PORTLAND, Ore.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Oct. 14, 2002--Horizon Air's planes from Portland to Eureka/Arcata and Redding are getting larger and their fares are getting smaller -- by as much as 52 percent.

Starting Oct. 27, flights from Portland and Seattle to Eureka and Redding, Calif., will be operated with new, high-speed, 70-seat aircraft, replacing the 37-seat model the airline is flying now between the cities. And with those bigger planes comes an across-the-board fare cut for both business and leisure travelers--effective today.

"This is a win-win for our customers. They can now enjoy the speed and comfort of the Q400 and new lower fares," said Patrick Zachwieja, Horizon's vice president of marketing and planning.

Horizon's lowest regular fares from Portland to Eureka/Arcata and Redding were $100-$169 each way are now $79-$109 each way - as long as roundtrip tickets are purchased 7-14 days in advance and there is a Friday or Saturday night stayover before returning.

Business fares that were $198-$353 one way are now $170-$190 one way, with the lowest unrestricted fares available on Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Saturdays. Similar reductions were made to Horizon's fares from Seattle to Eureka and Redding.(A)

"This is intended as a change to our everyday fare structure, and not a short-term promotion," said Zachwieja. "And from time-to-time, we'll still offer even lower sale fares and Web-only specials."

The Q400 cuts 15 minutes off the flying time between Portland and Eureka/Arcata while bringing a new level of passenger comfort. In the bright and modern interior, passengers have generous legroom approaching that found in many first-class cabins. There is also ample storage space above and under the seats. Thanks to its sophisticated noise and vibration suppression system, the Q400 boasts the quietest turboprop cabin in the sky. And with a top cruising speed of 360 knots (420 mph), the Q400 can fly passengers in close to the same amount of time as a jet on routes under two hours.

Founded 21 years ago, Horizon Air served nearly five million passengers last year. Horizon serves cities throughout Oregon, Washington,, Idaho, Montana, California, Colorado, Arizona, British Columbia and Alberta. Horizon Air and Alaska Airlines are subsidiaries of Alaska Air Group, Inc. (NYSE:ALK).

(A) All fares are subject to additional government imposed taxes and fees charged on a per person basis including airport passenger facility charges of up to $18 (amount depends on itinerary), federal segment tax of $3 per segment (takeoff and landing) on itinerary, and September 11th Security Fee of $2.50 per enplanement (up to $10). Additional fees apply for travel to Canada and Mexico.

--30--KS/se*