick flight in our region?”
Craford cited the example of Boeing Field (BFI) as a welcome antidote to SeaTac issues, being located just south of downtown Seattle, and by additionally flying to the other easy-to-reach airports, customers could avoid all the snarls and be on their way.
The new Central Oregon service is primarily designed to support summer leisure travel, weekend getaways, outdoor recreation and business connectivity during the peak travel season.
With convenient parking right out front of the terminals, no TSA security screening, and check-in at the SeaPort counter up to 20 minutes before scheduled flight departure, Craford says passengers can just “hop on and go,” without the need for online check-in.
The new service is currently operating on a limited seasonal basis employing professional “customer-focused” flight crew and gate staff.
As with the other Business Aviation terminals along the routes, Skyservice Redmond has rideshare service and rental cars available, as part of SeaPort’s goal of offering a “streamlined and efficient service”, designed to help travelers skip airport terminal crowds and the unpredictable drives over the Cascades.
According to the SeaPort website, one-way fares run between $189 and $469, depending on date, destination and whether it’s a refundable or non-refundable ticket. For example, a direct flight from Redmond-Portland on Friday, June 5 was currently quoted at $279.
SeaPort Airlines began its operations providing air services in Alaska. Craford lives in Portland and has family in Central Oregon, and says he grew frustrated after experiencing lengthy Pacific Northwest commutes. Finding commercial flights between Central Oregon and Portland often taking as long as driving or taking a train, he decided to launch a private flight service using his aircraft to address the issue.
He added: “The PC-12s can fly high and fast, up over the clouds. You can get to Portland in about 40 minutes.
“It’s an amazing aircraft, primarily used in business aviation and typically for private purposes, but here we use it in an airline configuration. As a 5th generation Oregonian, it gives me great joy to bring SeaPort back to intra-state service. ‘Will you add more destinations,’ I keep getting asked. Well, that’s up to you.
“Come fly with us, and together let’s keep building the Pacific Northwest’s own independent regional airline. And, tell us where you’d like SeaPort to fly next!”
About SeaPort:
SeaPort Airlines is a division of the Juneau, Alaska-based Kalinin group of regional airlines, which include Alaska Seaplanes and Island Air Express. The company was started in 1997 and today operates over two dozen aircraft and employs approximately 300 team members. Kalinin Chairman and CEO Kent Craford co-founded the first SeaPort Airlines in 2008. The new SeaPort Airlines aims to fulfil its founders’ original vision of bringing the Pacific Northwest Region closer together again, and, as Craford says, “actually getting you home for dinner”. The company’s motto is: “It’s about time!”
About Pilatus PC-12s:
Dubbed the “Swiss Army Knife of the Skies”, the Pilatus PC-12 is statistically known as one of the safest pressurized turboprops built. Its PT6A engine is one of the most reliable in aviation, delivering jet-like performance with turboprop efficiency, while an extremely strong airframe and advanced avionics make the PC-12 a trusted tool of the United States Air Force.
About Skyservice Redmond:
Skyservice Redmond is a modern Fixed Base Operator (FBO) located at Roberts Field in Redmond, Oregon, supporting business aviation operations in Central Oregon. As part of the Skyservice network, the facility provides professional aircraft ground handling, Jet A fueling, hangar services, and passenger support within a controlled, safety‑focused operating environment. Passenger and crew facilities include comfortable lounge space, private work areas, and crew rest amenities designed to support productivity and efficient turnarounds. High‑speed Wi‑Fi connectivity and quiet preparation areas allow crews and passengers to manage ground time effectively. Concierge and ground transportation coordination are also available to support onward travel throughout Central Oregon.
