Salmon Landing At SeaTac

An Alaska Airlines flight that landed at Seattle-Tacoma International Airport had quite a distinguished passenger list: the first haul of Copper River king salmon.

As part of an annual event sponsored by Alaska Air Cargo, the plane was full of Copper salmon ready to be distributed to area restaurants, grocery stores, etc. was delivered at SeaTac.

From Market Watch:

At least five more Alaska Airlines flights today will transport salmon from Cordova, Alaska, to Anchorage, Seattle and throughout the United States. The flights will have fresh fish from three Alaska seafood processors: Copper River Seafoods, Ocean Beauty Seafoods and Trident Seafoods.

Alaska Airlines plays a significant role in supporting the Alaska seafood industry, which is recognized worldwide for its sustainable fishing practices. Last year, the carrier flew more than 24.5 million pounds of fresh Alaska seafood to the Lower 48 states and beyond, including 1 million pounds of Copper River salmon.

“No other airline delivers more Copper River salmon to the Lower 48 than Alaska Airlines, and making that happen within 24 hours after the fish is pulled from the water is no small feat,” said Betsy Bacon, managing director of Alaska Air Cargo. “Hundreds of employees from across the state of Alaska, Seattle and beyond spend months getting ready for the busy summer fish season.”

The annual tradition is part of the Copper Chef Cook-Off that involves local restaurants showing off their best salmon dishes.