Out of the Felts Field location in Spokane, they fly four Pilatus PC-12 aircraft, which, according to the website, are“ Dubbed the Swiss Army Knife of the Skies, the Pilatus PC- 12 is statistically one of the safest pressurized turboprops ever built. Its legendary PT6A engine is one of the most reliable in aviation history, delivering jet-like performance with turboprop efficiency. Its Swiss-built, extremely strong airframe and advanced avionics make the PC-12 a trusted tool of the United States Air Force.”
Kline feels this is a great way to“ right-size” travel in the Pacific Northwest by using underutilized airports. SeaPort can operate from small business aviation terminals at Boeing Field( BFI), Portland( PDX), and Felts Field in Spokane( SFF) without TSA requirements. Boeing Field, south of Seattle, eliminates the Sea Tac traffic and parking. Felts Field is easy to reach from downtown Spokane or nearby towns such as Liberty Lake and Coeur d’ Alene, Idaho. Their Portland location utilizes PDX business aviation.
Given concerns about government shutdowns affecting TSA employees, using alternate airports outside TSA jurisdiction ensures business continuity when shutdowns occur.
Craford said he loves creating opportunities for his team members. He shared that since starting Alaska Seaplanes, they went from 15 to 300 people, and some of the original 15 are still with them. They promote from within, like with employee Duc Tran, who started as a customer service representative and was promoted to Spokane station manager. Craford said Tran is“ a great young guy, really sharp— he’ s going to take the bull by the horns and run with it.”
16 NORTHWEST AEROSPACE NEWS