Boise-based University of Idaho students now have the option to travel home during the holidays by direct flight from the Pullman-Moscow Regional Airport. Alaska Air will service flights from Boise Regional Airport to Pullman-Moscow starting Aug. 17.
The finalization of the Alaska Air service developed after UI proposed the idea to the airports and the Idaho State Board of Education. ISBE Vice President of Education David Hill said UI brought the travel initiative to the board, who were pleased with the opportunity.
“It will make life easier for the students,” Hill said.
Hill also mentioned the community, not just students, would benefit from the direct flights.
In a press release from UI, Moscow Mayor Bill Lambert commented that the City of Moscow is excited about the Boise service to the Pullman-Moscow Airport.
The connection is being brought back since its last flight over 10 years ago. The contract ensures that if Alaska Air doesn’t turn a profit that UI will pay the airline $500,000 a year for three years.
Sherrie Gentry, administrative assistant at Pullman-Moscow airport, said the students will now have the option of avoiding a long car trip. Gentry said they won’t have to worry about driving in bad conditions, especially during the wintertime.
Brett Catlin, vice president of network and alliances at Alaska Air, said in a June news release, that several people are already booking flights for the Boise service.
“Our new year-round route bridging Boise and Pullman-Moscow will offer a crucial link to that area’s two major universities,” Catlin stated.
The partnership also plays a role in recruiting Boise students to UI. UI President Scott Green emphasized this goal in a press release.
“The value to our students and their families, and the potential this has to increase enrollment, makes this guarantee a good business decision for the university,” Green said.
Jodi Walker, director of communications for UI, said the university is excited for the direct flights from Moscow and Boise. During the spring 2021 semester, UI hosted 698 Boise students, 368 from Meridian, 199 from Nampa and 127 from Caldwell. Students from Boise and the surrounding Treasure Valley are expected to benefit from the service.
The contract with UI, Alaska Airlines and the Moscow-Pullman airport has been in discission for the past several years. It came into action within the past few months, resulting in the finalization of the service.
“We are thrilled Alaska Air and the Pullman-Moscow Airport Board and leadership were in agreement that a north-south route across our state is paramount to governmental and business travel as well as to improve access to higher education,” Walker said.
Sierra Pesnell can be reached at [email protected]
Erin Fanning
Yay! Great news!