Paine Field (PAE) has been renamed Seattle Paine Field International Airport by Snohomish County, in a bid to improve awareness of the airport, enhance marketing opportunities, and attract more tourists and investors to the region.

Boasting a similar transit time to downtown Seattle as that of the larger Seattle-Tacoma International Airport (SEA), the rebranding also aims to highlight the airport's close proximity to the 15th-largest metropolitan area in the US, which is home to over four million people.

Photo: Joe Kunzler | Simple Flying

Seattle Paine Field International Airport operated its first commercial passenger service in March 2019, following years of debate about the impact of increased flying on local residents. Construction of the airport's passenger terminal began several years earlier, and was financed by the investment company Propellor Airports. Speaking about the renaming of the airport, the CEO of Propellor Airports, Brett Smith, welcomed the change, saying,

"We have always viewed Paine Field as a second gateway to the Seattle metro area and are excited that the County has rebranded the airport. Seattle Paine Field International Airport' better captures the market that our airport serves."

Hopes for international expansion

Today, Seattle Paine Field International Airport is served by just two airlines - Alaska Airlines and the regional carrier Kenmore Air. The former serves eight destinations throughout California, Alaska, Nevada, and Arizona, with daily service to Honolulu (HNL) set to commence in November. Kenmore Air operates what is currently the airport's only international service, to Victoria (YYJ).

Image: GCMap.com

United Airlines ended its operation at the airport in October 2021 following the impact of the pandemic. It is now hoped that its name change will attract new international services in the future, with the airport's Director, Joshua W. Marcy, saying,

"While our name may have changed, the ownership, operations, and core mission of the airport remain unaffected. This change will provide new opportunities for our many attractions and businesses."

Snohomish County Executive, Dave Somers, reinforced the positive economic impact that the airport brings to the area, and how this will be further boosted by the name change, saying,

"With nearly $60 billion in yearly economic activity and over 150,000 jobs, finding ways to further grow Paine Field's marketing and brand is one of Snohomish County's top priorities. This change will significantly bolster our business attraction and marketing efforts, while protecting the historical significance of the Paine Field name. Making this change will ensure businesses and travelers from around the world know that our airport serves as a crucial gateway to the entire region and the world."

Birthplace of the Boeing 747

Seattle Paine Field International Airport is home to the Boeing Everett Factory, which is the manufacturer's primary assembly location for its 767 and 777 aircraft. Prior to ending production earlier this year, the 747 was also manufactured here, as was the 787 until 2021, when Boeing moved its assembly to its South Carolina site.

Photo: Thiago B Trevisan | Shutterstock

Thanks to its association with Boeing, the airport has also become a tourist destination in itself, with avgeeks from around the world heading to Boeing's Future of Flight visitor center. However, tours of the Boeing factory are currently suspended.

What do you think of Seattle Paine Field International Airport's name change? Have you flown into or out of the airport? Let us know by commenting below.

Source: HeraldNet