Will use small single-engine turboprops

It may seem like an odd time to launch a new airline when existing carriers are in dire straits, but some Portland, Oregon investors have formed a new venture called SeaPort Air that will begin flying shuttle-type service on June 30 between Seattle and Portland, using small six- to eight-passenger turboprops. The airline will offer departures every 45 minutes during peak hours – morning and late afternoon on weekdays – with a total of 16 flights a day on weekdays, and a lesser schedule on weekends. During July, the company is offering special introductory fares of $149 roundtrip. In Portland, the airline will depart from its own terminal, adjacent to Flightcraft at Portland International Airport. And instead of using Seattle-Tacoma International, the airline will base its Seattle operations at close-in King County Municipal Airport just south of downtown – also known as Boeing Field. The carrier will use single-engine turboprops known as Pilatus PC-12s, built in Switzerland. The airline said passengers will be able to arrive at the airport just 15 minutes before their flight time. SeaPort Air is a sister company of Wings of Alaska, which operates scheduled service between Juneau and four nearby towns.