Southwest Oregon Regional Airport at North Bend has been without a northbound commercial carrier to the Portland Hub for nearly a decade. The current Board of Directors for the Coos Co. Airport District have reportedly contracted with an aviation consultant to pursue a small carrier “to build traveler capacity and increased destination options while working to take to major airlines later this year.” According to the Airport’s newsletter, “the most viable option is through Alaska Airlines.” Alaska Airlines did provide a northbound service previously. “The largest issue is a pilot shortage. The second is cost.” The “Strategy” is to secure additional incentives, develop a plan and meet in person with low-cost carriers like Allegiant, Avelo, Beeze and Sun Country Airlines.
