At the begininng of October, Alaska Airlines upgraded their aircraft servicing the Helena/Seattle route, according to the Helena Regional Airport authority.
Formerly a turbo prop Q400 plane had been used for the route. Alaska Airlines has replaced the craft with an Embraer 175 jet, in their efforts to transitions their regional carrier fleet.
The jet will decrease the travel time between Helena & Seattle, offering 3 classes of seating.The terminal expansion at Helena Regional Airport in 2020 made allowance for the jet to be able to service the capital, with the addition of a new boarding bridge.
Helena Regional is continuing their efforts to add a second daily flight between the two cities, once the appropriate resources become available.
