EVERETT—Frontier Airlines, “America’s Greenest Airline,” made its debut at Seattle Paine Field International Airport (PAE) on Monday, June 2 with its inaugural flight from Phoenix arriving shortly after 10:30 a.m. Approximately 1,000 new Frontier Airlines’ passengers are expected on days of flying into and from Paine Field enjoying affordable non-stop flights to Denver, Phoenix, and Las Vegas.
“On behalf of Paine Field and Propeller, we are really excited for more people to experience coming here and not having to deal with all the traffic at another airport down south which we love. Welcome to Paine Field and thank you so much…We are really happy to have the greenest airline in the country,” Brett Smith, CEO of Propeller Airports said just prior to Monday’s ribbon-cutting ceremony.
“Welcoming Frontier Airlines to Paine Field is an exciting milestone as we look toward a bright future for the most economically impactful airport in the Pacific Northwest,” Snohomish County Executive Dave Somers said. “Our residents appreciate being able to fly from their own community, and new flights by Frontier increase their options and destinations. Being able to fly direct to Denver from Everett means travelers can reach a major connection point for just about any of their next destinations, as well. The future of Paine Field Airport is promising, with increased commercial service, growing economic impact and employment, game-changing sustainability work, and more convenience and flexibility for anyone who wants to fly Paine Field. And if you haven’t flown Paine Field yet, I’d encourage to try it and see how low-stress air travel can be.”
Today’s inaugural flight to Paine Field Airport was greeted with a water cannon salute, and passengers enjoyed complimentary Frontier swag and desserts, and got to meet Griswald the Bear, one of the airline’s animal-themed brand ambassadors. Aligning with the company’s commitment to conservation, each of Frontier’s planes features an animal-themed “plane tail” depicting rabbits to wolfs, puffins to eagles, and beavers to manatees to name a few.
Woodland Park Zoo featured ambassador animals Buddy the Owl and Skyanna, a “gentle and confident” North American Porcupine. The Seattle-based wildlife conservation-focused zoo features over 900 animals representing 250 species; and will be hosting its annual Jungle Party on July 11— a fundraiser where attendees can get close and personal with animals and enjoy animal keeper-led tours.
Both Frontier’s and Woodland Park Zoo’s animal ambassadors were a hit with passengers in the terminal, especially children; travelers at nearby Alaska Airlines also came over to check out the excitement.
“Any day you can welcome a new airline to your community is a good one,” said Joshua Marcy, Director of Paine Field Airport. “We look forward to Frontier’s success in the Puget Sound market and their continued growth here at Paine Field.”
All of Frontier’s fleet are newer fuel-efficient Airbus A320 aircraft giving it the title “America’s Greenest Airline,” according to the company, with 44% more fuel efficiency than other U.S. airlines—metric: average U.S. airline per seat-mile. This cost avoidance is passed down to consumers aligning with Frontier’s slogan, “Low Fares Done Right.”
Frontier’s commitment to sustainable and environmentally conscience travel extends to daily operations by transitioning from plastic to biodegradable cups and also going paperless in the flight deck.
“Frontier coming to PAE is another step in the right direction in having a strong viable option for Snohomish County residents compared to congested Sea-Tac,” Snohomish County Councilman Sam Low (R-Lake Stevens) wrote in a statement to the Lynnwood Times. “I am proud of the great work and vision Brett Smith and Propeller Airports have done in partnership with our county during my time on council.”
During his County Update on May 20, 2025, Snohomish County Executive Dave Somers signed an executive order to “advancing efforts for future commercial service expansion at Paine Field Airport.” The order mobilizes county resources to move forward with the adopted 2040 Master Plan for the airport with studies and analysis, environmental review, capital planning, budgeting, intergovernmental relations, public and private partnerships, and community engagement for expansion.
Paine Field Airport has served 3.2 million passengers since the terminal opened and is a critical transportation and manufacturing hub for the region, contributing nearly $60 billion in annual economic impact and supporting the employment of more than 150,000 workers, according to the county.
With the addition of Frontier Airlines providing new travel services, residents may see up to seven additional gates, the airport’s CEO, Brett Smith told KING5. Paine Field currently operates with just three gates and Alaska Airlines as its other service partner.
“The region deserves a better option and Sea-Tac needs the relief,” Smith added during his KING5 interview.
Author: Mario Lotmore
