Northwest Aerospace News October | November Issue No. 11 | Page 15

Looking ahead But when the terminal finally opened — with Alaska and United Airlines combining on 24 flights a day — the response proved proponents right. More than 300,000 passengers passed through the airport in the first three months. “The start of service,” said Alaska’s Lane, “has been very good.” For the near future, Smith says he’s focused on running the Paine terminal and making it a success. (Focused may be an understatement, in fact. On Mon- days, he goes himself to a wholesale market to pick up fresh flowers for the tables in the departure lounge, and he’s been known to drive home passengers he feels have had to wait too long for a taxi or Uber driver.) “I need to understand what works and what doesn’t work with every aspect of the operation,” Smith said during an interview in his office, a few minutes before he walked around the termi- nal straightening chairs and clearing tables. The Paine terminal has been designed for potential future expansion — al- though Smith is quick to note that that will not happen without clear commu- nity support. And Propeller Airports too is carefully evaluating possible future projects. But getting this particular project off the ground has been satisfying, Smith said. “We’ve created jobs and conve- nience,” he said, “and left something that’s going to benefit generations to come.” Paine Field Airport 3220 100th St SW Everett, WA 98204 Phone: 425-388-5125 http://painefield.com Photos provided by Alaska Airlines. OCTOBER | NOVEMBER 2019 ISSUE NO. 11 15